bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification ofSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium Population Dynamics in Murine Infection Using a Highly Diverse Barcoded Library
Authors: Hotinger Julia A. , Campbell Ian W. , Hullahalli Karthik , Osaki Akina , Waldor Matthew K.
Published: June 2024

Murine models are often used to study the pathogenicity and dissemination of the enteric pathogenSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium. Here, we quantifiedS.Typhimurium population dynamics in mice using the STAMPR analytic pipeline and a highly diverseS. Typhimurium barcoded library containing ∼55,000 unique strains distinguishable by genomic barcodes by enumeratingS. Typhimurium founding populations and deciphering routes of spread in mice. We found that a severe bottleneck allowed only one in a million cells from an oral inoculum to establish a niche in the intestine. Furthermore, we observed compartmentalization of pathogen populations throughout the intestine, with few barcodes shared between intestinal segments and feces. This severe bottleneck widened and compartmentalization was reduced after streptomycin treatment, suggesting the microbiota plays a key role in restricting the pathogen’s colonization and movement within the intestine. Additionally, there was minimal sharing between the intestine and extraintestinal organ populations, indicating dissemination to extraintestinal sites occurs rapidly, before substantial pathogen expansion in the intestine. Bypassing the intestinal bottleneck by inoculating mice via intravenous or intraperitoneal injection revealed thatSalmonellare-enters the intestine after establishing niches in extraintestinal sites by at least two distinct pathways. One pathway results in a diverse intestinal population. The other re-seeding pathway is through the bile, where the pathogen is often clonal, leading to clonal intestinal populations and correlates with gallbladder pathology. Together, these findings deepen our understanding ofSalmonellapopulation dynamics.

Significance Statement

Salmonellais a prevalent food-borne pathogen that infects hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Here, we created a highly complex barcodedSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium library containing ∼55,000 barcodes to further understand and quantifySalmonellapopulation dynamics in experimental murine infection. Through comparisons of barcode abundance and frequency in different samples and following different routes of inoculation, we quantify key facets ofSalmonellainfection, including bottleneck sizes and dissemination patterns, and uncover hidden routes of spread that drive heterogeneity in infection outcome. These observations provide a detailed map ofSalmonellainfection and demonstrate the power of high-diversity barcoded libraries in deciphering microbial population dynamics.
Codon bias, nucleotide selection, and genome size predictin situbacterial growth rate and transcription in rewetted soil
Authors: Chuckran Peter F. , Estera-Molina Katerina , Nicolas Alexa M. , Sieradzki Ella T. , Dijkstra Paul , Firestone Mary K. , Pett-Ridge Jennifer , Blazewicz Steven J.
Published: June 2024

In soils, the first rain after a prolonged dry period greatly impacts soil microbial community function, yet we lack a full understanding of the genomic traits associated with the microbial response to rewetting. Genomic traits such as codon usage bias and genome size have been linked to bacterial growth in soils—however this is often through measurements in culture. Here, we used metagenome-assembled genomes in combination with metatranscriptomics and18O- water stable isotope probing to track genomic traits associated with transcriptional activity and growth of soil microorganisms over the course of one week following rewetting of a grassland soil. We found that the codon bias in ribosomal protein genes was the strongest predictor of growth rate. We also observed higher growth rates in bacteria with smaller genomes, demonstrating that reduced genome size contributes to bacterial growth responses to sudden changes in water or nutrient availability—potentially explaining why smaller genomes are more prevalent in arid and carbon poor systems. High levels of codon bias corresponded to faster transcriptional upregulation of ribosomal protein genes. In early transcribing taxa, nucleotides requiring less energy to produce were more common at synonymous substitution sites—where nucleotide substitutions did not change the encoded amino acid. We found several of these relationships also existed within a phylum, suggesting that association between genomic traits and activity could be a generalized characteristic of soil bacteria. These results providein situevidence that following rewetting, certain genomic characteristics affect soil microbial growth rate and transcription, and points towards the fitness advantages that these traits might pose for bacteria under changing conditions in soil.
Structural and functional analysis ofPseudomonas aeruginosaPelA provides insight into the modification of the Pel exopolysaccharide
Authors: Van Loon Jaime C. , Le Mauff François , Vargas Mario A. , Gilbert Stephanie , Pfoh Roland , Morrison Zachary A. , Razvi Erum , Nitz Mark , Sheppard Donald C. , Howell P. Lynne
Published: June 2024

A major biofilm matrix determinant ofPseudomonas aeruginosais the partially deacetylated α-1,4 linkedN-acetylgalactosamine polymer, Pel. After synthesis and transport of the GalNAc polysaccharide across the inner membrane, PelA partially deacetylates and hydrolyzes Pel before its export out of the cellviaPelB. While the Pel modification and export proteins are known to interact in the periplasm, it is unclear how the interaction of PelA and PelB coordinates these processes. To determine how PelA modifies the polymer, we determined its structure to 2.1 Å and found a unique arrangement of four distinct domains. We have shown previously that the hydrolase domain exhibits endo-α-1,4-N-acetylgalactosaminidase activity. Characterization of the deacetylase domain revealed that PelA is the founding member of a new carbohydrate esterase family, CE#. Further, we found that the PelAB interaction enhances the deacetylation ofN-acetylgalactosamine oligosaccharides. Using the PelA structure in conjunction with AlphaFold2 modelling of the PelAB complex, we propose a model wherein PelB guides Pel to the deacetylase domain of PelA and subsequently to the porin domain of PelB for export. Perturbation or loss of the PelAB interaction would result in less efficient deacetylation and potentially result in increased Pel hydrolysis. In PelA homologues across many phyla, the predicted structure and active sites are conserved, suggesting that there is a common modification mechanism in Gram-negative bacterial species that contain a functionalpeloperon.
A versatile platform for single fluorescent protein-based fluorescence lifetime biosensors
Authors: Zhong Chongxia , Arai Satoshi , Okada Yasushi
Published: June 2024

Single fluorescent protein (FP)-based FLIM (fluorescence lifetime imaging) biosensors are potent tools for quantitatively imaging intracellular processes with high spatial and temporal resolution. They only require a single wavelength for detection, which facilitates multi-color imaging. However, the development of single FP-based FLIM biosensors has been limited by the absence of a general design framework and the complexity of the screening process. In this study, we engineered FLIM biosensors capable of detecting ATP (adenosine triphosphate), cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate), citrate, and glucose by inserting each sensing domain into the mTurquoise2 fluorescent protein between Tyr-145 and Phe-146 using peptide linkers. Through efficient linker screening, we successfully developed FLIM biosensors exhibiting an effective dynamic range from 0.5 to 1.0 ns upon analyte binding. This demonstrates that the qmTQ2-ATP-0 backbone is a universal platform for developing mTQ2-based biosensors. As a proof-of-concept, we demonstrated the capabilities of these FLIM biosensors in monitoring the intracellular dynamics of ATP and cAMP alongside dual-color imaging. Therefore, our work presents an accessible methodology for establishing a single FP-based FLIM biosensor platform for quantitative imaging.
Functional metagenomic discovery of novel tetracycline and acarbose resistance genes from low biomass samples using METa assembly
Authors: Allman HM , Bernate EP , Franck E , Oliaro FJ , Hartmann EM , Crofts TS
Published: June 2024

A significant challenge in the field of microbiology is the functional annotation of sequence novel genes from microbiomes. The increasing pace of sequencing technology development has made solving this challenge in a high-throughput manner even more important. Functional metagenomics offer a sequence-naïve and cultivation-independent solution. This forward genetics approach relies on the creation of functional metagenomic libraries (aka shotgun cloning) in which a microbial host such asE. coliis transformed with vectors containing metagenomic DNA fragments and, optimally, expresses any captured genes into a corresponding phenotype. These libraries can be screened or selected for a function of interest, such as antibiotic resistance, allowing the captured metagenomic DNA to be linked to a phenotype regardless of the sequence’s novelty. Unfortunately, most methods for constructing functional metagenomic libraries require large input masses of metagenomic DNA, putting many sample types off limits to this toolset. Here, we show that our recently developed functional metagenomic library preparation method, METa assembly, can be used to prepare useful libraries from much lower input DNA masses. Standard methods of functional metagenomic library preparation generally call for 5 μg to 60 μg of input metagenomic DNA. Here, we demonstrate that the threshold for input DNA mass can be lowered at least to 30.5 ng, a three-log decrease from prior art. These functional metagenomic libraries, prepared using between 30.5 ng and 100 ng of metagenomic DNA, nonetheless were sufficient to link three MFS efflux pumps to tetracycline resistance and capture two potential genes for degradation or resistance to the antidiabetic pharmaceutical acarbose. Our preparation of functional metagenomic libraries from aquatic samples and a model fecal swab demonstrate that METa assembly can be used to prepare functional metagenomic libraries from microbiomes that were previously incompatible with this approach. Functional metagenomic screens and selections are one of the few high-throughput methods that can link novel genes to functions and here we show that one of their significant drawbacks, a requirement for large amounts of metagenomic DNA, can now be overcome.
Cellular function of the GndA small open reading frame-encoded polypeptide during heat shock
Authors: Mohsen Jessica J. , Mohsen Michael G. , Jiang Kevin , Landajuela Ane , Quinto Laura , Isaacs Farren J. , Karatekin Erdem , Slavoff Sarah A.
Published: June 2024

Over the past 15 years, hundreds of previously undiscovered bacterial small open reading frame (sORF)-encoded polypeptides (SEPs) of fewer than fifty amino acids have been identified, and biological functions have been ascribed to an increasing number of SEPs from intergenic regions and small RNAs. However, despite numbering in the dozens inEscherichia coli, and hundreds to thousands in humans, same-strand nested sORFs that overlap protein coding genes in alternative reading frames remain understudied. In order to provide insight into this enigmatic class of unannotated genes, we characterized GndA, a 36-amino acid, heat shock-regulated SEP encoded within the +2 reading frame of thegndgene inE. coliK-12 MG1655. We show that GndA pulls down components of respiratory complex I (RCI) and is required for proper localization of a RCI subunit during heat shock. At high temperature GndA deletion (ΔGndA) cells exhibit perturbations in cell growth, NADH+/NAD ratio, and expression of a number of genes including several associated with oxidative stress. These findings suggest that GndA may function in maintenance of homeostasis during heat shock. Characterization of GndA therefore supports the nascent but growing consensus that functional, overlapping genes occur in genomes from viruses to humans.

Significance Statement

Same-strand overlapping, or nested, protein coding sequences optimize the information content of size-constrained viral genomes, but were previously omitted from prokaryotic and eukaryotic genome annotations. It was therefore surprising when dozens of nested sORFs were recently discovered in bacteria. Our case study ofE. coliGndA supports the hypothesis that overlapping genes may exist because they encode proteins with related functions. More broadly, characterization of nested sORFs may revise our understanding of the architecture of bacterial and eukaryotic genes.
Tubulin-Targeted Therapy in Melanoma Increases Cell Invasive Potential by Activation of Actomyosin Cytoskeleton – anin vitrostudy
Authors: Luty Marcin , Szydlak Renata , Pabijan Joanna , Zemła Joanna , Oevreeide Ingrid H. , Prot Victorien E. , Stokke Bjørn T. , Lekka Malgorzata , Zapotoczny Bartlomiej
Published: July 2024

One of the most dangerous aspects of cancers is their ability to metastasize, which is the leading cause of death. Hence, it holds significance to develop therapies targeting the eradication of cancer cells, in parallel, inhibiting metastases in cells surviving the applied therapy. Here, we focused on two melanoma cell lines – WM35 and WM266-4 – representing the less and more invasive melanomas. We investigated mechanisms of cellular processes regulating the activation of actomyosin being the effect of colchicine treatment. Additionally, we investigated biophysical aspects of supplement therapy using Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor (Y-27632), and myosin II inhibitor ((-)-blebbistatin), focusing on the microtubules and actin filaments. We analyzed their effect on the proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of melanoma cells, supported by studies on cytoskeletal architecture using confocal fluorescence microscopy and nanomechanics using atomic force microscopy and novel method based on constriction channels. Our results showed that colchicine inhibits the migration of most melanoma cells, while for a small cell population, it paradoxically increases their migration and invasiveness. These changes are also accompanied by the formation of stress fibers compensating for the loss of microtubules. Simultaneous administration of selected agents led to the inhibition of this compensatory effect. Collectively, our results highlighted that colchicine led to actomyosin activation and increased cancer cell invasiveness. We emphasized a cellular pathway of Rho-ROCK-dependent actomyosin contraction to be responsible for the increased invasive potential of melanoma cells in tubulin-targeted therapy.

Highlights

Colchicine strongly increased (trans)migration in the subpopulation of melanoma cells.

Colchicine disrupted tubulin but compensated for the activation of the actomyosin network.

Rho-ROCK-targeted or myosin-targeted therapies vanished the side-effect of colchicine.

Increased actin polymerisation correlated with the transit time in the constriction channel.

Elastic modulus variations reflected observed alterations in the actomyosin network.
Salinisation and warming disrupt predator-induced drift behaviour in aquatic predator-prey interactions
Authors: Vermiert Anna-Maria , Pimentel Iris Madge , Rehsen Philipp M. , Otto Tobias , Horstmann Martin , Beermann Arne J. , Leese Florian , Weiss Linda C. , Tollrian Ralph
Published: July 2024

Predators act as a major selective force impacting biological communities in riverine ecosystems. Often predation risk is mediated by chemical cues upon which prey species display distinct morphological or behavioural defences. For stream invertebrates, predator-induced behaviours can be drifting and hiding. However, anthropogenic stressors increasingly impact freshwater ecosystems, with predicted consequences on the chemical information transfer, potentially affecting anti-predator behaviour. Despite this, knowledge and research on the extent to which these stressors may affect evolved predator-induced behaviour and subsequent ecosystems is scarce. Therefore, we conducted an outdoor mesocosm experiment (ExStreamsystem) at a lowland stream in Germany, in which we investigated the effects of direct and indirect fish predation on invertebrate communities under different stressor conditions. As stressors, we tested elevated salinity (ambient vs + 136 mg/L NaCl), elevated temperature (ambient vs. + 3.4°C), and the combination of both. Our findings reveal distinct predator-induced drift behaviour, characterised by a greater number of drifting invertebrates and a concurrent reduction in overall invertebrate numbers in the communities. Increased salinity and temperature hampered the predator-induced drift behaviour. Our results support the possibility that stressors negatively impact the prey’s ability to perceive predators’ presence and respond appropriately. This disruption may alter predator-prey relationships, thereby affecting communities and potentially ecosystem functions.

Highlights

▯ We hypothesised that anthropogenic stressors disrupt predator-induced behaviours in invertebrate prey species.

▯ Predator-induced drift behaviour was experimentally studied under ambient and elevated salinity and temperature conditions.

▯ Fish exposure elicited predator-induced drift behaviour, which decreased the number of invertebrate individuals of the communities.

▯ Elevated salt and elevated temperatures alone and in combination did not induce drift behaviour.

▯ We found that both stressors disrupted predator-induced drift behaviour, altering the anti-predator response of invertebrate prey.
An Intra-brainstem Circuit for Pain-induced Inhibition of Itch
Authors: Prajapati Jagat Narayan , Shah Devanshi Piyush , Barik Arnab
Published: July 2024

Pain and itch are unpleasant and distinct sensations that give rise to behaviors such as reflexive withdrawal and scratching in humans and mice. Interestingly, it has been observed that pain modulate itch through the neural circuits housed in the brain and spinal cord. However, we are yet to fully understand the identities of and mechanisms by which specific neural circuits mediate pain-induced modulation of itch. Independent studies indicate that brainstem nuclei such as the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN) and rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) are important for the suppression of itch by painful stimuli. Here, using mouse and viral genetics, rabies tracing, chemogenetics, and calcium imaging, we show that the synaptic connections between LPBN and RVM plays an instrumental role in the interactions between pain and itch. Notably, we found that the LPBN neurons that express the gene encoding the substance P receptor, Tacr1 (LPBNTacr1), synapse onto Tacr1-expressing RVM neurons (RVMTacr1). The RVMTacr1neurons were found to be nociceptive, sufficient for inhibiting itch, and necessary for pain-induced itch suppression. Moreover, through brain-wide anterograde and retrograde viral tracing studies, we found that the RVMTacr1neurons are bidirectionally connected with LPBN, periaqueductal gray (PAG), and lateral hypothalamic area (LHA). Thus, together, our data indicate that the RVMTacr1neurons integrate nociceptive information to mediate itch-induced scratching and can mediate the physiological effects of itch through their downstream targets.
Impact of PI3K pathway alterations on response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Park Jong Chul , Basak Nandini Pal , Useche Mateo , Park Jun Seok , Ganesh Mandakulutur Subramanya , Prabha Amritha , JayaPrakash Chandra Reddy , Varvares Mark , Wirth Lori , Faquin William , Sankaran Satish , Saladi Srinivas Vinod
Published: July 2024

Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway (PI3K pathway) is a major intracellular regulatory pathway commonly involved in cancer survival, proliferation, migration, and metabolism. Activating mutations and amplifications of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) are frequent genomic features of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). A growing body of evidence suggests that dysregulation of the PI3K pathway suppresses the anti-tumor immune response, thereby enabling tumor immune evasion. We retrospectively analyzed clinicopathologic and genomic data of patients with recurrent or metastatic (R/M) HNSCC treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). PI3K pathway alterations were found in 44% and were associated with poor clinical outcomes in the human papillomavirus-negative (HPV-ve) HNSCC patients.PIK3CAexpression was found to be inversely correlated with immune gene expression, decreased T-cell infiltration, and reduced CD8 T-cell cytotoxic activity. The pharmacologic inhibition of the PI3K pathway induced an increase in key immune-responsive gene expression inPIK3CA-mutant HPV-ve HNSCC cells. These findings suggest that the PI3K pathway activation promotes immune suppressive phenotype, and playing a role in conferring resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors in HPV-ve subset of HNSCC patients.

Highlights

Alterations in PI3K pathway are associated with poor clinical outcomes in HPV-negative HNSCC patients treated with immune checkpoint therapy.

PI3K pathway activation correlates to immune suppressive tumor microenvironment in HNSCC.

Pharmacologic inhibition of PI3K induces the expression of interferon-gamma responsive and antigen presentation machinery genes in HNSCC.
Antimicrobial Profile from Frog Skin Peptides
Authors: Chi Yan , Zhang Yu , Wang Xuejiang , Li Feng , Zhang Zhikai
Published: July 2024

This study evaluates the antimicrobial efficacy of frog skin-derived peptides Magainin 1, Magainin 2, and Bombesin againstBacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli,andTrichoderma harzianum. Experimental setups involved uniform inoculation of the microorganisms on 20 mL agar plates, treated with varying volumes (1.5 µL, 5 µL, and 10 µL) of each peptide (10 mg/mL). ForBacillus subtilis, Magainin 2, and Bombesin demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones increasing in size proportionally to the peptide volumes. Magainin 2 showed the highest efficacy, surpassing ampicillin at higher volumes. InEscherichia coli, similar dose-dependent antibacterial effects were observed, with Magainin 2 again showing superior performance, matching or exceeding the inhibition zones of ampicillin. Notably, Magainin 2, and Bombesin exhibited antifungal activity againstTrichoderma harzianumwith Amphotericin resistance. These antibacterial peptides show inhibitory activity on fungi, gram-positive higher than gram-negative bacteria. These findings highlight the potential of Magainin 2, and Bombesin as antimicrobial agents except of Magainin 1.
Medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus reuniens are critical for working memory in an operant delayed nonmatch task
Authors: Ciacciarelli Evan J. , Dunn Scott D. , Gohar Taqdees , Sloand T. Joseph , Niedringhaus Mark , West Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2024

Working memory refers to the temporary retention of a small amount of information used in the execution of a cognitive task. The prefrontal cortex and its connections with thalamic subregions are thought to mediate specific aspects of working memory, including engaging with the hippocampus to mediate memory retrieval. We used an operant delayed-non match to position task, which does not require the hippocampus, to determine roles of the rodent medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), the nucleus reuniens thalamic region (RE), and their connection. We found that transient inactivation of the mPFC and RE using the GABA-A agonist muscimol led to a delay-independent reduction in behavioral performance in the delayed non-match to position paradigm. Critically, we used a chemogenetic approach to determine the directionality of the necessary circuitry for behavioral performance reliant on working memory. Specifically, when we targeted mPFC neurons that project to the RE (mPFC-RE) we found a delay- independent reduction in the delayed non-match to position task, but not when we targeted RE neurons that project to the mPFC (RE-mPFC). Our results suggest a broader role for the mPFC-RE circuit in mediating working memory beyond the connection with the hippocampus.
Young children’s attitudes toward science learning in early learning grades
Authors: AlAli Rommel , Al-Barakat Ali
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This research aims to investigate the attitudes of young children toward learning science in the early educational grades.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved conducting interviews with seventy-three children attending institutions in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The structured interview method was employed to collect valuable data.

Findings

The findings of the interviews shed light on the inclination of young children to foster positive attitudes toward science education. These inclinations include the facilitation of knowledge acquisition that enables children to develop skills for applying scientific concepts in real-life contexts, the incorporation of hands-on activities both inside and outside the classroom, and the prioritization of child-centered approaches to learning.

Originality/value

This research aims to explore the attitudes of young children in early educational grades toward learning science. Interviews were conducted with seventy-three children in Sharjah, UAE, using a structured interview method. The findings highlight children’s inclination toward positive attitudes in science education, including the importance of knowledge acquisition for applying scientific concepts in real-life contexts, hands-on activities inside and outside the classroom, and child-centered learning approaches. Based on these findings, the study provides recommendations and conclusions to enhance science education experiences for young children.
Intergenerational transfer of engineering expertise: knowledge continuity management in storm surge barrier engineering
Authors: Kamps Merlijn , van den Boomen Martine , van den Bogaard Johannes , Hertogh Marcel
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Engineering knowledge continuity is crucial for the life cycle management of long-lived and complex assets, such as nuclear plants, locks and storm surge barriers. At the storm surge barriers in the Netherlands, engineering knowledge continuity is not yet fully assured, despite long-standing efforts. This study aims to explore the relationship between system characteristics, the organizational demarcation of maintenance and operation and the challenges in achieving engineering knowledge continuity and provides suggestions for improvement of theory and policy.

Design/methodology/approach

Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with professionals from various backgrounds in construction, engineering and asset management of the Dutch storm surge barriers, augmented with visits to barriers and barrier teams. A thematic analysis was used to identify and describe the challenges to engineering continuity, their origins and potential solutions. We reviewed knowledge management policy documents and asset management consultancy reports to validate the findings. Additionally, we engaged in frequent interactions with professionals at the barriers. We achieved saturation and validation once no new issues were raised during these discussions.

Findings

The thematic analysis developed multiple themes describing the challenges to engineering continuity, their origins and potential solutions. The key findings are that expert engineers are critically important to deal with redesigns induced by obsolescence. Moreover, due to barrier uniqueness, long redesign cycles and reliability requirements, conventional knowledge continuity tools are insufficient to enable new engineers to reach expert level. Finally, the thematic analysis shows that, in some cases, outsourcing should be reduced to facilitate internal learning.

Originality/value

The study introduces the application of the knowledge-based view of the firm and the concept of requisite knowledge redundancy to the long-term management of complex assets. It calls for more attention to long gaps in the use of unique knowledge and the effect on knowledge continuity.
Improved compensation networks for dynamic wireless power transfer in a multi-inductor track
Authors: Bertoluzzo Manuele , Di Barba Paolo , Forzan Michele , Mognaschi Maria Evelina , Sieni Elisabetta
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to design the compensation network of a dynamic wireless power transfer system, considering the movement of the receiving coil along an electrified track with a large number of inductors buried on the road.

Design/methodology/approach

A finite element model has been developed to calculate the self-inductances of transmitting and receiving coils as well as the mutual inductances between the receiving coil and the transmitting ones in the nearby and for various relative positions. The calculated lumped parameters, self-inductances and mutual inductances depending on the relative positions between the coils, have been considered to design the compensation network of the active coils, which is composed of three capacitive or inductive reactances connected in the T form. The optimal values of the six reactances, three for the transmitting coils and three for the receiving one, have been calculated by resorting to the Genetic Algorithm NSGA-II.

Findings

In this paper, the results obtained by means of the optimizations have broadly discussed. The optimal values of the reactances of the compensation networks show a clear trend in the receiving part of the circuit. On the other hand, the problem seems very sensitive to the values of the reactances in the transmitting circuit.

Originality/value

Dynamic wireless power transfer system is one of the newest ways of recharging electric vehicles. Hence, the design of compensation networks for this kind of systems is a new topic, and there is the need to investigate possible solutions to obtain a good performance of the recharging system.
New design charts for evaluating the damage potential to RC frame buildings adjacent to deep excavations
Authors: Tahmoures Fatemeh , Ghanbari Ali
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Urban excavations are a cause for concern in terms of the probability of damage to nearby structures. In this study, various structural and excavation parameters were investigated to determine the probability of building damage during excavations.

Design/methodology/approach

Finite-element analysis software was used to develop a set of valid three-dimensional models. Models were developed to assess the effects of structural parameters (building height and position relative to the excavation site) and excavation parameters (depth and support system type) on the responses of the adjacent buildings.

Findings

The new design charts estimated the damage to reinforced concrete frame buildings during excavation by focusing on the angular distortion of the building, additional shear strain on the masonry walls and additional strain and stress on columns. This study showed that the probability of damage decreased as the distance between the building and the excavation increased. By contrast, it increased when the building was located at a distance equal to the excavation depth at its edge. According to this study, the axial stress caused by the excavation of building columns does not exceed 10.9% of the compressive strength of the concrete.

Originality/value

The proposed design charts can replace comparable charts and provide a deeper understanding of damage potential based on key parameters. These charts are more practical than previous charts with limited parameters.
Obtaining analytical solutions of (2+1)-dimensional nonlinear Zoomeron equation by using modified F-expansion and modified generalized Kudryashov methods
Authors: Ozisik Muslum , Secer A. , Bayram Mustafa
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the article is to conduct a mathematical and theoretical analysis of soliton solutions for a specific nonlinear evolution equation known as the (2 + 1)-dimensional Zoomeron equation. Solitons are solitary wave solutions that maintain their shape and propagate without changing form in certain nonlinear wave equations. The Zoomeron equation appears to be a special model in this context and is associated with other types of solitons, such as Boomeron and Trappon solitons. In this work, the authors employ two mathematical methods, the modified F-expansion approach with the Riccati equation and the modified generalized Kudryashov’s methods, to derive various types of soliton solutions. These solutions include kink solitons, dark solitons, bright solitons, singular solitons, periodic singular solitons and rational solitons. The authors also present these solutions in different dimensions, including two-dimensional, three-dimensional and contour graphics, which can help visualize and understand the behavior of these solitons in the context of the Zoomeron equation. The primary goal of this article is to contribute to the understanding of soliton solutions in the context of the (2 + 1)-dimensional Zoomeron equation, and it serves as a mathematical and theoretical exploration of the properties and characteristics of these solitons in this specific nonlinear wave equation.

Design/methodology/approach

The article’s methodology involves applying specialized mathematical techniques to analyze and derive soliton solutions for the (2 + 1)-dimensional Zoomeron equation and then presenting these solutions graphically. The overall goal is to contribute to the understanding of soliton behavior in this specific nonlinear equation and potentially uncover new insights or applications of these soliton solutions.

Findings

As for the findings of the article, they can be summarized as follows: The article provides a systematic exploration of the (2 + 1)-dimensional Zoomeron equation and its soliton solutions, which include different types of solitons. The key findings of the article are likely to include the derivation of exact mathematical expressions that describe these solitons and the successful visualization of these solutions. These findings contribute to a better understanding of solitons in this specific nonlinear wave equation, potentially shedding light on their behavior and applications within the context of the Zoomeron equation.

Originality/value

The originality of this article is rooted in its exploration of soliton solutions within the (2 + 1)-dimensional Zoomeron equation, its application of specialized mathematical methods and its successful presentation of various soliton types through graphical representations. This research adds to the understanding of solitons in this specific nonlinear equation and potentially offers new insights and applications in this field.
Clothing suggestions based on comfort extracted from physiological and emotional parameters
Authors: Chang Hyo Jung (Julie) , Rakib Mohammad Abu Nasir , Foysal Md Kamrul Hasan , Chong Jo Woon
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The comfort of apparel is not only a feeling of perception but also a tangible measure. The fit and fabric of clothing can exert a perception of comfort for the wearer, whereas actual comfort largely depends on physiological and emotional soothing. However, there is still no solid work on connecting the bridge between physiological and emotional feelings to the comfort of clothing. In this study, we have conceptualized, formulated and proven the relation between physiological and emotional parameters with clothing fit and fabric to find the true comfort of the wearer.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method research design using physiological and emotional parameters for different fabric and fit combinations were used for this study. The physiological comfort parameters (i.e. heart rate and respiration rate) are extracted from the subjects using gold-standard clinical devices for various fit and fabric combinations. For the emotional response, a survey was conducted for the same subjects wearing all the fit and fabric combinations. Statistical analysis and modeling were performed to obtain the results.

Findings

Physiological indicators such as heart rate are closely linked with user comfort. Due to the limitations in environmental control, the physiological changes obtained did not significantly vary for different fabric and fit combinations of the clothing. However, a significant change in emotional response indicated a definite relationship between different fabric and fit types. Based on the participants’ responses, weather conditions, size of the clothing item, types of fabrics and style also influence the participants’ choice of clothing.

Originality/value

The research was conducted to discover the relation between true comfort (physiological and emotional parameters) and clothing (fit and fabric), which is unique to the field. This study closes the gap and builds up the relationship, which can help introduce clothing comfort to users in the future. The findings of this study help us understand how fabric types (natural or synthetic) and clothing fit types (loose or fitted) can affect physiological and emotional responses, which can provide the consumer with satisfactory clothing with the suitable properties needed.
Of study enthusiasts and homebirds: students’ everyday mobility and sustainability dilemmas in online higher education
Authors: Jutz Christopher , Griese Kai-Michael , Rau Henrike , Schoppengerd Johanna , Prehn Ines
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Online education enables location-independent learning, potentially providing university students with more flexible study programs and reducing traffic-related CO2 emissions. This paper aims to examine whether online education can contribute to university-related sustainable everyday mobility, with particular consideration given to aspects of social sustainability and potential rebound effects. Specifically, it explores sustainability dilemmas that arise from conflicting social and ecological effects.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on qualitative data from mobility diaries and extensive semistructured interviews (n = 26) collected at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences in Germany, this study deploys thematic analysis and a typification approach to analyze and classify students’ daily practices related to studying, mobility and dwelling, which may be impacted by online education.

Findings

The study identifies six distinct student types with diverse practices in studying, mobility and dwelling. Comparisons between student types reveal stark differences regarding professional and social goals that students associate with their studies, influencing university-related mobility and residential choices. This leads to varying assessments of online education, with some students expecting benefits and others anticipating severe drawbacks.

Practical implications

The typology developed in this paper can assist Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in comparable contexts in understanding the distinct needs and motivations of students, thereby proactively identifying sustainability dilemmas associated with online education. By leveraging these findings, HEIs can effectively balance diverse interests and contribute meaningfully to sustainability.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to systematically investigate conflicts and rebound effects of online education in the context of sustainable mobility within HEIs.
What drives the adoption of digital technology in the micro, small, and medium enterprises sector in a developing economy?
Authors: Raj Alok , Shukla Dhirendra , Quadir Abdul , Sharma Prateek
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the determinants of digital technology adoption within micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operating in a developing economy. Grounded in the theoretical frameworks of fit-viability and task-technology fit models, this study investigates the impact of environmental fit, task-technology fit and viability on the intention to adopt digital technologies among MSMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study validates the theoretical model using structural equation modeling, using data collected from 280 experienced respondents employed in the MSMEs in India.

Findings

The results indicate that both functional and symbolic benefits positively impact managers’ intention to adopt digital technology. However, subgroup analysis reveals that in the case of service enterprises, only functional benefits have a positive influence on managers’ intention to adopt digital technology. In addition, the findings underscore the crucial role of viability in shaping the intention to adopt digital technologies among MSMEs. This study highlights how functional and symbolic benefits motivate digital technology adoption in MSMEs.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of empirical studies investigating the factors influencing the adoption of digital technology by MSME firms, especially within the context of developing economies and specifically within the MSME domain. This study contributes to the theoretical discussion surrounding digital technology adoption among MSMEs in India. Through empirical research, it expands on the fit-viability model and formulates a technology adoption model within the MSME context.
Fintech-based financial inclusion and banks' risk-taking: the role of regulation in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Chinoda Tough , Mingiri Kapingura Forget
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The study examines the role of regulation in the fintech-based financial inclusion (FBFI)–risk-taking nexus in the Sub-Saharan African (SSA) region.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 10 countries in SSA over the period 2014 to 2021, the study employed the fixed-effect regression model and the two-step generalized method of moments (GMM) estimator.

Findings

The results show that FBFI mitigates commercial banks risk-taking in SSA. But as FBFI progresses, the association takes the shape of an inverted U, increasing risks initially and decreasing them later on. Effective supervision and regulatory quality, in particular, are essential in moderating this relationship by offsetting the adverse consequences of FBFI in its early stages.

Research limitations/implications

First, while our sample is limited to banks in ten SSA countries, future studies could extend the sample size, enabling more explicit generalization of the results. Second, the FBFI–bank risk nexus can be explored further by comparing diverse forms of fintech participation, such as fintech company investment, fintech technology investment, cooperation with specific fintech service providers and cooperation with Internet giants.

Practical implications

Policymakers, banks and fintech companies should collaborate to certify the sustainable utilization of fintech tools to ensure financial inclusion. Policymakers should craft policies that encourage effective supervision and regulatory quality of fintechs since they reduce banks' risk-taking practices, which usually have positive effect on the economy.

Originality/value

The study adds value to the debate on the role of regulation on the FBFI–risk-taking nexus, taking into account countries that are at different levels of development.
Trust in the pension system and housing investment
Authors: Gholipour Hassan F. , Tajaddini Reza , Arjomandi Amir
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This research contributes to the existing literature on the connection between trust and investment activities by exploring the effect of trust in the retirement system on dwelling investments.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilizes data including 28 OECD countries from 2009 to 2020, and employs panel fixed effects and GMM estimators.

Findings

The analysis reveals a negative relationship between trust in the retirement system and investment in dwellings. Notably, this is found to be more evident in countries that promote neo-liberalized welfare systems.

Practical implications

The implications of our results are particularly relevant for policymakers and international construction firms.

Originality/value

The primary contribution of this paper extends the “trust–pension investment behavior” nexus. We explore whether individuals with diminished trust in the retirement system consider investing in the property market as an alternative means to safeguard their financial well-being during retirement.
Chinese libraries’ communication influence based on the Douyin communication index
Authors: Chen Xin , Liu Yingxi
Published: July 2024

Purpose

In Chinese libraries, short video platforms have emerged as a channel for new media marketing. Thus, this study aims to explore libraries’ communication influence on China’s largest short video platform, that is, Douyin (the Chinese version of Tiktok), and to provide corresponding suggestions for improvement of libraries’ communication influence in the short video platform.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the Douyin Communication Index (DCI), this paper collects the top 200 library Douyin accounts of cultural reading in China and uses statistical and content analyses to evaluate the communication influence of library Douyin accounts.

Findings

Study findings show that libraries of various types and in various regions currently have an unbalanced development trend, with public libraries accounting for the vast majority and nearly half of the libraries located in China’s eastern region. Analysis of variance shows differences in the influence of Douyin communication among library types. Correlation analysis shows that indicators with a high correlation with DCI include the number of new works, likes, shares, and comments. In marketing content, the library’s high-impact short videos have characteristics of value, interest, and emotional touch.

Originality/value

This study uses a hybrid research method to explore Chinese libraries’ communication influence using the Douyin short video platform. Compared to other parts of the world, short videos in Chinese libraries have unique characteristics. They are rooted in China’s history and reality, showcasing the unique charm of Chinese library culture and serving as a unique reference for library marketing activities around the world.