bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glycerol Metabolism Contributes to Competition by Oral Streptococci through Production of Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Taylor Zachary A. , Chen Ping , Noeparvar Payam , Pham Danniel N. , Walker Alejandro R. , Kitten Todd , Zeng Lin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAs a biological byproduct from both humans and microbes, glycerol’s contribution to microbial homeostasis in the oral cavity remains understudied. Here we examined glycerol metabolism byStreptococcus sanguinis,a commensal associated with oral health. Genetic mutants of glucose-PTS enzyme II (manL), glycerol metabolism (glpanddhapathways), and transcriptional regulators were characterized with regard to glycerol catabolism, growth, production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), transcription, and competition withStreptococcus mutans. Biochemical assays identified theglppathway as a novel source of H2O2production byS. sanguinisthat is independent of pyruvate oxidase (SpxB). Genetic analysis indicated that theglppathway requires glycerol and a transcriptional regulator, GlpR, for expression and is negatively regulated by PTS, but not the catabolite control protein, CcpA. Conversely, deletion of eithermanLorccpAincreased expression ofspxBand a second, H2O2-non-producing glycerol metabolic pathway (dha), indicative of a mode of regulation consistent with conventional carbon catabolite repression (CCR). In a plate-based antagonism assay and competition assays performed with planktonic and biofilm-grown cells, glycerol greatly benefited the competitive fitness ofS. sanguinisagainstS. mutans.Theglppathway appears to be conserved in several commensal streptococci and actively expressed in caries-free plaque samples. Our study suggests that glycerol metabolism plays a more significant role in the ecology of the oral cavity than previously understood. Commensal streptococci, though not able to use glycerol as a sole carbohydrate for growth, benefit from catabolism of glycerol through production of both ATP and H2O2.ImportanceGlycerol is an abundant carbohydrate found in oral cavity, both due to biological activities of humans and microbes, and as a common ingredient of foods and health care products. However, very little is understood regarding the metabolism of glycerol by some of the most abundant oral bacteria, commensal streptococci. This was in part because most streptococci cannot grow on glycerol as the sole carbon source. Here we show thatStreptococcus sanguinis, an oral commensal associated with dental health, can degrade glycerol for persistence and competition through two independent pathways, one of which generates hydrogen peroxide at levels capable of inhibiting a dental pathobiont,Streptococcus mutans. Preliminary studies suggest that several other commensal streptococci are also able to catabolize glycerol, and glycerol-related genes are being actively expressed in human dental plaque samples. Our findings reveal the potential of glycerol to significantly impact microbial homeostasis which warrants further exploration.
A multi-phenotype approach implicatesSH2B3in the genetics of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Tran Kim N. , Sutherland Heidi G. , Mallett Andrew J. , Griffiths Lyn R. , Lea Rodney A. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a complex condition with diverse underlying causes that lead to a progressive decline in kidney function. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified numerous genetic loci associated with CKD, yet much of the genetic basis remains unexplained. Part of the reason is that most GWASs have only assessed kidney function via single biomarkers such as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). This study employs a novel multi-phenotype approach, combinatorial Principal Component Analysis (cPCA), to better understand the genetic architecture of CKD. Utilizing a discovery cohort of white British individuals from the UK Biobank (n=337,112), we analyzed 21 CKD-related phenotypes using cPCA to generate over 2 million composite phenotypes (CPs). More than 46,000 CPs demonstrated superior performance in classifying clinical CKD compared to any single biomarker, and those CPs were most frequently comprised of eGFR, cystatin C, HbA1c, microalbuminuria, albumin, and LDL. GWASs of the top 1,000 CPs revealed seven novel genetic loci, withCST3andSH2B3successfully replicated in an independent Irish cohort (n=11,106). Notably, the index SNP of theSH2B3gene, which encodes a regulator in immune responses and cytokine signaling, is a loss-of-function variant with a combined beta of −0.046 and a p-value of 3.1E-56. These results highlight the effectiveness of a multi-phenotype approach in GWASs and implicate a novel functional variant in SH2B3 in CKD phenotypes.TRANSLATIONAL STATEMENTThe application of combinatorial Principal Component Analysis (cPCA) in our study has identifiedSH2B3as a novel genetic locus associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This discovery advances our understanding of CKD’s genetic architecture beyond single biomarker analyses, potentially leading to more precise diagnostic tools and personalized treatment strategies. Future research should focus on validating these findings in diverse populations and integrating cPCA-derived biomarkers into clinical practice to enhance CKD prediction and management, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Assessing the adequacy of competition in public construction projects
Authors: Hyari Khaled Hesham , Thneibat Mujahed 
Published: June 2024

PurposePublic construction authorities need to evaluate the level of competition in the submitted bids for a certain project before awarding the contract. A lack of adequate competition is a reason for rejecting all bids and reissuing an invitation to bid for the project. This paper aims to present an analysis of the adequacy of competition in public construction projects.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses five competition indicators to correlate the level of competition effect obtained with the number of contractors competing for the project. The analysis is based on the bid opening results for 917 public construction projects in Jordan that include 6,309 bids, with an average number of 6.88 bids per project.FindingsThe results illustrate that there is an improvement in the competition effect over the five analyzed competition indicators as the number of bidders increases. However, the rate of improvement decreases with the increase in bidders. The empirical analysis performed does not support the proposition that an optimum number of bidders exists in competitive bidding for construction projects or the proposition that a higher number of bidders may lead to higher bid prices. However, the indicators developed in this study found that at least 5 bidders are recommended and after 8 bidders, the rate of improvement continues at much slower rate.Originality/valueThe current research presented a multifaceted method for assessing the minimum number of bidders needed to ensure a competitive bidding process. Moreover, the research used actual data from 917 public projects.
Artefacts of disaster risk reduction: conceptualizing bottom-up initiatives of climate action in informal settlements
Authors: Lizarralde Gonzalo , Herazo Benjamín , Smith David , Bornstein Lisa , Gould Kevin , Monsalve Elsa , Ordoñez Nicolás , López Adriana , López Oswaldo , Burdiles Roberto , Araneda Claudio , Olivera Andrés 
Published: June 2024

PurposeDisaster risk reduction is of prime importance in informal settlements in the Global South, where several forms of vulnerability coexist. Policy and official programmes, however, rarely respond to the needs and expectations of citizens and local leaders living in these settlements. Even though these agents constantly attempt to reduce risks in their own way, we know very little about their activities, motivations and effective impact on risk reduction. Here we seek to conceptualize bottom-up initiatives to better grasp their origins, limitations and success.Design/methodology/approachThrough a four-year action-research project in Colombia, Cuba and Chile, we theorize about the production of change by local agents. Through detailed case studies we explored the activism of 17 local leaders. Through narrative analysis we studied their motivations and explanations. Finally, by documenting 22 initiatives, we revealed effective changes in space.FindingsIn the face of risk and disasters, residents and leaders in informal settings engaged in symbolic, physical and social spaces of interaction. Their actions were guided by trust, emotions, time cycles and activism. Local agency was justified by narratives about risk and climate change that differ from those of authorities and scholars.Research limitations/implicationsThere is still limited understanding of bottom-up initiatives in informal settings. It is crucial to conceptualize their origins, limitations and success. The focus on three specific countries necessitates further research for broader applicability and understanding.Practical implicationsA better comprehension of bottom-up actions is crucial for informing policies and programmes aimed at reducing risk in informal settings. Stakeholders must recognize the political, social and cultural roles of these actions for more impactful climate action.Originality/valueWe borrow Simon’s concept of “artefact” to introduce the notion of “Artefacts of Disaster Risk Reduction”, providing insights into the multifaceted nature of bottom-up initiatives. We also emphasize the simultaneous political and phenomenological character of these actions, contributing to a deeper understanding of their origins and impact.
Computational study of a dorsolumbar complete burst fracture and its fixation methods
Authors: Moura Rita , Fidalgo Daniel , Oliveira Dulce , Reis Ana Rita , Areias Bruno , Sousa Luísa , Gonçalves João M. , Sousa Henrique , Natal Jorge R.N. , Parente Marco 
Published: June 2024

PurposeDuring a fall, a significant part of the major forces is absorbed by the dorsolumbar column area. When the applied stresses exceed the yield strength of the bone tissue, fractures can occur in the vertebrae. Vertebral fractures constitute one of the leading causes of trauma-related hospitalizations, accounting for 15% of all admissions. Posterior pedicle screw fixation has become a common method for treating burst fractures. However, physicians remain divided on the number of fixed segments that are needed to improve clinical outcomes. The present work aims to understand the biomechanical impact of different fixation methods, improving surgical treatments.Design/methodology/approachA finite element model of the dorsolumbar spine (T11–L3) section, including cartilages, discs and ligaments, was created. The dorsolumbar stability was tested by comparing two different surgical orthopedic treatments for a fractured first lumbar vertebra on the L1 vertebra: the posterior short segment fixation with intermediate screws (PSS) and the posterior long segment fixation (PL). Distinct loads were applied to represent daily activities.FindingsResults show that both procedures provide acceptable segment fixation, with the PL offering less freedom of movement, making it more stable than the PSS. The PL approach can be the best choice for an unstable fracture as it leads to a stiffer spine segment.Originality/valueThis study introduces a novel computational model designed for the biomechanical analysis of dorsolumbar injuries, aiming to identify the optimal treatment approaches within both clinical and surgical contexts.
Factors that influence secure behaviour while using mobile digital devices
Authors: Spruit Marcel , Oosting Deborah , Kreffer Celine 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
The use of mobile digital devices requires secure behaviour while using these devices. To influence this behaviour, one should be able to adequately measure the behaviour. The purpose of this study is to establish a model for measuring secure behaviour, and to use this model to measure the secure behaviour of individuals while using mobile digital devices such as smartphones and laptops.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on a wide-ranging questionnaire (N = 1000), this study investigates the degree of influence that a relatively large number of factors have on secure behaviour while using mobile digital devices. These factors include knowledge and cognitive attitude, but also affective attitude, as well as several types of bias.

Findings
This study has provided a model for measuring secure behaviour. The results of the measurements show that knowledge, bias, cognitive attitude and affective attitude all have impact on secure behaviour while using mobile digital devices. Moreover, none of these factors is of minor importance.

Practical implications
This study shows that it is important to also consider previously undervalued factors, such as affective attitude and various types of bias, when designing interventions to improve secure behaviour while using mobile digital devices.

Originality/value
Most research on secure behaviour has only looked at a small number of influencing factors, usually limited to knowledge and cognitive attitude. This study shows that one needs a more elaborate model for measuring secure behaviour, and that previously undervalued factors have a clear influence on secure behaviour.
Experimental investigation of nanofluid lubrication on surface roughness under MQL aluminum alloy 6061-T6 series in drilling
Authors: MirHosseini Ehsan , Mirjalily Seyed Ali Agha , Ahrar Amir Javad , Oloomi Seyed Amir Abbas , Zare Mohammad Hasan 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the impact of varying the number of minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) nozzles, wind pressure, spindle speed and type of lubrication on surface roughness, fatigue life and tool wear in the drilling of aluminum alloy 6061-T6.

Design/methodology/approach
The effect of using different lubricants such as palm oil, graphene/water nanofluid and SiO2/water in the MQL method was compared with flood and dry methods. The lubricant flow and feed rate were kept constant throughout the drilling, while the number of nozzles, wind pressure and spindle speed varied. After preparing the parts, surface roughness, fatigue life and tool wear were measured, and the results were analyzed by ANOVA.

Findings
The results showed that using MQL with four nozzles and graphene/water nanofluid reduced surface roughness by 60%, followed by SiO2 nanofluid at 56%, and then by palm oil at 50%. Increasing the spindle speed in MQL mode with four nozzles using graphene nanofluid decreased surface roughness by 52% and improved fatigue life by 34% compared to the dry mode. SEM results showed that tool wear and deformation rates significantly decreased. Increasing the number of nozzles caused the fluid particles to penetrate the cutting area, resulting in improved tool cooling with lubrication in all directions.

Originality/value
Numerous attempts have been made worldwide to eliminate industrial lubricants due to environmental pollution. In this research, using nanofluid with wind pressure in MQL reduces environmental impacts and production costs while improving the quality of the final workpiece more than flood and dry methods.

Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-01-2024-0021/
Identification of dynamic parameters of journal bearings in an asymmetric rotor-bearing system
Authors: Chen Yinsi , Li Yuan , Liu Heng , Liu Yi 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify the dynamic parameters of journal bearings in asymmetric rotor systems without additional test runs or excitations.

Design/methodology/approach
An asymmetric rotor-bearing test rig was set up for the identification experiment. Comparations were made between the measured response of the asymmetric rotor and the symmetric rotor. The mathematical model of the asymmetric rotor is established by the finite element method. The identification algorithm is based on the model of the rotor and the measured vibration response to identify bearing parameters. The influence of modeling error and measurement noise on the identification results are numerically analyzed. The dynamic parameters of the journal bearings under different rotational speeds are identified and compared with the theoretical values calculated by the perturbation method.

Findings
The experiment results show that the vibration characteristics of the asymmetric rotor and the symmetric rotor are different. The numerical evaluation of the identification algorithm shows that the algorithm is accurate and has good robustness to modeling error and measurement noise. The identified dynamic parameters agree reasonably well with the parameters derived from the theoretical bearing model.

Originality/value
The proposed identification method uses the unique vibration characteristics of asymmetric rotors to identify the bearing dynamic parameters. As the method does not require excitations or additional test runs, it is suitable for the field test.

Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-03-2024-0096/
Learning to search and learning to slow down or “The quick and the dead”
Authors: Morrison Renee 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThis study examines the temporal dynamics shaping our understanding of search in education and the role language plays in legitimising these dynamics. It critiques the way online search is discursively constructed using home-education as a case study, and problematises how particular discourses are privileged, whom this privileging serves, as well as the likely consequences.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs Faircloughian Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as its methodological framework. Search and discursive practices were recorded during observations, search-tasks and interviews with five Australian home-educating families. Discursive features from the Google interface were also analysed.FindingsA discursive privileging of hasty search practices was identified. This was found alongside largely ineffectual search, but participants continued to discursively represent search as fast and easy. The study highlights the complex co-option of discourses surrounding online search that privilege particular temporal and commercial landscapes.Originality/valueThis study contributes new knowledge regarding time as a context for understanding search behaviours, locating the perception of temporal scarcity in education within broader discursive and social structures. To date, no studies are found which investigate the temporal factors surrounding search in home-education. Increasing global reliance upon online search means the findings have broad significance, as does the proliferation of home-education induced by COVID-19. Additionally, while much work problematises the power search engines wield to privilege certain discourses, few investigate the day-to-day discursive practices of searchers affording Google and others this power.
Students’ e-learning acceptance: empirical evidence from higher learning institutions
Authors: Shaikh Imran Mehboob , Tanakinjal Geoffrey Harvey , Amin Hanudin , Noordin Kamaruzaman , Shaikh Junaid 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that influence business students’ adoption of e-learning systems by merging innovation diffusion theory (IDT) and the teaching for professional competence model (TPCM).

Design/methodology/approach
Snowball sampling was used to conduct the survey. In addition, 217 responses were obtained from students at private educational institutions. Similarly, literature on the determinants of e-learning adoption, TPCM, and IDT were reviewed to contribute to the factors that are instrumental in determining e-learning systems adoption.

Findings
The findings of the study show that e-learning systems adoption is influenced by factors such as online collaborative learning (OCL) and technology self-efficacy. Above all, the OCL variable was found to be influential in determining students’ adoption of e-learning systems platforms. On the contrary, perceived attributes such as perceived compatibility and perceived relative advantage were found not to be significant determinants of e-learning systems adoption.

Research limitations/implications
This study contributed not only to the theoretical extensions but also to practical implications, which would benefit the policymakers of higher education providers in terms of e-learning system adoption in the country.

Originality/value
IDT and TPCM models are evaluated alongside additional variables, namely, OCL and technology self-efficacy. As a result, this paper will serve as a useful reference guide for academicians, higher education administrators, and future researchers.
An approach to intercultural training deemphasizing cross-cultural differences
Authors: Poortinga Ype H. 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to present an approach to intercultural training (IT) in which course participants are informed about various approaches to differences between peoples. Pitfalls in communication are identified that are due to overgeneralization of incidental observations of behavior and to psychological mechanisms such as stereotyping, ethnocentrism and attribution. Effects of poor command of a second language and paralinguistic factors are also included.

Design/methodology/approach
Intercultural communication training or IT programs often over-generalize incidental observations and make attributions about broad differences between “us” and “others”. An approach to IT is described that challenges the way in which notions about “culture” and “cultures” tend to be used.

Findings
A training module based on the principles mentioned is described that was originally developed for military officers preparing for international peace-keeping and peace-building missions and later has been administered in various settings and countries.

Research limitations/implications
An exit questionnaire and postmission interviews have suggested positive effects of the training, but more systematic evaluation research is needed.

Practical implications
Cross-cultural communication (3C) training is mostly about how other people differ from “us”. Better understanding may be gained with an approach that emphasizes how much humans everywhere are alike and that perceived differences can also be in the eye of the beholder.

Social implications
Mutual understanding is critical to positive interaction. The approach to 3C training taken here explains how much humans everywhere are alike and puts manifest differences into perspective.

Originality/value
The training module builds on available knowledge, notably from cross-cultural psychology. Except for a questionnaire to demonstrate ethnocentrism, there is hardly new information. However, the approach arranges available knowledge in a way that is rather novel for the field of 3C training.