bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of small molecule agonists of fetal hemoglobin expression for the treatment of sickle cell disease
Authors: Yang Jian-Ping , Toughiri Rachel , Gounder Anshu P. , Scheibe Dan , Petrus Matt , Fink Sarah J. , Vallee Sebastien , Kenniston Jon , Papaioannou Nikolaos , Langston Steve , Gavva Narender R. , Horman Shane R.
Published: July 2024

Induction of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) has been shown to be a viable therapeutic approach to treating sickle cell disease and potentially other β-hemoglobinopathies. To identify targets and target-modulating small molecules that enhance HbF expression, we engineered a human umbilical-derived erythroid progenitor reporter cell line (HUDEP2_HBG1_HiBiT) by genetically tagging a HiBiT peptide to the carboxyl (C)-terminus of the endogenousHBG1gene locus, which codes for γ-globin protein, a component of HbF. Employing this reporter cell line, we performed a chemogenomic screen of approximately 5000 compounds annotated with known targets or mechanisms that have achieved clinical stage or approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Among them, 10 compounds were confirmed for their ability to induce HbF in the HUDEP2 cell line. These include several known HbF inducers, such as pomalidomide, lenalidomide, decitabine, idoxuridine, and azacytidine, which validate the translational nature of this screening platform. We identified avadomide, autophinib, triciribine, and R574 as novel HbF inducers from these screens. We orthogonally confirmed HbF induction activities of the top hits in both parental HUDEP2 cells as well as in human primary CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). Further, we demonstrated that pomalidomide and avadomide, but not idoxuridine, induced HbF expression through downregulation of several transcriptional repressors such as BCL11A, ZBTB7A, and IKZF1. These studies demonstrate a robust phenotypic screening workflow that can be applied to large-scale small molecule profiling campaigns for the discovery of targets and pathways, as well as novel therapeutics of sickle cell disease and other β-hemoglobinopathies.

Key Points

Established a robust HbF luciferase reporter cell line to monitor endogenous γ-globin expression for a chemogenomic screen of compounds for the treatment of sickle cell disease.

Lead hit compounds were mechanistically confirmed for their ability to decrease expression of several transcriptional repressors such as BCL11A, ZBTB7A, and IKZF1.

Visual Abstract
Connexin 43 drives glioblastoma cancer stem cell phenotypes through a WNK lysine-deficient protein kinase 1-c-MYC signaling axis
Authors: Mulkearns-Hubert Erin E. , Hajdari Nicole , Hong Ellen S. , Jacobs Ashley P. , Kay Kristen E. , Wang Sabrina Z. , Silver Daniel J. , Hubert Christopher G. , Lathia Justin D.
Published: July 2024

The coordination of cellular processes such as growth and survival relies on communication between cells through gap junctions. Gap junction intercellular communication is driven by connexin proteins, which also mediate protein-protein interactions and communication with the extracellular space via hemichannels. Despite their essential roles, connexin function in cancer is context dependent, with connexin 43 (Cx43) reported to both promote and suppress tumor growth in glioblastoma, the most common primary malignant brain tumor. Here, we detect expression of Cx43 in glioblastoma patient-derived cancer stem cells and demonstrate that Cx43 is essential for their survival and self-renewal. Mechanistically, depletion of Cx43 reduces c-MYC expression through reduced levels of the upstream mediator WNK lysine-deficient protein kinase 1 (WNK1). Depletion of WNK1 phenocopies Cx43 knockdown and reduces MYC expression and tumor growth. Together, these results define a novel signaling axis downstream of Cx43 that promotes tumor growth and cancer stem cell phenotypes in glioblastoma.
Microglia Morphological Response to Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Extracellular Vesicles Demonstrates EV Therapeutic Potential for Modulating Neuroinflammation
Authors: Daga Kanupriya R. , Larey Andrew M. , Morfin Maria G. , Chen Kailin , Bitarafan Sara , Carpenter Jana M. , Hynds Hannah M. , Hines Kelly M. , Wood Levi B. , Marklein Ross A.
Published: July 2024

Background

Mesenchymal stromal cell derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) are a promising therapeutic for neuroinflammation. MSC-EVs can interact with microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, to exert their immunomodulatory effects. In response to inflammatory cues, such as cytokines, microglia undergo phenotypic changes indicative of their function e.g. morphology and secretion. However, these changes in response to MSC-EVs are not well understood. Additionally, no disease-relevant screening tools to assess MSC-EV bioactivity exist, which has further impeded clinical translation. Here, we developed a quantitative, high throughput morphological profiling approach to assess the response of microglia to neuroinflammation-relevant signals and whether this morphological response can be used to indicate the bioactivity of MSC-EVs.

Results

Using an immortalized human microglia cell-line, we observed increased size (perimeter, major axis length) and complexity (form factor) upon stimulation with interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Upon treatment with MSC-EVs, the overall morphological score (determined using principal component analysis) shifted towards the unstimulated morphology, indicating that MSC-EVs are bioactive and modulate microglia. The morphological effects of MSC-EVs in TNF-γ/IFN-α stimulated cells were concomitant with reduced secretion of 14 chemokines/cytokines (e.g. CXCL6, CXCL9) and increased secretion of 12 chemokines/cytokines (e.g. CXCL8, CXCL10). Proteomic analysis of cell lysates revealed significant increases in 192 proteins (e.g. HIBADH, MEAK7, LAMC1) and decreases in 257 proteins (e.g. PTEN, TOM1, MFF) with MSC-EV treatment. Of note, many of these proteins are involved in regulation of cell morphology and migration. Gene Set Variation Analysis revealed upregulation of pathways associated with immune response, such as regulation of cytokine production, immune cell infiltration (e.g. T cells, NK cells) and morphological changes (e.g. Semaphorin, RHO/Rac signaling). Additionally, changes in microglia mitochondrial morphology were measured suggesting that MSC-EV modulate mitochondrial metabolism.

Conclusion

This study comprehensively demonstrates the effects of MSC-EVs on human microglial morphology, cytokine secretion, cellular proteome, and mitochondrial content. Our high-throughput, rapid, low-cost morphological approach enables screening of MSC-EV batches and manufacturing conditions to enhance EV function and mitigate EV functional heterogeneity in a disease relevant manner. This approach is highly generalizable and can be further adapted and refined based on selection of the disease-relevant signal, target cell, and therapeutic product.
Mobile Integrons Encode Phage Defense Systems
Authors: Kieffer Nicolas , Hipólito Alberto , Ortiz-Miravalles Laura , Blanco Paula , Delobelle Thomas , Vizuete Patricia , Ojeda Francisco Manuel , Jové Thomas , Jurenas Dukas , García-Quintanilla Meritxell , Carvalho André , Domingo-Calap Pilar , Escudero José Antonio
Published: July 2024

Integrons are bacterial genetic elements that capture, stockpile and modulate the expression of genes encoded in integron cassettes. Mobile Integrons (MI) are borne on plasmids, acting as a vehicle for hundreds of antimicrobial resistance genes among key pathogens. These elements also carrygenecassettes ofunknown function (gcus) whose role and adaptive value remains unexplored. Here we show thatgcus encode phage resistance systems, many of which are novel.Bacteriophageresistanceintegroncassettes (BRiCs) can be combined and mixed with resistance cassettes to produce multiphage or drug/phage-resistance. The fitness costs of BRiCs are variable, dependent on the genetic context, and can be modulated by changing the order of cassettes in the array. Hence, MIs act as highly mobile, low-cost defense islands.

Abstract Figure

Summary Figure

Novel phage defense systems identified in Mobile Integrons.

We confronted genes of unknown function from mobile integrons against a panel of phage. We characterized 13 Bacteriophage Resistance integron Cassettes (BRiCs) and confirmed their function inKlebsiella pneumoniaeandPseudomonas aeruginosa. Combined with other cassettes, BRiCs produce multi-phage/antibiotic resistance. Additionally, their cost can be reduced in an array.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs of Women with Severe Mental Illness in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review
Authors: Sisodia Shilpa , Hammond Zara , Leonardi-Bee Jo , Hanlon Charlotte , Asher Laura
Published: July 2024

Background

This scoping review aimed to understand the extent and type of evidence in relation to sexual and reproductive health needs of women with severe mental illness (SMI) in low-and middle-income countries (LMIC) and to summarise those needs.

Methods

Inclusion criteria were 1) focus on sexual and reproductive health needs 2) women or girls with SMI, professionals, caregivers of women with SMI and community members 3) study set in a LMIC 4) peer reviewed literature (no restriction on study date or design). Studies were identified from comprehensive searches of Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO (to July 2023).

Results

The review included 100 papers. Most studies were cross-sectional and set in hospital outpatient departments. We identified studies in only 19 of 140 LMIC countries and only 15 studies were set-in low-income countries. Included studies often had multiple focus areas which were grouped into themes of HIV (prevalence, risk behaviour and knowledge), other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), sexual function, contraception use and family planning, sexual violence, fertility, pregnancy and postpartum.

Included studies indicated women with SMI have worse outcomes and worse sexual and reproductive health compared to both women without SMI and men with SMI. Women with SMI were shown to have higher rates of HIV and low levels of contraception knowledge and use, with little advice offered by professionals.

Conclusions

This review highlights the need for a greater diversity of study methodology, robustness of ethical and consensual reporting when researching vulnerable populations and for further research on interventions and models of care aimed at addressing stigma, discrimination and improving the sexual and reproductive health of women with SMI. Future research should better represent the breadth of LMIC, investigate cultural adaptability of interventions and consider sexual health needs across the life course.
ChAHP2 and ChAHP control diverse retrotransposons by complementary activities
Authors: Ahel Josip , Pandey Aparna , Schwaiger Michaela , Mohn Fabio , Basters Anja , Kempf Georg , Andriollo Aude , Kaaij Lucas , Hess Daniel , Bühler Marc
Published: July 2024

Retrotransposon control in mammals is an intricate process that is effectuated by a broad network of chromatin regulatory pathways. We previously discovered ChAHP, a protein complex with repressive activity against short interspersed element (SINE) retrotransposons that is composed of the transcription factor ADNP, chromatin remodeler CHD4, and HP1 proteins. Here we identify ChAHP2, a protein complex homologous to ChAHP, in which ADNP is replaced by ADNP2. ChAHP2 is predominantly targeted to endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) and long interspersed elements (LINEs) via HP1β-mediated binding of H3K9 trimethylated histones. We further demonstrate that ChAHP also binds these elements in a manner mechanistically equivalent to that of ChAHP2 and distinct from DNA sequence-specific recruitment at SINEs. Genetic ablation of ADNP2 alleviates ERV and LINE1 repression, which is synthetically exacerbated by additional depletion of ADNP. Together, our results reveal that the ChAHP and ChAHP2 complexes function to control both nonautonomous and autonomous retrotransposons by complementary activities, further adding to the complexity of mammalian transposon control.
Periodic quantum Rabi model with cold atoms at deep strong coupling
Authors: Hunanyan Geram , Koch Johannes , Moll Stefanie , Rico Enrique , Solano Enrique , Weitz Martin
Published: July 2024

The quantum Rabi model describes the coupling of a two-state system to a bosonic field mode. Recent theoretical work has pointed out that a generalized periodic version of this model, which maps onto Hamiltonians applicable in superconducting qubit settings, can be quantum simulated with cold trapped atoms. Here, we experimentally demonstrate atomic dynamics predicted by the periodic quantum Rabi model far in the deep strong-coupling regime. The two-state system is represented by two Bloch bands of cold atoms in an optical lattice, and the bosonic mode by oscillations in a superimposed optical dipole trap potential. The observed dynamics beyond the usual quantum Rabi physics becomes relevant when the edge of the Brillouin zone is reached, and evidence for collapse and revival of the initial state is revealed at extreme coupling conditions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Active tension and membrane friction mediate cortical flows and blebbing in a model actomyosin cortex
Authors: Sakamoto R. , Murrell M. P.
Published: July 2024

Blebs, spherical membrane bulges of the cell membrane, are ubiquitous structures observed in various biological phenomena, including apoptosis, cell division, to bleb-based cell migration. The mechanics of blebbing have been characterized in terms of the actin cytoskeleton beneath the cell membrane. However, how changes in cortical mechanics relate to changes in the physical behaviors of the cell remains unclear. Here, we reconstitute a minimal model of the actomyosin cortex within liposomes. Upon laser ablation of the cortex, myosin-induced mechanical stresses are relaxed by different mechanisms—either cortical flows or membrane blebbing. For cortical flows, the cortex-membrane composite behaves as a viscoelastic fluid. By contrast, for ablation-induced blebbing, elastic stresses are accumulated, and the cortex behaves as a solid with a stress yield. These results highlight pivotal roles for membrane elasticity, cytoskeleton, and pressure in the mechanical responses of the actomyosin cortex.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
PT
-symmetry-enabled stable modes in a multicore fiber
Authors: Gratcheva Tamara , Joglekar Yogesh N. , Gopalakrishnan Jay
Published: July 2024

Open systems with balanced gain and loss, described by parity-time (PT-symmetric) Hamiltonians have been deeply explored over the past decade. Most explorations are limited to finite discrete models (in real or reciprocal spaces) or continuum problems in one dimension. As a result, these models do not leverage the complexity and variability of two-dimensional continuum problems on a compact support. Here, we investigate eigenvalues of the Schrödinger equation on a disk with zero boundary condition, in the presence of constant, PT-symmetric, gain-loss potential that is confined to two mirror-symmetric disks. We find a rich variety of exceptional points, re-entrant PT-symmetric phases, and a nonmonotonic dependence of the PT-symmetry breaking threshold on the system parameters. By comparing results of two model variations, we show that this simple model of a multicore fiber supports propagating modes in the presence of gain and loss.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
The role of inter-organisational communication in the performance of strategic alliances: a relational perspective
Authors: Franco Mário , Haase Heiko , Rodrigues Margarida
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to determine whether inter-organisational communication, based on four communicational dimensions (willingness, behaviour, commitment and quality), influences the performance of strategic alliances.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this objective, from a relational perspective, a qualitative approach was adopted, resorting to five small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)/cases in Portugal. Interviews with the key informants of these SMEs and documentary analysis were used to collect data.

Findings

Based on the cases analysed, the results show that communication is fundamental, valued and implemented in the SMEs studied. However, this is informal communication, reflecting the cooperation established and not based on contracts. In these SMEs, communication is the basis for understanding the alliance’s objectives and their fulfilment, which creates satisfaction in the partners and the alliance’s success. Communication also allows an alliance to be maintained and develop continuously, creating bonds between the partners.

Practical implications

Without that communication, alliance performance will not be possible. The study is relevant as it indicates management practices in strategic alliances based on inter-organisational communication, aiming for good performance. Therefore, it contributes to advancing knowledge about strategic alliances through the innovative link with inter-organisational communication and its applicability.

Originality/value

This study is new and innovative because it contributes to the literature in the area of strategic management, as it presents phenomena to do with inter-organisational communication and its relation with strategic alliances in SMEs, as well as advancing knowledge about the relational perspective. In addition, the application and development of inter-organisational communication, in all its communicational dimensions, are the basis for maintaining alliances over time and their performance.
Factors influencing tourists' technology adoption in Saudi Arabia: examining determinants for effective use of mobile apps in tourism
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Fazel Hesham
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The use of smartphone applications is the primary means by which modern technology improves the experiences of tourists in the tourism industry by bringing novel and superior features. The purpose of this study is to look into and examine the factors that affect tourists’ intention to use technology when looking for information in areas of tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

This study quantitatively uses online surveys. A total number of 315 questionnaires were collected from the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia. Partial least squares-structural equations model is used to analyze the data to evaluate the measurement and structural models.

Findings

Results of this study reveal that attitude, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and perceived enjoyment significantly and positively influence the intention of tourists, while customer relationship management and personal innovativeness in technology are insignificant. Furthermore, customer relationship management and personal innovativeness in technology indirectly impact tourists’ intentions.

Originality/value

This study offers novel insights by comprehensively analyzing the factors that influence tourists' intention to adopt technology in the context of destination information searches. Finding new avenues, the research emphasizes the distinct functions of customer relationship management, personal innovativeness in technology and enjoyment, offering insightful viewpoints for improving technology integration in the tourism industry.
Entrepreneurial working-class masculinities and curating the corporeal: social media influencers, porntrepreneurs and the case of OnlyFans
Authors: Stahl Garth , Zhao Yang
Published: July 2024

Purpose

For the most part, the majority of the research on entrepreneurial masculinities has focused on the traditional business and finance sector, capturing a masculinity infused with notions of dominance, a cut-throat disposition and corporate acumen. There has been relatively less attention focused on the reproduction of masculinities and monetized body work in digital forms of entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual article explores some of the entrepreneurial and performative skills utilized by male OnlyFans creators as they curate not only their bodies but also their sexualities in order to attract subscribers and maximize profits.

Findings

Mapping the relationship between entrepreneurialism and masculinity on OnlyFans is significant considering the platform’s popularity and the changing nature of digital entrepreneurship. Drawing connections to previous research on working-class entrepreneurial masculinities, we highlight how male OnlyFans creators, who are largely from working-class backgrounds, are actively practicing entrepreneurial skills.

Originality/value

We foreground the work of social media creators as sexualized and aesthetic labour, making connections between digital entrepreneurship, working-class masculinity, sexuality, and (idealized) bodies. Our article concludes with making recommendations for future research on the study of gender and sexuality within for-profit digital entrepreneurship.
Rethinking resilience: a regression analysis study of the experiences of refugee and immigrant youth in Montreal
Authors: Gyan Charles , Chireh Batholomew , Oyinlola Oluwagbemiga
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Refugee and immigrant youth (RIY) experience multifaceted challenges, but also have the potential to become resilient. Most of the existing literature focuses on the challenges these RIY face with limited attention to their agency and resilience. This study aims to assess the factors that predict RIY’s resilience among refugee and immigrant youth in Montreal, Canada.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 93 RIY in Montreal was surveyed. A questionnaire consisting of validated scales was used for data collection.

Findings

The study found a positive correlation between educational level, personal resilience and relational resilience (p < 0.001). However, ethnicity did not have a significant correlation with the participant’s general level of resilience (p > 0.001). Cultural, religious, family, community ties, age and time lived in Montréal were found to be predictors of general resilience, relational resilience and personal resilience of the RIY (p < 0.001).

Originality/value

The study concluded that factors such as cultural, religious and community ties are major predictors of the resilience of RIY in Montreal. Hence, the need for mental health practitioners and resettlement organizations that work with RIY to focus on reconceptualizing resilience to incorporate the cultural, religious and community ties of RIY. This will help in developing services and programs that are culturally sensitive and effective in fostering the resilience of RIY.
Exploring generative AI literacy in higher education: student adoption, interaction, evaluation and ethical perceptions
Authors: Chen Kong , Tallant April C. , Selig Ian
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Current knowledge and research on students’ utilization and interaction with generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools in their academic work is limited. This study aims to investigate students’ engagement with these tools.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used survey-based research to investigate generative AI literacy (utilization, interaction, evaluation of output and ethics) among students enrolled in a four-year public university in the southeastern USA. This article focuses on the respondents who have used generative AI (218; 47.2%).

Findings

Most respondents used generative AI to generate ideas for papers, projects or assignments, and they also used AI to assist with their original ideas. Despite their use of AI assistance, most students were critical of generative AI output, and this mindset was reflected in their reported interactions with ChatGPT. Respondents expressed a need for explicit guidance from course syllabi and university policies regarding generative AI’s ethical and appropriate use.

Originality/value

Literature related to generative AI use in higher education specific to ChatGPT is predominantly from educators’ viewpoints. This study provides empirical evidence about how university students report using generative AI in the context of generative AI literacy.
How efficient are Indian banks? An application of stochastic frontier analysis
Authors: Khan Ahmad Shadab , Akhtar Shakeb , Alam Mahfooz
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the efficiency of Indian commercial banks from 2002 to 2018 using the stochastic frontier analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the parametric approach of the stochastic frontier to examine the technical efficiency of banks acknowledging exogenous shocks, omitted variables and measurement errors, filling a gap in the existing financial literature. The scope of this study was constrained to 71 scheduled commercial banks to make it manageable and productive with 1,036 observations.

Findings

The results show that the mean technical efficiency of new private banks remained constant at 92.7% during the study period because of technology diffusion in banking systems. The technical efficiency of the nationalized, old private and foreign banks has enhanced over the period because of the efficient utilization of various innovative information technology services such as mobile banking, cheque truncation system, magnetic ink character recognition. However, the foreign banks are still laggards with a mean technical efficiency of 81.7%. The empirical findings suggest that new private sector banks depict higher efficiency than nationalized, old private and foreign banks.

Research limitations/implications

This study’s sample represents all categories of banks (public, private and foreign) including the banks that merged or consolidated during the period of study. To achieve the desired results, the authors incorporate the consolidated and merged banks in their data set. Further, the authors excluded all scheduled small finance banks and scheduled payment banks from their analysis, as these entities commenced operations post-2015. Additionally, the authors also excluded regional rural banks because of their distinct mandate aimed at servicing the rural populace and agricultural sector.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on the performance of conventional banks in general and emerging markets, in particular, using the most recent data and covering a relatively long period using the stochastic frontier approach.
Exploring team collaboration in the metaverse from a human capital perspective
Authors: Hendriks Patrick , Olt Christian M. , Sturm Timo , Moos Clara C.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

We aim to help better understand how organizations can develop their human capital in virtual teams through technological advances in the metaverse. To this end, we examine how virtual team collaboration with virtual reality technologies in the metaverse compares to traditional videoconferencing. Our study demonstrates how the metaverse can facilitate collaboration in virtual teams and examines the factors that are critical to successful team collaboration in the metaverse.

Design/methodology/approach

We conduct a lab experiment comparing Meta Horizon Workrooms with Zoom. Using a between-subjects design, we observe virtual team collaboration in five teams. All teams solved the Lost on the Moon Exercise used by NASA to train teamwork. We collected data during and after the experiment to explore emerging collaborative behaviors based on audio and video recordings, a quantitative survey, and qualitative feedback.

Findings

We find higher levels of immersion, social presence, and collaboration among team members in the metaverse. We further identify new opportunities for social interaction and greater focus on team members and shared tasks. Our study suggests that the metaverse can enable effective collaboration in virtual teams and uncovers related guidance for organizations.

Originality/value

We connect the research streams on the metaverse, team collaboration, and human capital. We add empirical evidence to the largely theoretical discussion on the metaverse and explore collaboration tools for virtual teams, helping to enable effective collaboration of organizations’ virtual teams. We hope to stimulate further research to unlock the full collaborative potential of the metaverse and establish the metaverse for effective development of human capital.
Discovering public attitudes and emotions toward educational robots through online reviews: a comparative analysis of Weibo and Twitter
Authors: Wang Qian , Wan Yan , Feng Feng , Peng Ziqing , Luo Jing
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Public reviews on educational robots are of great importance for the design, development and management of the most advanced robots with an educational purpose. This study explores the public attitudes and emotions toward educational robots through online reviews on Weibo and Twitter by using text mining methods.

Design/methodology/approach

Our study applied topic modeling to reveal latent topics about educational robots through online reviews on Weibo and Twitter. The similarities and differences in preferences for educational robots among public on different platforms were analyzed. An enhanced sentiment classification model based on three-way decision was designed to evaluate the public emotions about educational robots.

Findings

For Weibo users, positive topics tend to the characteristics, functions and globalization of educational robots. In contrast, negative topics are professional quality, social crisis and emotion experience. For Twitter users, positive topics are education curricula, social interaction and education supporting. The negative topics are teaching ability, humanistic care and emotion experience. The proposed sentiment classification model combines the advantages of deep learning and traditional machine learning, which improves the classification performance with the help of the three-way decision. The experiments show that the performance of the proposed sentiment classification model is better than other six well-known models.

Originality/value

Different from previous studies about attitudes analysis of educational robots, our study enriched this research field in the perspective of data-driven. Our findings also provide reliable insights and tools for the design, development and management of educational robots, which is of great significance for facilitating artificial intelligence in education.
Residents’ preferences for tourism development in a protected area: a choice experiment
Authors: Ojijo Cynthia Richter , Steiger Robert
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to reveal residents’ individual perceptions of nature-based destination development and preferences for infrastructure and tourism superstructure development among communities that rely heavily on wildlife tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was used among the Maasai community based in the villages and towns near the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The attributes included type of tourism accommodation, location of tourism accommodations, types of access roads (tarmac or marram), tourist numbers and desired land-use options (between tourism development, livestock grazing and agriculture). A DCE analysis with hierarchical Bayes estimation was performed.

Findings

It revealed that the introduction to land-use restrictions and the location of tourism accommodations were the most important attributes for the respondents, with average importance values of 30.36% and 24.02%, respectively. A significant less important attribute was the types of access roads with an average importance of just 8.38%. Cluster analysis revealed widespread heterogeneity in preferences.

Research limitations/implications

The survey-based DCE was conducted in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, and therefore may not be relevant in other contexts. The focus was also only on the residents’ preferences. The findings broaden the knowledge on tourism developments and residents’ support for development and management of protected areas.

Practical implications

For policymakers, conservation practitioners and tourism businesses, this study provides a source of reference for understanding the development preferences of the Maasai community. In general, the study contributes to a better understanding of local communities in relations to tourism development and residents’ support for developments and management of protected areas (PAs).

Originality/value

This study fills the gap in the literature on tourism development and residents’ support for developments in PAs by presenting some limits of acceptable and desirable use of PAs among a community that has a complex coexistence with a wildlife tourism destination. It provides an alternative perspective for future research by examining residents’ choice towards destination development and preferences for infrastructure and tourism superstructure development using an experimental approach.
An imaging condition for acoustic reverse time migration with implicit angle‐dependent weighting factors and its extended applications for imaging elastic P–P and S–S data
Authors: Han Bingkai , Mao Weijian , Ouyang Wei , Zhang Qingchen , Lei Tao
Published: July 2024

The imaging condition is a crucial component of the reverse time migration. In its conventional form, it involves cross‐correlating the extrapolated source‐ and receiver‐side wavefields. Effective imaging conditions are usually developed to suppress imaging artefacts (e.g. low‐wavenumber artefacts) and enhance the image quality. For acoustic reverse time migration, not only the scalar pressure but also their spatial and/or time derivatives are used in the imaging condition, similar to the gradient terms of adjoint tomography. These operations implicitly introduce additional angle‐domain weighting factors to the image results. In this study, based on an analysis of angle‐dependent properties of the existing imaging conditions, we propose a new imaging condition tailored for acoustic reverse time migration. It can be implemented efficiently using the variables within the finite‐difference solver. Without explicitly measuring wave propagation directions, the proposed imaging condition can naturally suppress the low‐wavenumber artefacts while maintaining a relatively wider imaging aperture, thereby corresponding to a broader wavenumber sampling range. Additionally, the evolved imaging conditions for imaging elastic P–P and S–S scattering and reflections are also formulated. In the angle domain, we conduct a comparative analysis between existing imaging conditions and the newly proposed ones. Various numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the advantages of the new imaging conditions. A comprehensive understanding of their angle‐domain properties may be further beneficial to constructing reasonable inversion strategies for full waveform inversion.
Using a Centroid‐based approach for a reliable identification of morels (Morchella spp.): A case study for food authentication
Authors: Cravero Melissa , Ruelle Jean , Bindschedler Saskia , Emler Stefan , Junier Pilar
Published: July 2024

Food fraud is a problematic yet common phenomenon in the food industry. It impacts numerous sectors, including the market of edible mushrooms. Morel mushrooms are prized worldwide for their culinary and medicinal use. They represent a taxonomically complex group in which food fraud has already been reported. Among the methods to evaluate food fraud, some rely on comparisons of genetic sequences obtained from a sample to existing databases. However, the quality and usefulness of the results are limited by the type of comparison tool and the quality of the database used. The Centroid‐based approach is applied by SmartGene in a proprietary artificial intelligence‐based method for the generation of automatically curated reference databases that can be further expert curated. In this study, using sequences of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the genus Morchella (true morels), we compared this approach to the traditional pairwise alignment tool using two other databases: UNITE and Mycobank (MLST). The Centroid‐based approach using an expert‐curated database was more performant for the identification of 53 representative ITS sequences corresponding to validated species (83% accuracy, compared to 36% and 47% accuracy for UNITE and MLST, respectively). The Centroid method also revealed an inaccurate taxonomic annotation for sequences of commercial cultivars submitted to public databases. Combined with the web‐based commercial software IDNS® available at Smartgene, the Centroid‐based approach constitutes a valuable tool to ensure the quality of morel products on the market for actors of the food industry.

Practical Application

The Centroid‐based approach can be used by agri‐food actors who need to identify true morels down to the species level without any prior taxonomical knowledge. These include routine laboratories of the food industry, food distributors, and public surveillance agencies. This is a reliable method that requires minimal skills and resources, therefore being particularly adapted for nonspecialists.
The effect of securities litigation risk on firm value and disclosure
Authors: Donelson Dain C. , Hutzler Christian M. , Monsen Brian R. , Yust Christopher G.
Published: July 2024

Critics assert that securities class actions are economically burdensome and yield minimal recoveries, whereas proponents claim they deter wrongdoing. We examine key events in the recent Goldman Sachs Supreme Court case to test the net effect of securities litigation risk on shareholder value. We find that investors view securities class actions as value‐increasing. However, the strength of this effect varies based on external monitoring. Investors view securities class actions as more value‐enhancing when institutional ownership is low. We also use this setting to examine the effect of securities litigation risk on mandatory disclosure because the Goldman Sachs case focuses on mandatory disclosure properties. Using a difference‐in‐differences design, we find firm risk factor disclosures become shorter and less similar to industry peers, and they contain more uncertain and weak terms. Overall, our results show nuanced effects of securities litigation risk on shareholder value and firm disclosure.
Accumulation of DNA G‐quadruplex in mitochondrial genome hallmarks mesenchymal senescence
Authors: Yu Kangkang , Li Feifei , Ye Ling , Yu Fanyuan
Published: July 2024

Searching for biomarkers of senescence remains necessary and challenging. Reliable and detectable biomarkers can indicate the senescence condition of individuals, the need for intervention in a population, and the effectiveness of that intervention in controlling or delaying senescence progression and senescence‐associated diseases. Therefore, it is of great importance to fulfill the unmet requisites of senescence biomarkers especially when faced with the growing global senescence nowadays. Here, we established that DNA G‐quadruplex (G4) in mitochondrial genome was a reliable hallmark for mesenchymal senescence. Via developing a versatile and efficient mitochondrial G4 (mtG4) probe we revealed that in multiple types of senescence, including chronologically healthy senescence, progeria, and replicative senescence, mtG4 hallmarked aged mesenchymal stem cells. Furthermore, we revealed the underlying mechanisms by which accumulated mtG4, specifically within respiratory chain complex (RCC) I and IV loci, repressed mitochondrial genome transcription, finally impairing mitochondrial respiration and causing mitochondrial dysfunction. Our findings endowed researchers with the visible senescence biomarker based on mitochondrial genome and furthermore revealed the role of mtG4 in inhibiting RCC genes transcription to induce senescence‐associated mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings depicted the crucial roles of mtG4 in predicting and controlling mesenchymal senescence.
A systematic review of research examining mothers, infants, family and staff in psychiatric mother‐baby units
Authors: Adhikary Sam , Gillespie Kerri , Kimball Hayley , Healey Lyndall , Webb Olivia , Balram Abha , Branjerdporn Grace
Published: July 2024

Objective

This systematic review aimed to summarise and synthesise research conducted in psychiatric mother‐baby units (MBUs) in relation to patients, their families, or staff, published from 1st January 2016 to 1st May 2024.

Method

Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed‐method studies were included for review if they were published in peer‐review journals in English and reported research on MBUs between January 2016 and May 2024. From the initial yield of 10,007 unique studies, 53 studies were included for review.

Results

MBU research was found to more frequently investigate maternal characteristics rather than the benefits of MBU treatment compared to studies conducted prior to 2016. Most studies that did investigate impact of admission showed favourable results, however few follow‐up studies and studies comparing MBU outcomes to other clinical settings were undertaken. Little research has been conducted to investigate the differential impacts of MBU admission on different diagnoses and long‐term (>1 year) patient outcomes. There was a dearth of research investigating partners of women in MBUs and few studies conducted on infant outcomes.

Conclusions

MBUs were consistently found to improve mental health systems and mother‐infant attachment in patients after admission. More research investigating patient support networks and child health, impact of diagnosis on outcomes, and studies with adequate follow‐up are required.
Seabird bycatch in European waters
Authors: Ramírez I. , Mitchell D. , Vulcano A. , Rouxel Y. , Marchowski D. , Almeida A. , Arcos J. M. , Cortes V. , Lange G. , Morkūnas J. , Oliveira N. , Paiva V. H.
Published: July 2024

The incidental capture (bycatch) of seabirds is a global conservation issue and a top threat to European species that demands urgent conservation and management action. Here, we present the first European review of seabird bycatch data, considering all fishing gears and data collection methods available in the region. We calculate seabird bycatch numbers per species, family, country and European marine region and assess the reliability of the data available. The cumulative bycatch estimate extracted from this review suggests that about 195,000 seabirds (ranging from around 130,000 to 380,000) are bycaught in European waters annually. The most affected seabird species is the Common Guillemot Uria aalge with over 31,000 birds killed per year. The marine region with the highest bycatch estimate is the Northeast Atlantic (over 115,000 seabirds year−1). Gillnet fisheries are responsible for the highest bycatch levels, with over 95,000 seabirds year−1, followed by longline fisheries. The families most affected by bycatch are Anatidae and Alcidae. These numbers are likely an underestimation since we were unable to find bycatch estimates, or to extrapolate estimates from available bycatch data for 12 (out of 34) European coastal states. Our assessment also identified significant data gaps in key areas such as Gran Sol (in the north‐east Atlantic), the central and Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Combining systematic data collection with immediate implementation of mitigation measures will be crucial to fill in knowledge gaps, reduce current mortality levels and meet international conservation commitments such as those of the European Union and the Convention on Migratory Species.
Supply chain digitalization and corporate ESG performance
Authors: Chen Siqian , Leng Xin , Luo Kun
Published: July 2024

In the wave of the digital economy, supply chain digitalization is a visual manifestation of businesses integrating digital technology into their production and operations. It helps companies enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness, gradually becoming a key driver for corporate sustainable development. This study selects Chinese A‐share listed companies from 2012 to 2021 as research samples and empirically tests the impact of supply chain digitalization on corporate environment (E), social responsibility (S), and corporate governance (G) (ESG) performance. We find that supply chain digitalization significantly promotes corporate ESG performance, which is achieved by reducing information asymmetry and easing financing constraints. The positive effect of supply chain digitalization on corporate ESG performance varies significantly among different enterprises, with more prominent effects in mature enterprises, those at both ends of the industrial chain, and those located in regions with lower degree of marketization. Further analysis reveals that supply chain digitalization brings about an innovation effect for enterprises. These findings enrich the research on supply chain digitalization and corporate ESG performance, providing valuable insights for promoting supply‐side structural reforms and corporate sustainable development.
Incidence and predictors of major gastrointestinal bleeding in patients on aspirin, low‐dose rivaroxaban, or the combination: Secondary analysis of the COMPASS randomised controlled trial
Authors: Forbes Nauzer , Yi Qilong , Moayyedi Paul , Bosch Jackie , Bhatt Deepak L. , Fox Keith A. A. , Eikelboom John W.
Published: July 2024

Background

The incidence of major gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in patients on low‐dose direct‐acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) is relatively unknown. Estimates from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are lacking.

Aims

To assess GIB incidence and predictors from RCT data of patients on aspirin, low‐dose rivaroxaban, or both.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of RCT data wherein patients received aspirin 100 mg daily and rivaroxaban 2.5 mg b.d., aspirin alone, or rivaroxaban 5 mg b.d. Patients were followed from 2013 to 2016 at 602 centres. Outcomes included overall, upper, and lower GIB. We employed multivariable logistic regression to yield odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals for potential exposures.

Results

Among 27,395 patients, the annual incidence of GIB on rivaroxaban 2.5 mg b.d. with aspirin was 801.7 per 100,000 compared with 372.3 in 100,000 for aspirin. Age (OR 4.16, 2.53–6.82 for ≥75 vs. 55–64), peptic ulcer disease (PUD, OR 1.57, 1.01–2.44), liver disease (OR 2.09, 1.01–4.33), hypertension (OR 1.42, 1.04–1.94), and smoking (OR 1.85, 1.26–2.73) were associated with overall GIB. Kidney disease (OR 1.68, 1.12–2.51) was significantly associated with upper GIB, whereas diverticular disease (OR 3.75, 1.88–7.49) was associated with lower GIB. Addition of rivaroxaban to aspirin was associated more with lower GIB (OR 2.82, 1.64–4.84) than upper GIB (OR 1.86, 1.18–2.92).

Conclusions

We established incidences and identified risk factors for GIB in users of low‐dose DOACs. Novel risk factors included current or former smoking and diverticulosis. Future studies should aim to validate these risk factors.
ArchaeoPyDating: A new user‐friendly release for archaeomagnetic dating
Authors: Serrano Mario , Pavón‐Carrasco F. Javier , Campuzano Saioa A. , Osete M. Luisa
Published: July 2024

In this work, we present ArchaeoPyDating, a new version of the archaeo_dating Matlab software used for archaeomagnetic dating. This updated version introduces a transition from the original Matlab code to Python, enabling the software to be presented as an online tool. By offering a web‐based interface, ArchaeoPyDating eliminates the need for licenses, program installations, or programming expertise, making it widely accessible to users through various devices and browsers. This enhanced accessibility holds great potential for popularizing the archaeomagnetic dating method. This study presents both the new online version of the tool and a Python module that encompasses all the essential classes and functions required for conducting archaeomagnetic dating in a command‐line environment, which can be useful for advanced users.