bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longevity and environmental temperature modulate mitochondrial DNA evolution in fishes
Authors: Cam Sabrina Le , Mortz Mathieu , Blier Pierre
Published: March 2024

The link between longevity and mitochondrial function has been documented for years. Since mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) encodes for electron transport system (ETS) proteins, we could suspect that its evolution is linked with that of longevity. A negative relationship has been documented between the synonymous substitution rate and lifespan when analyzing the whole mitochondrial genome in animals. In this study, we aimed to confirm this negative correlation for each of the mitochondrial protein coding genes (mtPCGs) and explore potential relationships between adaptation to extreme temperatures and the evolution of mtDNA. To this end, we selected 112 species of fish with a wide range of longevity as well as divergences in environmental temperature, which is a good proxy for energy metabolism in these animals. Our results 1) challenge the “rate of living” theory by not showing any correlation between longevity and environmental temperature, 2) confirm the negative relationship between substitution rate and longevity for each of the 13 mtPCGs, and 3) highlight for the first time a link between high conservation of the three COX genes and adaptation to warmer temperatures in fish. By challenging a paradigm and extending the conclusions made for mtDNA to individual genes, our study opens a wide field to be explored concerning study of the aging process. Moreover, the specific link between the evolution of COX genes and temperature tolerance confirms the importance of complex IV in adaptation to extreme temperatures and, more generally, the importance of distinguishing gene families when studying mtDNA evolution in animals.
hAMRonization: Enhancing antimicrobial resistance prediction using the PHA4GE AMR detection specification and tooling
Authors: Mendes Inês , Griffiths Emma , Manuele Alex , Fornika Dan , Tausch Simon H , Le-Viet Thanh , Phelan Jody , Meehan Conor J. , Raphenya Amogelang R. , Alcock Brian , Culp Elizabeth , Lorenzo Federico , Haim Maria Sol , Witney Adam , Black Allison , Katz Lee , Oluniyi Paul , Olawoye Idowu , Timme Ruth , Neoh Hui-min , Lam Su Datt , Jamaluddin Tengku Zetty Maztura Tengku , Nathan Sheila , Ang Mia Yang , Di Gregorio Sabrina , Vandelannoote Koen , Dusadeepong Rutaiwan , Chindelevitch Leonid , Nasar Muhammad Ibtisam , Aanensen David , Afolayan Ayorinde Oluwatobiloba , Odih Erkison Ewomazino , McArthur Andrew Grant , Feldgarden Michael , Galas Marcelo M , Campos Josefina , Okeke Iruka N. , Underwood Anthony , Page Andrew J. , MacCannell Duncan , Maguire Finlay
Published: March 2024

The detection of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) markers directly from genomic or metagenomic data is becoming a standard clinical and public health procedure. This has resulted in the development of a number of different bioinformatic AMR prediction tools. Although many may implement similar principles, these tools differ significantly in their supported inputs, search algorithms, parameterisation, and underlying reference databases. Each of these tools generates a report of detected AMR genes or variants in a distinct, non-standard, format. This presents a huge barrier to the comparison of results and to the modularity of tools for AMR gene prediction within bioinformatic workflows.

In collaboration with 17 public health laboratories across 10 countries, the Public Health Alliance for Genomic Epidemiology (PHA4GE) (https://pha4ge.org) data structures working group has developed and piloted a standardized output specification for the bioinformatic detection of AMR from microbial genomes. In this report, we discuss hAMRonization, a python package and command-line utility, which implements PHA4GE’s AMR specification to combine the outputs of disparate antimicrobial resistance gene detection tools into a single unified format. hAMRonization can be easily extended and currently supports 18 different tools (both species-agnostic and species-specific) for the detection of genes and/or variants conferring AMR. The harmonized reports are available in tabular form, JSON format or through an interactive HTML file (e.g.,https://maguire-lab.github.io/assets/interactive_report_demo.html) that can be opened within the browser for navigable data exploration. As of 2024-03-07 hAMRonization has been downloaded ∼12,500 times, incorporated into >9 public bioinformatic tools and workflows, and been internally adopted by several national and international public health groups. The hAMRonization tool and underlying specification are open-source and freely available through PyPI, conda and GitHub (https://github.com/pha4ge/hAMRonization).
Next-generation sequencing analysis with a population-specific reference genome
Authors: Suzuki Tomohisa , Ninomiya Kota , Funayama Takamitsu , Okamura Yasunobu , Tadaka Shu ,   the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Study Group, Kinoshita Kengo , Yamamoto Masayuki , Kure Shigeo , Kikuchi Atsuo , Tamiya Gen , Takayama Jun
Published: March 2024

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has become widely available and is routinely used in basic research and clinical practice. The reference genome sequence is an essential resource for NGS analysis, and several population-specific reference genomes have recently been constructed to provide a choice to deal with the vast genetic diversity of human samples. However, resources supporting population-specific references are insufficient, and it is burdensome to perform analysis using these reference genomes. Here, we constructed a set of resources to support NGS analysis using the Japanese reference genome sequence, JG. We created resources for variant calling, gene and repeat element annotations, variant-effect prediction, read mappability, and RNA-seq analysis. We also provide a resource for reference coordinate conversion for further annotation enrichment. We then provide a variant calling protocol using JG-based resources. Our resources provide a guide to prepare sufficient resources for the use of population-specific reference genomes and can facilitate the migration of reference genomes.
Predictors of Interruptions in Antiretroviral Therapy among People Living with HIV in Nigeria: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using the Nigeria National Data Repository
Authors: Ikpe Sunday , Gambo Aliyu , Nowak Rebecca , Sorkin John , Charurat Manhattan , O’Connor Timothy , Stafford Kristen
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to identify predictors of time to first interruption in treatment (IIT) and predictors of ever being interrupted in ART treatment among PLHIV in Nigeria using a national longitudinal dataset that covers all PEPFAR-funded implementing partners to inform national strategies to prevent IIT. This retrospective cohort study used data from Nigeria’s National Data Repository (NDR). The NDR is a de-identified longitudinal database of over 1.9 million PLHIV who received ART in Nigeria beginning in 2004 and is owned by the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH). The NDR contains patient-level demographics, clinic visits, laboratory, and ART prescription and refill data uploaded at least monthly. The data extracted for this study were obtained from electronic medical record systems of 2,226 public facilities offering HIV care in the country. In this study, we investigated the predictors of treatment interruption using data from the national HIV treatment program. We identified sets of predictors of first interruption in treatment using the logistic regression and these to be consistent in predicting time to first interruption including sex, non NRTI drug in ART regimen, recorded HIV viral load, recorded CD4 cell count, WHO clinical staging, functional status, last measured weight, highest education attained, occupation, marital status, year enrolled in care, pre and post surge, pre and post-COVID and residing in a state capital, Lagos, FCT (urban) versus other locations (rural). Age grouping was the only variable that was predictive only for time to first interruption but not for having a first interruption. To reduce the risk of IIT it is important to target interventions preemptively. We have highlighted the need for tailored interventions that address the unique needs of PLHIV in Nigeria. Targeted interventions focusing on those with a combination of risk factors could include education, counseling, supportive services, and monitoring and outreach.
A Regularized Cox Hierarchical Model for Incorporating Annotation Information in Predictive Omic Studies
Authors: Shen Dixin , Lewinger Juan Pablo , Kawaguchi Eric
Published: March 2024

Background

Associated with high-dimensional omics data there are often “meta-features” such as biological pathways and functional annotations, summary statistics from similar studies that can be informative for predicting an outcome of interest. We introduce a regularized hierarchical framework for integrating meta-features, with the goal of improving prediction and feature selection performance with time-to-event outcomes.

Methods

A hierarchical framework is deployed to incorporate meta-features. Regularization is applied to the omic features as well as the meta-features so that high-dimensional data can be handled at both levels. The proposed hierarchical Cox model can be efficiently fitted by a combination of iterative reweighted least squares and cyclic coordinate descent.

Results

In a simulation study we show that when the external meta-features are informative, the regularized hierarchical model can substantially improve prediction performance over standard regularized Cox regression. We illustrate the proposed model with applications to breast cancer and melanoma survival based on gene expression profiles, which show the improvement in prediction performance by applying meta-features, as well as the discovery of important omic feature sets with sparse regularization at meta-feature level.

Conclusions

The proposed hierarchical regularized regression model enables integration of external meta-feature information directly into the modeling process for time-to-event outcomes, improves prediction performance when the external meta-feature data is informative. Importantly, when the external meta-features are uninformative, the prediction performance based on the regularized hierarchical model is on par with standard regularized Cox regression, indicating robustness of the framework. In addition to developing predictive signatures, the model can also be deployed in discovery applications where the main goal is to identify important features associated with the outcome rather than developing a predictive model.
Scalable summary statistics-based heritability estimation method with individual genotype level accuracy
Authors: Jeong Moonseong , Pazokitoroudi Ali , Liu Zhengtong , Sankararaman Sriram
Published: March 2024

SNP heritability, the proportion of phenotypic variation explained by genotyped SNPs, is an important parameter in understanding the genetic architecture underlying various diseases and traits. Methods that aim to estimate SNP heritability from individual genotype and phenotype data are limited by their ability to scale to Biobank-scale datasets and by the restrictions in access to individual-level data. These limitations have motivated the development of methods that only require summary statistics. While the availability of publicly accessible summary statistics makes them widely applicable, these methods lack the accuracy of methods that utilize individual genotypes.

Here we present a SUMmary statistics-based Randomized Haseman-Elston regression (SUM-RHE), a method that can estimate the SNP heritability of complex phenotypes with accuracies comparable to approaches that require individual genotypes, while exclusively relying on summary statistics. SUM-RHE employs Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) summary statistics and statistics obtained on a reference population, which can be efficiently estimated and readily shared for public use. Our results demonstrate that SUM-RHE obtains estimates of SNP heritability that are substantially more accurate compared to other summary statistic methods and on par with methods that rely on individual-level data.
Nucleomorph phylogenomics suggests a deep and ancient origin of cryptophyte plastids within Rhodophyta
Authors: Novak Lukas V. F. , Muñoz-Gómez Sergio A. , van Beveren Fabian , Ciobanu Maria , Eme Laura , López-García Purificación , Moreira David
Published: March 2024

The evolutionary origin of red algae-derived complex plastids remains obscure. Cryptophyta, one of four eukaryotic lineages harboring these plastids, still contain nucleomorphs, highly reduced remnants of red algal nuclei. The genes present on nucleomorph genomes can be used for phylogenomic reconstruction in order to unravel the evolutionary origin of all red complex plastids and provide data independent from previously analyzed plastid-encoded datasets. Here, we leverage these genes in a first attempt at pinpointing the position of cryptophyte nucleomorphs within a comprehensive diversity of Rhodophyta, including new sequence representatives from seven deep-branching red algae. Our analyses place cryptophyte nucleomorphs as sister to the extremophilic subphylum Cyanidiophytina. This conflicts with published analyses based on plastidial genes that placed red complex plastids closer to the mesophilic Rhodophytina. Our results reject a nucleomorph origin within any known subgroup of Rhodophyta, instead suggesting a deep and possibly freshwater origin of complex red plastids.
Polarized TMD fragmentation functions for
J/ψ
production
Authors: Copeland Marston , Fleming Sean , Gupta Rohit , Hodges Reed , Mehen Thomas
Published: March 2024

We calculate the matching, at leading order, of the transverse momentum-dependent fragmentation functions (TMDFFs) for light quarks and gluons fragmenting to a J/ψ onto polarized nonrelativistic QCD (NRQCD) TMDFFs. The NRQCD TMDFFs have an operator product expansion in terms of nonperturbative NRQCD production matrix elements. Using the results we obtain, we make predictions for the light quark fragmentation contribution to the production of polarized J/ψ in semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering (SIDIS) both for unpolarized and longitudinally polarized beams. These results are an important contribution to polarized J/ψ production in SIDIS and thus are needed for comparison with experiments at the future Electron-Ion Collider.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Impact of inclusive electron ion collider data on collinear parton distributions
Authors: Armesto Néstor , Cridge Thomas , Giuli Francesco , Harland-Lang Lucian , Newman Paul , Schmookler Barak , Thorne Robert , Wichmann Katarzyna
Published: March 2024

A study is presented of the impact of updated simulated inclusive electron ion collider deep inelastic scattering data on the determination of the proton and nuclear parton distribution functions (PDFs) at next-to-next-to-leading and next-to-leading order in QCD, respectively. The influence on the proton PDFs is evaluated relative to the HERAPDF2.0 set, which uses inclusive HERA data only, and also relative to the global fitting approach of the MSHT20 PDFs. The impact on nuclear PDFs is assessed relative to the EPPS21 global fit and is presented in terms of nuclear modification ratios. For all cases studied, significant improvements in the PDF uncertainties are observed for several parton species. The most striking impact occurs for the nuclear PDFs in general and for the region of high Bjorken x in the proton PDFs, particularly for the valence quark distributions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Chiral kinetic theory with self-energy corrections and neutrino spin Hall effect
Authors: Yamamoto Naoki , Yang Di-Lun
Published: March 2024

We systematically derive the chiral kinetic theory for chiral fermions with collisions, including the self-energy corrections, from quantum field theories. We find that the Wigner functions and chiral kinetic equations receive both the classical and quantum corrections from the self-energies and their spacetime gradients. We also apply this formalism to study nonequilibrium neutrino transport due to the interaction with thermalized electrons and nucleons, as realized in core-collapse supernovae. We derive neutrino currents along magnetic fields and neutrino spin Hall effect induced by the density gradient at first order in the Fermi constant GF for anisotropic neutrino distributions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Modular symmetry in magnetized
T2g
torus and orbifold models
Authors: Kikuchi Shota , Kobayashi Tatsuo , Nasu Kaito , Takada Shohei , Uchida Hikaru
Published: March 2024

We study the modular symmetry in magnetized T2g torus and orbifold models. The T2g torus has the modular symmetry Γg=Sp(2g,Z). The magnetic flux background breaks the modular symmetry to a certain normalizer Ng(H). We classify remaining modular symmetries by magnetic flux matrix types. Furthermore, we study the modular symmetry for wave functions on the magnetized T2g and certain orbifolds. It is found that wave functions on magnetized T2g as well as its orbifolds behave as the Siegel modular forms of weight 1/2 and N˜g(H,h), which is the metaplectic congruence subgroup of the double covering group of Ng(H), N˜g(H). Then, wave functions transform nontrivially under the quotient group, N˜g,h=N˜g(H)/N˜g(H,h), where the level h is related to the determinant of the magnetic flux matrix. Accordingly, the corresponding four-dimensional chiral fields also transform nontrivially under N˜g,h modular flavor transformation with modular weight −1/2. We also study concrete modular flavor symmetries of wave functions on magnetized T2g orbifolds.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Search for the Migdal effect in liquid xenon with keV-level nuclear recoils
Authors: Xu J. , Adams D. , Lenardo B. G. , Pershing T. , Mannino R. L. , Bernard E. , Kingston J. , Mizrachi E. , Lin J. , Essig R. , Mozin V. , Kerr P. , Bernstein A. , Tripathi M.
Published: March 2024

The Migdal effect predicts that a nuclear recoil interaction can be accompanied by atomic ionization, allowing many dark matter direct detection experiments to gain sensitivity to sub-GeV masses. We report the first direct search for the Migdal effect for M- and L-shell electrons in liquid xenon using nuclear recoils produced by tagged neutron scatters. Despite an observed background rate lower than that of expected signals in the region of interest, we do not observe a signal consistent with predictions. We discuss possible explanations, including inaccurate predictions for either the Migdal rate or the signal response in liquid xenon. We comment on the implications for direct dark matter searches and future Migdal characterization efforts.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Defect-Induced Low-Energy Majorana Excitations in the Kitaev Magnet
α−RuCl3
Authors: Imamura K. , Mizukami Y. , Tanaka O. , Grasset R. , Konczykowski M. , Kurita N. , Tanaka H. , Matsuda Y. , Yamada M. G. , Hashimoto K. , Shibauchi T.
Published: March 2024

The excitations in the Kitaev spin liquid (KSL) can be described by Majorana fermions, which have characteristic field dependence of bulk gap and topological edge modes. In the high-field state of layered honeycomb magnet α−RuCl3, experimental results supporting these Majorana features have been reported recently. However, there are challenges due to sample dependence, and the impact of inevitable disorder on the KSL is poorly understood. Here, we study how low-energy excitations are modified by introducing point defects in α−RuCl3 using electron irradiation, which induces site vacancies and exchange randomness. High-resolution measurements of the temperature dependence of specific heat C(T) under in-plane fields H reveal that, while the field-dependent Majorana gap is almost intact, additional low-energy states with C/T=A(H)T are induced by introduced defects. At low temperatures, we obtain the data collapse of C/T∼H−γ(T/H) expected for a disordered quantum spin system but with an anomalously large exponent γ. This leads us to find a power-law relationship between the coefficient A(H) and the field-sensitive Majorana gap. These results are consistent with the picture that the disorder induces low-energy linear Majorana excitations, which may be considered as a weak localization effect of Majorana fermions in the KSL.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Study on the urban digital transformation gyroscope model
Authors: Mei Yanshuang , Xu Xin , Zhang Xupin
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Urban digital transformation has become a key strategy in global countries. This study aims to provide a comprehensive and dynamic exploration of the intrinsic traits associated with urban digital transformation, in order to yield detailed insights that can contribute to the formulation of well-informed decisions and strategies in the field of urban development initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

Through analysis of parallels between urban digital transformation and gyroscope motion in physics, the study developed the urban digital transformation gyroscope model (UDTGM), which comprises of seven core elements. With the balanced panel dataset from 268 cities at and above the prefecture level in China, we validate the dynamic mechanism of this model.

Findings

The findings of this study underscore that the collaboration among infrastructure development, knowledge-driven forces and economic operations markedly bolsters the urban digital transformation gyroscope’s efficacy.

Practical implications

This research introduces a groundbreaking framework for comprehending urban digital transformation, potentially facilitating its balanced and systemic practical implementation.

Originality/value

This study pioneers the UDTGM theoretically and verifies the dynamic mechanism of this model with real data.
Effect of stress coping strategies on comfort foods consumption: evidence from older Americans
Authors: Shen Anyuan , Liu Shuguang
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Comfort foods consumption and linkages to stress coping strategies have received little attention in the business research on food products and services. This paper aims to explore comfort foods consumption among older Americans and how stress-coping strategies are related to their consumption frequency and variety of comfort foods.

Design/methodology/approach

Older Americans aged 50–99 years (N = 1,428) in the Health and Retirement Study were surveyed on their frequency and variety of comfort foods consumption and their consumption coping strategies. Data were analyzed and regression models were estimated.

Findings

Demographically, baby boomer, male, and non-Hispanic whites reported higher frequency and variety of comfort foods consumption. Comfort foods consumption in frequency and variety was significantly higher (lower) when “eat more” (“use alcohol”) was the endorsed coping strategy.

Originality/value

Research findings furthered research on the consumption of comfort foods among older American adults and added new insights into their coping behavior, both of which may help businesses be more targeted in serving comfort foods to the mature market and the public sector to tailor their services to older adults.
From carbon-neutral to climate-neutral supply chains: a multidisciplinary review and research agenda
Authors: Guntuka Laharish , Mukandwal Prabhjot S. , Aktas Emel , Paluvadi Vamsi Sai Krishna
Published: March 2024

Purpose

We conduct a multidisciplinary systematic literature review on climate neutrality in the supply chain. While carbon neutrality has gained prominence, our study argues that achieving carbon neutrality alone is not enough to address climate change effectively, as non-CO2 greenhouse gases (GHG) are potent contributors to global warming.

Design/methodology/approach

We used multiple databases, including EBSCO, ProQuest, Science Direct, Emerald and Google Scholar, to identify articles related to climate neutrality in the context of non-CO2 gases. A total of 71 articles in environmental science, climate change, energy systems, agriculture and logistics are reviewed to provide insights into the climate neutrality of supply chains.

Findings

We find that, in addition to CO2, other GHG such as methane, nitrous oxide, ozone and fluorinated gases also significantly contribute to climate change. Our literature review identified several key pillars for achieving net-zero GHG emissions, including end-use efficiency and electrification, clean electricity supply, clean fuel supply, “GHG capture, storage and utilization,” enhanced land sinks, reduced non-CO2 emissions and improved feed and manure management.

Originality/value

We contribute to the literature on climate neutrality of supply chains by emphasizing the significance of non-CO2 GHG along with CO2 and highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to climate neutrality in addressing climate change. This study advances the understanding of climate neutrality of supply chains and contributes to the discourse on effective climate change mitigation strategies. It provides clear future research directions.
Does future tuna landing stock meet the target? Forecasting tuna landing in Malaysia using seasonal ARIMA model
Authors: Nasir Aslina , Kamaruzzaman Yeny Nadira
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study was conducted to forecast the monthly number of tuna landings between 2023 and 2030 and determine whether the estimated number meets the government’s target.

Design/methodology/approach

The ARIMA and seasonal ARIMA (SARIMA) models were employed for time series forecasting of tuna landings from the Malaysian Department of Fisheries. The best ARIMA (p, d, q) and SARIMA(p, d, q) (P, D, Q)12 model for forecasting were determined based on model identification, estimation and diagnostics.

Findings

SARIMA(1, 0, 1) (1, 1, 0)12 was found to be the best model for forecasting tuna landings in Malaysia. The result showed that the fluctuation of monthly tuna landings between 2023 and 2030, however, did not achieve the target.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides preliminary ideas and insight into whether the government’s target for fish landing stocks can be met. Impactful results may guide the government in the future as it plans to improve the insufficient supply of tuna.

Practical implications

The outcome of this study could raise awareness among the government and industry about how to improve efficient strategies. It is to ensure the future tuna landing meets the targets, including increasing private investment, improving human capital in catch and processing, and strengthening the system and technology development in the tuna industry.

Originality/value

This paper is important to predict the trend of monthly tuna landing stock in the next eight years, from 2023 to 2030, and whether it can achieve the government’s target of 150,000 metric tonnes.
Fintech adoption and financial well-being of persons with disabilities: the mediating role of financial access, financial knowledge and financial behaviour
Authors: Gafoor Abdul , Amilan S.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The prime purpose of the study is to analyse the effect of fintech adoption on the financial well-being of persons with disabilities (PWDs), considering the intervening role of financial behaviour, financial access and financial knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administered survey schedule collected primary data on fintech adoption and financial well-being among 205 PWD, through snowball sampling from January to May 2023. Researchers used exploratory factor analysis to identify reliable factors and PLS-SEM for testing mediation and research hypotheses.

Findings

The study’s outcome found that fintech adoption does not directly impact the financial well-being of PWDs. Instead, the impact on financial well-being is explained by mediating factors like financial access, financial knowledge and financial behaviour. Financial access is the most significant among these mediating factors.

Research limitations/implications

The study demonstrates the significance of mediating factors in comprehending the influence of fintech adoption on financial well-being. These results underpin existing literature on determinants of financial well-being.

Practical implications

Findings evidenced that developing disabled-friendly fintech tools can enhance financial access, reduce inequality and improve the financial well-being of PWDs, which would be helpful for public policymakers.

Originality/value

There has been no comprehensive study conducted on this topic, particularly among PWDs. In the current study, an effort is being made to examine the relative effects of fintech adoption on financial well-being directly and indirectly through mediating variables.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-08-2023-0596
Responsible living labs: what can go wrong?
Authors: Habibipour Abdolrasoul
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how living lab (LL) activities align with responsible research and innovation (RRI) principles, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital transformation (DT) processes. The study seeks to define a framework termed “responsible living lab” (RLL), emphasizing transparency, stakeholder engagement, ethics and sustainability. This emerging issue paper also proposes several directions for future researchers in the field.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology involved a literature review complemented by insights from a workshop on defining RLLs. The literature review followed a concept-centric approach, searching key journals and conferences, yielding 32 relevant articles. Backward and forward citation analysis added 19 more articles. The workshop, conducted in the context of UrbanTestbeds.JR and SynAir-G projects, used a reverse brainstorming approach to explore potential ethical and responsible issues in LL activities. In total, 13 experts engaged in collaborative discussions, highlighting insights into AI’s role in promoting RRI within LL activities. The workshop facilitated knowledge sharing and a deeper understanding of RLL, particularly in the context of DT and AI.

Findings

This emerging issue paper highlights ethical considerations in LL activities, emphasizing user voluntariness, user interests and unintended participation. AI in DT introduces challenges like bias, transparency and digital divide, necessitating responsible practices. Workshop insights underscore challenges: AI bias, data privacy and transparency; opportunities: inclusive decision-making and efficient innovation. The synthesis defines RLLs as frameworks ensuring transparency, stakeholder engagement, ethical considerations and sustainability in AI-driven DT within LLs. RLLs aim to align DT with ethical values, fostering inclusivity, responsible resource use and human rights protection.

Originality/value

The proposed definition of RLL introduces a framework prioritizing transparency, stakeholder engagement, ethics and sustainability in LL activities, particularly those involving AI for DT. This definition aligns LL practices with RRI, addressing ethical implications of AI. The value of RLL lies in promoting inclusive and sustainable innovation, prioritizing stakeholder needs, fostering collaboration and ensuring environmental and social responsibility throughout LL activities. This concept serves as a foundational step toward a more responsible and sustainable LL approach in the era of AI-driven technologies.
Engage to co-create! The drivers of brand co-creation on social commerce
Authors: Nibras Saiyara , Gunawan Tjong Andreas , Tan Garry Wei-Han , Lo Pei-San , Aw Eugene Cheng-Xi , Ooi Keng-Boon
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Consumers nowadays are no longer bystanders in the process of production but are proactive collaborators with the power to co-create value with brands. This study aims to explore the impact of social commerce on the co-creation process of brand value in a social commerce setting.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted online to gather 300 eligible responses. The data were empirically validated using the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) method.

Findings

The results indicated that brand engagement (BEN) is vital to brand co-creation (BCC) in social commerce, which could be driven by social-hedonic value (SHV) and social information sharing (SIS).

Research limitations/implications

This study stresses the influence of consumer autonomy in the process of BCC by probing the role of SIS. Moreover, by considering the prevailing trend in social media, this study offers a nuanced perspective on the values of social commerce from the viewpoint of SHV.

Practical implications

This study may serve as a useful guide for practitioners to improve their digital outreach strategy on social commerce to forge stronger relationships, encourage further engagements and promote value co-creation within their brand community.

Originality/value

This examines the effect of relationship quality (RQU) and BEN on BCC through a relational viewpoint.
For sustained digital advantage, find a huge customer problem and create the processes that will solve it
Authors: Wood Robert Chapman
Published: March 2024

Purpose

New technologies may offer special opportunities for others to achieve very large returns with approaches to technology development like those of Amazon, Tesla, and Walmart. This paper summarizes those firms' overall approach and offers guidelines for carrying out similar efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a multi-firm case study, examining long-term technology development processes of Amazon, Tesla, Walmart, Varian Medical, and Deere.

Findings

The firms were able to create huge amounts of value (or in Deere's case, seems to be creating a huge amount of value today) because their leaders recognized a huge problem that limited customers greatly and spent decades solving it with digital technology. The approach appears to be replicable by others.

Research limitations/implications

This is an initial review. Further study of these firms and others that have similar long-term digital achievements is warranted.

Practical implications

The paper describes a practical approach to achieving sustained competitive advantage that may be effective for those willing to pursue solution to a large problem over many years.

Originality/value

The most successful users of digital technology have followed a difficult but straightforward path to revolutionizing customer experience: Focus for decades on making something important work really well. This paper identifies similarities among the long-term strategies of the greatest producers of long-term value for the first time and identifies a path through which others may follow them.
Preparation of layer‐assembled W/O/W‐type microencapsulated beads and application in solid‐state fermentation
Authors: Wen Lei , Jiang Jingrong , Zheng Jia , Wang Hong , Huang Min , Zong Xuyan , Li Li
Published: March 2024

In this study, microcapsule beads‐0–3‐layers (M‐0–3 indicates microencapsulated beads with 0, 1, 2, and 3 layers) were prepared, their properties were measured and characterized, and the effects of M‐0–3 on solid‐state fermentation were investigated. The results showed that in a liquid environment, the releasing glucoamylase activities of M‐0–3 were 55.77%, 47.67%, 45.85%, and 42.87% in 360 h, respectively. In the solid environment, the reducing sugar production efficiency of M‐0–3 was 29.84%, 27.72%, 19.16%, and 15.93% in 15 days, respectively. Adding M‐0–3 improved the alcohol and reduced sugar content while decreasing the residual starch content of the Jiupei, indicating that adding M‐0–3 was beneficial to the solid‐state fermentation of Baijiu. Solid‐state fermentation simulation experiments illustrated that microcapsule beads play a positive role in the production of Baijiu, enhancing raw material utilization and yield of Baijiu production.
Development and characterization of physical stability, glycemic index, flow behaviors, and antioxidant activity of finger millet‐based beverage
Authors: Mishra Shivangi , Singh Rakhi , Upadhyay Ashutosh , Kaur Barjinder Pal , Shukla Shruti
Published: March 2024

Millets are gaining attention as a superfood due to their higher nutritional value and cost‐effectiveness. In this regard, extraction condition for the development of finger millet‐based beverage was optimized using a central composite design. Soaking time (X1) and temperature (X2) in the range of 5–10 h and 40–60°C, respectively, were the independent variables taken for three responses, namely, yield, total solids, and sedimentation index. The optimized conditions are best fitted in quadratic model (R2 0.91) for all the dependent variables. Accordingly, the optimized levels selected for soaking time and temperature were 10 h and 60°C respectively, resulting in the yield (Y1) of 91.86% ± 0.94%, total solids (Y2) of 17.72% ± 0.56%, and sedimentation index (Y3) of 12.18% ± 0.06%. Further, xanthan gum (0.5%) and jaggery powder (5%) were added in the optimized beverage to improve its physicochemical and functional properties. Xanthan gum improved the physical stability and rheological properties of the beverage, whereas jaggery improved the flavor and phenolic content of the same. The optimized beverage had a good amount of phenolic content (53.70 µg GAE/mL), antioxidant activity (DPPH 13.76 µmol/mL), zeta potential (−19.8 mV), and glycemic index (57). The flow curve of beverages was obtained using power law model, and result indicated good consistency index (k = 0.7716 Pa s) with flow behavior (n = 0.3411) depicted its pseudoplastic nature. The optimized extraction condition significantly reduced the antinutrients, tannin, and phytic content by 47% and 14%, respectively, in optimized beverage than control.
Application effects of NaCl substitute on the fermentation profile of Pixian douban (broad bean paste)
Authors: Li Na , Lin Shengchao , Sun Wenjia , Xu Min , Liu Ping , Che Zhenming
Published: March 2024

The effects of a reduced‐salt substitute (composed of NaCl, sodium gluconate, KCl, L‐histidine, and L‐lysine) applied in the fermentation of traditional Pixian douban (PXDB) were explored in this study according to sensory quality, physicochemical characteristics, color, colony count, and the contents of free amino acids (FAAs), organic acids, and volatile flavor compounds. The results showed that the PXDB with a 15% salt substitution had the most attractive reddish‐brown color, a mellow fragrance, and the lowest total colony count of the three pastes. The fermentation quality of the 15% salt substitute PXDB was superior to that of the control groups, its sensory quality was more readily accepted, and the contents of its amino acid nitrogen, FAAs and organic acids had increased by 0.1050, 0.3290, and 3.9068 mg/g, respectively. Moreover, the concentrations of the main aroma compounds in the PXDB containing the salt substitute were higher than those of the control. These included phenylethanol, 3‐methylthiopropanol, isoamyl alcohol, furfural, benzaldehyde, phenylacetaldehyde, nonanal, isoamyl aldehyde, 4‐ethylphenol, and, particularly, 2,6‐dimethylpyrazine, which had increased as much as 100 times. Correlation analysis showed that Glu, Phe, Tyr, Gly, Leu, Val, Asp, Ile, citric acids, and succinic acids were all positively correlated with the main aroma and contributed to the generation of PXDB's characteristic flavor, and main aroma substances in turn positively influence PXDB flavor sensory attributes. Overall, these results showed the application of the 15% salt substitute during PXDB fermentation improved the quality of the paste and, thus, would benefit the development of reduced‐salt PXDB.
Pandemic preparedness: On the efficacy of non‐pharmaceutical interventions in COVID‐19 and about approaches to predict future pandemic viruses
Authors: Brüssow Harald
Published: March 2024

With three major viral pandemics over the last 100 years, namely the Spanish flu, AIDS and COVID‐19 each claiming many millions of lives, pandemic preparedness has become an important issue for public health. The economic, social and political consequences of the upheaval caused by such pandemics also represent a major challenge for governments with respect to sustainable development goals. The field of pandemic preparedness is vast and the current article can only address selected aspects. The article looks first backwards and addresses the question of the efficacy of non‐pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) on the trajectory of the COVID‐19 pandemic. The article looks then forward by asking to what extent viral candidates for future pandemics can be predicted by virome analyses from metagenome and transcriptome sequencing, by focusing on the virome from specific animal species and using ecological and epidemiological data about spillover viral infections in veterinary and human medicine. As a comprehensive overview on pandemic preparedness is beyond the capacity of a single reviewer, only selected topics will be discussed using recent key scientific publications. Since COVID‐19 has not run its course, a computational program able to predict the future evolution of SARS‐CoV‐2 is mentioned that could assist proactive mRNA vaccine developments against possible future variants of concern. Ending the COVID‐19 epidemic necessitates mucosal vaccines that can suppress the transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 and therefore this article closes by discussing a promising and versatile protein nanoparticle experimental vaccine approach for inhalation that does not depend on needles nor a cold chain for distribution.
Ruminations on sustainable and safe food: Championing for open symbiotic cultures ensuring resource efficiency, eco‐sustainability and affordability
Authors: Javourez Ugo , Matassa Silvio , Vlaeminck Siegfried E. , Verstraete Willy
Published: March 2024

Microbes are powerful upgraders, able to convert simple substrates to nutritional metabolites at rates and yields surpassing those of higher organisms by a factor of 2 to 10. A summary table highlights the superior efficiencies of a whole array of microbes compared to conventionally farmed animals and insects, converting nitrogen and organics to food and feed. Aiming at the most resource‐efficient class of microbial proteins, deploying the power of open microbial communities, coined here as ‘symbiotic microbiomes’ is promising. For instance, a production train of interest is to develop rumen‐inspired technologies to upgrade fibre‐rich substrates, increasingly available as residues from emerging bioeconomy initiatives. Such advancements offer promising perspectives, as currently only 5%–25% of the available cellulose is recovered by ruminant livestock systems. While safely producing food and feed with open cultures has a long‐standing tradition, novel symbiotic fermentation routes are currently facing much higher market entrance barriers compared to axenic fermentation. Our global society is at a pivotal juncture, requiring a shift towards food production systems that not only embrace the environmental and economic sustainability but also uphold ethical standards. In this context, we propose to re‐examine the place of spontaneous or natural microbial consortia for safe future food and feed biotech developments, and advocate for intelligent regulatory practices. We stress that reconsidering symbiotic microbiomes is key to achieve sustainable development goals and defend the need for microbial biotechnology literacy education.
Editorial: Liver elastography for chronic hepatitis D—the end of liver biopsy?
Authors: Buti María , Palom Adriana , Riveiro‐Barciela Mar
Published: March 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Sandmann et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17878
Letter: Switching to tenofovir alafenamide for nucleos(t)ide analogue‐experienced patients with chronic hepatitis B can increase body weight
Authors: Tan Youwen , Zheng Sainan
Published: March 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Ogawa et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17107 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17910
Letter: Association of polymorphic variant of SerpinB3 and faster cirrhosis decompensation in patients with cirrhosis—More evidence needed
Authors: Jing Haibo , Lin Lin , Xu Juan , Zhang Huifeng , Cao Lin , Fan Yaofu
Published: March 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Martini et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17804 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17916
Editorial: Using machine learning to predict significant fibrosis in metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Manikat Richie , Ahmed Aijaz , Kim Donghee
Published: March 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Verma et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17891 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17913
Editorial: The tsunami of steatotic liver disease in India, the Asia‐Pacific region and the world
Authors: Shaheen Abdel‐Aziz , Brahmania Mayur
Published: March 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Prabhakar et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17892 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17921
Editorial: Gastrointestinal symptoms—A world of differences
Authors: Olden Kevin W.
Published: March 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Palsson et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17894
Uses and limitations of small‐volume biopsies for the diagnosis of lymphoma
Authors: Fitzpatrick Megan J. , Sohani Aliyah R. , Ly Amy
Published: March 2024

Although surgical biopsy remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of lymphoma, small‐volume biopsies including fine‐needle aspiration and core needle biopsy are increasingly being used as a first line diagnostic tool. Small‐volume biopsies are safe, rapid and cost effective; however, diagnostic utility varies by lymphoma subtype. It is important for pathologists and clinicians to recognize both the strengths and limitations of such biopsies.
Elevated factor XI is associated with recurrent left ventricular thrombus of unknown origin
Authors: Zandecki Łukasz , Ząbczyk Michał , Undas Anetta
Published: March 2024

Background

Elevated factor XI (FXI) has been shown to predispose to thromboembolism. We investigated whether it is associated with left ventricular thrombus (LVT) formation, its recurrence and subsequent thromboembolic events.

Methods

In 54 patients with prior LVT of unknown origin, who stopped anticoagulation and 54 controls, we determined FXI, along with plasma clot permeability (Ks), fibrinolysis time (CLT), endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), von Willebrand factor (vWF) and fibrinolysis proteins. During follow‐up, the primary endpoint involving the recurrence of LVT a symptomatic ischemic stroke or systemic embolism was recorded.

Results

Elevated (>120%) FXI levels were more often observed in LVT patients when compared to the control group (14 [25.9%] vs. 6 [11.1%], p = .048) in association with the presence of active FXI. FXI correlated with age (r = .406, p = .002), Ks (r = −.542, p < .001) and CLT (r = .406, p = .002), also after adjustment for age, but not with ETP, vWF or fibrinolysis proteins. During follow‐up of 77.6 ± 18.5 months the primary endpoint occurred in 17 (31.5%) LVT patients, including 11 (20.4%) recurrent LVT, and in 4 (7.4%) controls (annual incidence rate 4.9% vs. 1.1%, respectively; p = .002). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, elevated FXI was independently associated with the primary endpoint (OR 1.18; 95% CI 1.09–1.28).

Conclusions

Elevated FXI in association with a prothrombotic state characterizes patients with prior LVT of unknown origin and predisposes to its recurrence and/or ischemic stroke during follow‐up. It might be speculated that the measurement of FXI helps identify patients who could benefit from prolonged anticoagulation and FXI inhibitors in the future.