bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A deep generative model for estimating single-cell RNA splicing and degradation rates
Authors: Mizukoshi Chikara , Kojima Yasuhiro , Nomura Satoshi , Hayashi Shuto , Abe Ko , Shimamura Teppei
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Messenger RNA splicing and degradation are critical for gene expression regulation, the abnormality of which leads to diseases. Previous methods for estimating kinetic rates have limitations, assuming uniform rates across cells. We introduce DeepKINET, a deep generative model that estimates splicing and degradation rates at single-cell resolution from scRNA-seq data. DeepKINET outperformed existing methods on simulated and metabolic labeling datasets. Applied to forebrain and breast cancer data, it identified RNA-binding proteins responsible for kinetic rate diversity. DeepKINET also analyzed the effects of splicing factor mutations on target genes in erythroid lineage cells. DeepKINET effectively reveals cellular heterogeneity in post-transcriptional regulation.
HIHISIV: a database of gene expression in HIV and SIV host immune response
Authors: Costa Raquel Lopes , Gadelha Luiz , D’arc Mirela , Ribeiro-Alves Marcelo , Robertson David L , Schwartz Jean-Marc , Soares Marcelo A. , Porto Fábio
Published: November 2023

In the battle of the host against lentiviral pathogenesis, the immune response is crucial. However, several questions remain unanswered about the interaction with different viruses and their influence on disease progression. The simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infecting nonhuman primates (NHP) is widely used as a model for the study of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Both because they are evolutionarily linked and because they share physiological and anatomical similarities that are largely explored to understand the disease progression. The HIHISIV database was developed to support researchers to integrate and evaluate the large number of transcriptional data associated with the presence/absence of the pathogen (SIV or HIV) and the host response (NHP and human). The datasets are composed of microarray and RNA-Seq gene expression data that were selected, curated, analyzed, enriched, and stored in a relational database. Six query templates comprise the main data analysis functions and the resulting information can be downloaded. The HIHISIV database provides accurate resources for browsing and visualizing results and for more robust analyses of pre-existing data in transcriptome repositories.

Database URL

https://hihisiv.github.io
FliH and FliI help FlhA bring strict order to flagellar protein export inSalmonella
Authors: Kinoshita Miki , Minamino Tohru , Uchihashi Takayuki , Namba Keiichi
Published: November 2023

The flagellar type III secretion system (fT3SS) switches substrate specificity from rod-hook-type to filament-type upon hook completion, terminating hook assembly and initiating filament assembly. The FlhA ring is directly involved in substrate recognition, allowing the fT3SS to coordinate flagellar protein export with assembly, but the mechanism remains a mystery. Here, we report that the highly conserved GYXLI motif of FlhA is important for ordered protein export by the fT3SS. The fT3SS with theflhA(Y369A/R370A/L371A/I372A)(AAAA) orflhA(Y369G/R370G/L371G/I372G)(GGGG) mutation did not switch the substrate specificity at an appropriate timing of hook assembly. The A372V/T and G372V substitutions recovered the export switching function of the AAAA and GGGG mutants, respectively, in the presence but not in the absence of FliH and FliI, components of the flagellar ATPase complex. Interestingly, a filament-type substrate, FlgL, was secreted via the fT3SS with the AAAA or GGGG mutation during hook assembly in the absence of FliH and FliI but not in their presence. These observations suggest that FlhA requires the flagellar ATPase complex not only to efficiently remodel its ring structure responsible for the substrate specificity switching of the fT3SS but also to correct substrate recognition errors that occur during flagellar assembly.
A genome-wide association study of neonatal metabolites
Authors: He Quanze , Liu Hankui , Lu Lu , Zhang Qin , Wang Qi , Wang Benjing , Wu Xiaojuan , Guan Liping , Mao Jun , Xue Ying , Zhang Chunhua , He Yuxing , Peng Xiangwen , Peng Huanhuan , Zhao Kangrong , Li Hong , Jin Xin , Zhao Lijian , Zhang Jianguo , wang Ting
Published: November 2023

The hereditary component significantly influences the concentration of metabolites in adults. Nevertheless, the precise influence of genetic factors on neonatal metabolites remains uncertain. To bridge this gap, we employed genotype imputation techniques on large-scale low-pass genome data obtained from non-invasive prenatal testing. Subsequently, we conducted association studies on a total of 75 metabolic components in neonates. The study identified a total 17 previous reported associations and 13 novel discovered associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms and metabolic components. These associations were initially found in the discovery cohort (8,744 participants) and subsequently confirmed in a replication cohort (19,041 participants). The average heritability of metabolic components was calculated to be 76.2%, with a range of 69-78.8%. The aforementioned findings offer valuable insights pertaining to the genetic architecture of neonatal metabolism.

In Brief

Large-scale genomes of maternal non-invasive prenatal testing provide insights into the genetic contribution to neonatal metabolism.

Highlights

GWAS of 27,785 low-pass genomes revealed 13 novel associations of neonatal metabolic components.

Estimated an average of 76.2% heritability of neonatal metabolic components and showed the individual concentration can be accurately predicted from polygenic risk scores.

A total of 17 established relationships have been observed, providing evidence that maternal genomes can be utilized in neonatal metabolite GWAS.
Ambulatory vEEG discontinued against medical advice among individuals with intellectual disabilities: a retrospective chart review
Authors: Nurse Ewan S. , Winterling Nicholas , Cook Mark J.
Published: November 2023

Objective

This retrospective chart review aims to quantify the rate of patients with intellectual disability (ID) accessing an Australian ambulatory EEG service, and understand the implications of discontinuing studies against medical advice.

Methods

Electronic records of referrals, patient monitoring notes, and EEG reports were accessed retrospectively. Each referral was assessed to determine whether the patient had an ID. For each study where patients were discharged against medical advice, the outcomes of their EEG report were assessed and compared between the ID and non-ID groups. Exploratory analysis was performed assessing the effects of age, the percentage of the requested monitoring undertaken, and outcome rates as a function of monitoring duration.

Results

There were significantly more patients in the ID group with early disconnection than the non-ID group (Chi squared test,p=0.000). There was no significant difference in the rates of clinical outcomes between the ID and non-ID groups amongst patients who disconnected early.

Conclusions

Although rates of early disconnection are higher in those with ID, study outcomes are largely similar between patients with and without ID in this retrospective analysis of an ambulatory EEG service.

Significance

Ambulatory EEG is a viable alternative to inpatient monitoring for patients with ID.

Highlights three bullet points (one sentence each, with a maximum of 130 characters - including spaces

Recording EEG remains a challenge for patients with epilepsy and ID

This study shows that patients with ID are more likely to disconnect early compared to those without ID

Study outcomes are not significantly different between those with and without ID, however some outcomes may be underpowered
The cytokine genes ofOncorhynchus masou formosanusinclude a defective interleukin-4A gene
Authors: Yen Ying-Hsuan , Zheng De Yu , Yang Shu Yuan , Gwo Jin-Chywan , Fugmann Sebastian D.
Published: November 2023

Oncorhynchus masou formosanus(Formosa land-locked salmon) is a critically endangered salmonid fish endemic to Taiwan. To begin to understand how its drastic change in lifestyle from anadromous to exclusively river-dwelling is reflected in its immune genes, we characterized the genes encoding six cytokines (IL-2A, IL-2B, IL-4A, IL-4B1, IL-4B2, and IL-17A/F2a) important for T cell responses as no genomic data is available for this fish. Interestingly, all genes appeared homozygous indicative of a genetic bottleneck. TheIL2andIL17A/F2agenes and their products are highly similar to their characterized homologs inOncorhynchus mykiss(rainbow trout) and other salmonid fish. Two notable differences were observed inIL4family important for type 2 immune responses. First,O. m. formosanuscarries not only one but two genes encoding IL-4B1 proteins and expansions of these genes are present in other salmonid fish. Second, theOmfoIL4Agene carries a 228 bp deletion that results in a premature stop codon and hence a non-functional IL-4A cytokine. This suggests a reduced ability for T cell responses against parasitic infections in this species.
Humans adapt rationally to approximate estimates of uncertainty
Authors: Pulcu Erdem , Browning Michael
Published: November 2023

Efficient learning requires estimation of, and adaptation to, different forms of uncertainty. If uncertainty is caused by randomness in outcomes (noise), observed events should have less influence on beliefs, whereas if uncertainty is caused by a change in the process being estimated (volatility) the influence of events should increase. Previous work has demonstrated that humans respond appropriately to changes in volatility, but there is less evidence of a rational response to noise. Here, we test adaptation to variable levels of volatility and noise in human participants, using choice behaviour and pupillometry as a measure of the central arousal system. We find that participants adapt as expected to changes in volatility, but not to changes in noise. Using a Bayesian observer model, we demonstrate that participants are, in fact, adapting to estimated noise, but that their estimates are imprecise, leading them to misattribute it as volatility and thus to respond inappropriately.
hictk: blazing fast toolkit to work with .hic and .cool files
Authors: Rossini Roberto , Paulsen Jonas
Published: November 2023

Motivation

Hi-C is gaining prominence as a method for mapping genome organization. With declining sequencing costs and a growing demand for higher-resolution data, efficient tools for processing Hi-C datasets at different resolutions are crucial. Over the past decade, the .hic and Cooler file formats have become the de-facto standard to store interaction matrices produced by Hi-C experiments in binary format. Interoperability issues make it unnecessarily difficult to convert between the two formats and to develop applications that can process each format natively.

Results

We developed hictk, a toolkit that can transparently operate on .hic and .cool files with excellent performance. The toolkit is written in C++ and consists of a C++ library with Python and R bindings as well as CLI tools to perform common operations directly from the shell, including converting between .hic and .mcool formats. We benchmark the performance of hictk and compare it with other popular tools and libraries. We conclude that hictk significantly outperforms existing tools while providing the flexibility of natively working with both file formats without code duplication.

Availability

The hictk library, Python bindings and CLI tools are released under the MIT license as a multi-platform application available at github.com/paulsengroup/hictk. Pre-built binaries for Linux and macOS are available on bioconda. Python bindings for hictk are available on GitHub at github.com/paulsengroup/hictkpy, while R bindings are available on GitHub at github.com/paulsengroup/hictkR.

Contact

jonas.paulsen@ibv.uio.no

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available atBioinformaticsonline.
Analysis of Wilms’ tumor protein 1 specific TCR repertoire in AML patients uncovers higher diversity in patients in remission than in relapsed
Authors: Gielis Sofie , Flumens Donovan , van der Heijden Sanne , Versteven Maarten , Reu Hans De , Bartholomeus Esther , Schippers Jolien , Campillo-Davo Diana , Berneman Zwi N. , Anguille Sébastien , Smits Evelien , Ogunjimi Benson , Lion Eva , Laukens Kris , Meysman Pieter
Published: November 2023

The Wilms’ tumor protein 1 (WT1) is a well-known and prioritized tumor-associated antigen expressed in numerous solid and blood tumors. Its abundance and immunogenicity have led to the development of different WT1-specific immune therapies. The driving player in these therapies, the WT1-specific T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire, has received much less attention. Importantly, T cells with high affinity against the WT1 self-antigen are normally eliminated after negative selection in the thymus and are thus rare in peripheral blood. Here, we developed computational models for the robust and fast identification of WT1-specific TCRs from TCR repertoire data. To this end, WT137-45(WT1-37) and WT1126-134(WT1-126)-specific T cells were isolated from WT1 peptide-stimulated blood of healthy individuals. The TCR repertoire from these WT1-specific T cells was sequenced and used to train a pattern recognition model for the identification of WT1-specific TCR patterns for the WT1-37 or WT1-126 epitopes. The resulting computational models were applied on an independent published dataset from acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, to track WT1-specific TCRsin silico. Several WT1-specific TCRs were found in AML patients. Subsequent clustering analysis of all repertoires indicated the presence of more diverse TCR patterns within the WT1-specific TCR repertoires of AML patients in complete remission in contrast to relapsing patients. We demonstrate the possibility of tracking WT1-37 and WT1-126-specific TCRs directly from TCR repertoire data using computational methods, eliminating the need for additional blood samples and experiments for the two studied WT1 epitopes.
Phosphatase-independent activity of smooth-muscle calcineurin orchestrates a gene expression program leading to hypertension
Authors: Yunes-Leites Paula Sofía , Sun Yilin , Martínez-Martínez Sara , Alfayate Álvaro , Toral Marta , Colmenar Ángel , Torralbo Ana Isabel , López-Maderuelo Dolores , Mateos-García Sergio , Cornfield David N. , Vázquez Jesús , Redondo Juan Miguel , Campanero Miguel R.
Published: November 2023

STRUCTURED ABSTRACT

Objective:Angiotensin-II (Ang-II) drives pathological vascular wall remodeling in hypertension and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Previous studies showed that the phosphatase activity of calcineurin (Cn) mediates Ang-II-induced AAA, but the cell type involved in the action of Cn in AAA formation remained unknown.

Methods:Smooth muscle cell (SMC)-specific and endothelial cell (EC)-specific Cn-deficient mice (SM-Cn-/-andEC-Cn-/-mice, respectively) were created and assessed for Ang-II-induced AAA formation and hypertension vs controls. Osmotic minipumps were used to administer Ang-II and cyclosporine A (CsA), a pharmaceutical Cn inhibitor. AAA formation and hypertension were monitored by ultrasonography, arterial blood pressure monitoring, and histological analysis. Deep RNA sequencing was used to identify the Ang-II-regulated transcriptome sensitive to Cn deletion or pharmacological inhibition. Arterial and SMC contractility were also assessed.

Results:Cn expressed in SMCs, but not ECs, was required for Ang-II-induced AAA. Unexpectedly, SMC Cn played a structural role in the early onset and maintenance of Ang-II-induced hypertension independently of Cn phosphatase activity. Nearly 90% of the genes regulated by Ang-II in the aorta required Cn expression in SMCs. Cn orchestrated, independently of its enzymatic activity, the induction by Ang-II of a gene expression program closely related to SMC contractility and hypertension. Cn deletion in SMCs, but not its pharmacological inhibition, impaired the regulation of arterial contractility. Among the genes whose regulation by Ang-II required Cn expression but not its phosphatase activity, we discovered thatSerpine1was critical for Ang-II-induced hypertension. Indeed, pharmacological inhibition of PAI-1, the protein encoded bySerpine1, impaired SMCs contractility and readily regressed hypertension.

Conclusions:Whereas the phosphatase activity of Cn mediates Ang-II-induced AAA, a phosphatase-independent action of SMC Cn mediates hypertension by orchestrating a gene expression program closely related to contractility and blood pressure regulation. Our results urge the evaluation of PAI-1 as a candidate therapeutic target for hypertension.
Proliferation history and transcription factor levels drive direct conversion
Authors: Wang Nathan B. , Lende-Dorn Brittany A. , Adewumi Honour O. , Beitz Adam M. , Han Patrick , O’Shea Timothy M. , Galloway Kate E.
Published: November 2023

The sparse and stochastic nature of reprogramming has obscured our understanding of how transcription factors drive cells to new identities. To overcome this limit, we developed a compact, portable reprogramming system that increases direct conversion of fibroblasts to motor neurons by two orders of magnitude. We show that subpopulations with different reprogramming potentials are distinguishable by proliferation history. By controlling for proliferation history and titrating each transcription factor, we find that conversion correlates with levels of the pioneer transcription factor Ngn2, whereas conversion shows a biphasic response to Lhx3. Increasing the proliferation rate of adult human fibroblasts generates morphologically mature, induced motor neurons at high rates. Using compact, optimized, polycistronic cassettes, we generate motor neurons that graft with the murine central nervous system, demonstrating the potential forin vivotherapies.

One Sentence Summary

Using a systems and synthetic biology approach to study the molecular determinants of reprogramming, we find that proliferation history and transcription factor levels drive cell fate in direct conversion to motor neurons.

Highlights

minimal high-efficiency cocktail allows systematic interrogation of the reprogramming process

history provides a principal axis to distinguish transcription factors’ influence

of the transcription factor cocktail impacts reprogramming efficiency and dynamics

of individual transcription factors differentially influence the rate of reprogramming

early hyperproliferation increases direct conversion of adult human fibroblasts

ptimal cocktail allows neurotrophic factor-free reprogramming andin vivografting
Mycobacterium smegmatisNucS-promoted DNA mismatch repair involves limited resection by a 5’-3’ exonuclease and is independent of homologous recombination and NHEJ
Authors: Rivera-Flores Iris V. , Wang Emily X. , Murphy Kenan C.
Published: November 2023

The MutSL mismatch repair (MMR) system in bacteria and eukaryotes correct mismatches made at the replication fork to maintain genome stability. A novel MMR system is represented by the EndoMS/NucS endonuclease from actinobacteriumCorynebacterium glutamicum, which recognizes mismatched substrates in vitro and creates dsDNA breaks at the mismatch. In this report, a genetic analysis shows that anM. smegmatisΔnucSstrain could be complemented by expression of wild type NucS protein, but not by one deleted of its last five amino acids, a region predicted to be critical for binding to the β-clamp at the replication fork. Oligo-recombineering was then leveraged to deliver defined mismatches to a defective hygromycin resistance gene on theM. smegmatischromosome. We find that NucS recognizes and repairs G-G, G-T, and T-T mismatches in vivo, consistent with the recognition of these same mismatches in C.glutamicumin vitro, as well as mutation accumulation studies done inM. smegmatis. Finally, an assay that employs an oligo that promotes the generation of two mismatches in close proximity on the chromosome shows that a NucS-promoted cut is processed by a 5’–3’ exonuclease and that NucS-promoted MMR is independent of both homologous recombination and non-homologous end-joining.
Polygenic risk scores as a marker for epilepsy risk across lifetime and after unspecified seizure events
Authors: Heyne Henrike O. , Pajuste Fanny-Dhelia , Wanner Julian , Onwuchekwa Jennifer I. Daniel , Mägi Reedik , Palotie Aarno ,   FinnGen, Estonian Biobank research team, Kälviainen Reetta , Daly Mark J.
Published: November 2023

A diagnosis of epilepsy has significant consequences for an individual but is often challenging in clinical practice. Novel biomarkers are thus greatly needed. Here, we investigated how common genetic factors (epilepsy polygenic risk scores, [PRSs]) influence epilepsy risk in detailed longitudinal electronic health records (EHRs) of > 360k Finns spanning up to 50 years of individuals’ lifetimes. Individuals with a high genetic generalized epilepsy PRS (PRSGGE) in FinnGen had an increased risk for genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) (hazard ratio [HR] 1.55 per PRSGGEstandard deviation [SD]) across their lifetime and after unspecified seizure events. Effect sizes of epilepsy PRSs were comparable to effect sizes in clinically curated data supporting our EHR-derived epilepsy diagnoses. Within 10 years after an unspecified seizure, the GGE rate was 37% when PRSGGE> 2 SD compared to 5.6% when PRSGGE< –2 SD. The effect of PRSGGEwas even larger on GGE subtypes of idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) (HR 2.1 per SD PRSGGE). We further report significantly larger effects of PRSGGEon epilepsy in females and in younger age groups. Analogously, we found significant but more modest focal epilepsy PRS burden associated with non-acquired focal epilepsy (NAFE). We found PRSGGEspecifically associated with GGE in comparison with >2000 independent diseases while PRSNAFEwas also associated with other diseases than NAFE such as back pain. Here, we show that epilepsy specific PRSs have good discriminative ability after a first seizure event i.e. in circumstances where the prior probability of epilepsy is high outlining a potential to serve as biomarkers for an epilepsy diagnosis.
Pro-ictal EEG scheduling improves the yield of epilepsy monitoring: Validating the use of multiday seizure cycles to optimize video-EEG timing
Authors: Naim-Feil Jodie , Stirling Rachel E. , Karoly Philippa J. , Payne Daniel , Winterling Nicholas , Eden Dominique , Cook Mark J. , Grayden David B. , Maturana Matias , Freestone Dean R. , Nurse Ewan S.
Published: November 2023

A significant challenge of video-electroencephalography (vEEG) in epilepsy diagnosis is timing monitoring sessions to capture epileptiform activity. Given the significant consequences of misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, new techniques to improve diagnostic yield of vEEG are needed. In this study, we introduce and validate “pro-ictal EEG scheduling”, a method to schedule vEEG monitoring to coincide with periods of heightened seizure probability as a low-risk approach to enhance the diagnostic yield. A database of long-term ambulatory vEEG monitoring sessions (n=5038) of adults and children was examined. Data from linked electronic seizure diaries were extracted (minimum 10 self-reported events over 12-months) to generate cycle-based estimates of seizure risk. VEEG monitoring sessions coinciding with periods of estimated high-risk were allocated to the high-risk group (adultsn=305, childrenn=82) and compared to remaining studies (baseline: adultsn=3586, childrenn=1065). Test of Proportions and Risk-Ratios (RR) were used to index differences in proportions and likelihood of capturing outcome measures (abnormal report, confirmed seizure and diary event) during monitoring. The impact of clinical and demographic factors (sex, epilepsy-type, medication) was also explored. During vEEG monitoring, the high-risk group was 25% more likely to have an abnormal vEEG report (190/305:62.3% vs 1790/3586:49.9%, RR=1.25, 95% CI[1.137:1.370],p<0.001), 63% more likely to present with a confirmed seizure (56/305:18.4% vs 424/3586:11.3%, RR=1.63, 95% CI[1.265:2.101],p<0.001) and 42% more likely to report an event (153/305:50.2% vs 1267/3586:35.3%, RR=1.420, 95% CI[1.259:1.602],p<0.001). In children, the high-risk group was 93% more likely to have a confirmed seizure (21/82:25.6% vs 141/1065:13.2%, RR=1.93, 95% CI[1.297:2.885],p=0.002). Similar effects were observed across clinical and demographic features. This study provides the first large-scale validation of pro-ictal EEG scheduling in improving the yield of vEEG. This innovative approach offers a pragmatic and low-risk strategy to enhance the diagnostic capabilities of vEEG monitoring, significantly impacting epilepsy management.
An active piezoelectric plane X-ray focusing mirror with a linearly changing thickness
Authors: Tian Naxi , Jiang Hui , Xie Jianan , Yan Shuai , Liang Dongxu , Jiang Zhisen
Published: November 2023

X-ray mirrors for synchrotron radiation are often bent into a curved figure and work under grazing-incidence conditions due to the strong penetrating nature of X-rays to most materials. Mirrors of different cross sections have been recommended to reduce the mirror's slope inaccuracy and clamping difficulty in order to overcome mechanical tolerances. With the development of hard X-ray focusing, it is difficult to meet the needs of focusing mirrors with small slope error with the existing mirror processing technology. Deformable mirrors are adaptive optics that can produce a flexible surface figure. A method of using a deformable mirror as a phase compensator is described to enhance the focusing performance of an X-ray mirror. This paper presents an active piezoelectric plane X-ray focusing mirror with a linearly changing thickness that has the ability of phase compensation while focusing X-rays. Benefiting from its special structural design, the mirror can realize flexible focusing at different focusing geometries using a single input driving voltage. A prototype was used to measure its performance under one-dimension and two-dimension conditions. The results prove that, even at a bending magnet beamline, the mirror can easily achieve a single-micrometre focusing without a complicated bending mechanism or high-precision surface processing. It is hoped that this kind of deformable mirror will have a wide and flexible application in the synchrotron radiation field.
An easy-to-produce HIS-based MIMO radio altimeter antenna design for aircraft
Authors: Kiriş Serap , Karaaslan Muharrem
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to design a radio altimeter antenna whose production process is facilitated and can work with multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) properties to provide space gain on the aircraft.

Design/methodology/approach

To create an easy-to-produce MIMO, a two-storied structure consisting of a reflector and a top antenna was designed. The dimensions of the reflector were prevented to get smaller to supply easy production. The unit cell nearly with the same dimensions of a lower frequency was protected through the original cell design. The co-planar structure with the use of a via connection was modified and a structure was achieved with no need to via for easy production, too. Finally, the antennas were placed side by side and the distance between them was optimized to achieve a MIMO operation.

Findings

As a result, an easy-to-produce, compact and successful radio altimeter antenna was obtained with high antenna parameters such as 10.14 dBi gain and 10.55 dBi directivity, and the conical pattern along with proper MIMO features, through original reflector surface and top antenna system.

Originality/value

Since radio altimeter antennas require high radiation properties, the microstrip antenna structure is generally used in literature. This paper contributes by presenting the radio altimeter application with antenna-reflective structure participation. The technical solutions were developed during the design, focusing on an easy manufacturing process for both the reflective surface and the upper antenna. Also, the combination of International Telecommunication Union’s recommended features that require high antenna properties was achieved, which is challenging to reach. In addition, by operating the antenna as a successful MIMO, two goals of easy production and space gain on aircraft have been attained at the same time.
Forecasting Right-of-Way (ROW) acquisition timeline of transportation projects
Authors: Zeng Shiqin , Chung Frederick , Ashuri Baabak
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Completing Right-of-Way (ROW) acquisition process on schedule is critical to avoid delays and cost overruns on transportation projects. However, transportation agencies face challenges in accurately forecasting ROW acquisition timelines in the early stage of projects due to complex nature of acquisition process and limited design information. There is a need of improving accuracy of estimating ROW acquisition duration during the early phase of project development and quantitatively identifying risk factors affecting the duration.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative research methodology used to develop the forecasting model includes an ensemble algorithm based on decision tree and adaptive boosting techniques. A dataset of Georgia Department of Transportation projects held from 2010 to 2019 is utilized to demonstrate building the forecasting model. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis is performed to identify critical drivers of ROW acquisition durations.

Findings

The forecasting model developed in this research achieves a high accuracy to predict ROW durations by explaining 74% of the variance in ROW acquisition durations using project features, which is outperforming single regression tree, multiple linear regression and support vector machine. Moreover, number of parcels, average cost estimation per parcel, length of projects, number of condemnations, number of relocations and type of work are found to be influential factors as drivers of ROW acquisition duration.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the state of knowledge in estimating ROW acquisition timeline through (1) developing a novel machine learning model to accurately estimate ROW acquisition timelines, and (2) identifying drivers (i.e. risk factors) of ROW acquisition durations. The findings of this research will provide transportation agencies with insights on how to improve practices in scheduling ROW acquisition process.
A machine learning-driven support vector regression model for enhanced generation system reliability prediction
Authors: Bolourchi Pouya , Gholami Mohammadreza
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to achieve high accuracy in forecasting generation reliability by accurately evaluating the reliability of power systems. This study uses the RTS-79 reliability test system to measure the method’s effectiveness, using mean absolute percentage error as the performance metrics. Accurate reliability predictions can inform critical decisions related to system design, expansion and maintenance, making this study relevant to power system planning and management.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a novel approach that uses a radial basis kernel function-based support vector regression method to accurately evaluate the reliability of power systems. The approach selects relevant system features and computes loss of load expectation (LOLE) and expected energy not supplied (EENS) using the analytical unit additional algorithm. The proposed method is evaluated under two scenarios, with changes applied to the load demand side or both the generation system and load profile.

Findings

The proposed method predicts LOLE and EENS with high accuracy, especially in the first scenario. The results demonstrate the method’s effectiveness in forecasting generation reliability. Accurate reliability predictions can inform critical decisions related to system design, expansion and maintenance. Therefore, the findings of this study have significant implications for power system planning and management.

Originality/value

What sets this approach apart is the extraction of several features from both the generation and load sides of the power system, representing a unique contribution to the field.
Assessing equity in disaster risk governance in Brazil and Colombia
Authors: Ulbrich Philipp , Leal Sobral André Vinicius , Rivera-Flórez Luis Alejandro , Rodríguez-Gaviria Edna Margarita , Coaffee Jon , Marchezini Victor , Porto de Albuquerque João
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Disasters continue to be most prevalent and severe for marginalised communities. To reach those furthest behind first, as the global community pledges in the 2030 Agenda, a critical assessment of equity in disaster risk governance is necessary. Yet, the understanding of factors that mediate the capacity of the governance processes to achieve equity ambitions is limited. This paper addresses this gap by proposing and testing a conceptual framework to assess equity in disaster risk governance.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework analyses the extent to which institutional relationships and data in risk governance support inclusion and diversity of voice and enable the equitable engagement of communities. The study applied the framework to key risk policies across governance levels in Brazil and Colombia.

Findings

The study finds that institutional awareness of cross-sectoral and -scalar coordination clearly exists. Yet, the engagement of actors further down the governance scale is framed reactively at all scales in both countries. The analysis of the risk data practices indicates that although data integration and sharing are key policy priorities, the policies frame the relations of disaster risk data actors as hierarchical, with data needs determined from the top down.

Originality/value

A key contribution of this framework is that its equity view results in a nuanced analysis, thus pointing to the differences between the two countries concerning the factors that mediate these challenges and providing specific entry points for strengthening equity in risk governance policies.
Dual solutions for the two-dimension copper oxide with silver (CuO–Αg) and zinc oxide with silver (ΖnO–Αg) hybrid nanofluid flow past a permeable shrinking sheet in a dusty fluid with velocity slip
Authors: Usafzai Waqar Khan , Pop Ioan , Revnic Cornelia
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to present dual solutions for the two-dimension copper oxide with silver (CuO–Ag) and zinc oxide with silver (ZnO–Ag) hybrid nanofluid flow past a permeable shrinking sheet in a dusty fluid with velocity slip.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing partial differential equations for the two dust particle phases are reduced to the pertinent ordinary differential equations using a similarity transformation. Closed-form analytical solutions for the reduced skin friction and reduced Nusselt number, as well as for the velocity and temperature profiles, were presented, both graphically and in tables, under specific non-dimensional physical parameters such as the suction parameter, Prandtl number, slip parameter and shrinking parameter, which are also presented in both figures and tables.

Findings

The results indicate that for the shrinking flow, the wall skin friction is higher in the dusty fluid when compared with the clear (viscous) fluid. In addition, the effect of the fluid–particle interaction parameter to the fluid phase can be seen more clearly in the shrinking flow. Furthermore, multiple (dual, upper and lower branch solutions) are found for the governing similarity equations and the upper branch solution expanded with higher values of the suction parameter. It can be confirmed that the lower branch solution is unstable.

Practical implications

In practice, the study of the stretching/shrinking flow is crucially important and useful. Both the problems of steady and unsteady flow of a dusty fluid have a wide range of possible applications in practice, such as in the centrifugal separation of particles, sedimentation and underground disposal of radioactive waste materials.

Originality/value

Even though the problem of dusty fluid has been broadly investigated, very limited results can be found for a shrinking sheet. Indeed, this paper has succeeded to obtain analytically dual solutions. The stability analysis can be performed by following many published papers on stretching/shrinking sheets. Finally, the critical values and plotting curves for obtaining single or dual solution are successfully presented.
Does vicarious entrepreneurial failure induce or discourage one's entrepreneurial intent? A mediated model of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and identity aspiration
Authors: Seo Jungmin (Jamie) , Kim Jisun , Mesquita Luiz F.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Given that 45% of new businesses fail in their first five years (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020), individuals often observe others' entrepreneurial failures (EFs) in their vicinity. The purpose of this paper is to review the effects of vicarious EFs on individuals by proposing both entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial identity aspiration as mediators, which are widely studied proximal antecedents of entrepreneurial intent.

Design/methodology/approach

Using structural equation modeling, the authors empirically test survey data collected from 10,020 college students across 46 colleges or universities in Brazil. The hypothesized model examines the mediating effects of vicarious EFs on individuals' entrepreneurial intent via entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial identity aspiration.

Findings

The findings confirm that vicarious EFs negatively affect one's entrepreneurial self-efficacy and that entrepreneurial self-efficacy mediates the effect of vicarious EFs on one's entrepreneurial intent. On the other hand, vicarious EFs positively affect one's entrepreneurial identity aspiration, and entrepreneurial identity aspiration mediates the effect of vicarious failures on entrepreneurial intent.

Originality/value

The entrepreneurship literature focuses mainly on the consequences of EF on those entrepreneurs who have experienced failure. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding how that failure impacts others in its vicinity. This study provides new insight into the effects of vicarious EFs in facilitating individuals' entrepreneurial intent and presents theoretical and practical implications to promote greater levels of entrepreneurial intent in individuals.
Food as an ingredient of well-being: from food and well-being to food well-being (FWB): a comparative study
Authors: Qazi Asim , Khoso Ubedullah , Ahmad Farooq , Hamid Syed Ali Raza
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is threefold: firstly, to compare Pakistani and French consumers’ perceptions of well-being; secondly, to investigate how consumers in both countries relate to food; and thirdly, to assess whether they associate food with well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

Thirty participants (15 French and 15 Pakistani) between the ages of 24 and 35 were interviewed, using convenience and snow bowling sampling. Data triangulation was performed by combining three qualitative techniques, word association, photo-elicitation-based interviewing and open-ended questions to explore consumer perceptions of well-being, food and food well-being.

Findings

The study’s findings suggest that well-being is a broad concept in which food is an ingredient. Food and well-being share common elements, and food well-being can be defined as an individual’s psychological, physical, social and societal relationship with food ascribed by affordability and food literacy.

Originality/value

Pleasure, sharing and respect emerged as dimensions of food well-being that can be applied to transfigure consumer behaviour and reduce over-consumption, food waste and hunger. The dimensions of well-being and food were explored for both countries to understand their cultural nuances and determine the influence of food on well-being. This comparative analysis will help researchers understand consumers’ preferences for food in various aspects from two regions. This study can potentially contribute to scale development in food and well-being, which can help researchers measure the effects of food and well-being in different sectors of the economy, particularly in health care. The most aspiring aspect of the current research is the insights unveiled during interactions with research participants, which will help develop consumer baseline feelings.
A dual-process model to explain self-disclosure on online social networking sites: examining the moderating effect of enjoyment
Authors: Zhang Shanshan , Huang Fengchun , Yu Lingling , Wang Jeremy Fei , Lowry Paul Benjamin
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Researchers continue to address the concept of self-disclosure because it is foundational for helping social networking sites (SNS) function and thrive. Nevertheless, the authors' literature review indicates that uncertainty remains around the underlying mechanisms and factors involved in the self-disclosure process. The purpose of this research is to better understand the self-disclosure process from the lens of dual-process theory (DPT). The authors consider both the controlled factors (i.e. self-presentation and reciprocity) and an automatic factor (i.e. social influence to use an SNS) involved in self-disclosure and broaden The authors proposed a model to include the interactive facets of enjoyment.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model was empirically validated by conducting a survey among users of WeChat Moments in China.

Findings

As hypothesized, this research confirms that enjoyment and automatic processing (i.e. social influence to use an SNS) are complementary in the SNS self-disclosure process and enjoyment negatively moderates the positive relationship between controlled factor (i.e. self-presentation) and self-disclosure.

Originality/value

Theoretically, this study offers a new perspective on explaining SNS self-disclosure by adopting DPT. Specifically, this study contributes to the extant SNS research by applying DPT to examine how the controlled factors and the automatic factor shape self-disclosure processes and how enjoyment influences vary across these processes – enriching knowledge about SNS self-disclosure behaviors. Practically, the authors provide important design guidelines to practitioners concerning devising mechanisms to foster more automatic-enjoyable value-added functions to improve SNS users' participation and engagement.
Dynamic connectedness amongst green bonds, pollution allowance policy, social responsibility and uncertainty
Authors: Alqaralleh Huthaifa
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study explores the interconnectedness and complexity of risk-varied climate initiatives such as green bonds (GBs), emissions trading systems (ETS) and socially responsible investments (SRI). The analysis covers the period from September 2011 to August 2022, using six indices: three representing climate initiatives and three indicating uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this, the study first examines dynamic lead-lag relations and correlation patterns in the time-frequency domain to analyse the returns of the series. Additionally, it applies an innovative approach to investigate the predictability of uncertainty measurements of climate initiatives across various market conditions and frequency spillovers in the short, medium and long run.

Findings

The findings indicate changing relationships between the series, increased linkages during turbulent market periods and strong co-movements within the network. The ETS is recommended for diversification and hedging against uncertainty indices, whereas the GB may be suitable for long-term diversification.

Practical implications

This study highlights the role of climate initiatives as potential hedges and contagion amplifiers during crises, with implications for policy recommendations and the asymmetric effects on market connectedness.

Originality/value

The paper answers questions that previous studies have not and contributes to the literature regarding financial risk management and social responsibility.
Review of research progress and development trend of digital image correlation
Authors: He Xindang , Zhou Run , Liu Zheyuan , Yang Suliang , Chen Ke , Li Lei
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of a non-contact full-field optical measurement technique known as digital image correlation (DIC).

Design/methodology/approach

The approach of this review paper is to introduce the research pertaining to DIC. It comprehensively covers crucial facets including its principles, historical development, core challenges, current research status and practical applications. Additionally, it delves into unresolved issues and outlines future research objectives.

Findings

The findings of this review encompass essential aspects of DIC, including core issues like the subpixel registration algorithm, camera calibration, measurement of surface deformation in 3D complex structures and applications in ultra-high-temperature settings. Additionally, the review presents the prevailing strategies for addressing these challenges, the most recent advancements in DIC applications across quasi-static, dynamic, ultra-high-temperature, large-scale and micro-scale engineering domains, along with key directions for future research endeavors.

Originality/value

This review holds a substantial value as it furnishes a comprehensive and in-depth introduction to DIC, while also spotlighting its prospective applications.
Customers’ adoption of multiple platforms and retailers’ channel performance: evidence from Chinese fast-food industry
Authors: Jiang Peiqi , Zhang Sha
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Retailers are increasingly adding multiple platform apps. For instance, Hilton Hotel is listed on booking.com, Expedia and TripAdvisor. The purpose of this study is to examine whether and how the adoption of a second homogenous mobile platform app by new and existing consumers affects their purchasing behavior in both the original app and the overall platform apps.

Design/methodology/approach

With 604,864 unique data from a Chinese fast-food company, which sequentially add three food delivery platforms, this paper explores the influence of a second homogeneous mobile platform app adoption on consumer purchase frequency, order size and spending.

Findings

The results of the log-linear regression model show that multiplatform consumers are more profitable than single-platform consumers. For both existing and new consumers, multiplatform adoption would increase purchase frequency, decrease order size and increase total spending with the retailer. However, for existing consumers, multiplatform adopters are more likely to buy less frequently, spend less per order and have lower total spending in the original platform app.

Research limitations/implications

This paper contributes to platform addition and multichannel literature by empirically finding that multiplatform adopters, both new and existing consumers, are more profitable than single-platform consumers. Managerially, the results suggest that companies should not hesitate to add multiple platforms and should encourage consumers to use multiple mobile apps.

Originality/value

First, this study examines the multiplatform addition effect on both new and existing consumers, which has not been discussed yet. Second, this study contributes to multichannel literature by finding that multiplatform consumers are more profitable than single-platform consumers. Third, unlike Rong et al. (2021), this study supports that channel capability theory is still valid in the homogenous mobile-to-mobile channel expansion context.