bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular health in early pregnancy and circulating biomarkers of placental health and function
Authors: Kozai Andrea C. , Gibbs Bethany Barone , Parry Samuel , Khan Sadiya S. , Grobman William , Levine Lisa D. , McNeil Rebecca , Haas David M. , Pippen Jessica L. , Silver Robert M. , Catov Janet M.
Published: August 2024

Background

Maternal cardiovascular health (CVH) and placental health are related to pregnancy outcomes, yet how early pregnancy CVH affects placentation is not well characterized. The objective of this study was to determine associations between CVH and concentrations of placental proteins.

Methods

Participants from the nuMoM2b prospective cohort were included (n=2188). Maternal CVH was defined three ways: (1) composite scores using 6 components measured in the 1sttrimester (four behavioral components of physical activity, diet, sleep duration, and smoking, and the health factors of blood pressure and body mass index); (2) latent classes of the four behavioral components; and (3) individual health behaviors. Linear regression associated composite CVH, latent classes, and individual health behaviors with 1stand 2ndtrimester circulating markers of placental growth and development (pregnancy-associated plasma protein A, PAPP-A), pro-angiogenic (vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF; placental growth factor, PlGF), and anti-angiogenic factors (soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase 1, sFlt-1; soluble endoglin, sEng).

Results and Conclusions

More favorable composite CVH was associated with higher PAPP-A (representing better 1sttrimester placental growth and development) and lower VEGF and higher sEng (representing an anti-angiogenic 1sttrimester profile). Higher levels of physical activity were associated with lower 2ndtrimester PAPP-A and higher 1sttrimester VEGF and lower sFlt-1 (pro-angiogenic). In the four groups identified with latent class analysis (Healthy Behaviors, Active with Poor Diet, Inactive with Poor Diet, and Less Healthy Behaviors), first trimester sFlt- 1 was lower in the Healthy Behaviors group compared to Inactive with Poor Diet group. Modifiable aspects of CVH in early pregnancy are related to placental health and function and may be useful targets for intervention.

Clinical Perspective

What is New?

Combinations of modifiable health behaviors in early pregnancy are related to circulating markers of placental development and function.

These associations varied according to trimester of placental biomarker assessment, suggesting that patterns across gestation may be informative.

More physical activity in the 1sttrimester was associated with lower PAPP-A concentrations in the 2ndtrimester without a concurrent increase in the rate of adverse outcomes.

What are the Clinical Implications?

This study suggests that more favorable cardiovascular health in early pregnancy may be related to differences in placental health and function as reflected by higher concentrations of PAPP-A.

One mechanism of the benefits of physical activity in early pregnancy may be through improved angiogenic/anti-angiogenic balance as measured by VEGF and sFlt-1 in the 1sttrimester.
Data-driven risk/benefit estimator for multiple sclerosis therapies
Authors: Bielekova Bibiana , Wu Tianxia , Kosa Peter , Calcagni Michael
Published: August 2024

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) are tested in patients pre-selected for favorable risk/benefits ratios but prescribed broadly in clinical practice. We aimed to establish data-driven computations of individualized risk/benefit ratios to optimize MS care.

Methods

We derived determinants of DMTs efficacy on disability progression from re-analysis and integration of 61 randomized, blinded Phase 2b/3 clinical trials that studied 46,611 patients for 91,787 patient-years. From each arm we extracted 80 and computed 30 features to identify and adjust for biases, and to use in multiple regression models. DMTs mortality risks were estimated from age mortality tables modified by published hazard ratios.

Findings

Baseline characteristics of the recruited patients determine disability progression rates and DMTs efficacies with high effect sizes. DMTs efficacies increase with MS lesional activity (LA) measured by relapses or contrast-enhancing lesions and decrease with increasing age, disease duration and disability. Unexpectedly, as placebo arms’ relapse rate rapidly declines with trial duration, efficacy of MS DMTs likewise decreases quickly with treatment duration. Conversely, DMTs morbidity/mortality risks increase with age, advanced disability, and comorbidities. We integrated these results into an interactive personalized web based DMTs risk/benefit estimator.

Interpretation

Results predict that prescribing DMTs to patients traditionally excluded from MS clinical trials causes more harm than benefit. Treatment with high efficacy drugs at MS onset followed by de-escalation to DMTs that do not increase infectious risks would optimize risk/benefit. DMTs targeting mechanisms of progression independent of LA are greatly needed as current DMTs inhibit disability caused by LA only.
Phylogenetic analysis of Centralspindlin and Ect2 provides mechanistic insights into the emergence of Metazoa and multicellularity
Authors: Glotzer Michael
Published: August 2024

Obligate multicellularity evolved at least 5 times in eukaryotes, including at the origin of Metazoa [1, 2]. However, the molecular events leading to the acquisition of multicellularity are not understood in any lineage. Here, I present an integrated analysis into the contemporaneous emergence of three regulators of cytokinesis and the Metazoan kingdom. Phylogenetic and computational structural analyses indicate that the simultaneous presence of three key regulators of cytokinesis, Kif23, Cyk4, and Ect2 is Metazoan-specific. Structurally, these proteins are highly conserved across all Metazoa. These cytokinetic regulators link the plane of cell division with the position of the spindle during anaphase and subsequently nucleate assembly of stable intercellular bridges [3–6], structures prevalent in Metazoan germlines [7]. Furthermore, certain Choanoflagellates and more basal amoeboid species, some of which exhibit incomplete cytokinesis, encode divergent orthologs of these regulators. These findings, in conjunction with prior knowledge, suggests that evolutionary refinement of these three cytokinetic regulators directly contributed to the evolution of Metazoan multicellularity and germline development.
Toss GERALT into chloroplast to make it green: a new regulator of chloroplast biogenesis and chlorophyll biosynthesis
Authors: Banaś Agnieszka Katarzyna , Grzyb Joanna , Zgłobicki Piotr , Pacak Andrzej , Myśliwa-Kurdziel Beata , Leja Katarzyna , Kozieradzka-Kiszkurno Małgorzata , Kłodawska Kinga , Konieczny Robert , Pilarska Maria , Niewiadomska Ewa , Bażant Aneta , Szewc Łukasz , Kowalska Ewa B. , Strzałka Wojciech
Published: August 2024

Proteins belonging into cryptochrome/photolyase family act as either blue light photoreceptors or as enzymes responsible for repair of pyrimidine dimers produced under UV. Surprisingly, the members of plant-specific photolyase/blue-light receptor 2 (PPL/PHR2) subclade of this family, are almost completely uncharacterized. Here, we focused on the physiological role of protein encoded by ArabidopsisAt2g47590gene. Our results demonstrate for the first time its crucial role in cotyledon greening and maintenance of plant fitness. Based on the phenotype of the mutant inAt2g47590gene i.e. albino cotyledons and pale green true leaves we named this geneGERALT(GERMINATIONALBINOTRANSIENT).Using different approach including analysis of plant phenotypes, chloroplast sizes and architecture, transcriptomes, photosynthetic pigments, maximum PSII quantum yield (FV/FM) we show that the proper plant functioning is the effect of co-operation of GERALT-dependent and -independent pathways with the role of the former diminishing with plant age. Lower levels of transcripts dependent on plastid encoded polymerase and higher levels of these dependent on nuclear encoded polymerase, smaller chloroplasts with large grana stacks and very weakly developed stromal thylakoids, lower levels of photosynthetic pigments with higher chlorophyll a/b ratio, are among characteristic features ofgeraltplants. We believe that these results encourage scientific community to study PPL/PHR2 proteins which seems to play a special role in plants.
Identification of stable reference genes inEdwardsiella ictalurifor accurate gene expression analysis
Authors: Lu Jingjun , Abdelhamed Hossam , Al-Janabi Nawar , Eissa Nour , Lawrence Mark , Karsi Attila
Published: August 2024

Edwardsiella ictaluriis a Gram-negative bacterium causing enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC), leading to significant economic losses in the catfish farming industry. RT-PCR analysis is a powerful technique for quantifying gene expression, but normalization of expression data is critical to control experimental errors. Using stable reference genes, also known as housekeeping genes, is a common strategy for normalization, yet reference gene selection often lacks proper validation. In this work, our goal was to determine the most stable reference genes inE. ictaluriduring catfish serum exposure and various growth phases. To this goal, we evaluated the expression of 27 classical reference genes (16SrRNA,abcZ,adk,arc,aroE,aspA,atpA,cyaA,dnaG,fumC,g6pd,gdhA,glnA,gltA,glyA,grpE,gyrB,mdh,mutS,pgi,pgm,pntA,recA,recP,rpoS,tkt,and tpi) using five analytical programs (GeNorm, BestKeeper, NormFinder, Comparative ΔCT, and Comprehensive Ranking). Results showed thataspA,atpA,dnaG,glyA,gyrB,mutS,recP,rpoS,tkt, andtpiwere the most stable reference genes during serum exposure, whereasfumC,g6pd,gdhA,glnA, andmdhwere the least stable. During various growth phases,aspA,g6pd,glyA,gyrB,mdh,mutS,pgm,recA,recP,and tktwere the most stable, while 16S rRNA,atpA,grpE,and tpiwere the least stable. At least four analysis methods confirmed the stability ofaspA,glyA,gyrB,mutS,recP, andtktduring serum exposure and different growth stages. However, no consensus was found among the programs for unstable reference genes under both conditions.
3D Microphysiological Tumor Model for Dual-Targeting CAR T Cell Immunotherapy
Authors: Peng Xuan , Janićijević Željko , Loureiro Liliana Rodrigues , Hoffmann Lydia , Lee Poh Soo , Cela Isli , Kruppke Benjamin , Kegler Alexandra , Feldmann Anja , Bachmann Michael , Baraban Larysa
Published: August 2024

The efficiency of immunotherapy stays limited for solid tumors. It is mainly caused by the tumoral structural heterogeneity and its complex microenvironment, which impede the infiltration of immune cells into malignant tissues. Mimicking this environment in frames of microphysiological models remains a challenge, significantly increasing costs of the clinical translation for the new therapies. Here, we study a 3D multi-spheroid model incorporating prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) modified PC3 human prostate cancer cells and fibroblast activation protein (FAP) expressing fibrosarcoma HT1080 cells embedded within the soft hydrogel microbeads. We use this model to trial the immunotherapy based on the universal chimeric antigen receptor (UniCAR) T cells, and to better understand the impact of FAP on the immunotherapeutic treatment of solid tumors. First, we demonstrate the successful chemoattraction and infiltration of UniCAR T cells into the area of solid tumors, as well as the ability of UniCAR T cells to navigate through artificial extracellular matrix barriers. We further observe the synergistic efficacy of a dual-targeting UniCAR T cell approach against FAP and PSCA antigens, which represent the tumor microenvironment and the tumor, respectively. The results of our studies offer valuable methodologies and insights for engineering different 3D tumor models and studying immunotargeting of small-sized solid tumors (e.g., metastases and residual tumors). The developed microphysiological system has great potential to advance cancer research efforts aiming to elucidate the pivotal role of microenvironment in solid tumor development, enabling therapy trials and more precise prognosis for patients.
The abundance change of age-regulated secreted proteins affects lifespan ofC. elegans
Authors: Bhunia Prasun Kumar , Raj Vishwajeet , Kasturi Prasad
Published: August 2024

Proteome integrity is vital for survival and failure to maintain it results in uncontrolled protein abundances, misfolding and aggregation which cause proteotoxicity. In multicellular organisms, proteotoxic stress is communicated among tissues to maintain proteome integrity for organismal stress resistance and survival. However, nature of these signalling molecules and their regulation in extracellular space is largely unknown. Secreted proteins are induced in response to various stresses and aging, indicating their roles in the inter tissue communication. To study fates of age-regulated proteins with potential localization to extracellular, we analysed publicly available age-related proteome data ofC. elegans. We found that abundance of proteins with signal peptides (SP) increases with age and result in their aggregation. Intriguingly, these changes are differentially regulated in the lifespan mutants. A subset of these SP proteins is also found in the cargo of extracellular vesicles. Many of these proteins are novel and functionally uncharacterized. Reducing levels of a few extracellular proteins result in increasing lifespan. This suggest that uncontrolled levels of extracellular proteins might disturb proteostasis and limit the lifespan. Overall, our findings suggest that the age induced secreted proteins might be the potential candidates to be considered as biomarkers or for mitigating age-related pathological conditions.
Simulation of neurotrophin receptor transmembrane helix interactions reveals active states and distinct signaling mechanisms
Authors: Athanasiou Christina , Claveras Cabezudo Ainara , Tsengenes Alexandros , Wade Rebecca C.
Published: August 2024

Neurotrophin (NT) receptor signaling regulates neuronal survival, axonal and dendritic network maintenance, differentiation, and synaptic plasticity. Signaling is initiated by NT binding to the extracellular domain of NT receptor dimers, leading to activation of the receptor and signal propagation intracellularly. How this activating signal is mediated by the single-pass transmembrane (TM) helical domain of the receptor, and what the relation between domain sequence and signaling mechanism is, remains unclear. The structure and dynamics of the TM domain of the receptor dimers in the active and inactive states for intracellular signaling are still elusive, with NMR structures capturing only a single state. Here, we carried out unbiased and enhanced sampling molecular dynamics simulations of the TM domain dimers of the wild-type p75, TrkA and TrkB NT receptors and selected mutants in micelle and bilayer lipid environments at atomistic and coarse-grained levels of representation. The coarse-grained simulations enabled exploration of multiple states of the TM domain dimers and revealed the influence of the lipid environment on the TM helix arrangements. From the simulations, we identify active and inactive TM helix arrangements of the p75 and TrkA receptors that are supported by experimental data and suggest two different signaling mechanisms through the C-terminal regions of the TM helices. For TrkB, a single dominant but less energetically stable arrangement of the TM domain dimer is observed. These findings have implications for mechanistic studies of NT receptor signaling and the design of neuroprotective drugs to stabilize specific states of the TM domain of the receptors.
Tryptophanase disruption underlies the evolution of insect-bacterium mutualism
Authors: Wang Yayun , Moriyama Minoru , Koga Ryuichi , Oguchi Kohei , Hosokawa Takahiro , Takai Hiroki , Shigenobu Shuji , Nikoh Naruo , Fukatsu Takema
Published: August 2024

Animal-microbe symbioses are omnipresent, where both partners often gain benefits as mutualists. How such mutualism has evolved between originally unrelated organisms is of interest. Here we report that, using an experimental symbiotic system between the stinkbugPlautia staliand the model bacteriumEscherichia coli, disruption of a single bacterial genetnaAencoding tryptophanase makesE. colimutualistic toP. stali. Survey of natural bacterial mutualists across wild populations ofP. staliand other stinkbug species uncovered that theirPantoea-allied symbionts consistently lacktnaAgene. SomePantoeaspecies likeP. ananatisretaintnaAgene and cannot establish symbiosis withP. stali, buttnaA-disruptedP. ananatispartially restored the symbiotic capability. When a naturalPantoeamutualist ofP. staliwas transformed with a functionaltnaoperon, its symbiotic capability reduced significantly. Our finding suggests that tryptophanase disruption may have facilitated the evolution of gut bacterial mutualists in insects.
Coral microbiomes from the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific oceans have the same alpha diversity but different composition
Authors: Santos Maria E. A. , Reimer James D. , Kiriukhin Bogdan , Wee Hin Boo , Mizuyama Masaru , Kise Hiroki , Kitahara Marcelo V. , Iguchi Akira , Dudoit ‘Ale’alani , Toonen Robert J. , Husnik Filip
Published: August 2024

Corals are early-branching animals highly reliant on diverse symbionts for growth and reproduction. Most coral groups, including stony corals and hydrocorals, exhibit deep genetic divergence between the Atlantic (ATO) and Indo-Pacific (IPO) oceans, hampering their direct comparison. Although sibling zoanthid species (Hexacorallia: Zoantharia) deviate from this pattern, their symbioses have so far only been studied on local scales. Here, we examined the microbiomes ofPalythoa caribaeorumfrom the ATO andP. tuberculosafrom the IPO. Our extensive geographical sampling and metabarcoding revealed thatPalythoamicrobiomes have similar alpha diversity in both oceans. The primary exceptions are the symbiodiniaceanCladocopiumand Chlamydiae bacteria, which mirror the global diversity patterns of corals. Despite distinct overall microbial compositions between oceans, some regions shared remarkably similar communities, hinting at the importance of both symbiont phylogeny and function. Finally, we explore the shift from commensal/mutualistic microbes to opportunistic pathogens, crucial amid the ongoing environmental changes.
The kinetoplastid kinetochore protein KKT23 acetyltransferase is a structural homolog of GCN5 that acetylates the histone H2A C-terminal tail
Authors: Ludzia Patryk , Ishii Midori , Deák Gauri , Spanos Christos , Wilson Marcus D. , Redfield Christina , Akiyoshi Bungo
Published: August 2024

The kinetochore is the macromolecular protein machine that drives chromosome segregation in eukaryotes. In an evolutionarily divergent group of organisms called kinetoplastids, kinetochores are built using a unique set of proteins (KKT1-25 and KKIP1-12). KKT23 is a constitutively localised kinetochore protein containing a C-terminal acetyltransferase domain of unknown function. Here, using X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy, we have determined the structure and dynamics of the KKT23 acetyltransferase domain fromTrypanosoma bruceiand found that it is structurally similar to the GCN5 histone acetyltransferase domain. We find that KKT23 can acetylate the C-terminal tail of histone H2A and that knockdown of KKT23 results in decreased H2A acetylation levels inT. brucei. Finally, we have determined the crystal structure of the N-terminal region of KKT23 and shown that it interacts with KKT22. Our study provides important insights into the structure and function of the unique kinetochore acetyltransferase in trypanosomes.
GTP hydrolysis triggers membrane remodeling by AMPH-1
Authors: Gai Wei , Wang Yuhang , Zhang Junjie , Carr Chave , Rye Hays
Published: August 2024

Membrane-enclosed transport carriers return biological molecules from the recycling endosome to the plasma membrane using a mechanism that is not well understood. In C. elegans, the formation of carriers from the recycling endosome requires the amphiphysin protein, AMPH-1. Recently, we found that purified AMPH-1 is sufficient for tubulation and vesiculation of liposomes in a mechanism that is regulated by guanine nucleotides. Here we propose a model linking GTP binding and hydrolysis to the membrane binding and tubulation required for transport carrier formation. We find that GTP binding stabilizes interactions between AMPH-1 and the membrane through amphipathic, N-terminal alpha helices, which are found at the tips of the arc-shaped, homodimeric structure. By contrast, in the post-hydrolysis, GDP-bound state, these helices are repositioned to interact with the N-terminal helices of other homodimers, to form an oligomeric AMPH-1 lattice that tubulates the membrane, in preparation for carrier formation by membrane fission.
A chaotic study of love dynamics with competition using fractal-fractional operator
Authors: Kumar Anil , Shaw Pawan Kumar , Kumar Sunil
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The objective of this work is to analyze the necessary conditions for chaotic behavior with fractional order and fractal dimension values of the fractal-fractional operator.

Design/methodology/approach

The numerical technique based on the fractal-fractional derivative is implemented over the fractional model and analyzes the condition at the distinct values of fractional order and fractal dimension.

Findings

The obtained numerical solution from the numerical technique is analyzed at distinct fractional order and fractal dimension values, and it has been figured out that the behavior of the solution either chaotic or non-chaotic agrees with the condition.

Originality/value

The necessary condition is associated with the fractional order only. So, our work not only studies the condition with fractional order but also examines the model by simultaneously adjusting fractal dimension values. It is found that the model still has chaotic or non-chaotic behavior at certain fractal dimension values and fractional order values corresponding to the condition.
A group decision-making model for architectural programming in megaprojects
Authors: Tu Huijun , Jin Shitao
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Due to the complexity and diversity of megaprojects, the architectural programming process often involves multiple stakeholders, making decision-making difficult and susceptible to subjective factors. This study aims to propose an architectural programming methodology system (APMS) for megaprojects based on group decision-making model to enhance the accuracy and transparency of decision-making, and to facilitate participation and integration among stakeholders. This method allows multiple interest groups to participate in decision-making, gathers various perspectives and opinions, thereby improving the quality and efficiency of architectural programming and promoting the smooth implementation of projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This study first clarifies the decision-making subjects, decision objects, and decision methods of APMS based on group decision-making theory and value-based architectural programming methods. Furthermore, the entropy weight method and fuzzy TOPSIS method are employed as calculation methods to comprehensively evaluate decision alternatives and derive optimal decision conclusions. The workflow of APMS consists of four stages: preparation, information, decision, and evaluation, ensuring the scientific and systematic of the decision-making process.

Findings

This study conducted field research and empirical analysis on a practical megaproject of a comprehensive transport hub to verify the effectiveness of APMS. The results show that, in terms of both short-distance and long-distance transportation modes, the decision-making results of APMS are largely consistent with the preliminary programming outcomes of the project. However, regarding transfer modes, the APMS decision-making results revealed certain discrepancies between the project's current status and the preliminary programming.

Originality/value

APMS addresses the shortcomings in decision accuracy and stakeholder participation and integration in the current field of architectural programming. It not only enhances stakeholder participation and interaction but also considers various opinions and interests comprehensively. Additionally, APMS has significant potential in optimizing project performance, accelerating project processes, and reducing resource waste.
Exploring housing supply dynamics and temporal modelling of residential construction activities
Authors: Zhang Yu , Miller Eric J.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to develop a modelling framework of housing supply dynamics within the context of urban microsimulation systems. Housing markets have witnessed substantial investigation over recent decades, predominantly concerning residential demand. However, comparatively limited attention has been directed towards comprehending the housing supply dynamics. Housing policy disconnects with the developers’ market behaviours, which leads to significant mismatch between the housing construction and affordable housing needs of the population. Research attention should be made in comprehending the residential construction market activities. To address this gap, this study developed an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model and analyzed the temporal evolution of housing construction.

Design/methodology/approach

An ARDL model was developed to address the issue of temporal modelling of the housing supply. An empirical study was conducted in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) based on a longitudinal housing starts data set from 1998 to 2020. The model integrates diverse variables, including macroeconomic conditions, property development costs, dwelling prices and opportunity costs. Notably, the model captures both the path-dependent effects stemming from supply market fluctuations and the temporal lag effect of influential factors.

Findings

The findings reveal that the supply-side’s responsiveness to market condition alterations may span up to 18 months. The model has reasonable and satisfying performance in fitting the observed starts. The methodological foundations laid will facilitate future modelling of housing supply dynamics.

Originality/value

This study innovatively separated the modelling of housing supply within the context of urban microsimulation, into two parts, the modelling of housing starts and completion. The housing starts are determined in a complex and regressive process influenced by both the micro-economic environment and the construction cost and housing market trends. Through the temporal modelling method, this study captures how long it would take for the housing supply to respond to multiple factors and provides insight for urban planners in regulating the housing market and leveraging various policies to influence the housing supply.
Investigating the antecedents of EMNEs’ expatriate knowledge transfer behaviors in developing economies
Authors: Guo Ying , Zhang Jianan
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The international business (IB) literature emphasizes knowledge sharing and knowledge hiding as part of the knowledge transfer process. However, limited studies discuss the antecedents of the two practices in the same organization in international assignments. This study aims to explore the knowledge transfer practices of expatriates in emerging economy multinational enterprises (EMNEs) conducting international assignments in developing economies and identify the reasons why expatriates share knowledge and/or hide knowledge in interaction with the local environment.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth, semistructured interviews with Chinese expatriates from a Chinese state-owned multinational enterprise (MNE) operating in three African countries were conducted to obtain their experience of knowledge transfer behaviors in international assignments. Thematic analysis was used to analyze interview data.

Findings

The results show that knowledge sharing is more common than knowledge hiding in the overseas operations of EMNEs in developing economies. Cooperation requirements, corporate incentives, company support and the host country environment facilitate knowledge sharing; conversely, competitiveness and company policies are related to expatriate knowledge-hiding behaviors in other emerging economies.

Originality/value

This paper provides the enlightenment of Chinese MNEs on knowledge management in overseas operations in developing economies and reflects the company’s system and practice in knowledge management from the level of expatriates, as well as the role of company practices in choosing knowledge sharing or hiding behaviors.
“I am served by a Robot!”: internal antecedents of customer acceptance of robotic hotel-service agents
Authors: Cabrilo Sladjana , Leung Rosanna , Tsai Fu-Sheng , Dahms Sven
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study explores how customers' individual characteristics and perceptions affect acceptance of service robots as a hotel workforce. The Interactive Technology Acceptance Model (iTAM) has inspired us to investigate effects of customers' technological self-efficacy, perceived interactivity, sense of utility, and enjoyment-level of acceptance related to hotel-service robots as staff.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 224 customers via an online questionnaire conducted in the period April–June 2022 by convenience sampling, and then analyzed by using partial least squares – structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The findings show that customers' technological self-efficacy and perceived interactivity with service robots enhances perceived usefulness and perceived enjoyment, serving as functional and emotional value components of service robots. They also demonstrate that robot's interactivity outweighs other robot's value components, such as perceived usefulness and perceived enjoyment for acceptance of service robots as employees in hotels.

Originality/value

While empirically validating the iTAM, this study emphasizes service robot interactivity as the most important aspect for customers' acceptance, and it adds a new perspective regarding the underexplored role of the customer-robot interface. Combining specific dimensions from different technology acceptance models (functional/socio-emotional/relational; utilitarian/hedonic) the study contributes to the service robot literature currently missing a more holistic understanding of consumers' experience and adoption drivers, and it provides managerial guidance on how to successfully implement service robots in hotel environments.
The effects of an inclined plate on a two-dimensional magneto hydrodynamic hybrid Cu-Fe3O4/EG nanofluid flow subject to an oblique magnetic flux
Authors: V Gopi , Avula Golla Vijaya Kumar
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the numerical study of the steady two-dimensional MHD hybrid Cu-Fe3O4/EG nanofluid flows over an inclined porous plate with an inclined magnetic effect. Iron oxide (Fe3O4) and copper (Cu) are hybrid nanoparticles, with ethylene glycol as the base fluid. The effects of several physical characteristics, such as the inclination angle, magnetic parameter, thermal radiation, viscous propagation, heat absorption and convective heat transfer, are revealed by this exploration.

Design/methodology/approach

Temperature and velocity descriptions, along with the skin friction coefficient and Nusselt number, are studied to see how they change depending on the parameters. Using compatible similarity transformations, the controlling equations, including those describing the momentum and energy descriptions, are turned into a set of non-linear ordinary differential equations. The streamlined mathematical model is then solved numerically by using the shooting approach and the Runge–Kutta method up to the fourth order. The numerical findings of skin friction and Nusselt number are compared and discussed with prior published data by Nur Syahirah Wahid.

Findings

The graphical representation of the velocity and temperature profiles within the frontier is exhibited and discussed. The various output values related to skin friction and the Nusselt number are shown in the table.

Originality/value

The new results are compared to past research and discovered to agree significantly with those authors’ published works.
Inferring fault structures and overburden depth in 3D from geophysical data using machine learning algorithms – A case study on the Fenelon gold deposit, Quebec, Canada
Authors: Xu Limin , Green E. C. R. , Kelly C.
Published: August 2024

We apply a machine learning approach to automatically infer two key attributes – the location of fault or shear zone structures and the thickness of the overburden – in an 18 km2 study area within and surrounding the Archean Fenelon gold deposit in Quebec, Canada. Our approach involves the inversion of carefully curated borehole lithological and structural observations truncated at 480 m below the surface, combined with magnetic and Light Detection and Ranging survey data. We take a computationally low‐cost approach in which no underlying model for geological consistency is imposed. We investigated three contrasting approaches: (1) an inferred fault model, in which the borehole observations represent a direct evaluation of the presence of fault or shear zones; (2) an inferred overburden model, using borehole observations on the overburden‐bedrock contact; (3) a model with three classes – overburden, faulted bedrock and unfaulted bedrock, which combines aspects of (1) and (2). In every case, we applied all 32 standard machine learning algorithms. We found that Bagged Trees, fine K‐nearest neighbours and weighted K‐nearest neighbour were the most successful, producing similar accuracy, sensitivity and specificity metrics. The Bagged Trees algorithm predicted fault locations with approximately 80% accuracy, 70% sensitivity and 73% specificity. Overburden thickness was predicted with 99% accuracy, 77% sensitivity and 93% specificity. Qualitatively, fault location predictions compared well to independently construct geological interpretations. Similar methods might be applicable in other areas with good borehole coverage, providing that criteria used in borehole logging are closely followed in devising classifications for the machine learning training set and might be usefully supplemented with a variety of geophysical survey data types.
A probabilistic full waveform inversion of surface waves
Authors: Berti Sean , Aleardi Mattia , Stucchi Eusebio
Published: August 2024

Over the past decades, surface wave methods have been routinely employed to retrieve the physical characteristics of the first tens of meters of the subsurface, particularly the shear wave velocity profiles. Traditional methods rely on the application of the multichannel analysis of surface waves to invert the fundamental and higher modes of Rayleigh waves. However, the limitations affecting this approach, such as the 1D model assumption and the high degree of subjectivity when extracting the dispersion curve, motivate us to apply the elastic full‐waveform inversion, which, despite its higher computational cost, enables leveraging the complete information embedded in the recorded seismograms. Standard approaches solve the full‐waveform inversion using gradient‐based algorithms minimizing an error function, commonly measuring the misfit between observed and predicted waveforms. However, these deterministic approaches lack proper uncertainty quantification and are susceptible to get trapped in some local minima of the error function. An alternative lies in a probabilistic framework, but, in this case, we need to deal with the huge computational effort characterizing the Bayesian approach when applied to non‐linear problems associated with expensive forward modelling and large model spaces. In this work, we present a gradient‐based Markov chain Monte Carlo full‐waveform inversion where we accelerate the sampling of the posterior distribution by compressing data and model spaces through the discrete cosine transform. Additionally, a proposal is defined as a local, Gaussian approximation of the target density, constructed using the local Hessian and gradient information of the log posterior. We first validate our method through a synthetic test where the velocity model features lateral and vertical velocity variations. Then we invert a real dataset from the InterPACIFIC project. The obtained results prove the efficiency of our proposed algorithm, which demonstrates to be robust against cycle‐skipping issues and able to provide reasonable uncertainty evaluations with an affordable computational cost.
Drivers of snag fall rates in Fennoscandian boreal forests
Authors: Aakala Tuomas , Storaunet Ken Olaf , Jonsson Bengt Gunnar , Korhonen Kari T.
Published: August 2024

Persistence of standing dead trees (snags) is an important determinant for their role for biodiversity and dead wood associated carbon fluxes. How fast snags fall varies widely among species and regions and is further influenced by a variety of stand‐ and tree‐level factors. However, our understanding of this variation is fragmentary at best, partly due to lack of empirical data.

Here, we took advantage of the accruing time series of snag observations in the Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish National Forest Inventories that have been followed in these programs since the mid‐1990s. We first harmonized observations from slightly different inventory protocols and then, using this harmonized dataset of ca. 43,000 observations that had a consistent 5‐year census interval, we modelled the probability of snags of the main boreal tree species Pinus sylvestris, Picea abies and Betula spp. falling, as a function of tree‐ and stand‐level variables, using Bayesian logistic regression modelling.

The models were moderately good at predicting snags remaining standing or falling, with a correct classification rate ranging from 68% to 75% among species.

In general, snag persistence increased with tree size and climatic wetness, and decreased with temperature sum, advancing stage of decay, site productivity and disturbance intensity (mainly harvesting).

Synthesis and applications: The effect of harvesting demonstrates that an efficient avenue to increase the amount of snags in managed forests is protecting them during silvicultural operations. In the warmer future, negative relationship between snag persistence and temperature suggests decreasing the time snags remain standing and hence decreasing habitat availability for associated species. As decomposition rates generally increase after fall, decreasing snag persistence also implies substantially faster release of carbon from dead wood.
Cost‐effective portfolio allocation across quarantine, surveillance and eradication using info‐gap theory
Authors: Liu Yang , Wang Penghao , Coupland Grey T. , Thomas Melissa L. , Zheng Dan , McKirdy Simon J.
Published: August 2024

Biosecurity activities primarily include pre‐border and border quarantine, post‐border surveillance and post‐border eradication. Budget allocated to quarantine and surveillance activities ultimately influence the expenditure and success rate of eradication campaigns. Optimal portfolio allocation examined in previous research is susceptible to potential severe uncertainties existing in ecology and in the behaviour of invasive species itself. These uncertainties, together with a limited budget, make it difficult for decision makers to allocate the total management budget to each biosecurity activity in a robust manner.

Info‐gap decision theory is applied to model the severe uncertainty in invasive species management, and robust optimize the total management cost.

This research shows that using a combination of pre‐border and border quarantine (to reduce the incursion probability) and post‐border surveillance (to enable early detection and rapid response), enables decision makers to be more robust to potential uncertainty. Further, it is reported that investment in quarantine that is more cost‐effective should outweigh that in surveillance, in line with precautionary principle.

Increasing the estimated population threshold for surveillance detection also gains more robustness.

Synthesis and applications: Portfolio allocation options developed in this research provide decision makers with a way to manage the invasive species spatially, cost‐effectively and confidently by allocating the total management budget in a robust manner. The methods outlined in this research can not only be applied to invasive species, but also the conservation of endangered species that are constrained by severe uncertainty in ecological modelling and limited resources.
Are Prestigious Directors Mere Attractive Ornaments on the Corporate Christmas Tree?
Authors: Khedar Harsh , Agarwal Vineet , Poshakwale Sunil
Published: August 2024

Using the United Kingdom's unique institutional setting of Queen's [now King's] honours, we examine the influence of director prestige on both short‐term and long‐term firm performance. We find that the market reacts positively to the appointments of Prestigious Award‐Winning Directors (PAWDs). Firms appointing PAWDs also show significantly improved long‐term performance, and this performance change is higher when firms appoint PAWDs according to their needs. The evidence suggests that PAWDs make important contributions to the firm by providing effective monitoring, facilitating preferential access to resources and offering legitimacy. We conclude that director prestige not only signals higher human and social capital but also incentivizes effective monitoring of managerial decisions.
Conspiracy, Congregation, Company, and Commerce in England, 1680–1688: The Narratives of Edward Massey of Braintree
Authors: LEGON EDWARD
Published: August 2024

In 1683, Edward Massey, an obscure office‐holder in Braintree, Essex, provided the state with one of the most explosive accounts of conspiratorial activities in England during the so‐called ‘Exclusion Crisis’. Massey, a prisoner in the King's Bench, named dozens of individuals in his native Essex, as well as the West Country and London, who apparently aired seditious grievances with King Charles II and his Roman Catholic brother and heir, James, Duke of York, and compassed participation in a national plot to ensure the succession of a Protestant in the form of Charles's illegitimate son, James, Duke of Monmouth. The colourful details of the alleged conspiracy bear reproduction in this article. Nevertheless, the difficulty of crediting the most radical implications of Massey's narratives calls for a cautious assessment of their reliability and value to historians. Fortunately, additional evidence enables us to treat Massey's account as a detailed testimony of how those marginalised by the Stuarts’ post‐Restoration settlements were able to mobilise behind and sustain their discontents, and the anxious secrecy and cautious trust which, amid heightened state surveillance, defined their encounters. Moreover, the article demonstrates how necessarily secretive political and religious networks mapped onto, and drew strength from, bonds which were forged in experiences of parochial administration and business, particularly the production of and trade in cloth. The result is an account of the Restoration's ‘politics of religion’ which highlights the communicative and ideological importance of the politics of local office and (inter)national trade.
Epicardial fat thickness in rheumatoid arthritis: Insights from echocardiographic analysis and autoimmune correlations
Authors: Delkash Parisa , Bayat Bahareh , Omidi Fatemeh
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the joints. RA is associated with high cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. One of the new markers of cardiometabolic risk is epicardial fat thickness, the study of EFT in patients with RA and its association with echocardiographic parameters may provide valuable insight into the potential cardiac involvement and overall cardiovascular risk in these patients.

Method

The present study is a cross‐sectional study with a comparison group conducted in 2024. The study population included 66 RA patients and 66 healthy participants. Echocardiographic parameters, laboratory data including lipid profile and inflammatory markers, were obtained from the medical record.

Results

Comparison of echocardiographic parameters between RA and healthy participants showed that E parameter and EFT were statistically significant in RA patients. (EFT was 5.22 ± 2.6 in RA patients which in comparison with healthy participant (5.22 ± 2.06) was statistically significant (p‐value: <.001)). Also, EFT was correlated with RF, Anti‐CCP, ESR, and systolic blood pressure.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, ours is the first EFT study on RA patients in Iran, which shows a higher EFT in RA patients. High EFT is correlated with more cardiovascular events and is an early sign and independent predictor of atherosclerosis in RA patients, which greatly underlines the importance of cardiovascular assessment in RA patients.
T32 programs in emergency medicine: A report from the ACEP‐SAEM Federal Research Funding Workgroup
Authors: Maher Patrick J. , Rothman Richard , Neumar Robert , Brown Jeremy , Sharp Willard , Cairns Charles , Kelen Gabor D. , Kaji Amy , Vogel Jody A. , Richardson Lynne D.
Published: August 2024

Advancing care in Emergency Medicine (EM) requires the development of well‐trained researchers, but our specialty has lower amounts of research funding compared to similar medical fields. Increasing the number of pathways available for research training supports the growth of new investigators. To address the need for more EM researchers, the Society of Academic Emergency Medicine and the American College of Emergency Physicians convened a Federal Research Funding Workgroup. Here, we report the workgroup recommendations regarding the creation of Research Training Fellowships using the T32 grant structure sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. After reviewing the history of NIH‐grant supported research fellowships in EM, we outline the rationale and describe the core components of T32‐supported research fellowships, including program design, fellow evaluation, and recruitment considerations.