bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncovering the multivariate genetic architecture of frailty with genomic structural equation modelling
Authors: Foote Isabelle F , Flint Jonny P , Fürtjes Anna E , Mullin Donncha S , Fisk John D , Karakach Tobias K , Rutenberg Andrew , Martin Nicholas G , Lupton Michelle K , Llewellyn David J , Ranson Janice M , Cox Simon R , Luciano Michelle , Rockwood Kenneth , Grotzinger Andrew D
Published: July 2024

Frailty is a multifaceted clinical state associated with accelerated aging and adverse health outcomes. Informed etiological models of frailty hold promise for producing widespread health improvements across the aging population. Frailty is currently measured using aggregate scores, which obscure etiological pathways that are only relevant to subcomponents of frailty. Therefore, we performed the first multivariate genome-wide association study of the latent genetic architecture between 30 frailty deficits, which identified 408 genomic risk loci. Our model included a general factor of genetic overlap across all deficits, plus six novel factors indexing shared genetic signal across specific groups of deficits. Follow-up analyses demonstrated the added clinical and etiological value of the six factors, including predicting frailty in external datasets, divergent genetic correlations with clinically relevant outcomes, and unique underlying biology linked to aging. This suggests nuanced models of frailty are key to understanding its causes and how it relates to worse health.
ASSESSING THE ACCESSIBILITY, AFFORDABILITY, AND ACCEPTABILITY OF REFRACTIVE SERVICES AS BARRIERS TO UPTAKE OF THESE SERVICES IN KAKAMEGA MUNICIPALITY, KENYA
Authors: Martin Kisenge Masinde , Naimah Ebrahim Khan
Published: July 2024

Background information

Refractive errors and presbyopia remain a burden to the entire population. An estimated 76% of the 191 million blind people have preventable or treatable causes. Uncorrected Refractive Error (URE), the number one cause (51%) of moderate and severe vision impairment is easily preventable.

Aim

The study aimed to evaluate the accessibility, affordability, and acceptability of refractive services in Kakamega Municipality.

Methodology

A population-based descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken in Kakamega municipality using a cluster sampling method and descriptive data analysis.

Results

Out of 358 participants, 199 (55.6%) were male and 159 (44.4%) were female. The analysis shows affordability (18.3%) as the main reason for not using spectacles, followed by lack of quality care (3.4%), access to eye care (3.4%), awareness (2.5%), unpleasant past experiences (2.2%), importance not given to eye care issues (1.6%), lack of communication (0.9%), and disapproval from family members (0.9%). The study found that the affordable price range for spectacles varies between Kshs.5000 and less than Kshs.2000. More participants (38.0%) reported above Kshs.5000, while 29% indicated less Kshs.2000. The study found that affordability (p = 0.000), availability (p=0.004), and accessibility (p=0.005) of refractive services significantly influenced the uptake of these services.

Conclusion

The study reveals that refractive services in Kakamega municipality are not easily accessible due to the lack of adequate services in government hospitals. Additionally, patients in the municipality struggle to afford spectacles due to the direct cost of spectacles and the lack of services in easily accessible public facilities.
Utilising the Palliative Prognostic Index in a mixed non-malignant and malignant patient group to determine prognosis. A general medicine tool for prognostication
Authors: Hawkins Joseph , Lester Megan
Published: July 2024

Objectives

This study tested the use of the Palliative Prognostic Index (PPI), an established cancer prognostic tool, in a general medicine group within an acute setting for non-selective adult palliative care. The PPI score ranges from 0 to 15, with scores <6 indicating a prognosis of over 6 weeks and scores >6 indicating under 3 weeks.

Methods

Data from 256 patients seen over three months by the Ashford and St Peter’s NHS Foundation Trust Palliative Care team were analysed. PPI scores were calculated and correlated with patient’s date of death (DoD) to evaluate predictive value. ASPH is a medium sized hospital in England with 500 adult beds.

Results

Among 256 patients, 145 had cancer and 111 had non-malignant disease. Higher PPI scores correlated with more accurate prognostic predictions, with an overall prediction accuracy of 70%.

Conclusions

The study demonstrates the PPI tool’s value for mixed groups of non-malignant and malignant diseases. The ASPH population is representative of most UK areas, suggesting that the PPI tool can guide timely care decisions in general medical settings.
Destabilisation ofbamtranscripts terminates the mitotic phase ofDrosophilafemale germline differentiation
Authors: Samuels Tamsin J , Torley Elizabeth J , Naden Emily L , Blair Phoebe E , Hernandez Frometa Frankjel A , Karam Teixeira Felipe
Published: July 2024

The tight control of the mitotic phase of differentiation is crucial to prevent tumourigenesis while securing tissue homeostasis. In theDrosophilafemale germline, differentiation involves precisely four mitotic divisions, and accumulating evidence suggests thatbag-of-marbles(bam), the initiator of differentiation, is also involved in controlling the number of divisions. To test this hypothesis, we depleted Bam from differentiating cells and found a reduced number of mitotic divisions. We examined the regulation of Bam using RNA imaging methods and found that thebam39 UTR conveys instability to the transcript in the 8-cell cyst and early 16-cell cyst. We show that the RNA binding protein, Rbp9, is responsible for timingbammRNA decay. Rbp9 itself is part of a sequential cascade of RNA binding proteins activated downstream of Bam, and we show that it is regulated through a change in transcription start site, driven by Rbfox1. Altogether, we propose a model in which Bam expression at the dawn of differentiation initiates a series of events that eventually terminates the Bam expression domain.
PredIDR: Accurate prediction of protein intrinsic disorder regions using deep convolutional neural network
Authors: Han Kun-Sop , Yun Su-Jong , Kim Chol-Song , Ri Chol-Pyok , Del Conte Alessio , Piovesan Damiano
Published: July 2024

The involvement of protein intrinsic disorder in essential biological processes, it is well known in structural biology. However, experimental methods for detecting intrinsic structural disorder and directly measuring highly dynamic behavior of protein structure are limited. To address this issue, several computational methods to predict intrinsic disorder from protein sequences were developed and their performance is evaluated by the Critical Assessment of protein Intrinsic Disorder (CAID). In this paper, we describe a new computational method, PredIDR, which provides accurate prediction of intrinsically disordered regions in proteins, mimicking experimental X-ray missing residues. Indeed, missing residues in Protein Data Bank (PDB) were used as positive examples to train a deep convolutional neural network which produces two types of output for short and long regions. PredIDR took part in the second round of CAID and was as accurate as the top state-of-the-art IDR prediction methods. PredIDR can be freely used through the CAID Prediction Portal available athttps://caid.idpcentral.org/portalor downloaded as a Singularity container fromhttps://biocomputingup.it/shared/caid-predictors/.
MiCK: a database of gut microbial genes linked with chemoresistance in cancer patients
Authors: Shahzaib Muhammad , Manzoor Haseeb , Zubair Hasnain , Jabeen Farzana , Kayani Masood Ur Rehman
Published: July 2024

Cancer remains a global health challenge, with significant morbidity and mortality rates. In 2020, cancer caused nearly 10 million deaths, making it the second leading cause of death worldwide. However, the emergence of chemoresistance becomes a major hurdle in successfully treating patients. Human gut microbes have been recognized for their role in modulating drug efficacy through their metabolites, ultimately leading to chemoresistance. The available databases are currently limited to knowledge regarding the interactions between gut microbiome and drugs. However, a database containing the human gut microbial gene sequences, and their effect on the efficacy of chemotherapy for cancer patients has not yet been reported. To address this challenge, we present the Microbial Chemoresistance Knowledgebase (MiCK), a comprehensive database cataloging microbial gene sequences associated with chemoresistance cancers. MiCK contains 1.6 million sequences of 29 gene types linked to chemoresistance and drug metabolism, curated manually from recent literature and sequence databases. The database supports efficient data retrieval and analysis, providing a user-friendly web interface for sequence search and download functionalities. MiCK aims to facilitate the understanding and mitigation of chemoresistance in cancers by serving as a valuable resource for researchers.

Database URL

https://microbialchemreskb.com/
Massively parallel genetic perturbation reveals the energetic architecture of an amyloid beta nucleation reaction
Authors: Arutyunyan Anna , Seuma Mireia , Faure Andre J. , Bolognesi Benedetta , Lehner Ben
Published: July 2024

Amyloid protein aggregates are pathological hallmarks of more than fifty human diseases but how soluble proteins nucleate to form amyloids is poorly understood. Here we use combinatorial mutagenesis, a kinetic selection assay, and machine learning to massively perturb the energetics of the nucleation reaction of amyloid beta (Aβ42), the protein that aggregates in Alzheimer’s disease. In total, we quantify the nucleation rates of >140,000 variants of Aβ42. This allows us to accurately quantify the changes in reaction activation energy for all possible amino acid substitutions in a protein for the first time and, in addition, to quantify >600 energetic interactions between mutations. The data reveal the simple and interpretable genetic architecture of an amyloid nucleation reaction. Strikingly, strong energetic couplings are rare and identify a subset of structural contacts in mature fibrils. Together with the activation energy changes, this strongly suggests that the Aβ42 nucleation reaction transition state is structured in a short C-terminal region, providing a structural model for the reaction that may initiate Alzheimer’s disease. We believe this approach can be widely applied to probe the energetics and transition state structures of protein reactions.
Symmetry facilitated the evolution of heterospecificity and high-order stoichiometry in vertebrate hemoglobin
Authors: Cortez-Romero Carlos R. , Lyu Jixing , Pillai Arvind S. , Laganowsky Arthur , Thornton Joseph W.
Published: July 2024

Many proteins form paralogous multimers – molecular complexes in which evolutionarily related proteins are arranged into specific quaternary structures. Little is known about the mechanisms by which they acquired their stoichiometry (the number of total subunits in the complex) and heterospecificity (the preference of subunits for their paralogs rather than other copies of the same protein). Here we use ancestral protein reconstruction and biochemical experiments to study historical increases in stoichiometry and specificity during the evolution of vertebrate hemoglobin (Hb), a α2β2heterotetramer that evolved from a homodimeric ancestor after a gene duplication. We show that the mechanisms for this evolutionary transition were simple. One hydrophobic substitution in subunit β after the gene duplication was sufficient to cause the ancestral dimer to homotetramerize with high affinity across a new interface. During this same interval, a single-residue deletion in subunit α at the older interface conferred specificity for the heterotetrameric form and thetrans-orientation of subunits within it. These sudden transitions in stoichiometry and specificity were possible because the interfaces in Hb are isologous – involving the same surface patch on interacting subunits, rotated 180° relative to each other. This architecture amplifies the impacts of individual mutations on stoichiometry and specificity, especially in higher-order complexes, and allows single substitutions to differentially affect heteromeric vs homomeric interactions. Our findings suggest that elaborate and specific symmetrical molecular complexes may often evolve via simple genetic and physical mechanisms.

Significance statement

Many molecular complexes are made up of proteins related by gene duplication, but how these assemblies evolve is poorly understood. Using ancestral protein reconstruction and biochemical experiments, we dissected how vertebrate hemoglobin, which comprises two copies each of two related proteins, acquired this architecture from a homodimeric ancestor. Each aspect of this transition – from dimer to tetramer and homomer to heteromer – had a simple genetic basis: a single-site amino acid change in each protein drove these changes in size and specificity. These transitions were possible because hemoglobin’s architecture is symmetric, which amplified the effect of small biochemical changes on the assembly of the complex. Many protein complexes are symmetrical, suggesting that they too may have evolved via simple genetic mechanisms.

Classification: Major classification- Biological SciencesMinor classifications– Biochemistry/Evolution
Comparing the roles of sex chromosome-encoded protein homologs in gene regulation
Authors: Lavorando Ellen , Owens Michael C. , Liu Kathy Fange
Published: July 2024

The X and Y chromosomes play important roles outside of human reproduction; namely, their potential contribution to human sex biases in physiology and disease. While sex biases are often thought to be an effect of hormones and environmental exposures, genes encoded on the sex chromosomes also play a role. Seventeen homologous gene pairs exist on the X and Y chromosomes whose proteins have critical functions in biology, from direct regulation of transcription and translation to intercellular signaling and formation of extracellular structures. In this review, we cover the current understanding of several of these sex chromosome-encoded protein homologs that are involved in transcription and chromatin regulation: SRY/SOX3, ZFX/ZFY, KDM5C/KDM5D, UTX/UTY, and TBL1X/TBL1Y. Their mechanisms of gene regulation are discussed, including any redundancies or divergent roles of the X- and Y-chromosome homologs. Additionally, we discuss associated diseases related to these proteins and any sex biases that exist therein in an effort to drive further research into how these pairs contribute to sexually dimorphic gene regulation in health and disease.
Tentative estimates of
B(X(3872)→π0π0χc1)
and
B(X(3872)→π+π−χc1)
Authors: Achasov N. N. , Shestakov G. N.
Published: July 2024

The rates of the X(3872)→π0π0χc1 and X(3872)→π+π−χc1 decays are estimated in the model of the triangle loop diagrams with charmed D*D¯D and D¯*DD¯ mesons in the loops. There are the triangle logarithmic singularities in the physical region of the X(3872)→π0π0χc1 decay which manifest themselves as narrow peaks in the π0χc1 mass spectrum near the D0D¯0 threshold. The model predicts approximately the same branching fractions of the X(3872)→π0π0χc1 and X(3872)→π+π−χc1 decays at the level of about (0.8–1.7)×10−4. A distinct prediction of the model is the value of the ratio R=B(X(3872)→π+π−χc1)/B(X(3872)→π0π0χc1)≈1.1. It weakly depends on the X(3872) resonance parameters and indicates a significant violation of the isotopic symmetry according to which one would expect R=2.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Investigating the factors influencing ease of doing business in Gilan province
Authors: Miraskari Seyed Reza , Rezaei Pitenoei Yasser
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The ease of doing business (EODB) is a key factor in the development of investment, production and employment in a country. The purpose of this research is to identify the components of EODB in Gilan province in Northern Iran and rank these components from the perspective of economic operators.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a mixed methods design. In the qualitative phase, the components of EODB in Gilan province are identified through meta-synthesis with the participation of 10 experts. In the quantitative phase, structural equation modeling is used to rank these components from the perspective of 75 randomly selected economic operators from different economic sectors of Gilan province.

Findings

According to the participants, the main factors influencing EODB in Gilan province are: (1) public services and infrastructure; (2) political stability and the government; (3) policies, laws and regulations and (4) security of property rights.

Practical implications

Identifying factors conducive to the business environment can play an effective role in removing the barriers to achieving the goals of development programs, such as economic growth and reducing unemployment, poverty and inflation. Gilan province, in particular, is in a favorable condition in terms of climate and geography, with an abundance of young, specialized human resources, which can help remove barriers to improving the business environment and facilitate the use of these capacities. It must be noted that the labor force participation rate in Gilan province is 41.3%, indicating that 58.7% of the working age population is not working or actively looking for work, and removing EODB barriers can provide these people with incentives for economic participation.

Originality/value

The results suggest that creating a stable, transparent, anti-rent, predictable and reliable business environment will allow for increasing investment, production and employment across the province, and that controlling the inflation caused by increased production will make it possible to achieve maximum productivity and economic development.
“They kill us mentally”: exploring microaggression towards LGBTQIA+ employees in Indian workplaces
Authors: Maji Sucharita , Rajeev Devu
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The current study aimed to (1) explore the prevalence and processes associated with microaggression, along with (2) the consequences of such instances on the queer employees’ life.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted on 29 LGBTQIA + persons (21–42 years). The qualitative data were analysed through the thematic analysis method (a hybrid of theoretical and inductive thematic analysis). Nadal and colleagues’ (2010) taxonomy on sexual orientation and transgender microaggression was used as a theoretical lens for detecting the acts of microaggression.

Findings

The result revealed eight themes: i.e. (1) overt discrimination (bullying and sexual harassment); (2) workplace discrimination; (3) environmental microaggressions; (4) interpersonal microaggressions; (5) mental health effects; (6) disclosure dilemma; (7) consequences on job-related functioning; and (8) policy changes. Microaggression was more common as compared to overt forms of aggression such as bullying. The study detected a serious lag in the implementation of queer-friendly policies in Indian organizations. Experiences of overt discrimination and microaggressions hinder the work performance and the psychological well-being of queer employees.

Originality/value

LGBTQIA + microaggression is not explored in the Indian workplace context.
Government size, institutional quality and economic welfare in Africa
Authors: Kunawotor Mark , Ahiabor Godson , Yobo Eric
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Most African countries operate large government sizes but with little corresponding economic outcomes. Institutional economics however, show that strong institution is fundamental in promoting economic growth. This study examines the linkages between government size, institutional quality and economic welfare in Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

This study deploys the System Generalized Method of Moments estimation strategy on panel data of 52 African economies from 2000–2018.

Findings

The result shows that government size has a negative impact on economic welfare, while institutional quality has a positive impact on economic welfare. The interaction of government size and institutional quality shows a positive impact on economic welfare, signifying synergy and complementarity. Thus, strong institutions counteract the adverse effects of large government size on economic welfare.

Practical implications

To promote human development and economic welfare, and attain key Sustainable Development Goals such as good health and well-being, quality education, decent work and economic growth, African policy makers need to keep their government sizes at optimal levels and promote strong institutions.

Originality/value

This paper provides first-hand empirical evidence of the relevance of institutional quality in counteracting the adverse influence of large government size in Africa. It determines the thresholds of government size and uses a composite index as proxy for same. In addition, this study uses the World Governance Indicators and the Fraser Institute Economic Freedom Index as alternative measures of institutional quality and Gross Domestic Product per capita and Human Development Index as proxies for economic welfare.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-01-2024-0075
Investor stewardship disclosure and firm R&D investment
Authors: Routledge James
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study explores the association between institutional investors’ stewardship activity, disclosed under Japan’s Stewardship Code, and the R&D investments of their investee companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Recognizing the pivotal role of R&D investment in long-term value creation, this study uses comprehensive data from institutional investor disclosures to assess the impact of stewardship activity on their investee companies.

Findings

The findings show that investor stewardship activity is a factor that influences strategic R&D investment. Specifically, a positive association is found between code-compliant institutional investor shareholding and R&D investment, contingent on high levels of stewardship activity.

Originality/value

By using stewardship disclosures to measure stewardship activity, this study sheds new light on institutional investors’ role in promoting R&D investment. The findings suggest that stewardship regulation is a valid governance policy mechanism to the extent that it promotes stewardship activity. Moreover, the findings show that stewardship disclosures provide valuable information about the potential value enhancement associated with institutional shareholding.
Ownership structure and integrated reporting quality: empirical evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Fayad Abdallah A.S. , Mohd Ariff Arifatul Husna Binti , Ooi Sue Chern , Aljadba Ali H.I. , Albitar Khaldoon
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the role of ownership structure on integrated reporting quality (IRQ) in an emerging market.

Design/methodology/approach

This study includes a sample consisting of 64 firms from Bursa Malaysia, with 173 firm-year observations from 2017 to 2020. Feasible Generalised Least Square model has been used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings show that government ownership has a positive effect on IRQ and that the integrated reports and  framework are well aligned. Foreign ownership influences IRQ positively. However, the results did not support the effect of family ownership on IRQ as hypothesised.

Practical implications

The findings of this research hold practical implications for companies and regulators in Malaysia. The results demonstrate to investors that both government and foreign ownership have a positive impact on IRQ. Therefore, investors can make well-informed investment decisions regarding companies with a high level of government or foreign ownership.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to explore the effect of ownership structure on IRQ in the Malaysian context.
Do government support correlates enhance financial performance? Rural microenterprises perspectives
Authors: Nkote Isaac , Jakweyo Christopher
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the determinants of financial performance of the rural microenterprises, with microcredit access as the mediating variable.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey using a self-administered questionnaire to the managers/owners of the rural microenterprises was adopted. The data was collected on the three study variables; financial literacy, credit access and financial performance. A total of 148 fully completed and useable questionnaires were used in the analysis. The researchers performed factor analysis, correlations, regression and mediation analysis to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The study revealed the existence of a statistically significant and positive relationship between financial literacy and microcredit access, microcredit access and financial performance. On the other hand the financial literacy had a significant but negative impact on the financial performance of the rural microenterprises. In the final analysis, financial literacy is only effective in impacting financial performance when mediated by microcredit access. We conclude that policies that emphasize financial literacy are ineffective in fostering the financial performance and growth of the microenterprises.

Originality/value

The study is original as it addresses the combined effect of credit rationing and resource based view theories to explain the financial performance of informal rural microenterprises that are the key livilihood business undertaking in many developing countries.
Osmice at the crossroads: the dialectical interplay of tradition, modernity and cultural identity in family businesses
Authors: Balzano Marco , Marzi Giacomo
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the dialectical interplay between traditional roots and contemporary challenges faced by family businesses, specifically focusing on “Osmice” (in Slovenian; in Italian, “Osmize”), which are family enterprises that embody the cultural and historical heritage at the intersection of Italy and Slovenia. In particular, the purpose of this study is to understand how these businesses, deeply rooted in the communal life of the Karst region, evolve amidst changing social, economic and cultural landscapes.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on an alternate template analysis, the research includes the examination of archival data and 34 in-depth narrative interviews. This approach captures details about the historical establishment, persistence and evolution of Osmice, with a particular focus on their ways of facing contemporary challenges while preserving their traditional roots.

Findings

The findings reveal that Osmice navigate the tension between past and present through high sensitivity to the cultural identity of the land in which they are embedded. Thus, the study interprets these dynamics through a dialectical lens as the synthesis of preserving traditional roots and adapting to contemporary challenges, articulated through a particular sensitivity to cultural identity.

Originality/value

This investigation contributes to the discourse on how family businesses can maintain their traditional roots while adapting to contemporary challenges. It offers novel insights into the role of cultural identity in balancing tradition and modernity. Through this lens, the study underscores the capacity of family businesses such as Osmice to thrive amidst change, providing implications for both theory and practice in the field of business studies.
Importance of artificial intelligence in achieving sustainable development goals through financial inclusion
Authors: Fazal Anam , Ahmed Alia , Abbas Sagheer
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide evidence on the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and financial inclusion to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs), an agenda set by United Nations for 2030. Financial inclusion is an enabler of 8 of the 17 SDGs. This paper emphasizes the introduction of AI in the financial sector, which is indispensable for achieving financial inclusion and plays a crucial role in the achievement of SDGs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts qualitative research methodology to highlight the significance of AI in achieving high levels of financial inclusion in an economy. Both narrative and comparative approaches are used to provide empirical evidence for reaching the UN SDGs target through AI-assisted financial inclusion.

Findings

AI implementation in finance enables people to take part in the formal financial sector and thus, enhances economic growth and reduces poverty.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited in its data. Only five top AI applications are chosen and comparison is made between two countries only. Future research should consider it as an established concept and include more data to strengthen the evidence.

Practical implications

The results of this paper will help policymakers convince governments and institutions to put their efforts toward AI implementation in financial infrastructure of countries.

Originality/value

This research is unique in providing real-life examples and cases demonstrating the significance of AI implementation in the financial sector. Recent literature lacks evidence on the relationship of AI, financial inclusion and SDGs. This study adds to the existing literature by compiling data on top AI applications and comparing the performance of countries in achieving financial inclusion with the help of AI.
A preliminary study of polymer optical fiber’s knittability for smart wear applications
Authors: Raji Rafiu King , Li Ning , Diao Guiqiang , Luo Qin , Liu Hai Jin
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to ascertain the feasibility of fabricating polymer optical fibers (POFs) based textile structures by knitting with Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) based optical fibers for textile sensor application. It has long been established that by using the principles of physics, POFs have the capability to function as sensors, detecting strain, temperature and other variables. However, POF applications such as strain and pressure sensing using knitting techniques has since not been very successful due to a number of reasons. Commercially available PMMA-based optical fibers tend to be fragile and susceptible to breakages when subjected to stress during the knitting processes. Also light transmitted within these fibers is prone to leakage due to the curvature that results when optical fibers are interlaced or interlooped within fabric structures.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Stoll’s multi-gauge CMS 350 HP knitting machine, five fabric structures namely, 1 × 4 float knit structure, tunnel inlay knit structure, 3:1 fleece fabric and 2:1 fleece fabric structure respectively were used to knit sensor samples. The samples were subsequently tested for length of illumination and sensitivity relative to applied pressure.

Findings

The results of this preliminary study establish that embedding plastic optical fibers into a knitted structure during the fabric formation process for soft strain sensor application possible. The best illumination performance was recorded for tunnel inlay structure which had an average of 94 cm course length of POF being illuminated. Sensor sensitivity experiments also establish that the relative spectral intensity of the fiber is sensitive to both light and pressure. Problems encountered and recommendations for further research have also been discussed and proffered.

Research limitations/implications

Due to resource limitations, an innovative technique (use of precision weight set) was used to apply pressure to the sensors. Consequently, information regarding the extent of corresponding sensor deformation has not been used in this initial analysis.

Practical implications

Because the fundamental step toward finding a solution to any engineering problem is the acquisition of reliable data, and considering the fact that most of the popular technologies used for soft textile sensors are still bedeviled with the problem of signal instability and noise, the success of this application thus has the tendency to promote the wide spread adoption of POF sensors for smart apparel applications.

Originality/value

As far as research on soft strain sensors is concerned, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to have attempted to knit deformable sensors using commercially available POFs.
A local logistics business entering a niche market: PTL’s open innovation journey
Authors: Livieratos Antonios D. , Angelakis Antonios
Published: July 2024

Research methodology

In writing this case, the authors collected both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected through personal observation and semi-structured interviews with Konstantinos Papageorgiou Jr, Papageorgiou Transports & Logistics’s (PTL) CEO. In 2014, Konstantinos Jr participated in an entrepreneurship course for executives instructed by the first author at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Since then, the first author has served as an advisor to PTL’s CEO. Furthermore, Konstantinos Papageorgiou Jr presented his case during an undergraduate management course at the Department of Business Administration at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in November 2020. Finally, three semi-structured interviews with the CEO were conducted from December 2020 until March 2021. Secondary data were collected from the company’s website and social media, as well as databases and annual reports. Since the academic year 2021/2022, the authors have each independently taught the case study in various courses, including strategic management (undergraduate and postgraduate), entrepreneurship (undergraduate) and innovation management (undergraduate and postgraduate). Testing the case in class has shaped the instructor’s manual.

Case overview/synopsis

The case study of PTL highlights a remarkable transformation in response to a critical business challenge. Facing the abrupt loss of their main client in 2010, PTL, led by Konstantinos Papageorgiou Jr, swiftly recovered and sought to proactively mitigate future shocks. Operating amid the Greek economic crisis, Konstantinos Jr recognized an opportunity in the niche market of juvenile Mediterranean fish (fry) transport. Despite lacking prior expertise in this field, PTL engaged in open innovation, collaborating with a variety of partners to acquire the necessary knowledge and capabilities. By 2013, PTL had successfully entered the niche market of fry transportation. Over the subsequent years, this venture grew, and by the end of 2022, PTL operated four trucks dedicated to this niche market. The company’s remarkable transformation exemplifies how a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) can adapt, innovate, and diversify its offerings beyond its comfort zone, ultimately achieving a tenfold increase in turnover. PTL’s journey showcases the strategic value of partnerships and the potential for SMEs to evolve into “innovation producers” in the face of adversity.

Complexity academic level

The PTL case is suitable for management, strategic management, innovation management and entrepreneurship courses. The case is recommended for use at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels (a different teaching plan is proposed for each level). It provides both undergraduate and master’s students studying business administration the opportunity to explore issues associated with the management of SMEs, the formulation and implementation of a business strategy and the management of innovation in SMEs.
Treatment patterns and healthcare resource utilization among patients with alopecia areata: A real‐world chart review in South Korea
Authors: Kwon Ohsang , Wallace Matthew , Messina Paolo , Szende Agota , Choi Jee Woong , Newson Rachel S. , Koo Dong Hyun , Lee Joo Hee
Published: July 2024

Alopecia areata (AA) is a clinically heterogeneous, immune‐mediated, non‐scarring hair loss disorder. This real‐world chart review sought to characterize treatment patterns and healthcare resource use among patients with severe AA in South Korea. A web‐based chart review of 40 dermatologists was conducted in which the medical charts of 151 adult patients diagnosed with severe AA between May 2019 and April 2021 were reviewed. Anonymized data on patient characteristics, treatment patterns, healthcare resource use, and clinical outcomes were extracted from the date of severe disease diagnosis until the date of data collection (September–November 2022). Sixty‐six percent of patients were diagnosed with severe disease at initial presentation, while 34% were re‐classed to severe during the disease course. Mean estimated patient age at the time of diagnosis of severe AA was 37.1 (range 22–68) years. Fifty‐three percent of patients were male. Most patients (93.4%) received pharmacological treatment for their condition; 45.5% received ≥2 lines of treatment with a mean duration of 24 months. First‐line treatment discontinuation due to lack of efficacy occurred in 46.0% of cases. Hair regrowth occurred in 71.0% of patients, 59.2% of whom experienced major regrowth (≥60%) during the follow‐up period. Median (95% confidence interval) time to regrowth was 13.7 (11.0–20.6) months. Treatment visit rates per person‐year ranged from two (phototherapy) to 10 (topical treatment), dermatologist visits occurred at a rate of 12.9 per person‐year and 6.0% of patients were hospitalized due to alopecia areata. The majority of hospitalizations were related to treatment and occurred in patients who received pulse systemic corticosteroid therapy. The patient and economic burden of AA in South Korea is high and there remains a critical unmet need among patients with severe AA with respect to the effectiveness of commonly used treatment strategies.
Simultaneous seismic data de‐aliasing and denoising with a fast adaptive method based on hybrid wavelet transform
Authors: Zhang Peng , Han Xiaoying , Chen Changle , Liu Xinming
Published: July 2024

Missing data and random noise are prevalent issues encountered during the processing of acquired seismic data. Interpolation and denoising represent economical solutions to address these limitations. Recovering regularly missing traces is challenging because of the spatial aliasing, and the extra difficulty is compounded by the presence of noise. Hence, developing an effective approach to realize denoising and anti‐aliasing is important. Projection onto convex sets is an effective method for recovering missing seismic data that is typically used for processing data with a good signal‐to‐noise ratio. The computational attractiveness of the projection onto convex sets reconstruction approach is compromised by its slow convergence rate. In this study, we aimed to efficiently implement simultaneous seismic data de‐aliasing and denoising. We combined a discrete wavelet transform with a seislet transform to construct a hybrid wavelet transform. A new fast adaptive method based on the fast projection onto convex sets method was proposed to recover the missing data and remove random noise. This approach adjusts the projection operator and iterative shrinkage threshold operator. The result is influenced by the threshold value. We enhanced the processing accuracy by adopting an optimal threshold strategy. Synthetic and field data tests indicate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Using artificial neural networks and citizen science data to assess jellyfish presence along coastal areas
Authors: Castro‐Gutiérrez J. , Gutiérrez‐Estrada J. C. , Báez J. C.
Published: July 2024

Jellyfish blooms along coastal areas can pose significant challenges for beach users and local authorities. Understanding the factors influencing jellyfish presence is crucial for effective management and mitigation strategies.

In this study, citizen science data from the Andalusian coast (232 beaches, in 40 different localities) and machine learning techniques are used to investigate if the presence and absence of jellyfish along coastal areas can be predicted. A multi‐layer perceptron (MLP) neural network was employed to classify user comments regarding jellyfish presence or absence, achieving an accuracy of approximately 96%.

The MLP model demonstrated robustness in handling non‐linear classification problems and noise, although it showed lower precision for predicting jellyfish presence, likely due to an imbalance in the dataset. Environmental data were also incorporated to characterise the influence of sea surface temperature, wind direction and wind speed on jellyfish distribution. The results align with previous studies, suggesting these environmental factors significantly impact jellyfish presence.

Synthesis and applications. This research provides actionable recommendations for beach management. The implementation of continuous monitoring of sea surface temperature and wind conditions will enable more accurate predictions of jellyfish distribution. Adaptive management strategies that respond dynamically to environmental data will help mitigate the impact of jellyfish blooms on coastal tourism and public health.
Metal‐regulated antibiotic resistance and its implications for antibiotic therapy
Authors: Xu Zeling , Lin Xiaoshan
Published: July 2024

Antibiotic resistance, one of the major medical threats worldwide, can be selected and induced by metals through multiple mechanisms such as co‐resistance, cross‐resistance, and co‐regulation. Compared with co‐resistance and cross‐resistance which are attributed to the physically or functionally linked metal and antibiotic resistance genes, co‐regulation of antibiotic resistance genes by metal‐responsive regulators and pathways is much more complex and elusive. Here, we discussed the main mechanisms by which antibiotic resistance is regulated in response to metals and showed recent attempts to combat antibiotic resistance by interfering with metal‐based signalling pathways. Further efforts to depict the intricate metal‐based regulatory network of antibiotic resistance will provide tremendous opportunities for the discovery of novel anti‐resistance targets, and blocking or rewiring the metal‐based signalling pathways is emerging as a promising stratagem to reverse bacterial resistance to antibiotics and rejuvenate the efficacy of conventional antibiotics.
‘Profound personal and professional impacts’: A qualitative study of clinician experiences of a mental health disaster response to Australia's black summer bushfires
Authors: Thomas Margaret , Martin Elizabeth , Isobel Sophie
Published: July 2024

Objective

To explore the experiences of clinician and management stakeholders involved in a rural/metropolitan collaborative mental health disaster response to the 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires in the Snowy Valleys region of southern New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

Setting

A mental health and drug health service in the Snowy Valleys region of rural NSW in collaboration with a mental health service from metropolitan Sydney, NSW.

Participants

Mental health clinicians and managers from a rural health district (n = 6) and a metropolitan health district (n = 8) involved in a collaborative disaster response to the 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfire disaster in the Snowy Valleys region of southern NSW, Australia.

Design

An interpretive qualitative study design using semi‐structured individual interviews, with transcripts analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis.

Results

Thematic findings on participant experiences are presented under three organising constructs of before (stepping up and jumping right in), during (finding a rhythm of working together), and after (profound personal and professional impacts) the mental health disaster response.

Conclusion

Participant experiences had shared and distinct components before, during and after the mental health disaster response, culminating in profound personal and professional impacts. Findings highlight positive aspects and challenges for clinicians participating in a rural/metropolitan collaborative mental health disaster response. The findings of this study contribute new knowledge about experiences of mental health clinicians participating in a disaster response after bushfires, from dual perspectives of members of a bushfire‐affected community and those responding from outside a bushfire‐affected community, which may inform ongoing planning of responses to disaster in Australia.
Polarizing effects of the coronavirus pandemic on system justification: A natural experiment involving New York City college students
Authors: Rivera Pichardo Eduardo J. , Parihar Sushmeena A. , Jost John T.
Published: July 2024

Previous research suggests that societal threats often increase ideological support for the social system, but the attitudinal effects of COVID‐19 seem to have varied greatly. Here we present the results of a natural experiment involving New York City college students (Total N = 1300 observations). One group (n = 835) completed questionnaires before the onset of COVID‐19, while another completed them afterward (n = 465). Shortly after COVID (within 3 months of the outbreak), students scored higher on general system justification than before; this effect was driven by political conservatives. At the same time, students scored lower on economic system justification and right‐wing authoritarianism after COVID (vs. before); these effects emerged later (4–5 months after the outbreak) and were driven by liberals. A subsample completed the same questionnaires both before and after COVID‐19 (n = 107), enabling us to investigate intraindividual change. The within‐participants analysis revealed that students exhibited an increase in general system justification and a decrease in economic system justification, which was driven by those who exhibited a liberal shift. Together, these results indicate that the ideological effects of the pandemic and the governmental response to it were complex and polarizing, with liberals and conservatives moving in opposite directions at different times and on different attitudinal dimensions.
Mindfulness‐Oriented Recovery Enhancement: Implementing an evidence‐based intervention for chronic pain, opioid use, and opioid addiction in clinical settings
Authors: Garland Eric L.
Published: July 2024

The opioid crisis emerged in part due to the overprescribing of opioid analgesics for chronic pain. Although not the only source of the current epidemic of opioid use disorder (OUD), the prescription of opioids for chronic pain remains one vector for the development of opioid misuse and OUD. However, opioid tapering is not appropriate for all patients, and some patients may need to remain on opioid therapy for the long term. To reduce the risk of opioid‐related harm among people with chronic pain and to treat incipient or entrenched addictive behaviours, new interventions are needed. This review discusses the clinical outcomes, biobehavioural mechanisms and implementation considerations for a novel, evidence‐based intervention for chronic pain, opioid use and OUD called Mindfulness‐Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE). MORE unites complementary aspects of mindfulness training, cognitive behavioural therapy and principles from positive psychology to simultaneously address addictive behaviour, emotion dysregulation and chronic pain by targeting brain reward and stress systems. MORE has been tested in 13 completed randomized clinical trials, including over 1300 patients, and has demonstrated efficacy against a range of active control conditions for reducing opioid dosing, opioid misuse, illicit drug use, depression, post‐traumatic stress symptoms and chronic pain. Opportunities for implementing MORE include facilitating opioid tapering and promoting safe opioid use in primary care and specialty pain clinics, decreasing opioid misuse and enhancing medication‐assisted treatment for OUD. Given evidence of MORE's efficacy, it is now time to consider disseminating this evidence‐based treatment in the United States, the United Kingdom and worldwide.