bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel approach for the quantification of single-cell adhesion dynamics from microscopy images
Authors: Cortesi Marilisa , Li Jingjing , Liu Dongli , Guo Tianruo , Dokos Socrates , Warton Kristina , Ford Caroline E.
Published: October 2024

Background

Cell adhesion, that is the ability to attach to a given substrate, is a key property of cancer cells, as it relates to their potential for dissemination and metastasis. Thein vitroassays used to measure it, however, are characterized by several drawbacks, including low temporal resolution and limited procedural standardisation which reduce their usefulness and accuracy.

Results

In this work, we propose an alternative analytical approach, based on live-cell imaging data, that yields comprehensive information on cell adhesion dynamics at the single-cell level. It relies on a segmentation routine, to identify the pixels belonging to each cell from time-lapse microscopy images acquired during the adhesion process. A tracking algorithm then enables the study of individual cell adhesion dynamics over time. The increased resolution afforded by this method was instrumental for the identification of cell division prior to attachment and the co-existence of markedly different proliferation rates across the culture, previously unidentified patterns of behaviour in the adhesion process. Finally, we generalize our method by substituting the segmentation algorithm of the instrument used to acquire the images, with a custom-made one, showing that this approach can be integrated within routine laboratory analytical procedures and does not necessarily require high-performance microscopy and imaging setups.

Conclusions

Our new analytical approach improves thein vitroquantification of cell adhesion, enabling the study of this process with high temporal resolution and increased level of detail. The extension of the analysis to the single-cell level, additionally, uncovered the role of population variability and proliferation in this process. The simple and cost-effective procedure here described enables the accurate characterisation of cell adhesion. Beside improving our understanding of adhesion dynamics, its results could support the development of treatments targeting the ability of cancer cells to adhere to surrounding tissues.
The molecular chronology of mammary epithelial cell fate switching
Authors: Vallmajo-Martin Queralt , Ma Zhibo , Srinivasan Sumana , Murali Divya , Dravis Christopher , Mukund Kavitha , Subramaniam Shankar , Wahl Geoffrey M. , Lytle Nikki K.
Published: October 2024

The adult mammary gland is maintained by lineage-restricted progenitor cells through pregnancy, lactation, involution, and menopause. Injury resolution, transplantation-associated mammary gland reconstitution, and tumorigenesis are unique exceptions, wherein mammary basal cells gain the ability to reprogram to a luminal state. Here, we leverage newly developed cell-identity reporter mouse strains, and time-resolved single-cell epigenetic and transcriptomic analyses to decipher the molecular programs underlying basal-to-luminal fate switchingin vivo. We demonstrate that basal cells rapidly reprogram toward plastic cycling intermediates that appear to hijack molecular programs we find in bipotent fetal mammary stem cells and puberty-associatiated cap cells. Loss of basal-cell specifiers early in dedifferentiation coincides with activation of Notch and BMP, among others. Pharmacologic blockade of each pathway disrupts basal-to-luminal transdifferentiation. Our studies provide a comprehensive map and resource for understanding the coordinated molecular changes enabling terminally differentiated epithelial cells to transition between cell lineages and highlights the stunning rapidity by which epigenetic reprogramming can occur in response to disruption of tissue structure.
Perinatal Reduction of Genetically Aberrant Neurons from Human Cerebral Cortex
Authors: Shao Diane D. , Zhao Yifan , Ghosh Urmi , Brew Joseph , Zhao Sijing , Qian Xuyu , Tran Julie , Taketomi Takumi , Tsuruta Fuminori , Park Peter J. , Walsh Christopher A.
Published: October 2024

Since human neurons are postmitotic and long-lived, the regulation of their genomic content is crucial. Normal neuronal function is uniquely dependent on gene dosage, with diverse genome copy number alterations (CNA) associated with neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric conditions1–3. In this study, we evaluated the landscape of CNA arising in normal human brains, focusing on prenatal and perinatal ages. We surveyed ∼5,897 CNA in >1,200 single neurons from human postmortem brain of individuals without a neurological diagnosis, ranging in age from gestational week (GW) 14 to 90 years old. Using Tn5-based single-cell whole-genome amplification (scWGA) and informatic advances to validate CNAs in single neurons, we determined that a striking proportion of neurons (up to 45%) in human prenatal cortex showed aberrant genomes, characterized by large-scale CNAs in multiple chromosomes, which reduces significantly during the perinatal period (p<0.1). Furthermore, we identified micronuclei in the developing cortex, reflecting genetic instability reminiscent of that described in early embryonic development4–6. The scale of CNA appeared to alter the trajectory of neuronal elimination, as subchromosomal CNAs were more slowly eliminated, over the course of a lifetime. CNAs were depleted for dosage-sensitive genes and genes involved in neurodevelopmental disorders (p<.05), and thus represent genomic quality control mechanisms that eliminate selectively those neurons with CNA involving critical genes. Perinatal elimination of defective neuronal genomes may in turn reflect a developmental landmark essential for normal cognitive function.
Bio-informatics: Integrate negative controls to get the good data
Authors: van Nues Rob
Published: October 2024

High-throughput datasets, like any experimental output, can be full of noise. Negative controls, i.e. mock experiments not providing information concerning the biological system under study, visualize background. Overlooking this ‘training set’ of wrong examples in publicly available datasets can seriously undermine validity of bioinformatics analyses. We present a program, COALISPR, for explicit and transparent application of negative control data in the comparison of high-throughput sequencing results. This yields mapping coordinates that guide fast counting of reads, bypassing the need for a reference file, and is especially relevant when small RNA sequencing libraries contaminated with breakdown products are analysed for poorly annotated organisms.

We have re-analysed small RNA datasets for mouse and fungusCryptococcus neoformans, leading to consistent identification of miRNAs and of fungal transcripts targeted by siRNAs. Cryptococcal Argonautes are directed to spliced transcripts indicating that RNAi must be triggered by events downstream of intron removal. Negative control datasets contain large amounts of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) fragments (rRFs). These differ from small RNAs associated with RNAi, making a biological role for rRFs in association with Argonautes unlikely. Background signals enabled identification of cryptococcal genes for RNase P, U1 snRNA, 37 H/ACA and 63 Box C/D snoRNAs, including U3 and U14 essential for pre-rRNA processing. To gain meaning, high-throughput RNA-Seq analyses need to incorporate negative data.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Revisiting the paradigm of anhematophagy in male mosquitoes
Authors: Bozic Jovana , Joseph Renuka E. , Krizek Rachel S. , Holley Amber , Laroche Maureen , Benoit Joshua B. , Rasgon Jason L.
Published: October 2024

Female mosquitoes are reproductively obligate bloodfeeders which feed on vertebrate blood to obtain nutrients required for egg production (driving transmission of vector-borne pathogens in the process), and which rely on plant sugars for their non-reproductive energy requirements. Male mosquitoes, on the other hand, are thought to rely exclusively on plant sugars for their energetic needs; indeed, this dichotomy is one of the central tenets of medical entomology. Here, we show that maleCulex tarsalisandAedes aegyptimosquitoes will readily take blood from a membrane feeder when reared under dehydration conditions with no toxic effects. Mosquitoes with impaired humidity detection do not increase their bloodfeeding rates when dehydrated compared to wild-type controls. While conventionally reared males ignore a human host, dehydrated males are attracted to and attempt to probe, with some success, although they cannot access host capillaries. However, they will take blood from a vertebrate host wound. When fed a blood meal containing West Nile virus, male mosquitoes can become infected with and orally transmit the pathogen at rates and titers equivalent to females. Finally, vertebrate DNA, likely from blood, was detected in wild-caught specimens of maleCulex quinquefasciatusmosquitoes from Texas. These data suggest that under some circumstances male mosquitoes may be able to probe and/or ingest blood and transmit pathogens to vertebrate hosts, and that their role in maintaining pathogen transmission cycles should be re-examined.
Functional Phenotyping of MMV Pandemic Response Box Identifies Stage-specific inhibitors Against Blood stagePlasmodium
Authors: Akhila TP , Darsana KM , Chandramohanadas Rajesh
Published: October 2024

Wide-spread resistance to clinically used antimalarials necessitates the prioritization of novel scaffolds with alternate mechanisms, as possible partner drugs to artemisinin. We utilized the Pandemic Response Box chemical library of the Medicines for Malaria Venture launched in 2019 to identify inhibitors with stage-specific potency and phenotypic signatures againstP. falciparumtowards exploring the possibility of drug repurposing. From this screening, we initially identified 60 molecules active against both drug sensitive (3D7) and chloroquine resistant (Dd2) strains ofP. falciparum. Further, 28 active compounds active below 3µM were prioritized several of which specifically impaired stage-transitions of ring (MMV001014), trophozoite (MMV1593540 and MMV1634402) and schizonts (MMV1580844, MMV1580496, MMV1580173 and MMV1580483) confirmed through microscopic phenotypes and flow cytometry. The ring stage inhibitor, MMV001014, was irreversible, led to no recrudescence and showed antagonistic effects with artemisinin indicative of overlapping mechanism. Both the trophozoite inhibitors exhibited nanomolar IC50with non-compromised digestive vacuole. MMV1593540 was partially additive with artemisinin while antagonistic with chloroquine. Two among the schizont stage inhibitors (MMV1580844 and MMV1580496) appeared to operate through a mechanism driven by the generation of reactive oxygen species and all of them with molecule-specific effect on infected red blood cell (RBC) membrane integrity confirmed through confocal microscopy. Taken together, these results highlight interesting starting points derived from MMV’s Pandemic Response Box for repurposing to combat Malaria that continues to morbidly affect the developing world.

Importance

Malariacaused by infectious parasites belonging to thePlasmodiumfamily continues to morbidly affect the marginalized populations. The situation is further complicated by lack of mass vaccination, drug resistance, and emergence of new parasitic forms. To alleviate the threat of drug resistance, it is important to identify new drugs acting through mechanisms distinct from the existing ones such as artemisinin. This work describes the screening of a chemical compound library against blood stage development of malaria parasites and prioritization of molecules that can inhibit parasite development in a stage-specific manner. Several of these compounds demonstrate nanomolar potency against sensitive and resistant forms of the parasites acting through distinctive mechanisms. Exploring the modes of action of these molecules will facilitate their optimization and possible clinical applications against the deadly diseases,Malaria.
Independent effects of testosterone, estradiol, and sex chromosomes on gene expression in immune cells of trans- and cisgender individuals
Authors: Harris Rebecca M. , Whitfield Troy , Blanton Laura V. , Skaletsky Helen , Blumen Kai , Hyland Phoebe , McDermott Em , Summers Kiana , Hughes Jennifer F. , Jackson Emily , Teglas Petra , Liu Bingrun , Chan Yee-Ming , Page David C.
Published: October 2024

The origins of sex differences in human disease are elusive, in part because of difficulties in separating the effects of sex hormones and sex chromosomes. To separate these variables, we examined gene expression in four groups of trans- or cisgender individuals: XX individuals treated with exogenous testosterone (n=21), XY treated with exogenous estradiol (n=13), untreated XX (n=20), and untreated XY (n=15). We performed single-cell RNA-sequencing of 358,426 peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Across the autosomes, 8 genes responded with a significant change in expression to testosterone, 34 to estradiol, and 32 to sex chromosome complement with no overlap between the groups. No sex-chromosomal genes responded significantly to testosterone or estradiol, but X-linked genes responded to sex chromosome complement in a remarkably stable manner across cell types. Through leveraging a four-state study design, we successfully separated the independent actions of testosterone, estradiol, and sex chromosome complement on genome-wide gene expression in humans.
Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) inhibition induces membrane accumulation of aquaporin2 (AQP2) through endocytosis inhibition and actin depolymerization in renal epithelial cells
Authors: Tchakal-Mesbahi Asma , He Jinzhao , Zhu Shuai , Huang Ming , Fukushima Kazuhiko , Bouley Richard , Brown Dennis , Lu Hua A. J.
Published: October 2024

Cellular trafficking of the water channel aquaporin 2 (AQP2) is regulated by the actin cytoskeleton in collecting duct principal cells (PC) to maintain proper water balance in animals. Critical actin depolymerization/polymerization events are involved in both constitutive AQP2 recycling, and the pathway stimulated by vasopressin receptor signaling. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) plays an important role in modulating the actin cytoskeleton through inhibiting small GTPases, and multiple studies have shown the involvement of FAK in insulin and cholesterol trafficking through actin regulation. To understand whether FAK contributes to water reabsorption by the kidney, we performed a series of in vitro experiments to examine the involvement of FAK and its signaling in mediating AQP2 trafficking in cultured renal epithelial cells. Our data showed that FAK inhibition by specific inhibitors caused membrane accumulation of AQP2 in AQP2expressing LLCPK1 cells by immunofluorescence staining. AQP2 membrane accumulation induced by FAK inhibition is associated with significantly reduced endocytosis of AQP2 via the clathrin-mediated endocytosis pathway. Moreover, AQP2 membrane accumulation induced by FAK inhibition also occurred in cells expressing the constitutive dephosphorylation mutant of AQP2, S256A. This was confirmed by immunoblotting using a specific antibody against phospho-serine 256 AQP2, supporting a phosphorylation independent mechanism. Finally, we demonstrated that inhibition of FAK caused reduced RhoA signaling and promoted F-actin depolymerization. In conclusion, our study identifies FAK signaling as a pathway that could provide a novel therapeutical avenue for AQP2 trafficking regulation in water balance disorders.
Unconventional binding of Calmodulin to CHK2 kinase inhibits catalytic activity
Authors: Horne Christopher R. , Wang Tingting , Young Samuel N. , Dite Toby A. , Nyvall Hunter G. , Suresh Sushant , Davies Katherine A. , Mather Lucy J. , Dagley Laura F. , Manning Gerard , Means Anthony R. , Burke John E. , Petersen Janni , Scott John W. , Murphy James M.
Published: October 2024

Calmodulin (CaM) serves an essential role in eukaryotic cells as a Ca2+sensor. Ca2+binding leads to conformation changes in CaM that enable engagement of a repertoire of enzymes and the regulation of their catalytic activities. Classically, Ca2+-CaM binds to an inhibitory pseudosubstrate sequence C-terminal to the kinase domain in members of the Ca2+-CaM dependent protein kinase (CAMK) family, and relieves inhibition to promote catalytic activity. Here, we report an unexpected mechanism by which CaM can bind CHK2 kinase to inhibit its kinase activity. Using biochemical, biophysical, structural mass spectrometry, and cellular approaches, we identify a direct interaction of Ca2+-CaM with the CHK2 kinase domain that suppresses CHK2 catalytic activity in vitro and is crucial for cell proliferation in human cells following DNA damage. Our findings add direct suppression of kinase activity to the repertoire of CaM’s functions, complementing the paradigmatic mechanism of promoting kinase activity through autoinhibitory domain sequestration.
Computational neurodevelopment: infant decision-making in changing environments
Authors: Adams Rick A. , Billing Addison , Baljer Levente , Smith Eleanor , Cooper Rob J. , Lawson Rebecca P.
Published: October 2024

In recognition of the fact that most psychiatric conditions have neurodevelopmental origins, there is an increasing interest in applying the methodological and conceptual approaches from computational psychiatry to developmental cohorts. However, the challenge of acquiring and modelling behavioural responses in very young infants has thus far proven difficult to overcome. To address this we developed a novel gaze-contingent, cued-reversal paradigm that allowed 6-10 month old infants to make overt behavioural responses to assess learning of expectations and updating of behaviour in response to change. We then fit computational models to infant behaviour and, for the first time, were able to validate the winning model to the same standards as would be expected of adults (e.g. good parameter recoverability, model identifiability and simulated behavioural responses). Similar to prior findings in adults, model-based prediction error measures correlated with post-switch increases in pupil size; consistent with noradrenaline’s hypothesised role in learning about change. Data-driven clustering based on model parameters revealed two infant behavioural subtypes hidden within the data; one with a perseverating profile and the other with a more exploratory decision-making pattern. This approach sheds new light on the ‘classic’ finding that all infants under 12 months tend to perseverate. Crucially, there were no significant differences in age between the clusters, but differences in terms of adaptive skills and temperament measured via gold-standard developmental assessments. These results prime the field for infant computational psychiatry, demonstrating that we can reliably fit models to infant data and that the parameters from such models can identify subgroups with distinct cognitive profiles that are superior to those derived from the behavioural data alone.
Structural characterization of pyruvic oxime dioxygenase, a key enzyme of heterotrophic nitrification
Authors: Tsujino Shuhei , Yamada Yusuke , Senda Miki , Nakamura Akihiko , Senda Toshiya , Fujiwara Taketomo
Published: October 2024

Nitrification by heterotrophic microorganisms is an important part of the nitrogen cycle in the environment. The enzyme responsible for the core function of heterotrophic nitrification is pyruvic oxime dioxygenase (POD). POD is a non-heme Fe(II)-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the dioxygenation of pyruvic oxime to produce pyruvate and nitrite. To analyze the catalytic mechanism of POD, the crystal structure of POD fromAlcaligenes faecalis(AfPOD) was determined at 1.76 Å resolution. The enzyme is a homo-tetramer and the subunit structure is homologous to those of class II aldolases, in particular a zinc-dependent L-fuculose-1-phosphate aldolase. The active site of the subunit is located at the bottom of a cleft formed with an adjacent subunit. The iron ion at the active site is coordinated by three histidines and three water molecules in an octahedral geometry. The putative oxygen tunnel was connected between the active site and the central cavity of the tetramer. The N-terminal region of AfPOD, which is essential for catalytic activity, is disordered in the crystal. Structure prediction with AlphaFold2 combined with mutational experiments suggested that the disordered N-terminal region adopts an α-helix conformation and participates in the formation of the active site. The catalytic mechanism of the dioxygenase reaction by POD is discussed on the basis of the molecular docking model.

IMPORTANCE

Our knowledge of nitrification has increased considerably in recent decades with the discovery of new nitrifying microorganisms and the characterization of their biochemical processes. Some heterotrophic bacteria and fungi are known to show nitrification activities, but the molecular mechanisms had been poorly understood. Here, we performed a structural characterization of POD, a key enzyme in heterotrophic nitrification that produces nitrite from ammonia using pyruvic oxime as an intermediate. Structural and enzymatic analyses revealed that POD is a unique dioxygenase with features such as an aldolase backbone, an N-terminal α-helix, and an oxygen tunnel. Our results provide insights not only into the molecular mechanisms but also into the design of specific inhibitors of heterotrophic nitrification.
Mid1deletion leads to cognitive dysfunction in Opitz syndrome by regulates neural rhythms through the inhibition of p-Creb by PP2Ac
Authors: Yang Ziye , Li Pengxiang , Chen Yue , Guo Xiaoyu , Liu Ping , Ni Guangjian , Liu Shuang , Chen Liqun , Ming Dong
Published: October 2024

MID1 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase of the tripartite motif (TRIM) subfamily of RING-containing protein1. MID1 is involved in many basic biological processes, especially during embryonic development. Mutation, truncation or complete deletion ofMID1gene is the cause of Opitz G/BBB syndrome (OS). OS is a rare genetic disease of nervous system, which is characterized by midline structural development defects during embryogenesis, including structural brain abnormalities, developmental retardation and mental retardation2. Although the function ofMID1has been studied for many years, the effect and mechanism of complete deletion ofMID1gene on OS nervous system still need to be further explored. Here we find thatMid1gene is necessary for the normal development of hippocampus (HPC), andMid1gene knockout (Mid1-/y) mice showed a significant decrease in α rhythm in HPC and abnormal synchronization of γ rhythm in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus (PFC-HPC), showing decreased synaptic plasticity and learning and memory dysfunction.
Topological superconductivity in Fibonacci quasicrystals
Authors: Kobiałka Aksel , Awoga Oladunjoye A. , Leijnse Martin , Domański Tadeusz , Holmvall Patric , Black-Schaffer Annica M.
Published: October 2024

We investigate the properties of a Fibonacci quasicrystal (QC) arrangement of a one-dimensional topological superconductor, such as a magnetic atom chain deposited on a superconducting surface. We uncover a general mutually exclusive competition between the QC properties and the topological superconducting phase with Majorana bound states (MBS): there are no MBS inside the QC gaps and the MBS never behave as QC subgap states and, likewise, no critical or winding QC subgap states exist inside the topological superconducting gaps. Surprisingly, despite this competition, we find that the QC is still highly beneficial for realizing topological superconductivity with MBS. It both leads to additional large nontrivial regions with MBS in parameter space, that are topologically trivial in crystalline systems, and increases the topological gap protecting the MBS. We also find that shorter approximants of the Fibonacci QC display the largest benefits. As a consequence, our results promote QCs, and especially their short approximants, as an appealing platform for improved experimental possibilities to realize MBS as well as generally highlight the fundamental interplay between different topologies.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Global fit to
b→cτν
anomalies as of Spring 2024
Authors: Iguro Syuhei , Kitahara Teppei , Watanabe Ryoutaro
Published: October 2024

Recently, several new experimental results of the test of lepton flavor universality (LFU) in B→D(*) semileptonic decays were announced: the first result of RD from the LHCb run 1 data, the first results of RD and RD* from the LHCb run 2 data, and the first result of RD* from the Belle II collaboration. Including these new data, a global analysis still prefers the violation of the LFU between the tau and light leptons. A new world average of the data from the , LHCb, Belle, and Belle II collaborations is RD=0.342±0.026 and

R

D

*

=

0.287

±

0.012

. Including this new data, we update a circumstance of the b→cτν¯ measurements and their implications for new physics (NP). Incorporating recent developments for the B→D(*) form factors in the Standard Model, we observe a 4.4σ deviation from the Standard Model prediction. Our updates also include model-independent NP formulas for the related observables and the global fittings of parameters for leptoquark scenarios as well as single NP operator scenarios. Furthermore, we show future potential to indirectly distinguish different NP scenarios with the use of the precise measurements of the polarization observables in B→D(*)τν¯ at the Belle II and the high-pT flavored-tail searches at the LHC. We also discuss an impact on the LFU violation in ϒ→l+l−.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Influence of temperature on the cathodic polarization behavior and calcareous deposit properties of X65 steel in sea water
Authors: Zhu Zhenhong , Liang Yi , Li Dapeng , Li Huixin , Du Yanxia
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how cathodic polarization behavior significantly affects the selection of cathodic protection parameters and the effectiveness of protecting underwater metal structures. Factors such as water depth and operating conditions impact seawater temperature, making it crucial to understand the effects of temperature on cathodic protection parameters for underwater pipelines.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, potentiostatic polarization was carried out by three-electrode method, and morphology, X-ray diffraction and electrochemical analysis.

Findings

It was determined that the stable current densities at the minimum negative potential (−0.8 VSSC) for pipeline steel varied at different temperatures: 7°C, room temperature and 60°C. The cathodic protection potential corresponding to the lowest stable current density was observed to be −1.0 VSSC at 7°C and −0.95 VSSC at room temperature and 60°C.

Originality/value

This study elucidates the mechanisms by which different temperatures affect the protective performance of calcareous deposits and current densities.
Factors influencing young adults’ organic food purchase intention on fresh food e-commerce platforms
Authors: Qi Xin , Lv Xinlei , Li Zhigang , Yang Chunbaixue , Li Haoran , Ploeger Angelika
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Understanding young adults’ organic food purchasing behavior in the fresh food e-commerce platforms (FFEP) is crucial for expanding the global environmental product market. The study aims to investigate how specific characteristics of platforms and organic food information impact young adults’ perceived value, leading to their subsequent purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Around 535 valid responses were collected through an online survey and then analyzed applying a two-stage structural equation model (SEM) and artificial neural network (ANN) approach.

Findings

Results of this research show that platform characteristics (including system quality and evaluation system) and product information characteristics (including organic label, ingredient information and traceability information) significantly affect young adults’ perceived utilitarian and hedonic value. The platform’s service quality has a strong effect on their perceptions of hedonic value, while the delivery system strongly influences their utilitarian value. Moreover, the perceived value, as a crucial mediator, plays a significant role in moderating the influence of platform and product information characteristics on the purchase intentions of young consumers regarding organic food.

Originality/value

Previous research has overlooked the credence attributes of organic food and particularities of online purchasing, focusing instead on general platform and product characteristics. This study addresses this gap by proposing a more appropriate model that integrates the characteristics of both the platform and product information. This offers theoretical and managerial implications for effectively stimulating organic food consumption among young adults in online environments.
Do all complain the same? Examining the role of luxury hotels reviewer attributes using text mining
Authors: Ali Aafreen , Chittiprolu Vinay , Rongala Sourya , Bellamkonda Raja Shekhar
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Although extant studies found the determinants of customer complaints in luxury hotels, comparison of complaint severity using reviewer characteristics (nationality, reviewer type and expertise) is limited. This study aims to identify the variation in customers’ complaint attributes among different customer categories.

Design/methodology/approach

This study tried to address this gap by using structural topic modelling and text mining techniques to find the sentiment score, word count, complaints attributes and severity score. The research sample covers luxury hotels in India, and online review text and their associated data has been collected and analysed.

Findings

The authors found that leisure customers wrote lengthier reviews and complained about the facility-related aspects (valet parking, entertainment and amenities) and food-related aspects (food variety, service and menu) while the business customers’ complaint severity score is more on salient aspects (room size, bathroom and staff related services). The international customers wrote lengthier reviews and complained more about the facility-related aspects (amenities, pick-up and entertainment) and core service offerings (stay experience, bathroom, dirtiness and complaint resolution). Whereas domestic customers complained more about stay-related aspects (food variety, quality, services, staff behaviour and stay experience). Also, this study used correlation analysis to find the dependencies between topics and uncovered underlying patterns, trends and associations, aiding in a deeper understanding and interpretation of the complaints. This study can help service providers tailor their services based on customer attributes to ensure maximum customer satisfaction.

Originality/value

The findings of this study can enable hotel service providers to customise their services based on customer attributes to reduce dissatisfaction among customers and promote customer loyalty. The findings of this study can also be used to devise differential promotional strategies for different types of customers.
Life cycle assessment and generative design: development of a national LCA tool for exterior walls
Authors: Hassan Sally , Abo Eleinen Osama , Hassan Asmaa , Megahed Naglaa
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The promotion of sustainable design is demanded globally. The life cycle assessment (LCA) proved its reliability in this mission, but the difficulty and time required to apply it discouraged designers. This research aims to integrate LCA into the building design process through a software tool, taking advantage of generative design features. This will facilitate decision-making by architects and construction professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

The study develops the EGY-LCA (http://egy-lca.com/). This prototype tool suggests exterior wall design alternatives for residential buildings in Egypt, using the environmental impact indicators of LCA data and other criteria related to national codes, materials, construction methods and required thermal resistance. Within a generative design process, the algorithm tests every possible wall method with materials and thickness combinations for each layer in compliance with inputs. The paper begins by explaining the tool’s working method. Afterward, different sets of inputs are examined and the values of the resultant environmental impacts of several suggested wall solutions are statistically analyzed. The application demonstrates the importance of the generative design tool. Proposing several solutions based on a set of inputs facilitates the selection of sustainable choices and allows comparisons between alternatives.

Findings

The prototype experiment confirms the research hypothesis. Unlike the available LCA tools, architects can make decisions with limited LCA experience if the data and equations are integrated into a generative design tool. The prototype proves its applicability for exterior wall alternatives.

Research limitations/implications

The prototype is the initial step toward a whole-building LCA tool. It includes limited LCA stages and materials for the external wall. Future research is required to expand this parametric tool concept to include all the building components. The framework in Section 5 proposes a visualization.

Practical implications

The prototype tool: EGY-LCA (http://egy-lca.com/). The value added to the design and construction sectors through the uncomplicated LCA application is fostering sustainable design, generative design tools can achieve this.

Originality/value

The novelty of this work is that it is the first initiative offering a parametric LCA tool. It promotes the application of LCA at the design stage using generative design, which contributes to sustainable development.
Plane dilatational and shear waves in a chiral porous thermoelastic medium under strain gradient theory
Authors: Kumar Aakash , Goyal Suraj
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate time-harmonic wave propagation in a chiral porous thermoelastic solid under strain gradient theory (SGT), focusing on identifying and characterizing distinct wave modes within the medium.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Iesan's gradient theory, which incorporates chiral effects and accommodates second sound phenomena, the authors derive mathematical formulations for the velocities and attenuations of eight propagating waves: four dilatational waves and two pairs of coupled shear waves (one left circularly polarized, the other right). Numerical simulations are performed for a specific model, exploring the influence of various parameters on wave propagation.

Findings

The authors establish that the medium supports four dilatational waves, including a microstretch-associated wave, and four shear waves, distinguished by their chiral-induced characteristics. The results highlight the frequency-dependent dispersive nature of all propagating waves and establish connections with existing theoretical frameworks, demonstrating the broader applicability of our findings.

Practical implications

The characteristics of wave propagation in chiral media examined here can enhance our understanding of chiral medium behavior. This knowledge is crucial for developing materials with pronounced chiral effects, surpassing those found in natural chiral materials like bone, quartz, sugar and wood. Advances in artificial chiral materials are driven by their superior toughness, durability and other beneficial properties. Consequently, this study has potential applications across various fields, including the design of chiral broadband absorbers and filters, the production of artificial bones and medical devices, aeronautical engineering and beyond.

Originality/value

This research extends existing theories and deepens the understanding by exploring wave behaviors in chiral media, advancing this emerging field.
The application of Xinjiang safflower extract on Aidelaisi silk fabric
Authors: Cao Xu , Wang Lei
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the traditional plant dyeing of Xinjiang Atlas silk fabrics, providing references for the comprehensive utilization of plant dyes in intangible cultural heritage.

Design/methodology/approach

The focus of this study is on dyeing experiments of Atlas silk fabrics using safflower extracts, constrained by regional resources. Safflower dry flowers grown in Xinjiang were selected, rinsed with pure water and rubbed. Yellow pigments were removed by adding edible white vinegar. Red pigments from safflower were extracted using an alkaline solution prepared with Populus euphratica ash, a special product of Xinjiang. The extraction rate was analyzed under varying material-to-liquor ratios, pH values, times and temperatures. Direct dyeing process experiments were conducted to obtain different colorimetric L, a, b and K/S values for comparison. Samples with good color development were selected to test the impact of dyeing immersions on color development, and their color fastness, UV protection and antibacterial effects were verified.

Findings

The dyeing experiments on silk fabrics confirmed their UV protection capabilities and antibacterial properties, demonstrating effectiveness against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. As a major producer of safflower, Xinjiang underscores the significance of safflower as an essential plant dyes on the Silk Road. This study reveals its market potential and suitability for use in the plant dyeing process of Atlas silk, producing vibrant red and pink colors.

Originality/value

The experiments indicated that after removing yellow pigments, the highest extraction rate of red pigment from safflower was achieved at a pH value of 10–11, a temperature of 30°C and an extraction time of 40 min. The best bright red color effect with strong color fastness was obtained with a material-to-liquor ratio of 1:20, a temperature of 40°C and three immersions. The best light pink color effect with strong color fastness was a material-to-liquor ratio of 1:80, a temperature of 30°C and two immersions.
Neurodata-based headsets for the (digital) employee well-being – responsibilities between benefit and harm
Authors: Traunwieser Silvia
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to demonstrate the importance of recognizing stress in the workplace. Accurate novel objective methods that use electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure brainwaves can promote employee well-being. However, using these devices can be positive and potentially harmful as manipulative practices undermine autonomy.

Design/methodology/approach

Emphasis is placed on business ethics as it relates to the ethics of action in terms of positive and negative responsibility, autonomous decision-making and self-determined work through a literature review. The concept of relational autonomy provides an orientation toward heteronomous employment relationships.

Findings

First, using digital devices to recognize stress and promote health can be a positive outcome, expanding the definition of digital well-being as opposed to dependency, non-use or reduction. Second, the transfer of socio-relational autonomy, according to Oshana, enables criteria for self-determined work in heteronomous employment relationships. Finally, the deployment and use of such EEG-based devices for stress detection can lead to coercion and manipulation, not only in interpersonal relationships, but also directly and more subtly through the technology itself, interfering with self-determined work.

Originality/value

Stress at work and EEG-based devices measuring stress have been discussed in numerous articles. This paper is one of the first to explore ethical considerations using these brain–computer interfaces from an employee perspective.
Key features and applications of military drones: a case study from the Portuguese military ground forces
Authors: Barros João Pedro , Reis João , Melão Nuno , Cavalieri Adriane
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The rapid advancement of new technologies necessitates the adaptation of existing resources to address the evolving demands of contemporary conflicts among nations. As exemplified by the emergence of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), these technologies have become indispensable components of military drone operations. This study investigates the role of innovation models in driving Portuguese Innovation and Development, focusing specifically on military drones.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an examination of existing scientific and doctrinal literature, this research establishes a connection between theoretical concepts and the practical deployment of drones within the Portuguese ground forces. Employing a qualitative approach, this study follows a case study, with data collection following the principle of triangulation.

Findings

The findings of this research reveal several attributes crucial to drone utilization, such as optronic capability and drone range. These attributes are vital for ensuring high-quality, real-time imagery transmission and operational effectiveness in military activities.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of the implications of drone attributes for the Command, Control, Communications and Information Systems (C3IS) capabilities of the Portuguese ground forces. It highlights the importance of continued emphasis on drone development and innovation as a key priority for the Portuguese Army.
The Fisher’s hedge hypothesis: what about homogeneity and stability properties?
Authors: Neifar Malika , Harzallah Amira
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this study is to see if the Fisher’s hypothesis validation is robust in year or/and countries dimensions. We investigate whether nominal or real stock market returns are hedged against inflation rate, so as to determine the appropriate time and markets to invest in (from the 32 countries) over a period covering the 2008 global finance crisis (GFC) and the Covid 19 outbreak. Hedging property is found to be homogenous within countries and stable in time. Using either nominal or real return, based on cross-sectional data results, Fisher’s hypothesis is generally validated with a few exceptions, while the time-series based results show that the hedge property is robust only in some countries. Using time series data (cross section data), in terms of homogeneity (homogeneity and stability), there is no difference between hedge property between Euro and non-Euro countries (groups of countries or between sub-periods) for both periods covering either 2008 GFC or the Covid 19 outbreak. Robust results are also the outcome of panel data investigations with or without the interest rate role as macro control variable.
Building agency in school–university partnerships: lessons from collaborative research during the pandemic
Authors: Madrid Miranda Romina , Glas Katharina , Chapman Christopher
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The literature highlights the disconnection between university-based teacher education and field experiences as a significant barrier to student teacher preparation. To address this gap, the Research Teams (RTs) programme promotes a Networked Learning System (NLS), focusing on boundary-crossing work, inquiry and critical reflection to generate knowledge. This paper examines the emergence of relational and collective agency within this collaboration, linking school and university knowledge to enhance professional learning and drive teaching innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing an exploratory qualitative design, data collection includes advising team notes, reflective session materials, interviews and focus groups. Qualitative content and discourse analysis were utilised.

Findings

Findings reveal how RTs promote relational agency among university tutors, school staff and preservice teachers and collective agency in the context of collaborative research. The pandemic presents both social interaction opportunities and challenges.

Originality/value

The relevance of this study lies in the necessity to advance knowledge regarding the development of collaborative learning systems that encourage cross-institutional relationships, allowing for the creation and flow of knowledge. It highlights the role and development of collective and relational agency in fostering the development of a NLS. It also raises questions about the challenges and investments needed to sustain and scale collaborative research models that cross professional and institutional values and beliefs within schools and universities.
Preliminary assessment of a robotic system for overground gait in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Kolakowsky-Hayner Stephanie A. , Jones Kandis , Kleckner Amanda , Kuchinski Kimberly , Metzger Alyssa , Schueck-Plominski Jennifer
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Cerebral palsy is one of the leading causes of chronic disability in children. The current pilot study investigated (1) whether an exoskeleton system enables physiological gait patterns and (2) whether the system is user-friendly enough to envision its use in a clinical setting.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants included a convenience sample of six children with cerebral palsy. Following informed consent, study volunteers underwent baseline assessments, participated in eight sessions during which they used the exoskeleton system with the objective of achieving proficiency in use of the system, and underwent an end-of-study assessment of walking. Satisfaction and usability questionnaires were given to the family/caregiver.

Findings

All participants achieved a more regular gait pattern and improved their 6-Minute Walk Test scores. Overall satisfaction and usability were rated as good.

Practical implications

The exoskeleton system enabled physiological gait patterns, and the system was user-friendly enough to envision its use in a clinical setting.

Originality/value

There is potential for guiding treatment plans for individuals with cerebral palsy.
“This has reinvigorated me”: perceived impacts of an innovation training program on employee experience and innovation support
Authors: Newell Summer , Cutrona Sarah L. , Lafferty Megan , Lerner Barbara , Vashi Anita A. , Jackson George L. , Amrhein Allison , Cole Brynn , Tuepker Anaïs
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Innovation is widely desired within healthcare organizations, yet the efficacy of programs aimed at fostering it remain largely unassessed, with little consideration given to their effects on employee experience. The Veterans Health Administration (VA) innovators network (iNET) was established to provide organizational support to improve and reimagine patient care and processes across the VA. We evaluated participant perspectives on how iNET impacted workplace experience and fostered innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted using purposive sampling to maximize diversity for program roles and site characteristics, reviewed using a rapid matrixed approach, then analyzed using a hybrid inductive/deductive approach that applied a theoretical framework of innovation supportive domains.

Findings

21 project investees, 16 innovation specialists and 13 leadership champions participated from 15 sites nationally. Most participants reported strongly positive impacts including feeling re-energized, appreciating new experiences and expanded opportunities for connecting with others, sense of renewed purpose, better relationships with leadership and personal recognition. Negative experiences included time constraints and logistical challenges. Participants’ experiences mapped frequently onto theorized domains of supporting a curious culture, creating idea pathways and porous boundaries, fostering/supporting catalytic leadership and supporting (role) diverse teams. The program’s delivery of ready resources was critically supportive though at times frustrating.

Originality/value

Participants’ experiences support the conclusion that iNET fosters innovation and positively impacts participating employees. In the post-pandemic context of unprecedented challenges of healthcare worker burnout and stress, effective innovation training programs should be considered as a tool to improve worker experience and retention as well as patient care.