bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The energy requirements of ion homeostasis determine the lifespan of starving bacteria
Authors: Schink Severin , Polk Mark , Athaide Edward , Mukherjee Avik , Ammar Constantin , Liu Xili , Oh Seungeun , Chang Yu-Fang , Basan Markus
Published: November 2021

The majority of microbes on earth, whether they live in the ocean, the soil or in animals, are not growing, but instead struggling to survive starvation1–6. Some genes and environmental conditions affecting starvation survival have been identified7–13, but despite almost a century of study14–16, we do not know which processes lead to irreversible loss of viability, which maintenance processes counteract them and how lifespan is determined from the balance of these opposing processes. Here, we used time-lapse microscopy to capture and characterize the cell death process of E. coli during carbon starvation for the first time. We found that a lack of nutrients results in the collapse of ion homeostasis, triggering a positive-feedback cascade of osmotic swelling and membrane permeabilization that ultimately results in lysis. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that ion transport is the major energetic requirement for starving cells and the primary determinant of the timing of lysis. We therefore developed a mathematical model that integrates ion homeostasis and ‘cannibalistic’ nutrient recycling from perished cells16,17 to predict lifespan changes under diverse conditions, such as changes of cell size, medium composition, and prior growth conditions. Guided by model predictions, we found that cell death during starvation could be dramatically slowed by replacing inorganic ions from the medium with a non-permeating osmoprotectant, removing the cost of ion homeostasis and preventing lysis. Our quantitative and predictive model explains how survival kinetics are determined in starvation and elucidates the mechanistic underpinnings of starvation survival.
Implications of soil nitrogen enhancement on the yield performance of soybean (Glycine max) in cadmium-polluted soil
Authors: Ikhajiagbe Beckley , Ogwu Matthew Chidozie , Omoayena Ivhuobe Izuapa
Published: November 2021

The growth, development and yield of important crop plants like soybean (Glycine max) are constantly under threat by continuous inputs of cadmium in the biosphere as a result of various industrial activities. This study investigated the level to which, addition of nitrogen fertilization can enhance plant survival, growth and yield development in a cadmium-polluted. Three accessions of Glycine max (TGm - 1, TGm - 2 and TGm - 3) were sown in a 12 mg/kg-cadmium polluted, which was thereafter amended with urea (FU), ammonia (FA), and ammonium nitrate (FN) singly and in combinations of equal proportions. A non-fertilized Cd-polluted soil and a general control constituted the negative and positive controls. Results showed that although N application did not enhance yield dispositions of soybean in Cd-polluted soil, significant impact on vegetative development was noteworthy. Compared to yield of control plants, cadmium pollution imposed a 26.1 % reduction in per plant yield in TGm-1, compared 1.71 % in TGm-3. Generally, addition of nitrogenous fertilizer further suppressed crop yield by as much as 80 % in plants sown in cadmium-polluted soil. However, application of ammonia fertilizer to TGm-2 improved its yield performances in the cadmium-polluted soil.
Identification of a genomic DNA sequence that quantitatively modulates KLF1 expression in differentiating human hematopoietic cells
Authors: Gnanapragasam Merlin Nithya , Planutis Antanas , Glassberg Jeffery A , Bieker James J
Published: November 2021

Expression of the β-like globin genes is under strict developmental control, with both direct and indirect inputs responsible for this effect. One of the major players regulating their transition is KLF1/EKLF, where even a two-fold difference in its level alters the regulation of globin switching. We have reproduced this change in KLF1 expression in both cell lines and primary human cells, thus demonstrating that directed, quantitative control of KLF1 expression can be attained by genomic manipulation, and suggest a new way in which modulation of transcription factor levels may be used for clinical benefit.
Copy number alterations and epithelial-mesenchymal transition genes in diffuse and intestinal gastric cancers in Mexican patients
Authors: Larios-Serrato Violeta , Martínez-Ezquerro José-Darío , Valdez-Salazar Hilda-Alicia , Torres Javier , Camorlinga-Ponce Margarita , Piña-Sánchez Patricia , Ruiz-Tachiquín Martha-Eugenia
Published: November 2021

Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignancy with the highest mortality among diseases of the digestive system worldwide. The study of GC-alterations is crucial to understand tumor biology, to establish important aspects of cancer prognosis and treatment response. Here, we purified DNA and performed whole-genome analysis with high-density arrays in samples from Mexican patients diagnosed with GC: diffuse (DGC) or intestinal (IGC), or non-atrophic gastritis (NAG) samples that served as controls. We identified shared and unique copy number alterations (CNA) between these altered tissues involving key genes and signaling pathways associated with cancer, allowing their molecular distinction and identification of the most relevant molecular functions impacted. When focused on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) genes, our bioinformatic analysis revealed that the altered network associated with chromosomal alterations included 11 genes shared between DGC, IGC, and NAG, as well as 19 DGC- and 7 IGC-exclusive genes, whose main molecular functions included adhesion, angiogenesis, migration, metastasis, morphogenesis, proliferation, and survival. This study presents the first whole-genome high-density array study in GC from Mexican patients and reveals shared and exclusive CNA-genes in DGC and IGC. In addition, we provide a bioinformatically predicted network focused on CNA-altered genes involved in the EMT, associated with the hallmarks of cancer, as well as precancerous alterations that could lead to gastric cancer.

Implications

Molecular signatures of diffuse and intestinal GC, predicted bioinformatically, involve common and distinct CNA-EMT genes related to the hallmarks of cancer that are potential candidates for screening GC biomarkers, including early stages.
mrHARDIflow : A pipeline tailored for the preprocessing and analysis of Multi-Resolution High Angular diffusion MRI and its application to a variability study of the PRIME-DE database
Authors: Caron Alex Valcourt , Shmuel Amir , Hao Ziqi , Descoteaux Maxime
Published: November 2021

The validation of advanced methods in diffusion MRI requires finer acquisition resolutions, which is hard to acquire with decent Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) in humans. The use of Non-Human Primates (NHP) and anaesthesia is key to unlock valid microstructural maps, but tools must be adapted and configured finely for them to work well. Here, we propose a novel processing pipeline implemented in Nextflow, designed for robustness and scalability, in a modular fashion to allow for maintainability and a high level of customization and parametrization, tailored for the analysis of diffusion data acquired on multiple spatial resolutions. Modules of processes and workflows were implemented upon cutting edge and state-of-the-art MRI processing technologies and diffusion modelling algorithms, namely Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), Constrained Spherical Deconvolution (CSD) and DIstribution of Anisotropic MicrOstructural eNvironments in Diffusion-compartment imaging (DIAMOND), a multi-tensor distribution estimator. Using our pipeline, we provide an in-depth study of the variability of diffusion models and measurements computed on 32 subjects from 3 sites of the PRIME-DE, a database containing anatomical (T1, T2), functional (fMRI) and diffusion (DWI) imaging of Non-Human Primate (NHP). Together, they offer images acquired over a range of different spatial resolutions, using single-shell and multi-shell b-value gradient samplings, on multiple scanner vendors, that present artifacts at different level of importance. We also perform a reproducibility study of DTI, CSD and DIAMOND measurements outputed by the pipeline, using the Aix-Marseilles site, to ensure our implementation has minimal impact on their variability. We observe very high reproducibility from a majority of diffusion measurements, only gamma distribution parameters computed on the DIAMOND model display a less reproducible behaviour. This should be taken into consideration when future applications are performed. We also show that even if promising, the PRIME-DE diffusion data exhibits a great level of variability and its usage should be done with care to prevent instilling uncertainty in statistical analyses.
Local synchronization of cilia and tissue-scale cilia alignment are sufficient for global metachronal waves
Authors: Ringers Christa , Bialonski Stephan , Solovev Anton , Hansen Jan N. , Ege Mert , Friedrich Benjamin M. , Jurisch-Yaksi Nathalie
Published: November 2021

Motile cilia are hair-like cell extensions present in multiple organs of the body. How cilia coordinate their regular beat in multiciliated epithelia to move fluids remains insufficiently understood, particularly due to lack of rigorous quantification. We combine here experiments, novel analysis tools, and theory to address this knowledge gap. We investigate collective dynamics of cilia in the zebrafish nose, due to its conserved properties with other ciliated tissues and its superior accessibility for non-invasive imaging. We revealed that cilia are synchronized only locally and that the size of local synchronization domains increases with the viscosity of the surrounding medium. Despite the fact that synchronization is local only, we observed global patterns of traveling metachronal waves across the multiciliated epithelium. Intriguingly, these global wave direction patterns are conserved across individual fish, but different for left and right nose, unveiling a chiral asymmetry of metachronal coordination. To understand the implications of synchronization for fluid pumping, we used a computational model of a regular array of cilia. We found that local metachronal synchronization prevents steric collisions and improves fluid pumping in dense cilia carpets, but hardly affects the direction of fluid flow. In conclusion, we show that local synchronization together with tissue-scale cilia alignment are sufficient to generate metachronal wave patterns in multiciliated epithelia, which enhance their physiological function of fluid pumping.
Analysis of RNA sequence and structure in key genes ofMycobacterium ulceransreveals conserved structural motifs and regions with apparent pressure to remain unstructured
Authors: Rouse Warren B. , Gart Jessica , Peysakhova Lauren , Moss Walter N.
Published: November 2021

Buruli Ulcer is a neglected tropical disease that results in disfiguring and potentially dangerous lesions in affected persons across a wide geographic area, which includes much of West Africa. The causative agent of Buruli Ulcer isMycobacterium ulcerans, a relative of the bacterium that causes tuberculosis and leprosy. Few therapeutic options exist for the treatment of this disease beyond the main approach, surgical removal, which is frequently ineffective. In this study we analyze six genes inMycobacterium ulceransthat have high potential of therapeutic targeting. We focus our analysis on a combined in silico and comparative sequence study of potential RNA secondary structure across these genes. The end result of this work was the comprehensive local RNA structural landscape across each of these significant genes. This revealed multiple sites of ordered and evolved RNA structure interspersed between sequences that either have no bias for structure or, indeed, appear to be ordered to be unstructured and (potentially) accessible. In addition to providing data that could be of interest to basic biology, our results provide guides for efforts aimed at targeting this pathogen at the RNA level. We explore this latter possibility through thein silicoanalysis of antisense oligonucleotides that could be used to target pathogen RNA.

Author Summary

Buruli Ulcer is a neglected tropical necrotizing skin disease endemic to West Africa and several other developing countries. The disease is known to be caused byMycobacterium ulcerans, but the mode of transmission is not well understood. Here, we present findings on the RNA secondary structural landscape of key genes found in its genome and virulence plasmid. We also suggest potential therapeutic strategies to treat this disease that leverage a better understanding of RNA secondary structure. In our analysis we have predicted regions within these genes that are potentially ordered by evolution to have unusual structural stability and likely functionality, as well as regions that lack stable structure and may be unordered for accessibility. These structured regions can act as potential targets of both antisense oligonucleotide and small molecule therapeutics, while the unstructured regions may be most advantageous for only antisense oligonucleotides. Both strategies have been proven to be effective in other bacterial and viral pathogens; therefore, adaptation to this neglected disease may prove beneficial to developing more effective and efficient treatment options. Through our analysis of the RNA secondary structure landscape of key genes inM. ulcerans, we hope to provide other researchers with new avenues for development of novel therapeutic strategies to treat this devastating and neglected disease.
Viral genome-capsid core senses host environments to prime RNA release
Authors: Ramesh Ranita , Braet Sean M. , Venkatakrishnan Varun , Raghuvamsi Palur Venkata , Bao Jonathan Chua Wei , Marzinek Jan K. , Wu Chao , Gao Ruimin , Wong Sek-Man , Bond Peter J. , Anand Ganesh S.
Published: November 2021

Viruses are metastable macromolecular assemblies containing a nucleic acid core packaged by capsid proteins that are primed to disassemble in host-specific environments leading to genome release and replication. The mechanism of how viruses sense environmental changes associated with host entry to prime them for disassembly is unknown. We have applied a combination of mass spectrometry, cryo-EM, and simulation-assisted structure refinement to Turnip crinkle virus (TCV), which serves as a model non-enveloped icosahedral virus (Triangulation number = 3, 180 copies/icosahedron). Our results reveal genomic RNA tightly binds a subset of viral coat proteins to form a stable RNA-capsid core which undergoes conformational switching in response to host-specific environmental changes. These changes include: i) Depletion of Ca2+which triggers viral particle expansion ii) Increase in osmolytes further disrupt interactions of outer coat proteins from the RNA-capsid core to promote complete viral disassembly. A cryo-EM structure of the expanded particle shows that RNA is asymmetrically extruded from a single 5-fold axis during disassembly. The genomic RNA:capsid protein interactions confer metastability to the TCV capsid and drive release of RNA from the disassembling virion within the plant host cell.

AUTHOR SUMMARY

RNA viruses including coronaviruses, dengue, influenza, and HIV are a significant threat to human health. These viral particles are finely tuned to undergo complex conformational changes that allow for response to varied environments. Turnip crinkle virus (TCV) serves as an excellent model for studying RNA virus dynamics. Since TCV is non-enveloped and has no post-translational modifications, we can specifically investigate the contributions of RNA to viral dynamics. Genomic RNA is not a passive entity but plays a crucial and previously uncharacterized role in viral disassembly. Our results reveal that the genomic RNA-capsid core serves as an environmental sensor and undergoes conformational switching in response to host cell conditions.
Evolution and Genetic Diversity of the Retroviral Envelope in Anamniotes
Authors: Chen Yicong , Wang Xiaojing , Liao Meng-En , Song Yuhe , Zhang Yu-Yi , Cui Jie
Published: November 2021

Retroviruses are widely distributed in all vertebrates, as are their endogenous form, endogenous retrovirus (ERV), which serves as “fossil” evidence to trace the ancient origins and history of virus-host interactions over millions of years. The retroviral envelope (Env) plays a significant role in host range determination, but major information on genetic diversification in anamniotes is lacking. Here, by incorporating multiple-roundin silicosimilarity search and phylogenomic analysis, 25498 ERVs with gamma-type Env (GTE), covalently associated Env, were discovered by searching against all 974 available fish and 19 amphibian genomes, but no beta-type Env (BTE), noncovalently associated Env, were found. Furthermore, a nine-type classification system of anamniote GTE was proposed by combining phylogenetic and domain/motif analyses. The elastic genomic organization and overall phylogenetic incongruence between anamniotic Env and its neighboring polymerase (Pol) implied that early retroviral diversification in anamniotic vertebrates was facilitated by frequent recombination. At last, host opioid growth factor receptor (OGFr) gene capturing by anamniotic ERVs with GTE was reported for the first time. Overall, our findings overturn traditional Pol genotyping and reveal a complex evolutionary history of anamniotic retroviruses inferred by Env evolution.

Author summary

Although the retroviral envelope (Env) protein in amniotes has been well studied, its evolutionary history in anamniotic vertebrates is ambiguous. By analyzing more than 25000 ERVs with gamma-type Env (GTE) in anamniotes, several important evolutionary features were identified. First, GTE were found to be widely distributed among different amphibians and fish. Second, nine types of GTE were discovered, revealing the great genetic diversity. Third, GTE-containing ERVs have rampantly proliferated in certain amphibians such asAmbystoma mexicanum, and the copy number was found to be markedly higher than 10000. Fourth, the incongruence between the Env and Pol phylogenies suggested that frequent recombination shaped the early evolution of anamniote retroviruses. Fifth, an ancient horizontal gene transfer event was discovered from anamniotes to ERVs with GTE. These findings reveal a complex evolution pattern for retroviral Env in anamniotes.
Evolution of laser-induced strain in a Ge crystal for the [111] and [100] directions probed by time-resolved X-ray diffraction
Authors: Rathore Ranjana , Singhal Himanshu , Ansari Ajmal , Chakera Juzer Ali
Published: November 2021

Ultra-short laser-pulse-induced strain propagation in a Ge crystal is studied in the [111] and [100] directions using time-resolved X-ray diffraction (TXRD). The strain propagation velocity is derived by analysis of the TXRD signal from the strained crystal planes. Numerical integration of the Takagi–Taupin equations is performed using open source code, which provides a very simple approach to estimate the strain propagation velocity. The present method will be particularly useful for relatively broad spectral bandwidths and weak X-ray sources, where temporal oscillations in the diffracted X-ray intensity at the relevant phonon frequencies would not be visible. The two Bragg reflections of the Ge sample, viz. 111 and 400, give information on the propagation of strain for two different depths, as the X-ray extinction depths are different for these two reflections. The strain induced by femtosecond laser excitation has a propagation velocity comparable to the longitudinal acoustic velocity. The strain propagation velocity increases with increasing laser excitation fluence. This fluence dependence of the strain propagation velocity can be attributed to crystal heating by ambipolar carrier diffusion. Ge is a promising candidate for silicon-based optoelectronics, and this study will enhance the understanding of heat transport by carrier diffusion in Ge induced by ultra-fast laser pulses, which will assist in the design of optoelectronic devices.
The first coordination complex of (5R,6R,7S)-5-(furan-2-yl)-7-phenyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-6-amine with zinc(II) acetate-chloride
Authors: Shyshkina Mariia O. , Shishkina Svitlana V , Ostras Konstantin S. , Gorobets Nikolay Yu. , Chebanov Valentyn A. , Desenko Sergey M.
Published: November 2021

The title complex, systematic name catena-poly[[[acetatochloridozinc(II)]-μ-(5R,6R,7S)-5-(furan-2-yl)-7-phenyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-6-amine] monohydrate], {[Zn(C2H3O2)Cl(C15H15N5O)]·H2O}
n
, is the first coordination complex in which the neutral tetrahydrotriazolopyrimidine derivative acts as bridging ligand between two zinc molecules. As a result, polymeric chains of the coordination complex are found. The coordination of the zinc metal atom occurs with the lone pairs of the triazolo nitrogen atom and amino group. The positive charge of the zinc atom is compensated by the chlorine anion and deprotonated acetic acid. The coordination complex exists as a monohydrate in the crystalline phase. The water molecules bind neighbouring polymeric chains by the formation of O—H...O, O—H...Cl and N—H...O hydrogen bonds.
Global and local corporate social responsibility: a study of foreign entry mode choice in Spanish quoted firms
Authors: Mas-Ruiz Francisco José , Rodriguez-Sanchez Carla , Sancho-Esper Franco Manuel , de Quevedo-Puente Esther
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study examines the relationships between the foreign entry mode (FEM) used by a company, its global corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the host country's local CSR environment in Spanish quoted firms. Additionally, it seeks to explore the moderating role of the host country's CSR in the relationship between firm's global CSR and FEM.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the proposed hypotheses, binary logistic regression is used with a sample of 418 foreign direct investment (FDI) operations between 2002 and 2008. This period is chosen with the aim of knowing what happened after the boom in Spanish investments abroad in the 1990s and the uncertainty of the early 2000s.

Findings

The results reveal firm patterns of behaviour regarding the FEM of companies and the two types of CSR according to the proposed hypotheses. Furthermore, it is found that the host country's local CSR may not only have a direct influence on the FEM decision but may also moderate the relationship between the firm's global CSR and firm's entry mode in a host country.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to propose as explanatory variables of FEM two types of CSR (firm's global CSR and host country's local CSR). This has been possible by the creation of an ad-hoc database with data from different information sources of FDI (Instituto Español de Comercio Exterior) and CSR [Eikon™ and AccountAbility National Corporate Responsibility Index (NCRI)].
Serbian, Croatian and Spanish consumers' beliefs towards artisan cheese
Authors: Miloradovic Zorana , Blazic Marijana , Barukcic Irena , Font i Furnols Maria , Smigic Nada , Tomasevic Igor , Miocinovic Jelena
Published: November 2021

Purpose

In the past two decades the popularity of artisan cheese emerged. The present study aimed to investigate similarities and differences in beliefs towards artisan cheeses among participants from Serbia, Croatia and Spain and to determine consumer profiles. Better understanding of their behaviours and beliefs could serve as the basis for the development of appropriate production and marketing strategies and for further popularisation of artisan cheeses.

Design/methodology/approach

The data on demographic structure, behaviours and beliefs of 947 participants in total were obtained via a questionnaire collected online. In order to identify consumer profiles and to define their specific beliefs, a cross-country cluster analysis has been conducted. Four clusters were identified: “highly educated men”, “highly educated women”, “millennials” and “educated senior women”. Mann–Whitney U test was used to identify statistically significant differences between countries and clusters.

Findings

Respondents from different countries had different preferences for cheese types and different ways of consumption. All participants valued artisan cheeses more than industrial cheeses in terms of healthiness and quality, but they believe that there is still much to be done in terms of proper packaging, labelling, branding, widening of assortment and providing better availability. The results of the present study revealed that participants had no clear opinion regarding trust in artisan cheese safety.

Originality/value

Up to date, no study investigated beliefs of consumers from Serbia and Croatia towards artisan cheese. Original consumer pool has unique characteristics: they are far more oriented towards open markets and purchasing cheese directly from producers; they have different preferences towards cheese types and different consuming habits. Unique consumer characteristics provided original findings considering their beliefs.
The learning effect on organizational performance during a crisis: a serial mediation analysis with knowledge creation, storage and sharing
Authors: Qadri Usman Ahmad , Ghani Mazuri Binti abd , Bibi Shumaila , Tahir Abdul Haseeb , Farooq Muhammad Imran , Kashif Abdul Rauf
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate the serially mediating effect of knowledge management (KM) practices (namely, knowledge creation, storage and sharing) on the organizational learning (OL) and organizational performance (OP) relationships during a crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on theories-of-action, knowledge-based and resource-based theories, this study proposed a sequential mediation model where OL underlying mechanisms through which KM practices have facilitated OP during the crisis. The sample dataset contains 440 responses collected from the managers of the software development companies in Pakistan. The authors used Hayes Process macro with SPSS to test the study hypotheses.

Findings

The results of the study reveal that knowledge creation, storage and sharing serially mediate the relationships between OL and OP. These findings strengthen the argument suggesting that OL plays the key role in KM that helps software companies to mend their performance in times of crisis.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the KM literature in two ways: (1) grounded on the study's proposed framework, organizations can improve and manage their businesses in times of crisis and (2) learn how to generate new knowledge in response to business crises.
The duration of export trade relations and its influential factors in China's wooden floor
Authors: Liu Ruonan , Yue Yuhui , Miao Dongling , Cheng Baodong
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This article will select 25 years of subdivided data to perform Kaplan–Meier survival analysis on the export trade relations of Chinese wooden flooring, use discrete-time cloglog models to analyze influencing factors, use logit and probit models to test the robustness, and try to systematically reveal the duration of China's wood flooring export trade and its influencing factors.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used Kaplan–Meier survival function estimation method. In the survival analysis, survival function and hazard rate function are often used to characterize the distribution of survival time.

Findings

The continuous average export time of China's wooden flooring is relatively long, about 14 years. China's wooden flooring has a negative time dependency. After the export trade exceeds the threshold value of 15 years, the failure rate of trade greatly decreases, which has a “threshold effect.” Gravity model variables have a significant impact on the duration of China's wooden floor export.

Originality/value

Studying the duration of forest products trade is of great significance for clearing deep-level trade relations and promoting sustainable development of forest products trade.
Evidence assessment and narrative synthesis of the key characteristics of older people living in service-integrated housing facilities, and their ‘accommodation journey’
Authors: Thompson Juliana , Hill Michael , Bainbridge Lesley , Cowie Daniel , Flewers Emma
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an evidence assessment and narrative synthesis of literature regarding the key characteristics of older people living in service-integrated housing (SIH) facilities and their “accommodation journey”.

Design/methodology/approach

A rapid evidence assessment was conducted: 22 research publications met the inclusion criteria and were analysed using narrative synthesis.

Findings

The quality of studies in this area is low, but consistency across components of the results of studies included in the review is apparent. Results suggest key characteristics of older people that drive moves into SIH are a decline in health, increased dependency, increased health service use and carer burden. Suggested key characteristics of SIH residents are high levels of health problems, dependency and health service use, but high self-reported health and well-being. Results indicate that the key driver for older people leaving SIH is a lack of workforce competency to manage further declines in health and dependency status.

Research limitations/implications

Current policy may not realise or account for the complex health and care needs of SIH residents. Investment into integrated care, robust community health services and workforce development to facilitate a comprehensive assessment approach may be required to support residents to remain in SIH and live well. Further longitudinal studies are required to map the progression of SIH residents’ health status in detail over time to provide an understanding of preventative and enablement support, development of care pathways and workforce planning and development requirements.

Originality/value

This evidence assessment is the first to consider the accommodation journey of older people residing in SIH.
Aboriginal knowledge, the history classroom and the Australian university
Authors: Musgrove Nell , Wolfe Naomi
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This article considers the impact of competing knowledge structures in teaching Australian Indigenous history to undergraduate university students and the possibilities of collaborative teaching in this space.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors, one Aboriginal and one non-Aboriginal, draw on a history of collaborative teaching that stretches over more than a decade, bringing together conceptual reflective work and empirical data from a 5-year project working with Australian university students in an introductory-level Aboriginal history subject.

Findings

It argues that teaching this subject area in ways which are culturally safe for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students, and which resist knowledge structures associated with colonial ways of conveying history, is not only about content but also about building learning spaces that encourage students to decolonise their relationships with Australian history.

Originality/value

This article considers collaborative approaches to knowledge transmission in the university history classroom as an act of decolonising knowledge spaces rather than as a model of reconciliation.
The question of university graduates' employability: are the students aware of the employers' preferences
Authors: Tandika Pambas , Ndijuye Laurent Gabriel
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to university students' awareness of the employers preferred competencies and the educational level capable of readying them satisfactory for the demands of the world of work.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative approach exploratory research design, data were gathered in an informal and unstructured manner, researchers identified undergraduate students' awareness of employers' preferred competencies of the graduates.

Findings

Undergraduate students overestimated academic credentials while ignoring soft skills as employers' preferences. Nevertheless, they were worried about their capability to compete adequately when seeking employment despite identifying university level of education as the most appropriate for developing and enhancing their employability.

Research limitations/implications

The study involved mostly second-year students from one college of the seven colleges constituting the University of Dodoma.

Practical implications

There is a need for university education to integrate and emphasize the non-cognitive skills for adequately and holistically preparing future employees with adequate knowledge and skills to thrive in the world of work demands.

Social implications

There likelihood that a lack of confidence would impact their participation in academia and work/job. Hence, lower down their productivity and inadequately contribute to social and national economic growth.

Originality/value

The value of these findings is that they identify, inform and can be used to enhance university education programming for improved graduate's employability.
Fully-developed laminar flow in trapezoidal ducts with rounded corners: a numerical solution and case study
Authors: Ismail Mohammed S. , Berber Mohamed R. , Alrowaili Ziyad A. , Pourkashanian Mohamed
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to numerically solve fully developed laminar flow in trapezoidal ducts with rounded corners which result following forming processes.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-dimensional model for a trapezoidal duct with rounded corners is developed and conservation of momentum equation is solved. The flow is assumed to be steady, fully developed, laminar, isothermal and incompressible. The key flow characteristics including the Poiseuille number and the incremental pressure drop have been computed and tabulated for a wide range of: sidewall angle (θ); the ratio of the height of the duct to its smaller base (α); and the ratio of the fillet radius of the duct to its smaller base (β).

Findings

The results show that Poiseuille number decreases, and all the other dimensionless numbers increase with increasing the radii of the fillets of the duct; these effects were found to amplify with decreasing duct heights or increasing sidewall angles. The maximum axial velocity was shown to increase with increasing the radii of the fillets of the duct. For normally used ducts in hydrogen fuel cells, the impact of rounded corners cannot be overlooked for very low channel heights or very high sidewall angles.

Practical implications

The data generated in this study are highly valuable for engineers interested in estimating pressure drops in rounded trapezoidal ducts; these ducts have been increasingly used in hydrogen fuel cells where flow channels are stamped on thin metallic sheets.

Originality/value

Fully developed laminar flow in trapezoidal ducts with four rounded corners has been solved for the first time, allowing for more accurate estimation of pressure drop.
Modelling the thermal state of a turbocharger bearing housing when calculating the rotor dynamics at transient modes
Authors: Zadorozhnaya Elena , Hudyakov Vladislav , Polyacko Elizaveta , Dolgushin Igor
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The reliability of various mechanisms and machines is determined by the durability of tribo-units, which must ensure operation at high temperatures and an extended range of rotor shaft speeds. The best performance of the bearing assembly is achieved with hydrodynamic lubrication, which depends on optimal operating conditions and temperature conditions. The purpose of this paper is determining the thermal state of the turbocharger (TCR) bearings.

Design/methodology/approach

The simulation was carried out in the ANSYS Fluent software package. The boundary conditions for the calculation were obtained from experimental data. The experiments were carried out at a specialized stand created at the scientific and production association “Turbotekhnika”.

Findings

The result of the simulation was the determination of temperatures and thermal fields in the TCR housing. The data obtained testify to the uneven thermal loading of the bearings. When calculating the dynamics of the rotor, transient modes are considered. The results are the trajectories of the rotor in the space of the bearing clearance. The thickness of the lubricating layer was calculated as a parameter that determines the hydrodynamic friction regime. The thermal state of the TCR elements was evaluated at all the considered rotor speeds. The flexible axis of the rotor was obtained at different speeds.

Originality/value

The paper presents a model of heat transfer in a TCR housing and rotor dynamics, based on numerical methods, which will help in the design of TCRs and journal bearings.
Analysis of leakage characteristics for bent-axis piston pump based on elastohydrodynamic deformation
Authors: Qing Lvjun , Gu Lichen , Wang Yan , Lei Zhufeng
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to revel the leakage characteristics of the bent-axis piston pump considering elastohydrodynamic deformation via a dynamic leakage model.

Design/methodology/approach

A dynamic leakage model of bent-axis piston pump based on elastohydrodynamic lubrication theory is proposed, which is used to present the leakage characteristics of bent-axis piston pump. The model is composed of three parts. First, the dynamic gap in the piston ring-cylinder bore interface (PRCB) is described via the elastohydrodynamic lubrication equations. Then, the PRCB leakage is presented based on the dynamic gap. Finally, combined with leakage equation of the valve plate-cylinder block interface (VPCB), the total leakage model is proposed. Through the numerical simulation and experiment, the leakage characteristics of bent-axis piston pump considering elasto-hydrodynamic deformation are studied.

Findings

The PRCB leakage is negatively correlated with VPCB leakage under the range of 800–1400 r/min and 1–25 MPa. When the discharge pressure is less than the critical pressure, the PRCB leakage is the main factor affecting the total leakage in bent-axis piston pump. On the contrary, the VPCB leakage is the main factor. The critical pressure increases with increasing speed

Originality/value

The effect of operating parameters has a significant effect on the elastic deformation of piston ring without considering wear of friction pairs in bent-axis piston pump. There is a critical phenomenon in the leakage, which is related to the operating parameters, and provides a novel idea for extracting wear information from leakage and evaluating the status of bent-piston pump.
From interactive control to IT project performance: examining the mediating role of stakeholder analysis effectiveness
Authors: Mir Farzana Asad , Rezania Davar
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to unpack the relationship between the interactive use of project control systems (PCS) and project performance by examining the role of stakeholder analysis effectiveness in enacting this relationship. A conceptual framework was developed based on the stakeholder theory and the levers of control framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least square-structural equation modelling analysis was conducted on the cross-sectional questionnaire data collected from 109 information technology (IT) projects.

Findings

The interactive use of PCS enables project managers to effectively deal with the stakeholders-related uncertainty, and stakeholder analysis effectiveness partially mediates the positive relationship between the interactive use of PCS and IT project performance.

Originality/value

This study extends the project control literature by explaining the positive relationship between the interactive use of PCS and project performance. The findings contribute to the stakeholder analysis literature by operationalizing the stakeholder analysis effectiveness construct and identifying it as a new mediator between the interactive use of PCS and project performance.
Transitioning from pandemic to normalcy: what police departments can learn from the rank-and-file
Authors: Gaub Janne E. , Koen Marthinus C. , Davis Shelby
Published: November 2021

Purpose

After more than 18 months of life during a pandemic, much of the world is beginning to transition back to some semblance of normalcy. As that happens, institutions – including policing – need to acknowledge changes that had been made during the pandemic and decide what modifications and innovations, if any, to continue moving forward.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use semi-structured interviews and focus groups of police personnel in the United States (US) and Canada. The sample includes police officers and frontline supervisors (n = 20). The authors conduct qualitative analysis using deductive and inductive coding schemes.

Findings

The sample identified four areas of adaptation during the pandemic: 1) safety measures, 2) personnel reallocation, 3) impacts on training and 4) innovation and role adjustments. These areas of adaptation prompted several recommendations for transitioning police agencies out of the pandemic.

Originality/value

A growing number of studies are addressing police responses to the pandemic. Virtually all are quantitative in nature, including all studies investigating the perceptions of police personnel. The body of perceptual studies is extraordinarily small and primarily focuses on police executives, ignoring the views of the rank-and-file who are doing the work of street-level police business. This is the first study to delve into the perceptions of this group, and does so using a qualitative approach that permits a richer understanding of the nuances of perception.
Frequency‐dependent signal‐to‐noise ratio effect of distributed acoustic sensing vertical seismic profile acquisition
Authors: Alzamil Nour , Li Weichang , Zhou Hua‐Wei , Merry Harold
Published: November 2021

Distributed acoustic sensing provides seismic sensors distributed every few metres over each fibre optic cable of several kilometres in length, serving as an ultra‐dense array for both surface and downhole seismic acquisitions. It is well‐recognized now that distributed acoustic sensing acquisition configuration can have profound effect on data quality, notably the choice of the gauge length and lead‐in cable length on the resulting signal to noise ratio. In this paper, we present a detailed study on how these effects behave differently over various signalling frequency bands. We derive the signal to noise ratio as a function of the peak frequency, gauge length and lead‐in cable length, and demonstrate significantly different 80 SNR samples behaviours over low, middle and high frequency bandwidths, respectively. These results, not only reveal the underlying mechanism for signal and noise variation as function of acquisition parameters, but also help identifying the desired gauge and cable lengths that better serve particular applications, such as inversion and imaging which take information from different frequency bands. A field data has been used to demonstrate these frequency‐dependent behaviours.
Conductivity in partially saturated porous media described by porosity, electrolyte saturation and saturation‐dependent tortuosity and constriction factor
Authors: Berg Carl Fredrik , Kennedy W. David , Herrick David C.
Published: November 2021

Modelling the relationships among bulk conductivity, electrolyte conductivity, porosity and fractional electrolyte‐saturation continues to be based on empirical relationships such as Archie's law or the Bruggeman correlation. Several authors have attempted to connect such empirical models to first principles. This article presents a complete first principles‐based description of conductivity in partially saturated porous media. A geometrical factor is introduced which, together with porosity and saturation, describes the conductivity of partially saturated porous media. This geometrical factor is separated into two intrinsic geometrical descriptors of the electrolyte distribution accounting for tortuosity and constriction. This tortuosity and constriction factor are obtained from integration over the electrical field lines traversing the electrolyte. Bulk and saturation‐dependent conductance descriptions are illustrated using three‐dimensional pore space models and simulated fluid distributions. Describing conductance through porosity, saturation and a geometrical factor, decomposed into separate terms accounting for tortuosity and constrictivity, permits more insightful understanding of conductance in partially saturated porous media. Use and efficacy of this full conductance description is illustrated throughout this article.
Reducing disease and producing food: Effects of 13 agrochemicals on snail biomass and human schistosomes
Authors: Haggerty Christopher J. E. , Halstead Neal T. , Civitello David J. , Rohr Jason R.
Published: November 2021

Agricultural expansion is predicted to increase agrochemical use two to fivefold by 2050 to meet food demand. Experimental evidence suggests that agrochemical pollution could increase snails that transmit schistosomiasis, a disease impacting 250 million people, yet most agrochemicals remain unexamined.

Here we experimentally created >100 natural wetland communities to quantify the relative effects of fertilizer, six insecticides (chlorpyrifos, terbufos, malathion, λ‐cyhalothrin, permethrin and esfenvalerate), and six herbicides (acetochlor, alachlor, metolachlor, atrazine, propazine and simazine) on two snail genera responsible for 90% of global schistosomiasis cases.

We identified four of six insecticides (terbufos, permethrin, chlorpyrifos and esfenvalerate) as high risk for increasing snail biomass by reducing snail predators. Hence, malathion and λ‐cyhalothrin might be useful for improving food production without increasing schistosomiasis. This top‐down effect of insecticides on predators was so strong that the effects of herbicides on schistosomiasis risk were masked in the presence of predators because there were so few snails. In the absence of snail predators, herbicide effects on snails were generally negative by reducing submerged vegetation Hydrilla verticillata. The exception was that atrazine and acetochlor significantly increased the biomass of infected snails and total snails respectively.

Like insecticides, fertilizer had strong positive effects on snail populations. Fertilizer increased both snail habitat (submerged vegetation) and snail food (periphyton), but of these two pathways, the increases in snail habitat resulted in greater snail population growth. Total snail biomass was positively associated with both infected snail biomass and parasite production and thus human infection risk.

Synthesis and applications. Our findings suggest that fertilizers and insecticides generally have consistently higher chances of increasing human schistosomiasis than herbicides in natural communities. Furthermore, our results highlight the need to identify other low risk insecticides, which might help reduce crop pests without increasing snails and thus risk of schistosomiasis.