bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of Machine Learning to Identify Diagnostic Genes in Leukocytes for Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients
Authors: Zhang Lin , Liu Yue , Wang Kaiyue , Ou Xiangqin , Zhou Jiashun , Zhang Houliang , Huang Min , Du Zhenfang , Qiang Sheng
Published: September 2023

Background

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has two clinical characteristics: high missed diagnosis and dysfunction of leukocytes. Transcriptional RNA on leukocytes is closely related to the course evolution of AMI patients. We hypothesized that transcriptional RNA in leukocytes might provide potential diagnostic value for AMI. Integration machine learning (IML) was first used to explore AMI discrimination genes. The following clinical study was performed to validate the results.

Methods

A total of four AMI microarrays (derived from the Gene Expression Omnibus) were included in this study (220 sample size), and the controls were identified as patients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD). At a ratio of 5:2, GSE59867 was included in the training set, while GSE60993, GSE62646, and GSE48060 were included in the testing set. IML was explicitly proposed in this research, which is composed of six machine learning algorithms, including support vector machine (SVM), neural network (NN), random forest (RF), gradient boosting machine (GBM), decision trees (DT), and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). IML had two functions in this research: filtered optimized variables and predicted the categorized value. Furthermore, 40 individuals were recruited, and the results were verified.

Results

Thirty-nine differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between controls and AMI individuals from the training sets. Among the thirty-nine DEGs, IML was used to process the predicted classification model and identify potential candidate genes with overall normalized weights >1. Finally, Two genes (AQP9 and SOCS3) show their diagnosis value with the area under the curve (AUC) > 0.9 in both the training and testing sets. The clinical study verified the significance of AQP9 and SOCS3. Notably, more stenotic coronary arteries or severe Killip classification indicated higher levels of these two genes, especially SOCS3. These two genes correlated with two immune cell types, monocytes and neutrophils.

Conclusion

AQP9 and SOCS3 in leukocytes may be conducive to identifying AMI patients with SCAD patients. AQP9 and SOCS3 are closely associated with monocytes and neutrophils, which might contribute to advancing AMI diagnosis and shed light on novel genetic markers. Multiple clinical characteristics, multicenter, and large-sample relevant trials are still needed to confirm its clinical value.
Public oral health screening leads to regular dental visits: the LIFE Study
Authors: Tamada Yudai , Kusama Taro , Maeda Megumi , Murata Fumiko , Osaka Ken , Fukuda Haruhisa , Takeuchi Kenji
Published: September 2023

Background

Although periodontal disease screening has been implemented as a public oral health screening program in Japan, it remains unclear whether screening encourages regular dental visits. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that periodontal disease screening leads to subsequent regular dental visits among adults using a difference-in-differences (DID) approach.

Methods

This study used healthcare claims data of municipality residents who underwent periodontal disease screening in 2017 or 2018. For each screening recipient, four individuals of the same age and sex were extracted from those who did not undergo screening as controls. In the DID analysis, we assessed the change in the prevalence of dentist visits at least once every 180 days after screening.

Results

A total of 4,270 participants were included in the analysis. The prevalence of visiting dentists was consistent before screening among the participants who underwent screening (181–360 days before, 62.4%; 1–180 days before, 60.3%). While the prevalence was also consistent in those who did not undergo screening throughout the study period (approximately 45%), the prevalence in those who underwent screening sharply increased after undergoing the screening (1–180 days after, 81.1%) and then declined (181–360 days after, 67.8%). DID analysis indicated that the prevalence increased by 12.1% owing to screening. In addition, the age-subgroup DID estimates were higher in the younger population (aged 20–35 years, 17.4%; 40–55 years, 11.5%; 60 years, 11.0%).

Conclusion

Periodontal disease screening increased subsequent dental visits, especially in younger populations.
A systematic review of (semi-)automatic quality control of T1-weighted MRI scans
Authors: Hendriks Janine , Mutsaerts Henk-Jan , Joules Richard , Peña-Nogales Óscar , Rodrigues Paulo R. , Wolz Robin , Burchell George L. , Barkhof Frederik , Schrantee Anouk
Published: September 2023

Artifacts in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans degrade image quality and thus negatively affect the outcome measures of clinical and research scanning. Considering the time-consuming and subjective nature of visual quality control (QC), multiple (semi-)automatic QC algorithms have been developed. This systematic review presents an overview of the available (semi-)automatic QC algorithms and software packages designed for raw, structural T1-weighted (T1w) MRI datasets. The objective of this review was to identify the differences among these algorithms in terms of their features of interest, performance, and benchmarks. We queried PubMed, EMBASE (Ovid), and Web of Science databases on the fifth of January 2023, and cross-checked reference lists of retrieved papers. Bias assessment was performed using PROBAST (Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASsessment Tool). A total of 18 distinct algorithms were identified, demonstrating significant variations in methods, features, datasets, and benchmarks. The algorithms were categorized into rule-based, classical machine learning-based, and deep learning-based approaches. Numerous unique features were defined, which can be roughly divided into features capturing entropy, contrast, and normative measures. Due to dataset-specific optimization, it is challenging to draw broad conclusions about comparative performance. Additionally, large variations exist in the used datasets and benchmarks, further hindering direct algorithm comparison. The findings emphasize the need for standardization and comparative studies for advancing QC in MR imaging. Efforts should focus on identifying a dataset-independent measure as well as algorithm-independent methods for assessing the relative performance of different approaches.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Association between Depressive Symptoms and Cognitive Outcomes in Older Adults: Findings from KHANDLE and STAR
Authors: Jimenez Marcia P , Gause Emma L. , Hayes-Larson Eleanor , Morris Emily P. , Fletcher Evan , Manly Jennifer , Gilsanz Paola , Soh Yenee , Corrada Maria , Whitmer Rachel A. , Glymour M. Maria
Published: September 2023

INTRODUCTION

Depressive symptoms are associated with higher risk of dementia but how they impact cognition in diverse populations is unclear.

METHODS

Asian, Black, LatinX, or White participants (n=2,227) in the Kaiser Healthy Aging and Diverse Life Experiences (age 65+) and the Study of Healthy Aging in African Americans (age 50+) underwent up to three waves of cognitive assessments over four years. Multilevel models stratified by race/ethnicity were used to examine whether depressive symptoms were associated with cognition or cognitive decline and whether associations differed by race/ethnicity.

RESULTS

Higher depressive symptoms were associated with lower baseline verbal episodic memory scores (−0.06, 95%CI:-0.12,-0.01; −0.15, 95%CI:-0.25,-0.04), and faster decline annually in semantic memory (−0.04, 95%CI:-0.07,-0.01; −0.10, 95%CI:-0.15,-0.05) for Black and LatinX participants. Depressive symptoms were associated with lower baseline but not decline in executive function.

DISCUSSION

Depressive symptoms were associated with worse cognitive domains, with some evidence of heterogeneity across racial/ethnic groups.

Highlights

We examined whether baseline depressive symptoms were differentially associated with domain-specific cognition or cognitive decline by race/ethnicity.

Depressive symptoms were associated with worse cognitive scores for all racial/ethnic groups across different domains examined.

Higher depressive symptoms were associated with faster cognitive decline for semantic memory for Black and LatinX participants.

The results suggest a particularly harmful association between depressive symptoms and cognition in certain racial/ethnic groups.
Differences in White Matter Structural Networks in Family Risk of Major Depressive Disorder and Suicidality: A Connectome Analysis
Authors: Kelsall Nora Clancy , Wang Yun , Gameroff Marc J , Cha Jiook , Posner Jonathan , Talati Ardesheer , Weissman Myrna M. , van Dijk Milenna Tamara
Published: September 2023

Background

Depression and suicide are leading global causes of disability and death and are highly familial. Family and individual history of depression are associated with neurobiological differences including decreased white matter connectivity; however, this has only been shown for individual regions. We use graph theory models to account for the network structure of the brain with high levels of specialization and integration and examine whether they differ by family history of depression or of suicidality within a three-generation longitudinal family study with well-characterized clinical histories.

Methods

Clinician interviews across three generations were used to classify family risk of depression and suicidality. Then, we created weighted network models using 108 cortical and subcortical regions of interest for 96 individuals using diffusion tensor imaging derived fiber tracts. Global and local summary measures (clustering coefficient, characteristic path length, and global and local efficiencies) and network-based statistics were utilized for group comparison of family history of depression and, separately, of suicidality, adjusted for personal psychopathology.

Results

Clustering coefficient (connectivity between neighboring regions) was lower in individuals at high family risk of depression and was associated with concurrent clinical symptoms. Network-based statistics showed hypoconnected subnetworks in individuals with high family risk of depression and of suicidality, after controlling for personal psychopathology. These subnetworks highlighted cortical-subcortical connections including between the superior frontal cortex, thalamus, precuneus, and putamen.

Conclusions

Family history of depression and of suicidality are associated with hypoconnectivity between subcortical and cortical regions, suggesting brain-wide impaired information processing, even in those personally unaffected.
Transposon sequencing reveals the essential gene set and genes enabling gut symbiosis in the insect symbiontCaballeronia insecticola
Authors: Jouan Romain , Lextrait Gaëlle , Lachat Joy , Yokota Aya , Cossard Raynald , Naquin Delphine , Timchenko Tatiana , Kikuchi Yoshitomo , Ohbayashi Tsubasa , Mergaert Peter
Published: September 2023

Caballeronia insecticolais a bacterium belonging to theBurkholderiagenussensu lato, able to colonize multiple environments like soils and the gut of the bean bugRiptortus pedestris. To identify the essential genome of a bacterium is a first step in the understanding of its lifestyles. We constructed a saturatedHimar1mariner transposon library and revealed by transposon-sequencing (Tn-seq) that 498 protein-coding genes constitute the essential genome ofC. insecticolafor growth in free-living conditions. By comparing essential gene sets ofC. insecticolaand seven relatedBurkholderia s.l.strains, only 120 common genes were identified indicating that a large part of the essential genome is strain-specific. In order to reproduce specific nutritional conditions that are present in the gut ofR. pedestris, we grew the mutant library in minimal media supplemented with candidate gut nutrients and identified several condition-dependent fitness-defect genes by Tn-seq. To validate the robustness of the approach, insertion mutants in six fitness genes were constructed and their growth-deficiency in media supplemented with the corresponding nutrient was confirmed. The mutants were further tested for their efficiency inR. pedestrisgut colonization, confirming that gluconeogenic carbon sources, taurine and inositol, are nutrients consumed by the symbiont in the gut.
Transmissibility, infectivity, and immune resistance of the SARS-CoV-2 BA.2.86 variant
Authors: Uriu Keiya , Ito Jumpei , Kosugi Yusuke , Tanaka Yuri L , Mugita Yuka , Guo Ziyi , Hinay Alfredo A , Putri Olivia , Kim Yoonjin , Shimizu Ryo , Begum MST Monira , Jonathan Michael ,   The Genotype to Phenotype Japan (G2P-Japan) Consortium, Saito Akatsuki , Ikeda Terumasa , Sato Kei
Published: September 2023

In September 2023, the SARS-CoV-2 XBB descendants, such as XBB.1.5 and EG.5.1 (originally XBB.1.9.2.5.1), are predominantly circulating worldwide. Unexpectedly, however, a lineage distinct from XBB was identified and named BA.2.86 on August 14, 2023. Notably, BA.2.86 bears more than 30 mutations in the spike (S) protein when compared to XBB and the parental BA.2, and many of them are assumed to be associated with immune evasion. Although the number of reported cases is low (68 sequences have been reported as of 7 September 2023), BA.2.86 has been detected in several continents (Europe, North America and Africa), suggesting that this variant may be spreading silently worldwide. On 17 August 2023, the WHO designated BA.2.86 as a variant under monitoring. Here we show evidence suggesting that BA.2.86 potentially has greater fitness than current circulating XBB variants including EG.5.1. The pseudovirus assay showed that the infectivity of BA.2.86 was significantly lower than that of B.1.1 and EG.5.1, suggesting that the increased fitness of BA.2.86 is not due to the increased infectivity. We then performed a neutralization assay using XBB breakthrough infection sera to address whether BA.2.86 evades the antiviral effect of the humoral immunity induced by XBB subvariants. The 50% neutralization titer of XBB BTI sera against BA.2.86 was significantly (1.6-fold) lower than those against EG.5.1. The sera obtained from individuals vaccinated with 3rd-dose monovalent, 4th-dose monovalent, BA.1 bivalent, and BA.5 bivalent mRNA vaccines exhibited very little or no antiviral effects against BA.2.86. Moreover, the three monoclonal antibodies (Bebtelovimab, Sotrovimab and Cilgavimab), which worked against the parental BA.2, did not exhibit antiviral effects against BA.2.86. These results suggest that BA.2.86 is one of the most highly immune evasive variants ever.
Early onset motor defects and electrographic seizures in a mouse model of the most common mutation in EEF1A2 related neurodevelopmental disorder, E122K
Authors: Marshall Grant F. , Fasol Melissa , Davies Faith C.J. , Le Seelleur Matthew , Alvarez Alejandra Fernandez , Bennett-Ness Cavan , Gonzalez-Sulser Alfredo , Abbott Catherine M.
Published: September 2023

De novoheterozygous missense mutations inEEF1A2, encoding neuromuscular translation-elongation factor eEF1A2, are associated with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. We used CRISPR/ Cas9 to recapitulate the most common mutation, E122K, in mice. Although E122K/+ mice were not observed to have convulsive seizures, they exhibit frequent electrographic seizures and EEG abnormalities, transient early motor delays and growth defects. Both E122K homozygotes andEef1a2-null mice develop progressive motor abnormalities phenotypes, with homozygotes reaching humane endpoints by P31. Surprisingly, E122K homozygotes did not exhibit the progressive spinal neurodegeneration which drives the null phenotype. The E122K protein is relatively stable in neurons yet highly unstable in skeletal myocytes, suggesting that the E122K/E122K phenotype is instead driven by loss-of-function in muscle. Importantly, E122K homozygotes developed abnormalities far earlier than nulls, suggesting a toxic gain-of-function. This novel mouse model represents the first animal model of anEEF1A2missense mutation with face-valid phenotypes and has provided mechanistic insights needed to inform rational treatment design.
Tick-borne flavivirus NS5 antagonizes interferon signaling by inhibiting the catalytic activity of TYK2
Authors: Gracias Ségolène , Chazal Maxime , Decombe Alice , Unterfinger Yves , Sogues Adrià , Pruvost Lauryne , Robert Valentine , Lacour Sandrine A. , Lemasson Manon , Sourisseau Marion , Li Zhi , Richardson Jennifer , Pellegrini Sandra , Decroly Etienne , Caval Vincent , Jouvenet Nolwenn
Published: September 2023

The mechanisms utilized by different flaviviruses to evade antiviral functions of interferons are varied and incompletely understood. Using virological approaches, biochemical assays and mass spectrometry analysis, we report here that the NS5 protein of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and Louping Ill virus (LIV), two related tick-borne flaviviruses, antagonize JAK-STAT signaling through interactions with tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2). Co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) experiments, yeast gap-repair assays, computational protein-protein docking and functional studies identified a stretch of 10 residues of the RNA dependent RNA polymerase domain of tick-borne flavivirus NS5, but not mosquito-borne NS5, that is critical for interaction with the TYK2 kinase domain. Additional co-IP assays performed with several TYK2 orthologs revealed that the interaction was conserved across mammal species.In vitrokinase assays showed that TBEV and LIV NS5 reduced the catalytic activity of TYK2. Our results thus illustrate a novel mechanism by which viruses suppress the interferon response.

Teaser

Inhibition of the catalytic activity of a key kinase of the JAK/STAT pathway by a viral protein
The oral pathogenPorphyromonas gingivalisresists the antimicrobial peptide LGL13K and evades the D-enantiomer by synonymous mutations inhagA
Authors: Gorr Sven-Ulrik , Chen Ruoqiong , Abrahante Juan E. , Joyce Paul B.M.
Published: September 2023

Porphyromonas gingivalisis a keystone pathogen for periodontal disease. The bacteria are black-pigmented and require heme for growth.P. gingivalisexhibit resistance to many antimicrobial peptides, including the L-enantiomer of the antimicrobial peptide GL13K, which contributes to their success in the oral cavity.P. gingivalisW50 was resistant to LGL13K but susceptible to the stereo-isomer DGL13K. Upon prolonged exposure to DGL13K, a novel non-pigmented mutant was isolated that showed a low minimum inhibitory concentration and two-fold extended minimum duration for killing by DGL13K, consistent with tolerance to this peptide. The DGL13K tolerant bacteria exhibited synonymous mutations in thehagAgene. The mutations did not prevent mRNA expression but were predicted to alter mRNA structure. The non-pigmented bacteria were deficient in hemagglutination and hemoglobin binding, suggesting that the HagA protein was not expressed. This was supported by whole cell ELISA and gingipain activity assays, which suggested the absence of HagA but not two closely related gingipains.In vivovirulence was similar for wild-type and non-pigmented bacteria in theGalleria mellonellamodel. Loss of the hemagglutinin HagA may allow bacteria to escape from a biofilm that is under attack by antimicrobial peptides.
Precise manipulation of site and stoichiometry of capsid modification enables optimization of functional adeno-associated virus conjugates
Authors: Erickson Sarah B. , Pham Quan , Cao Xiaofu , Glicksman Jake , Kelemen Rachel E. , Shahraeini Seyed S. , Bodkin Sebastian , Kiyam Zainab , Chatterjee Abhishek
Published: September 2023

The ability to engineer adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors for targeted infection of specific cell types is critically important to fully harness its potential of human gene therapy. A promising approach to achieve this objective involves chemically attaching retargeting ligands onto the virus capsid. Site-specific incorporation of a bioorthogonal noncanonical amino acid (ncAA) into the AAV capsid proteins provides a particularly attractive strategy to introduce such modifications with exquisite precision. In this study, we show that using ncAA mutagenesis, it is possible to systematically alter the attachment site of a retargeting ligand (cyclic-RGD) on the AAV capsid to create diverse conjugate architectures, and that the site of attachment heavily impacts the retargeting efficiency. We further demonstrate that the performance of these AAV conjugates is highly sensitive to the stoichiometry of capsid labeling (labels per capsid), with an intermediate labeling density (∼12 per capsid) providing optimal activity. Finally, we developed technology to precisely control the number of attachment sites per AAV capsid, by selectively incorporating a ncAA into the minor capsid proteins with high fidelity and efficiency, such that AAV-conjugates with varying stoichiometry can be synthesized in a homogeneous manner. Together, this platform provides unparalleled control over site and stoichiometry of capsid modification, which will enable the development of next-generation AAV vectors tailored with desirable attributes.
Saturated Transposon Analysis in Yeast as a One-step Method to Quantify the Fitness Effects of Gene Disruptions on a Genome-Wide Scale
Authors: Kingma Enzo , Dolsma Floor , De La Cruz Leila Margarita Iñigo , Laan Liedewij
Published: September 2023

Transposon insertion site sequencing (TIS) is an extremely powerful tool that has greatly advanced our knowledge of functional genomics. However, studies using TIS often focus on gene essentiality and neglect possibly interesting but subtle differences in the importance of genes for fitness. As shown by other studies, expanding of the analysis of TIS data to allow a quantitative estimate of fitness has important application in genetics and evolutionary biology. Here, we present a method to estimate the fitness of gene disruption mutants on a quantitative level using data obtained from a TIS screen developed for the yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiaecalled SATAY. We show that using the average read count per transposon insertion site provides a metric for fitness that is robust across biological and technical replicate experiments. Importantly, the ability to resolve differences between gene disruption mutants with low fitness depends crucially on the inclusion of insertion sites that are not observed in the sequencing data to estimate the mean. While our method provides reproducible results between replicate SATAY datasets, the obtained fitness distribution differs substantially from those obtained using other techniques. It remains unclear whether these inconsistencies are due to biological or technical differences between the methods. Finally, we give suggestions for modifications of the SATAY procedure that could improve the resolution of the fitness estimates. Our analysis indicates that increasing the sequencing depth does very little to reduce the uncertainty in the estimates, while replacing the PCR amplification with methods that avoid or reduce the number of amplification cycles will likely be most effective in reducing noise.
De novoTRPM3missense variant associated with neurodevelopmental delay and manifestations of cerebral palsy
Authors: Sundaramurthi Jagadish Chandrabose , Bagley Anita M. , Blau Hannah , Carmody Leigh , Crandall Amy , Danis Daniel , Gargano Michael A. , Gustafson Anxhela Gjyshi , Raney Ellen M. , Shingle Mallory , Davids Jon R. , Robinson Peter N.
Published: September 2023

We identified a de novo heterozygous transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M (melastatin) member 3 (TRPM3) missense variant, p.(Asn1126Asp), in a patient with developmental delay and manifestations of cerebral palsy (CP) using phenotype-driven prioritization analysis of whole-genome sequencing data with Exomiser. The variant is localized in the functionally important ion transport domain of the TRPM3 protein and predicted to impact the protein structure. Our report addsTRPM3to the list of Mendelian disease–associated genes that can be associated with CP and provides further evidence for the pathogenicity of the variant p.(Asn1126Asp).
Bis(dimethoxyethane-1κ2
O,O′)pentakis(1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropan-2-olato)-2κ3
O,3κ2
O-μ-hydroxido-1:3κ2
O-μ3-oxido-1:2:3κ3
O-magnesiumdialuminium
Authors: Lozinšek Matic , Pavčnik Tjaša , Bitenc Jan
Published: September 2023

Partial hydrolysis of a sample of [Mg(dme)3][Al(hfip)4]2 crystals led to the formation of the title complex, [Mg(dme)2{HOAl(hfip)2OAl(hfip)3}] (dme = dimethoxyethane and hfipH = hexafluoroisopropanol) or [Mg(C4H10O2)2O(OH)Al2(C3HF6O)5]. The magnesium cation exhibits a distorted octahedral coordination with two bidentate dimethoxyethane molecules and a dinuclear aluminate anion, coordinated to Mg2+
via oxido and hydroxido units. The anion is an oxido-bridged species, [HOAl(hfip)2(μ-O)Al(hfip)3]2–, with one Al3+ cation tetrahedrally coordinated by an oxido (O2–) anion, a hydroxido anion, and two hfip groups, whereas the second Al3+ cation is coordinated by the oxido anion and three hfip groups.
(31
E,32
Z,71
E,72
Z)-4,8-Bis(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-14,33,53,73-tetrapropyl-11
H,32
H,51
H,72
H-1,5(2,5),3,7(5,2)-tetrapyrrola-2,6(2,5)-dithiophenacyclooctaphane
Authors: Ishimaru Yoshihiro , Ikeda Ryo , Fujihara Takashi
Published: September 2023

Purple crystals of the title compound, C50H44Cl4N4S2 were obtained from the reaction of 2,5-bis(4-propyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)thiophene and 3,5-dichlorobenzaldehyde in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid for 3 h and subsequent addition of p-chloranil. The macrocycle in the title compound can be described as a highly planar structure wthe the average deviation of the 32 macrocyclic atoms from the least-squares plane being 0.0416 Å. Its molecular conformation is stabilized by two intramolecular N—H...N bonds and a three-dimensional network is formed by C—H...π interactions.
Input credit scheme, farm productivity and food security nexus among smallholder rice farmers: evidence from North East Ghana
Authors: Wongnaa Camillus Abawiera , Abudu Alhassan , Abdul-Rahaman Awal , Akey Ernest Amegawovor , Prah Stephen
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study examined the impact of the Input Credit Scheme (ICS) by the Integrated Water Management and Agriculture Development (IWAD) on the productivity and food security of smallholder rice farmers in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional data from 250 rice farming households in the Mamprugu Moagduri district of the North East Region obtained from a multi-stage sampling technique were used for the study. Inverse Probability Weighted Regression Adjustment (IPWRA), Propensity Score Matching (PSM) and Kendall's coefficient of concordance were the methods of analysis employed.

Findings

Empirical results show that education, rice farming experience, dependency ratio, FBO membership, farm size and farm age were the significant factors influencing participation in the input credit scheme (ICS). Also, participants had an average rice productivity of 1,476.83 kg/ha, whereas non-participants had 1,131.81 kg/ha implying that participants increased their productivity by about 30%. In addition, the study revealed that participant households increased their household dietary diversity (HDDS) by 0.45 points amounting to about 8% diversity in their diets. High-interest rates associated with credit received, the short periods of credit repayment and the high cost of inputs provided under the scheme were the most challenging constraints associated with partaking in the ICS.

Practical implications

The available literature on agricultural interventions have predominantly emphasized input credit as a key factor for improving cropt productivity and food security of smallholders. This study provides compelling evidence that participation in ICSs can result in substantial benefits for agricultural development, as evidenced by increased productivity leading to improved food security. The significance of these findings is highlighted by the fact that, through participation in input credit schemes, smallholder rice farmers in many developing countries see substantial improvement in their capacity to access productive resources, thereby improving their productivity, while simultaneously reducing food insecurity.

Social implications

Leveraging on the improved productivity of participants in the ICS, this study advocates that such input credit schemes should scale up to more food-insecure farming communities in Ghana.

Originality/value

The study uses a doubly robust econometric approach to evaluate the impact of ICS on smallholder rice farmers' productivity and food security in Ghana, making it the first of its kind. The findings offer a solid basis for future research and provide guidance for policymakers looking to boost agricultural development in Ghana.
Feeder and fed cattle purchases of livestock risk protection
Authors: Boyer Christopher N. , Park Eunchun , DeLong Karen L. , Griffith Andrew , Martinez Charles
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Premium subsidy rates were increased in 2019 and 2020 for livestock risk protection (LRP) insurance, which is price insurance for cattle producers. The authors examined if the LRP subsidy rate changes affected the LRP coverage levels purchased by feeder and fed cattle producers.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected the United States Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency summary of business sales data for daily LRP purchases from 2015 to 2023. The authors estimated a multinomial logit model to determine if subsidy rate changes were associated with the likelihood of LRP policies being purchased at different coverage levels.

Findings

After the 2019 and 2020 subsidy rate changes, the likelihood of producers buying LRP-feeder cattle policies with coverage over 95% increased relative to the policies with coverage less than 89.99% but did not influence the likelihood of producers buying LRP-feeder cattle policies with coverage between 90 and 94.99% relative to policies with coverage less than 89.99%. Marginal effects show these subsidy rate changes increased the likelihood of buyers purchasing LRP-feeder cattle policies with greater than 95% coverage. The subsidy change did not affect the purchase of LRP-fed cattle policies.

Originality/value

The results demonstrate the influence of the recent LRP policy adjustments on insurance purchases, which could be important for agency officials and policy makers. This is the first study to explore the LRP policy purchases which provides the United States cattle industry insight into the LRP price insurance take-up, which can guide producer extension education on managing price risk.
Universal Needs Based Resource Assessment (UNBRA) an objective approach to evaluate resources needed to support people with intellectual disability in an inpatient setting
Authors: Meddings Susanne , Odiyoor Mahesh , Eick Holly , Kavanagh Katie , Jaydeokar Sujeet
Published: September 2023

Purpose

There are no existing tools to capture resources needed to support people with intellectual disability in an inpatient setting on an individual patient basis. The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a new tool called Universal Needs Based Resource Assessment (UNBRA).

Design/methodology/approach

Using the Delphi method, focus groups were used to generate factors determining resource use. From these, themes were identified, a scoring system was created and the UNBRA tool was developed. This was piloted in two NHS inpatient units and modified following feedback.

Findings

The UNBRA tool holistically assesses resource requirements of an individual with intellectual disability supported in an inpatient setting. It considers ten factors grouped into the six themes of staffing, indirect work, clinical/ multi-disciplinary work, incidents, carer link activity and discharge process. UNBRA scores allow intra- and interpersonal comparison as well as comparison between units and can support resource allocation and operational decision-making.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no suitable existing tool to capture individual resource requirements of patients in intellectual inpatient settings. The development of the UNBRA tool fills this gap.
Effects of internal crisis communication during the COVID-19 pandemic: employee perceptions of communication quality, leadership and relational outcomes
Authors: Kim Yeonsoo , Meganck Shana , Basnyat Iccha
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study, informed by the Situational Crisis Communication Theory, aims to suggest two primary response strategies that can be used for effective internal crisis communication during a pandemic situation, such as COVID-19. The effect of base response strategies on employees' perceptions of communication quality, leadership and relational outcomes were investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey of full-time employees in the United States was conducted.

Findings

The findings showed that for an instructing information strategy, not all types of information were equally associated with positive employee responses in terms of perceived quality of internal communication related to the COVID-19 pandemic and transformational leadership. Specific information that employees need to know in order to safely perform daily tasks, such as organizational protocols and thorough preparation, seem to be the most needed and desired information. Adjusting information was positively associated with employee perceptions of internal communication quality and perceptions of CEO leadership. Employees' perceived quality of internal communication affected by the base crisis response strategies were positively correlated with perceptions of transformational leadership and relational outcomes (i.e. employee trust in the organization, employee perceptions of the organization's commitment to relationships with employees, employee support for organizational decision-making related to COVID-19).

Originality/value

This study presents important theoretical and practical insights through an interdisciplinary approach that applies the theoretical framework and relationship-oriented outcomes of public relations to public health crisis situations.
An approach for computational blood flow under the joint effects of the electro-osmotic, magnetic field, chemical reaction and porosity
Authors: Al-Griffi Takia Ahmed J. , Ali Al-Saif Abdul-Sattar J.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the two-dimensional blood flow in the artery slant from the axis at an angle with mild stenosis under the joint effects of the electro-osmotic, magnetic field, chemical reaction and porosity using a new analytical method. In addition, the mathematical model presented by the researchers Tripathi and Sharma (2018c) was successfully developed by adding the effect of electro-osmosis and studying the impact of the new addition in the developed model on blood flow.

Design/methodology/approach

A new analytical method was used to find the analytical approximate solutions of two-dimensional blood flow in artery slant from the axis at an angle with mild stenosis. This technique is based on integrating the Akbari-Ganji and the homotopy perturbation methods.

Findings

The results of axial velocity, concentration, temperature and the wall shear stress for blood flow were analyzed in the cases of the absence and presence of electro-osmosis. Furthermore, in these two states of electro-osmosis, a contour plot was created to show the difference in the profile of velocity to the flow of blood when the magnetic field was increased and the altitude of stenosis was increased. The results showed that the new technique is effective and has high accuracy to determine the analytical approximate solutions of two-dimensional blood flow in artery slant from the axis at an angle with mild stenosis. The validity, utility and necessity of the new method were illustrated from the graphs of the new solutions; in addition, there is an excellent agreement with the results of previous studies.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on developing the mathematical model which was presented by the researchers Tripathi and Sharma (2018c), by adding the effect of the electro-osmosis to it, which has been successfully developed. According to the authors’ modest information, the new system has not been studied before. This current problem is solved by using an innovative approach known as the Akbari-Ganji homotopy perturbation method (AGHPM) which has not been used before in two cases: the presence and absence of the effect of electro-osmosis. This new technique afford new with effective and has high accuracy results. Furthermore, the new study (i.e. adding effect of electro-osmosis) with the applications of (variable viscosity, magnetic field, chemical reaction and porosity) illustrated the importance of applying electro-osmosis and how doctors can benefit from it during surgeries through proper use.
A case-oriented computational study for sustainable fleet planning in a battery closed-loop supply chain network under uncertainty
Authors: Subulan Kemal , Baykasoğlu Adil
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a holistic optimization model for an integrated sustainable fleet planning and closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) network design problem under uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel mixed-integer programming model that is able to consider interactions between vehicle fleet planning and CLSC network design problems is first developed. Uncertainties of the product demand and return fractions of the end-of-life products are handled by a chance-constrained stochastic program. Several Pareto optimal solutions are generated for the conflicting sustainability objectives via compromise and fuzzy goal programming (FGP) approaches.

Findings

The proposed model is tested on a real-life lead/acid battery recovery system. By using the proposed model, sustainable fleet plans that provide a smaller fleet size, fewer empty vehicle repositions, minimal CO2 emissions, maximal vehicle safety ratings and minimal injury/illness incidence rate of transport accidents are generated. Furthermore, an environmentally and socially conscious CLSC network with maximal job creation in the less developed regions, minimal lost days resulting from the work's damages during manufacturing/recycling operations and maximal collection/recovery of end-of-life products is also designed.

Originality/value

Unlike the classical network design models, vehicle fleet planning decisions such as fleet sizing/composition, fleet assignment, vehicle inventory control, empty repositioning, etc. are also considered while designing a sustainable CLSC network. In addition to sustainability indicators in the network design, sustainability factors in fleet management are also handled. To the best of the authors' knowledge, there is no similar paper in the literature that proposes such a holistic optimization model for integrated sustainable fleet planning and CLSC network design.
Equity financing and Islamic bank stability: evidence from Malaysia and Indonesia
Authors: Othman Norfaizah , Abdul-Majid Mariani , Abdul-Rahman Aisyah
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to determine the effect of equity financing on bank stability during normal and crisis periods.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a static panel regression that includes pooled ordinary least square, random effect and fixed effect model to examine the influence of equity financing on bank stability. In estimating bank stability during a financial crisis, the authors predict the occurrence of a crisis using the early warning system (EWS). The authors then used z-score to measure Islamic banks’ stability.

Findings

Islamic banks that offer equity financing structure are more stable compared to Islamic banks without such structure. Islamic banks with medium equity financing have highest stability relative to Islamic banks with high or low equity financing. During crises, the Islamic banks with equity financing structure remain relatively stable compared to other Islamic banks.

Research limitations/implications

The sampling coverage could have included a larger number of countries and banks.

Practical implications

The authorities need to strengthen the banking framework to support the Islamic financial products by encouraging a wider use of risk-sharing instruments. Besides using a debt-like financing structure, Islamic banks should also place emphasis on equity financing in instilling the banking sector stability. In monitoring banks with equity financing, the authorities may need to look into the level of equity financing.

Social implications

Besides avoiding riba and gharar in financing, equity financing encourages cooperation and participation among society as they share the risks.

Originality/value

This paper analyses the effect of equity financing on the Islamic banks stability during normal and crisis periods. This paper further examines the intensity of the equity financing and its influence on bank stability.
Research on dynamic parameter identification and collision detection method for cooperative robots
Authors: Sun Shuwen , Song Chenyu , Wang Bo , Huang Haiming
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The safety performance of cooperative robots is particularly important. This paper aims to study collision detection and response of cooperative robots, which meet the lightweight requirements of cooperative robots and help to ensure the safety of humans and robots.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a collision detection, recognition and response method based on dynamic models. First, this paper identifies the dynamic model of the robot. Second, an external torque observer is established based on the model, and a dynamic threshold collision detection method is designed to reduce the interference of model uncertainty on collision detection. Finally, a collision position and direction estimation method is designed, and a robot collision response strategy is proposed to reduce the harm caused by collisions to humans.

Findings

Comparative experiments are conducted on static threshold and dynamic threshold collision detection, and the results showed that the static threshold only detected one collision while the dynamic threshold could detect all collisions. Conducting collision position and direction estimation and collision response experiments, and the results show that this method can determine the location and direction of collision occurrence, and enable the robot to achieve collision separation.

Originality/value

This paper designs a dynamic threshold collision detection method that does not require external sensors. Compared with static threshold collision detection methods, this method can significantly improve the sensitivity of collision detection. This paper also proposes a collision position direction estimation method and collision separation response strategy, which can enable robots to achieve post collision separation and improve the safety of cooperative robots.
An exploration of search-as-learning in digital archives of an online museum
Authors: Wu I-Chin , Vakkari Pertti , Huang Bo-Xian
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Recent studies on search-as-learning (SAL) have recognized the significance of identifying users' learning needs as they evolve for acquiring knowledge during the search process. In this study, the authors clarify the extent to which search behaviors reflect the learning outcome and foster the users' knowledge of Chinese art.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an exploratory-sequential mixed-methods approach using simulated work task situations to collect empirical data. The authors used two types of simulated learning tasks for topics related to painting and antique knowledge. A lot of 25 users participated in this evaluation of digital archives (DAs) at the National Palace Museum (NPM) in Taiwan. For each set of topics, a close-ended task related to lower-level learning goals and an open-ended task related to higher-level learning goals.

Findings

The learning criteria reflect changes in the users' knowledge structure, revealing the SAL process. Furthermore, users achieved better task performance on the higher-level creative-learning task, which suggests that they met more learning criteria, exhibited a greater variety of search patterns when exploring the topics via interaction with various sources. Finally, there is a close relationship between creative-learning tasks, prior knowledge, keyword search actions and learning outcomes.

Originality/value

The authors discuss implications with respect to the design of DAs in practice and contributions to the body of SAL knowledge in DAs of online museums. For future reference, the authors provide implications for the development of learning measures from the perspective of user search behavior with associated learning outcomes in the context of DAs.
Retail investors and overpricing of left-tail risk: evidence from the Korean stock market
Authors: Kim Jungmu , Park Yuen Jung , Truong Thuy Thi Thu
Published: September 2023

The authors examined whether stocks with higher left-tail risk measures earn higher or lower futures returns. Specifically, the authors estimate the cross-sectional principal component of a battery of left-tail risk measures and analyze future returns on stocks with high principal component values. In contrast to finance theories on the risk–return trade-off relationship, the study results show that high left-tail risk stocks have lower future returns. This finding is robust to various left-tail risk measures and controls for other risk factors. Moreover, the negative relationship between the left-tail risk and returns is more pronounced for stocks that are actively traded by retail investors. This empirical result is consistent with behavioral theory that when investors make decisions based on experience, they tend to underweight the likelihood of rare events.
Customers' decision pattern based on mobile reviews in digital economy
Authors: Li Xiaodong , Liu Zhiwen , Gong Bengang , Ren Ai
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Consumers have pervasively relied on mobile reviews in digital economy. However, little knowledge exists regarding how customers adopt several mobile reviews to make purchasing decisions. With the assistance of reader-response theory, this study investigates how the consistency of product reviews, in terms of their adherence to both other reviews and the prior experience of the customer, affect perceived quality, confirmation of the customer's expectations, the customer's level of trust in the seller and the consequent purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a scenario simulation and an online experiment to collect data, the authors employed AMOS to test the proposed hypotheses using survey data collected from 314 customers in Study 1 and 420 consumers in Study 2.

Findings

The results indicate that global consistency positively and significantly contributes to confirmation, perceived quality and trust in sellers while sequential inconsistency positively and significantly influences perceived quality. Meanwhile, purchase intention is positively and significantly promoted by confirmation, perceived quality and trust in sellers, and initial valence has some moderating effects on these relationships.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of how customers apply product reviews to make purchasing decisions from a new angle. It also elucidates the way in which the perceived consistency of product reviews affects how reviewers are perceived and the consequent effect of these perceptions on a customer's purchase intentions.