bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Common genetic modifiers influence cardiomyopathy susceptibility among the carriers of rare pathogenic variants
Authors: Klasfeld Samantha J. , Knutson Katherine A. , Miller Melissa R. , Fauman Eric B. , Berghout Joanne , Moccia Rob , Kim Hye In
Published: December 2024

Cardiomyopathy presents significant medical burden due to frequent hospitalizations and invasive interventions. While cardiomyopathy is considered a rare monogenic disorder caused by rare pathogenic variants in a few genes, emerging evidence suggests that common genetic modifiers influence disease penetrance and clinical variability. Quantifying the interplay between common genetic modifiers and rare pathogenic variants is challenging due to the rarity of cardiomyopathy cases and pathogenic variant carriers. In this study, we utilized large-scale genetic and phenotypic data from the UK Biobank to refine the genetic architecture of hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathies. Using ClinVar annotations and variant effect prediction tools, we first identified known and predicted pathogenic variants and demonstrated their robust association with disease risk, age of diagnosis, and quantitative cardiac phenotypes that reflect disease progression. We next examined the impact of polygenic risk scores on disease in the combined sets of known and predicted pathogenic variant carriers. Indeed, the polygenic risk scores were significantly associated with increased disease risk, with rare pathogenic variant carriers in the top 20% polygenic risk having 2.6 and 2.4 times higher risk than those in the bottom 20% for hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathy, respectively. We observed stronger associations in the carrier sets that included predicted pathogenic variant carriers, suggesting improved statistical power. In summary, our study adds to the evidence that common genetic modifiers influence the cardiomyopathy disease risk among rare pathogenic variant carriers and illustrates the benefit of incorporating variant effect predictions to examine the polygenic influence in rare disease variant carriers.
The Impact of Technology-Enabled Virtual Medical Nutrition Therapy on Weight Loss in Adults with Overweight and Obesity: A Real-world, Observational Study
Authors: Hu Emily A. , Kelley Tommy , Haryani Ajay
Published: December 2024

Background

Obesity represents a major public health crisis in the United States, imposing substantial health risks and economic costs. Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) has been demonstrated to be an effective intervention for weight loss among patients with obesity. With the rise of telehealth, virtual MNT has gained popularity as an accessible alternative to traditional in-person care. A nationwide program was developed that integrates virtual MNT with a companion mobile app, offering a comprehensive approach to weight management. However, the effectiveness of this combined intervention has not yet been evaluated.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of a virtual MNT program with a companion mobile app on weight loss in adults with overweight and obesity.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included users of Nourish, a virtual MNT program with a companion mobile app, who attended at least one appointment between August 2023 and October 2024 and had a baseline body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m² or a BMI between 27-30 kg/m² with diabetes or prediabetes. Engagement was assessed based on completed appointments and app usage. Mean weight change, mean percent weight change, and proportion of participants who achieved at least 3% and 5% weight loss were calculated.T-tests were used to evaluate the statistical significance of weight change. Subgroup analyses were performed by follow-up time between weights, number of appointments completed, and level of engagement by appointments and app usage.

Results

In total, 3,951 participants were included in the analysis. The mean (standard deviation (SD)) age was 38 (10) years, and 78% of participants were female. Weight loss was reported as a program goal by 70% of participants, with 31% self-reporting diabetes or prediabetes and 24% self-reporting a cardiovascular condition. Over a median follow-up of 2.2 months, 74% of participants experienced weight loss, and 34% and 17% achieved at least 3% and 5% weight loss, respectively. The mean (SD) weight change was -4.5 (8.9) pounds, corresponding to -2.0% (3.9) weight change (P<.001). Males and participants aged 60 years or older experienced greater weight loss than females and younger participants. Longer follow-up time between weights and a higher number of completed appointments (≥5 appointments) were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of achieving at least 5% weight loss (P<.001 for both). Additionally, participants who had the highest number of appointments and highest app engagement were more likely to achieve at least 5% weight loss compared to those with fewer appointments or lower app engagement (P<.001).

Conclusions

Enrollment in a virtual MNT program with a companion mobile app was associated with clinically meaningful weight loss among adults with overweight and obesity across the United States, highlighting the potential of tech-enabled solutions to provide scalable weight management strategies.
A three-dimensional histological cell atlas of the developing human brain
Authors: Jayakumar Jaikishan , Sivaprakasam Mohanasankar , Verma Richa , Bota Mihail , Joseph Jayaraj , Mulay Supriti , Kumutha Jayaraman , Srinivasan Chitra , Suresh S , Latha S. , Kumar Harish E , Bhaduri Aparna , Nowakowski Tomasz J. , Roy Prasun K , Savoia Stephen , Banerjee Samik , Tward Daniel , Mitra Partha P
Published: December 2024

The human brain is believed to contain a full complement of neurons by the time of birth together with a substantial amount of the connectivity architecture, even though a significant amount of growth occurs postnatally. The developmental process leading to this outcome is not well understood in humans in comparison with model organisms. Previous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies give three-dimensional coverage but not cellular resolution. In contrast, sparsely sampled histological or spatial omics analyses have provided cellular resolution but not dense whole brain coverage. To address the unmet need to provide a quantitative spatiotemporal map of developing human brain at cellular resolution, we leveraged tape-transfer assisted serial section histology to obtain contiguous histological series and unbiased imaging with dense coverage. Interleaved 20μ thick Nissl and H&E series and MRI volumes are co-registered into multimodal reference volumes with 60μ isotropic resolution, together with atlas annotations and a stereotactic coordinate system based on skull landmarks. The histological atlas volumes have significantly more contrast and texture than the MRI volumes. We computationally detect cells brain-wide to obtain quantitative characterization of the cytoarchitecture of the developing brain at 13-14 and 20-21 gestational weeks, providing the first comprehensive regional cell counts and characterizing the differential growth of the different brain compartments. Morphological characteristics permit segmentation of cell types from histology. We detected and quantified brain-wide distribution of mitotic figures representing dividing cells, providing an unprecedented spatiotemporal atlas of proliferative dynamics in the developing human brain. Further, we characterized the abundance and distribution of Cajal-Retzius cells, a transient cell population that plays essential roles in organizing glutamatergic cortical neurons into layers. Together, our study provides an unprecedented quantitative window into the developing human brain and the reference volumes and coordinate space should be useful for integrating spatial omics data sets with dense histological context.
The pseudoknot structure of a viral RNA reveals a conserved mechanism for programmed exoribonuclease resistance
Authors: Gezelle Jeanine G. , Korn Sophie M. , McDonald Jayden T. , Gong Zhen , Erickson Anna , Huang Chih-Hung , Yang Feiyue , Cronin Matt , Kuo Yen-Wen , Wimberly Brian T. , Steckelberg Anna-Lena
Published: December 2024

Exoribonuclease-resistant RNAs (xrRNAs) are viral RNA structures that block degradation by cellular 5′-3′ exoribonucleases to produce subgenomic viral RNAs during infection. Initially discovered in flaviviruses, xrRNAs have since been identified in wide range of RNA viruses, including those that infect plants. High sequence variability among viral xrRNAs raises questions about the shared molecular features that characterize this functional RNA class. Here, we present the first structure of a plant-virus xrRNA in its active exoribonuclease-resistant conformation. The xrRNA forms a 9 base pair pseudoknot that creates a knot-like topology similar to that of flavivirus xrRNAs, despite lacking sequence similarity. Biophysical assays confirm a compact pseudoknot structure in solution, and functional studies validate its relevance bothin vitroand during infection. Our study reveals how viral RNAs achieve a common functional outcome through highly divergent sequences and identifies the knot-like topology as a defining feature of xrRNAs.
Cryogenic electron tomography and elemental analysis of mitochondrial granules in human retinal ganglion cells
Authors: Wu Gong-Her , Hou Cathy , Thron Andrew , Patel Hirenkumar Rajendra , Spillane Liam , Gupte Sanket Rajan , Yeung-Levy Serena , Gulati Sahil , Booth Christopher , Liao Yaping Joyce , Chiu Wah
Published: December 2024

Combining three-dimensional (3D) visualization with elemental analysis of vitrified cells can provide crucial insights into subcellular structures and elemental compositions in their native environments. We present a coordinated approach using cryogenic electron energy loss spectroscopy (cryoEELS) and cryogenic electron tomography (cryoET) to characterize the elemental distribution and ultrastructure of vitrified cells. We applied this method to examine calcium disposition in the mitochondria of cultured human retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) exposed to pro-calcifying conditions relevant to optic disc drusen pathology. Our cryoEELS analysis revealed mitochondrial granules with elevated calcium signals, offering direct evidence of mitochondrial calcification. Additionally, cryoET coupled with artificial intelligence-based analysis enabled quantification of the volume and spatial distribution of these calcium granules. This integrated workflow can be broadly applied to various cell types, facilitating the study of ultrastructure and elemental distribution in subcellular structures under diverse physiological and pathological conditions, as well as in response to therapeutic interventions.
TGF-β expressed by M2 macrophages promotes wound healing by inhibiting TSG-6 expression by mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Eom Young Woo , Hong Ju-Eun , Jung Pil Young , Yoon Yongdae , Yoo Sang-Hyeon , Hong Jiyun , Rhee Ki-Jong , Regmi Bhupendra , Fatima Saher , Kim Moon Young , Baik Soon Koo , Kwon Hye Youn
Published: December 2024

Wound healing involves the collaboration of multiple cells, including macrophages and fibroblasts, and requires the coordination of cytokines, growth factors, and matrix proteins to regulate the repair response. In this study, we investigated how M2 macrophages regulate expression of the anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory regulator tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-stimulated gene 6 (TSG-6) secreted by adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) during wound healing. Interleukin (IL)-4/IL-13, which is used to differentiate macrophage M2 phenotypes, increases TSG-6 in ASCs; however, M2 macrophages significantly decrease TSG-6 in ASCs. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β expression was increased, and TNF-α expression was decreased in M2 macrophages. TGF-β inhibited IL-4/IL-13-induced ASC TSG-6 expression. In addition, TSG-6 suppressed TGF-β-triggered wound closure and fibrogenic responses in LX-2 cells. Collectively, TSG-6 inhibited wound healing, but M2 macrophage-expressed TGF-β prevented TSG-6 production from ASCs, which ultimately helped wound healing. Our results indicate that the balance of TNF-α and TGF-β levels during wound healing regulates TSG-6 production from ASCs, which may ultimately modulate the healing process. Our study findings could contribute to novel therapeutic strategies that manipulate the delicate balance between TNF-α and TGF-β to enhance wound repair and mitigate fibrosis.
Evaluation of Dreem headband for sleep staging and EEG spectral analysis in people living with Alzheimer’s and older adults
Authors: Ravindran Kiran K G , della Monica Ciro , Atzori Giuseppe , Hassanin Hana , Nilforooshan Ramin , Revell Victoria , Dijk Derk-Jan
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Portable electroencephalography (EEG) devices offer the potential for accurate quantification of sleep at home but have not been evaluated in relevant populations.

Methods

We assessed the Dreem headband (DHB), and its automated sleep staging algorithm in 62 older adults [Age (mean±SD) 70.5±6.7 years; 12 Alzheimer’s]. The accuracy of sleep measures, epoch-by-epoch staging, and the quality of EEG signals for quantitative EEG (qEEG) analysis was compared to standard polysomnography (PSG) in a sleep laboratory.

Results

The DHB algorithm accurately estimated total sleep time (TST) and sleep efficiency (SEFF) with a Symmetric Mean Absolute Percentage Error (SMAPE) <10%. Wake after sleep onset (WASO) and number of awakenings (NAW) were underestimated (WASO: ∼17 minutes; NAW: ∼9 counts) with SMAPE <20%. Sleep onset latency (SOL) was overestimated by ∼30 minutes when using the entire DHB recording period, but it was accurate (Bias: 0.3 minutes) when estimated over the lights-off period. Stage N3 and total non-rapid eye movement (REM) sleep durations were estimated accurately (Bias <20 minutes), while REM sleep was overestimated (∼25 minutes; SMAPE: ∼24%). Epoch-by-epoch sleep/wake classification showed acceptable performance (MCC=0.77±0.17) and 5-stage sleep classification was moderate (MCC=0.54±0.14). After artefact removal, 73% of the recordings were usable for qEEG analysis. Concordance (p<0.001) of EEG band power ranged from moderate to good: slow wave activity r2=0.57; theta r2=0.56; alpha r2=0.65; sigma power r2=0.34.

Conclusion

DHB algorithm provides accurate estimates of several sleep measures and qEEG metrics. However, further improvement in REM detection is needed to enhance its utility for research and clinical applications.

Statement of Significance

Wearable electroencephalography (EEG) devices such as the Dreem headband (DHB), hold promise for accurate monitoring of sleep at home and improving our understanding of neurodegenerative conditions. This study is important because it provides a comprehensive evaluation of the DHB in older adults, including people living with Alzheimer’s. The DHB automatic sleep staging algorithm demonstrated good concordance with polysomnography for most standard sleep statistics, and epoch-by-epoch sleep/wake classification. A novel aspect of the study is the evaluation of the suitability of the DHB EEG signal for quantitative EEG analysis. Our findings highlight the DHB’s key strengths and provide critical recommendations for improving usability and performance to establish its potential utility for large-scale, objective sleep monitoring in community-dwelling older adults.
Coordinated repression of totipotency-associated gene loci by histone methyltransferase EHMT2 through binding to LINE-1 regulatory elements
Authors: Chatterjee K , Uyehara CM , Kasliwal K , Madhuranath S , Scourzic L , Polyzos A , Apostolou E , Stadtfeld M
Published: December 2024

Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and other naïve pluripotent stem cells can reverse typical developmental trajectories and, at low frequency, de-differentiate into 2-cell-like cells (2CLCs) that resemble the mammalian embryo during zygotic genome activation (ZGA). This affords the opportunity to reveal molecular principles that govern the pre-implantation stages of mammalian development. We leveraged a multipurpose allele for acute protein depletion and efficient immunoprecipitation to dissect the molecular functions of the chromatin repressor EHMT2, a candidate antagonist of the mESC-to-2CLC transition. This allowed us to define categories of EHMT2 target genes characterized by distinct modes of EHMT2 chromatin engagement and repression. Most notably, EHMT2 directly represses large clusters of co-regulated gene loci that comprise a significant fraction of the 2CLC-specific transcriptome by initiating H3K9me2 spreading from distal LINE-1 elements. EHMT2 counteracts the recruitment of the activator DPPA2/4 to promoter-proximal endogenous retroviral elements (ERVs) at 2CLC genes. EHMT2 depletion elevates the expression of ZGA-associated transcripts in 2CLCs and synergizes with spliceosome inhibition and retinoic acid signaling in facilitating the mESC-to-2CLC transition. In contrast to ZGA-associated genes, repression of germ layer-associated transcripts by EHMT2 occurs outside of gene clusters in collaboration with ZFP462 and entails binding to non-repeat enhancers. Our observations show that EHMT2 attenuates the bidirectional differentiation potential of mouse pluripotent stem cells and define molecular modes for locus-specific transcriptional repression by this essential histone methyltransferase.
Actin dysregulation induces immune evasion via oxidative stress-activated PD-L1 in gastric cancer
Authors: Seo Yoojeong , Jang Jinho , Ko Kyung-Pil , Zou Gengyi , Huang Yuanjian , Zhang Shengzhe , Zhang Jie , Jun Sohee , Chu Wonhong , Venkatesan Vishwa , Dhakshinamoorthy Sanjana , Park Jae-Il
Published: December 2024

Diffuse gastric adenocarcinoma (DGAC) is an aggressive malignancy with limited therapeutic options, poor prognosis, and poorly understood biology. CRACD, an actin polymerization regulator, is often inactivated in gastric cancer, including DGAC. We found that genetic engineering of murine gastric organoids withCracdablation combined withKrasmutation andTrp53loss induced aberrant cell plasticity, hyperproliferation, and hypermucinosis, the features that recapitulate DGAC transcriptional signatures. Notably, CRACD inactivation remodeled the immune landscape for immune evasion through PD-L1 enrichment in tumor cells. Mechanistically, CRACD loss disrupted actin dynamics, generating reactive oxygen species that activated HIF1α, which transactivatedPD-L1. Pharmacologic inhibition of HIF1α or PD-L1 restored immune surveillance and suppressed tumorigenesis. These findings reveal a novel role of actin homeostasis in limiting cell plasticity and immune evasion, position CRACD as a potential biomarker for stratifying patients with DGAC, and highlight HIF1α and PD-L1 as actionable therapeutic targets.
Global patterns of genetic admixture reveal effects of language contact
Authors: Graff Anna , Blasi Damián E. , Ringen Erik J. , Bajić Vladimir , Bavelier Daphné , Shimizu Kentaro K. , Pakendorf Brigitte , Barbieri Chiara , Bickel Balthasar
Published: December 2024

When speakers of different languages are in contact, they often borrow features like sounds, words, or syntactic patterns from one language to the other, but the lack of historical data has hampered estimation of this effect at a global scale. We break out of this impasse by using genetic admixture as a proxy for population contact. We find that language pairs whose speaker populations underwent genetic admixture or that are located in the same geo-historical area share more features than others, suggesting borrowing. The effect varies strongly across features, partly following expectations from differences in lifelong learnability, partly responding to differences in social imbalances during contact. Additionally, we find that for some features, admixture decreases sharing. This likely reflects signals of divergence (schismogenesis) under contact.
MorphoDiff: Cellular Morphology Painting with Diffusion Models
Authors: Navidi Zeinab , Ma Jun , Miglietta Esteban A. , Liu Le , Carpenter Anne E. , Cimini Beth A. , Haibe-Kains Benjamin , Wang Bo
Published: December 2024

Understanding cellular responses to external stimuli is critical for parsing biological mechanisms and advancing therapeutic development. High-content image-based assays provide a cost-effective approach to examine cellular phenotypes induced by diverse interventions, which offers valuable insights into biological processes and cellular states. In this paper, we introduce MorphoDiff, a generative pipeline to predict high-resolution cell morphological responses under different conditions based on perturbation encoding. To the best of our knowledge, MorphoDiff is the first framework capable of producing guided, high-resolution predictions of cell morphology that generalize across both chemical and genetic interventions. The model integrates perturbation embeddings as guiding signals within a 2D latent diffusion model. The comprehensive computational, biological, and visual validations across three open-source Cell Painting datasets show that MorphoDiff can generate high-fidelity images and produce meaningful biology signals under various interventions. We envision the model will facilitate efficient in silico exploration of perturbational landscapes towards more effective drug discovery studies.
Structure of the type VI secretion system protein VgrS fromSalmonellaTyphimurium
Authors: Sachar Kartik , Van Schepdael Matthew , Winters Karsen L. , Prehna Gerd
Published: December 2024

Enteric bacterial pathogens employ various strategies to colonize the intestine and cause diseases ranging from gastroenteritis to systemic infections. For example,Salmonella entericautilizes a nanomachine known as the type VI secretion system (T6SS) to facilitate colonization of the host gut. However, the varied mechanistic details of how the T6SS is loaded with effector proteins remains to be elucidated. Here, we present an X-ray crystal structure of theSalmonellaTyphimurium VgrG (VgrS) that serves as platform for T6SS effector loading. Compared to other known structures of VgrG proteins, the VgrS trimer adopts an alternative open conformation composed of a domain-swap between the monomers in the gp27 region. Additionally, a comparative structural analysis of VgrS with other VgrG proteins reveals molecular variations that may contribute to specific effector loading mechanisms. Our structural data and molecular analysis highlight the observation that the T6SS of each bacterial species or strain is unique.
Conformational dynamics of a histidine molecular switch in a cation/proton antiporter
Authors: Pecorilla Cristina , Altmeyer Anton , Haapanen Outi , Lee Yongchan , Zickermann Volker , Sharma Vivek
Published: December 2024

Multisubunit Mrp type sodium proton (Na+/H+) antiporters are indispensable for the growth of alkali and salt tolerant bacteria and archaea under challenging conditions. Several subunits of the membrane protein complex are closely related to the membrane bound subunits of mitochondrial respiratory complex I, a key enzyme in aerobic energy metabolism. The molecular mechanism of ion translocation by complex I and Mrp antiporters has remained largely unknown and is the subject of intense debate. Here, we combine the power of site-directed mutagenesis and large-scale atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate the molecular basis of proton-conducting function of the MrpA subunit of the antiporter. We show that point mutations directly affect the transport activity by perturbing the conformational dynamics of a key histidine residue that acts as a molecular switch. Importantly, we find that charge and protonation state variations drive hydrogen bonding rearrangements and hydration changes, which result in coupled sidechain and backbone level conformational changes of the histidine and neighboring residues. We propose the histidine switch as a unique functional element central to proton transport function in Mrp antiporters and respiratory complex I.

Significance statement

Energy conversion in biology is catalyzed by several membrane-bound enzyme complexes that drive transmembrane charge translocation. A key question is how these charges are moved against a membrane gradient in an efficient manner, i.e., what kind of gating and fail-safe mechanisms are employed by the proteins to ensure charge transfer directionality. By studying cation/proton Mrp antiporter, which shares homology with the mitochondrial complex I, we describe a conserved histidine residue acting as a molecular switch crucial for gating transfer of protons. Our work emphasizes the functional significance of conserved and conformationally mobile motifs in proteins. The results will benefit the mechanistic understanding of naturally existing proteins and design of artificial enzymes.
Self-renewal without niche instruction, feedback or fine-tuning
Authors: MacArthur Ben D , Greulich Philip
Published: December 2024

To self-renew, stem cells must precisely balance proliferation and differentiation. Typically, this is achieved under feedback from the niche; yet many stem cells also possess an intrinsic self-renewal program that allows them to do so autonomously, as required. However, because self-renewal implies a stable equilibrium – in which the expected stem cell number neither increases nor decreases over time – this seems to require fine-tuning to a critical point. Here, we show that this is not the case: self-renewal can, in principle, be easily achieved without the need for extrinsic instruction, feedback or finetuning, by a simple ‘dimerization cycle’ that uses partitioning errors at cell division to reliably establish asymmetric divisions and perfectly balance symmetric divisions.
Gravitational and Coriolis forces in crystal neutron interferometry. II. Numerical simulations
Authors: Massa E. , Mana G. , Sasso C. P.
Published: December 2024

Previous studies have proven that neutron interference using split-crystal interferometers is possible. This proof paves the way for extended arm separation and length, opening the doors to new experiments exploring quantum mechanics and gravity. In a previous publication, we took a closer look at how gravitational and Coriolis forces affect dynamical diffraction in crystal interferometry. This paper uses the formalism developed, which allows for extended capabilities in studying the interferometer operation, to investigate numerically the contributions to the neutron phase of geometrical aberrations and dynamical diffraction. In addition, this work explores an alternative geometry, with the interferometer operated vertically, to determine the gravitationally induced quantum-mechanical phase independently of the dynamical diffraction and self-weight bending of the interferometer.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Erasure conversion in Majorana qubits via local quasiparticle detection
Authors: Alase Abhijeet , Stubbs Kevin D. , Sanders Barry C. , Feder David L.
Published: December 2024

Quasiparticle poisoning errors in Majorana-based qubits are not suppressed by the underlying topological properties, which undermines the usefulness of this proposed platform. This work tackles the errors originating from intrinsically excited quasiparticles by developing an erasure conversion scheme based on local quasiparticle detection. To model such measurements, we begin by constructing the quasiparticle position operator for the Kitaev chain. A measurement probe coupling to this operator is shown to allow projective measurements in the Wannier quasiparticle basis. Detection of quasiparticles in a region of width d adjacent to each Majorana zero-energy mode allows implementation of an error-detecting Majorana stabilizer code Cd based on microscopic fermionic (nontopological) physical degrees of freedom. The implementation of Cd converts a large fraction of Pauli errors to erasure errors, thus achieving “erasure conversion” in Majorana qubits. We show that the fraction of Pauli errors escaping conversion to erasure errors is exponentially small in d, a result tied to the exponential localization of Wannier functions which we prove rigorously. The suppression in Pauli error rate comes at the cost of the erasure rate increasing sublinearly with d, but this can be readily compensated for by a suitable outer code, with the net effect being a higher threshold rate of quasiparticle poisoning. The framework developed here serves as a basis for understanding how realistic measurements, such as conductance measurements, could be utilized for achieving fault tolerance in these systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Tight scaling of key rate for differential-phase-shift quantum key distribution
Authors: Mizutani Akihiro , Tsurumaru Toyohiro
Published: December 2024

The performance of quantum key distribution protocols is evaluated based on the ease of implementation and key generation rate. Among major protocols, the differential-phase-shift (DPS) protocol has the advantage of simple implementation using a train of coherent pulses and a passive detection unit. Unfortunately, however, its key rate is known to be at least proportional to η2 with respect to channel transmission η→0. If one can only prove the rate proportional to η2 and cannot improve the analysis beyond that, then the DPS protocol will be deemed inferior to other major protocols, such as the decoy BB84 protocol. In this paper, we consider a type of DPS protocol in which the phase of each emitted block comprising n pulses is randomized and significantly improves the analysis of its key rate. Specifically, we reveal that the key rate is proportional to η1+1n−2 and this scaling is tight. This implies that the DPS protocol can achieve a key rate proportional to η for a large number of n, which is the same scaling as the decoy BB84 protocol. Our result suggests that the DPS protocol can achieve a combination of both advantages of ease of implementation and a high key generation rate.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Research data management in institutional repositories: an architectural approach using data lakehouses
Authors: He Zilong , Fang Wei
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to address the pressing challenges in research data management within institutional repositories, focusing on the escalating volume, heterogeneity and multi-source nature of research data. The aim is to enhance the data services provided by institutional repositories and modernise their role in the research ecosystem.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyse the evolution of data management architectures through literature review, emphasising the advantages of data lakehouses. Using the design science research methodology, the authors develop an end-to-end data lakehouse architecture tailored to the needs of institutional repositories. This design is refined through interviews with data management professionals, institutional repository administrators and researchers.

Findings

The authors present a comprehensive framework for data lakehouse architecture, comprising five fundamental layers: data collection, data storage, data processing, data management and data services. Each layer articulates the implementation steps, delineates the dependencies between them and identifies potential obstacles with corresponding mitigation strategies.

Practical implications

The proposed data lakehouse architecture provides a practical and scalable solution for institutional repositories to manage research data. It offers a range of benefits, including enhanced data management capabilities, expanded data services, improved researcher experience and a modernised institutional repository ecosystem. The paper also identifies and addresses potential implementation obstacles and provides valuable guidance for institutions embarking on the adoption of this architecture. The implementation in a university library showcases how the architecture enhances data sharing among researchers and empowers institutional repository administrators with comprehensive oversight and control of the university’s research data landscape.

Originality/value

This paper enriches the theoretical knowledge and provides a comprehensive research framework and paradigm for scholars in research data management. It details a pioneering application of the data lakehouse architecture in an academic setting, highlighting its practical benefits and adaptability to meet the specific needs of institutional repositories.
Influential-female-directors and dividend decisions: evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Mandal Tamal , Chatterjee Chanchal , Bandyopadhyay Arunava
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study introduces influential-female-directors as a board-gender-diversity variable that captures not only the female representation on the board but also their position on the informal-boardroom-hierarchy. Further, this study investigates whether such directors have a significant influence on the dividend-payout-decisions of leading firms in an emerging economy, India, where concentrated ownership is prevalent and explores the moderation effect they exert on dividend–ownership relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses generalized methods of moments (GMM) to tackle the issues put forth by the sample of 450 firm-year observations.

Findings

This study finds that influential-female-directors have a significant influence on the dividend-payout-decisions of the firm. Additionally, the presence of female directors in the audit-committee makes the board more vigilant and encourages foreign institutional investors to expect more dividends. Furthermore, domestic institutional investors expect a return on their investments through share price appreciation rather than dividends, and the influence of promoters in dividend-payout-decisions is reduced in the presence of such directors.

Originality/value

This study pioneers the use of influential-female-directors as a board-gender-diversity metric and carries an in-depth analysis of the influence and moderation effect they exert on the dividend-payout-decisions of the board and the dividend expectations of different institutional investors, respectively.
The response of the benchmark healthcare index of India to COVID-19 pandemic: a return volatility approach
Authors: Bangur Peeyush
Published: December 2024

Purpose

From poor healthcare infrastructure to vaccine donors, India has traveled a long way. In this study, the author tried to find the investment certainty and persistence of volatility in the Indian healthcare system due to COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH 1,1) model, this study quantifies the change in the conditional variance after the first case report of COVID-19. The author has used the S&P BSE HEALTHCARE index time series to analyze India’s healthcare infrastructure and practices.

Findings

The author found evidence of a decrease in investment certainty in investments related to India’s healthcare infrastructure and practices after the first case report of COVID-19. Furthermore, the estimation of the econometric model suggests the presence of a large degree of volatility persistence in the S&P BSE HEALTHCARE index.

Originality/value

This research would be the first of its kind where the return volatility of the Indian healthcare sector has been discussed. Also, this research quantifies the return volatility of the healthcare sector during the pre- and post-COVID-19 period.
Does professional development of accountants improve human rights accounting?
Authors: Madhoosh Mahmood , Safari Gerayli Mehdi , Ramezani Javad , Babaee Khalili Javad , Khalilpour Mehdi
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper, on the one hand, aims to introduce a framework that helps to identify human rights accounting (HRA) factors and, on the other hand, investigates the effect of accountants’ professional development (APD) on HRA.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design consists of two main parts: (1) Identifying HRA factors through interviews and evaluating the validity and reliability of the presented framework dimensions and (2) Research hypothesis testing through partial least squares in selected firms listed on Tehran Stock Exchange.

Findings

Based on the mixed method of this study, the result in the qualitative part is to provide the HRA framework of the existence of three categories; There are 6 components and 32 themes during 12 interviews. In the quantitative section, the results of the study showed that APD has a significantly positive effect on HRA.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature on perceptions of human rights from a social accounting perspective in an emerging economy like Iran. Because human rights accountability is an urgent challenge for companies in today’s society. However, scholars have largely disregarded the role of accounting in the process of holding companies accountable for human rights violations. This study by questioning the relationship between accounting and human rights indicates that urgent measures need to be undertaken to mainstream the legitimate human rights obligations of business entities.
A phenomenological study of faculty members' beliefs about teaching-learning process
Authors: Karami Morteza , Saeidi Rezvani Talieh
Published: December 2024

Purpose

It is important to understand professors’ beliefs to promote better teacher preparation and professional development, as well as to understand the potential discrepancy between stated versus observed beliefs. The purpose of this study was to describe the faculty members' beliefs about the teaching-learning process.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative method was used to study the professors’ beliefs by selecting the faculty participants via a purposeful sampling strategy. The study was conducted at one of the biggest universities in Iran. In total, 20 professors were interviewed.

Findings

Analysis of the interviews indicates that professors’ beliefs about teaching and learning activities fall under four main themes (beliefs about teaching methods, beliefs about curriculum design, beliefs about students and beliefs about evaluation) and nine sub-themes.

Originality/value

Our findings reveal that professors have a deductive approach to teaching and learning, and due to the centralized educational system, they do not play a significant role in effectively presenting the curriculum. It seems necessary to direct professional development programs in rebuilding the professors' professional beliefs and identity.
Investigating identity crime and misuse in Australia: the role of prevention technologies and the likelihood of victimisation
Authors: Berezowski Victoria , Taoum Kamel , Wang Joanna , Birch Philip , Roux Claude , Huo Huan
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study examines identity theft as a significant and growing issue in Australia, not only due to its financial impact but also because of the emotional, psychological, and physical harm it causes, making it a public health concern. This study aims to analyse the results of the 2019 Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) survey to identify factors associated with an increased likelihood of identity theft victimisation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study involved a detailed analysis of the 2019 AIC survey, which had 9,968 respondents from a sample of 10,000. The research focused on whether respondents had ever been victimised by identity theft and analysed various characteristics, including demographics (gender, age, Indigenous status, education), income, computer usage, and preventive technology use, as potential indicators of future victimisation. Univariate analyses (chi-squared test and two-sample t-test) were used to assess individual associations, whereas a multivariate analysis (logistic regression) identified significant predictors of victimisation.

Findings

The univariate analyses indicated that all sub-variables were individually associated with identity theft victimisation. However, the multivariate analysis revealed that only identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, having an income between $18,201 and $37,000, and using multiple preventive technologies were significant predictors of victimisation. The unexpected finding that increased preventive technology use correlates with a higher risk of victimisation contradicts the survey’s suggestion that victims adopt more careful behaviour post-victimisation.

Practical implications

The research highlights the need for further investigation into the counterintuitive finding that greater use of preventive technologies may increase the risk of identity theft. Understanding this discrepancy could inform the development of more effective identity theft prevention strategies by the government and related agencies.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by offering a nuanced understanding of the factors associated with identity theft victimisation in Australia that may be applicable globally. The unexpected findings regarding the use of preventive technologies provide a basis for further research and have the potential to influence future policymaking and identity theft prevention efforts.
Leading professional learning for sustainability in geography education through curriculum design
Authors: Swift Diane , Rawlings Smith Emma
Published: December 2024

Purpose

International and national education policy identifies the need for young people to develop knowledge and understanding of sustainability and to use this knowledge for positive action. This paper reflects on a larger curriculum investigation project that used the Curriculum Design Coherence (CDC) Model with in-service teachers as a professional learning framework to engage their learners with sustainability in geography education. This paper outlines the diffractive insights of two teacher educators, making sense of our contribution to the project in order to explicitly discern our roles.

Design/methodology/approach

Our enquiry is situated within the participatory paradigm in which we recognise the roles of teachers and teacher educators are entangled in the co-production of knowledge.

Findings

We find that curriculum design, with its focus on disciplinary knowledge is an important aspect of curriculum coherence in relation to the concept of sustainability. Significantly informed collaboration between teachers and teacher-educators enriches professional learning through engagement with both research materials and conceptually informed dialogues.

Practical implications

We conclude that more research on the role of teacher knowledge with practitioners, is needed to enable professional empowerment so that in turn young people can become informed and critical citizens.

Originality/value

This paper draws on a posthumanist philosophy and a diffractive methodology to make explicit the epistemic role of the teacher educator in a climate change and sustainability education project.
FDI motives redux: exploring behavioral assumptions in international business research
Authors: Love James H. , Driffield Nigel , Lavoratori Katiuscia , Yang Yong
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The issue of motivation for foreign direct investment (FDI) is central to international business (IB) theory and empirical research. The most common starting point is Dunning’s four motives (4M) framework: market seeking, natural resource seeking, efficiency seeking and strategic asset seeking. This paper explores the genesis, development and application of the 4M framework and demonstrate how it has developed from an abstract typology and heuristic device unsupported by empirical evidence into a set of concrete behavioral assumptions with theoretical and methodological consequences for IB research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is mainly conceptual, based on relevant theoretical work on FDI motives, and partly methodological, concentrating on the importance of realism for behavioral assumptions in IB.

Findings

The authors demonstrate that the shift in the 4M framework from abstract typology to a set of concrete behavioral assumptions has important implications for the development of IB theory and methodology. A critical issue has largely been ignored: the role of realism in the assumptions on which theory and its empirical testing are based and the possible consequences of unrealism in key behavioral assumptions. The authors show that attempts to “fix” the problems inherent in the 4M framework will inevitably fail and suggest ways in which it is possible to inject more realism into behavioral assumptions underlying FDI motivation.

Practical implications

The authors demonstrate that the applicability of the 4M approach, for either firms or policymakers seeking to attract FDI and maximize the benefits from it, needs to be more clearly understood in the context of the particular decision.

Social implications

Many countries see the attraction of FDI as central to their plans for economic growth and indeed the propensity for industrial development and moving up the value chain. The understanding of FDI motive has, in recent years, been recognized as central to this. The authors offer an important nuance to this understanding.

Originality/value

The paper offers both theoretical and methodological insights for IB scholars interested in FDI motivation.
Humble leadership: elevating service recovery in hospitality
Authors: Elhadidy Islam Ali , Gao Yongqiang , Elnokrashy Osama Mahmoud
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study examines the impact of humble leadership on the service recovery performance (SRP) of frontline service employees (FSEs) in the hospitality industry. It also explores the mediating underlying mechanisms of psychological empowerment and employee engagement, along with the moderating role of employee proactive personality.

Design/methodology/approach

To test our predictions, we used a cross-sectional research design, drawing on a sample of 456 frontline service employees in Egypt’s hospitality industry. The data were analyzed by using SPSS 27 and AMOS 22.

Findings

The study reveals a positive association between humble leadership and SRP, with psychological empowerment and employee engagement bridging this relationship. Furthermore, an employee’s proactive personality strengthens both the direct influence of humble leadership on these mediating mechanisms –psychological empowerment and engagement – and the indirect impact of humble leadership on SRP through these two mechanisms.

Practical implications

To foster SRP among frontline service employees, firms should promote humble leadership practices among their managerial and supervisory staff. In addition, leaders should enhance psychological empowerment and engagement among their employees while also seeking to recruit employees with proactive personalities.

Originality/value

This study extends the effect of humble leadership to SRP, an unexplored consequence in current scholarly literature. Findings about the underlying mechanisms of psychological empowerment and engagement and the conditional effect of proactive personality deepen our understanding of how and when humble leaders are more effective in shaping SRP.