bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interest in and preference for long-acting injectable PrEP among men who have sex with men, trans* individuals, and cis-gender heterosexual women: a global systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Haoyi , Kolstee Johann , Adriaque Lozano Alejandro , Aphami Liana , Gaetani Marco , Zimmermann Hanne M.L. , Jonas Kai J.
Published: September 2024

Background

Long-acting injectable HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (LAI-PrEP) offers potentials for expanding PrEP coverage and improving public health outcomes. This study synthesises global evidence on the prevalence and determinants of interest in and preference for LAI-PrEP among men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM), trans* individuals, and cis-gender heterosexual women.

Methods

We conducted a global systematic review and meta-analysis, building on quantitative studies from a previous review (January 1, 2010, to September 27, 2021) and new studies published in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase (September 27, 2021, to December 31, 2023). Studies presenting data on LAI-PrEP interest, preference, and their determinants were included. Data were assessed for risk of bias and publication bias. We used a random-effects meta-analysis to pool prevalence of LAI-PrEP interest and preference, and narratively synthesized their determinants across all key populations. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42023488350.

Findings

We included 41 articles (18 from the previous systematic review and 23 from the new search). 74% (95%CI 71-78) of MSM showed interest in using LAI-PrEP and 37% (95%CI 29-44) of them preferring LAI-PrEP over other HIV prevention methods. The prevalence of interest and preference were even higher among current oral PrEP users (77% (95%CI 70-84), and 43% (95%CI 28-58), respectively). Interest in LAI-PrEP among trans* individuals was similarly high at 72% (95%CI 67-78), with one study reported that 57% of transgender women preferred for LAI-PrEP. Cis-gender heterosexual women also showed a high preference for LAI-PrEP (55%, 95%CI 40-70)). Overall, people who have more resources and who are already aware and using oral PrEP are likely more interested in LAI-PrEP when it becomes available.

Interpretation

Continued research is essential to effectively deploy LAI-PrEP and address HIV prevention gaps. As more countries adopt LAI-PrEP, understanding its impact and reaching underserved populations will be critical to maximising public health benefits.

Funding

None.
Time-dependent LSTM for Survival Prediction and Patient Subtyping in Kidney Disease Trajectory
Authors: Shi Pumeng , Fu Chunmei
Published: September 2024

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 10% of the global population and is projected to become the fifth leading cause of years of life lost (YLL) by 2040. Accurate prediction of CKD progression to end-stage kidney failure (ESKF) is critical for timely interventions that can slow or halt disease progression. However, current models often fail to address the complexities of time-varying biomarkers like estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the irregular nature of longitudinal health data, resulting in suboptimal predictions. In this study, we develop a Time-dependent Long Short-Term Memory (TdLSTM) network to analyze longitudinal eGFR data and predict time-to-ESKF. Our model is specifically designed to handle irregular time intervals and temporal dynamics, capturing nuanced patterns of CKD progression. We conducted experiments on two independent CKD cohorts, MASTERPLAN and NephroTest, using patient data including age, gender, eGFR, UACR, and diagnosis. The TdLSTM model outperformed traditional and state-of-the-art predictive models, demonstrating superior accuracy in estimating time-to-ESKF and identifying subtypes of CKD progression through unsupervised clustering. By leveraging the temporal dynamics of biomarkers, our approach offers a robust tool for personalized survival prediction and risk stratification. These findings highlight the potential of deep learning in improving CKD management and identifying high-risk patients in time for effective intervention.
CTCF binding landscape is established by the epigenetic status of the nucleosome, well-positioned relative to CTCF motif orientation
Authors: Tajmul Md , Bhatt Dharmendra Nath , Ruje Luminita , Price Emma , Ji Yon , Loukinov Dmitri , Teif Vladimir B. , Lobanenkov Victor V. , Pugacheva Elena M.
Published: September 2024

CTCF binding sites serve as anchors for the 3D chromatin architecture in vertebrates. The functionality of these anchors is influenced by the residence time of CTCF on chromatin, which is determined by its binding affinity and its interactions with nucleosomes and other chromatin-associated factors. In this study, we demonstrate that CTCF occupancy is driven by CTCF motifs strategically positioned at the entry sites of a well-positioned nucleosome, such that, upon binding, the N-terminus of CTCF is oriented towards the nucleosome. We refer to this nucleosome as the CTCF priming nucleosome (CpN). CTCF recognizes its binding sites if they are not methylated. It can then displace the CpN, provided the nucleosome is not marked by CpG methylation or repressive histone modifications. Under these permissive conditions, the N-terminus of CTCF recruits SMARCA5 to reposition the CpN downstream, thereby creating nucleosome-free regions that enhance CTCF occupancy and cohesin stalling. In contrast, when CpNs carry repressive epigenetic marks, CTCF binding is transient, without nucleosome displacement or chromatin opening. In such cases, cohesin is not effectively retained at CTCF binding sites. We propose that the epigenetic status of CpNs governs cell-specific CTCF binding patterns, ensuring the maintenance of chromatin architecture throughout the cell cycle.

Graphical Abstract
Low-affinity ligands of the epidermal growth factor receptor are long-range signal transmitters during collective cell migration of epithelial cells
Authors: Deguchi Eriko , Lin Shuhao , Hirayama Daiki , Matsuda Kimiya , Tanave Akira , Sumiyama Kenta , Tsukiji Shinya , Otani Tetsuhisa , Furuse Mikio , Sorkin Alexander , Matsuda Michiyuki , Terai Kenta
Published: September 2024

Epidermal growth factor receptor ligands (EGFRLs) consist of seven proteins. In stark contrast to the amassed knowledge concerning the epidermal growth factor receptors themselves, the extracellular dynamics of individual EGFRLs remain elusive. Here, employing fluorescent probes and a tool for triggering ectodomain shedding of EGFRLs, we show that EREG, a low-affinity EGFRL, exhibits the most rapid and efficient activation of EGFR in confluent epithelial cells and mouse epidermis. In Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) renal epithelial cells, EGFR- and ERK-activation waves propagate during collective cell migration in an ADAM17 sheddase- and EGFRL-dependent manner. Upon induction of EGFRL shedding, radial ERK activation waves were observed in the surrounding receiver cells. Notably, the low-affinity ligands EREG and AREG mediated faster and broader ERK waves than the high-affinity ligands. The integrity of tight/adherens junctions was essential for the propagation of ERK activation, implying that the tight intercellular spaces prefer the low-affinity EGFRL to the high-affinity ligands for efficient signal transmission. To validate this observationin vivo, we generated EREG-deficient mice expressing the ERK biosensor and found that ERK wave propagation and cell migration were impaired during skin wound repair. In conclusion, we have quantitatively demonstrated the distinctions among EGFRLs in shedding, diffusion, and target cell activation in physiological contexts. Our findings underscore the pivotal role of low-affinity EGFRLs in rapid intercellular signal transmission.
Molybdate application in the early stages of shrimp growth suppresses sulphide formation in a shrimp pond bottom model
Authors: Torun Funda , Matisli Feyzâ , Hostins Barbara , De Schryver Peter , Boon Nico , De Vrieze Jo
Published: September 2024

Oxygen depletion and sulphide formation, resulting from the accumulation of organic waste, are common challenges in shrimp ponds that could result in complete harvest failure. The stage at which these circumstances occur during the shrimp growth period remains elusive, yet, knowledge of the timing of oxygen depletion and sulphide formation is essential to enable remediating actions. Here, we used an experimental shrimp pond model at different stages in the shrimp growth period to determine when oxygen depletion and sulphide production occur. Microscale depth measurements of oxygen and H2S were determined using microelectrodes to visualize their profiles at different depths of the water-sediment interface and the sediment. We evaluated the potential of different molybdate concentrations at different stages to determine the optimal conditions to suppress H2S formation. Oxygen depletion and sulphide production took place in the middle of the shrimp growth cycle in the simulated model of waste accumulation. The addition of molybdate was only effective in the early stages of the onset of oxygen depletion and H2S formation, and residual molybdate was required to ensure a continuous suppression of sulphide production. However, oxygen depletion could not be prevented and reintroduction of oxygen did not occur when molybdate was added. In conclusion, molybdate appeared to be an effective strategy to suppress H2S formation at the onset of its production in a shrimp pond bottom model.
Nasal microbionts differentially colonize and elicit cytokines in human nasal epithelial organoids
Authors: Boyd Andrea I. , Kafer Leah A. , Escapa Isabel F. , Kambal Amal , Tariq Hira , Hilsenbeck Susan G. , Nguyen-Phuc Hoa , Rajan Anubama , Lensmire Joshua M. , Patras Kathryn A. , Piedra Pedro A. , Blutt Sarah E. , Lemon Katherine P.
Published: September 2024

Nasal colonization byStaphylococcus aureusorStreptococcus pneumoniaeis associated with an increased risk of infection by these pathobionts, whereas nasal colonization byDolosigranulumspecies is associated with health.Humannasal epithelialorganoids (HNOs) physiologically recapitulate human nasal respiratory epithelium with a robust mucociliary blanket. We reproducibly monocolonized HNOs with these three bacteria for up to 48 hours with varying kinetics across species. HNOs tolerated bacterial monocolonization with localization of bacteria to the mucus layer and minimal cytotoxicity compared to uncolonized HNOs. Human nasal epithelium exhibited both species-specific and general cytokine responses, without induction of type I interferons, consistent with colonization rather than infection. Only liveS. aureuscolonization induced IL-1 family cytokines, suggestive of inflammasome signaling.D. pigrumand liveS. aureusdecreased CXCL10, whereasS. pneumoniaeincreased CXCL11, chemokines involved in antimicrobial responses. HNOs are a compelling model system to reveal host-microbe dynamics at the human nasal mucosa.
An atlas of RNA-dependent proteins in cell division reveals the riboregulation of mitotic protein-protein interactions
Authors: Rajagopal Varshni , Seiler Jeanette , Nasa Isha , Cantarella Simona , Theiss Jana , Herget Franziska , Kaifer Bianca , Schneider Martin , Helm Dominic , König Julian , Zarnack Kathi , Diederichs Sven , Kettenbach Arminja N. , Caudron-Herger Maïwen
Published: September 2024

Ribonucleoprotein complexes are dynamic assemblies of RNA with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), which can modulate the fate of the RNA molecules from transcription to degradation. Vice versa, RNA can regulate the interactions and functions of the associated proteins. Dysregulation of RBPs is linked to diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders. RNA and RBPs are present in mitotic structures like the centrosomes and spindle microtubules, but their influence on mitotic spindle integrity remains unknown. Thus, we applied the R-DeeP strategy for the proteome-wide identification of RNA-dependent proteins and complexes to cells synchronized in mitosis versus interphase. The resulting atlas of RNA-dependent proteins in cell division can be accessed through the R-DeeP 3.0 database (R-DeeP3.dkfz.de). It revealed key mitotic factors as RNA-dependent such as AURKA, KIFC1 and TPX2 that were linked to RNA despite their lack of canonical RNA-binding domains. KIFC1 was identified as a new interaction partner and phosphorylation substrate of AURKA at S349and T359. In addition, KIFC1 interacted with both, AURKA and TPX2, in an RNA-dependent manner. Our data suggest a riboregulation of mitotic protein-protein interactions during spindle assembly, offering new perspectives on the control of cell division processes by RNA-protein complexes.

Highlights

Differential R-DeeP screens in mitosis and interphase are provided as a resource in a user-friendly database at R-DeeP3.dkfz.de

An atlas of RNA-dependent proteins in cell division identifies a substantial number of unconventional RNA-binding proteins among mitotic factors

Investigation of protein-protein interactions reveals KIFC1 as a new AURKA and TPX2 interaction partner during spindle assembly

KIFC1, AURKA and TPX2 interact with each other in an RNA-dependent manner and directly bind to RNA

AURKA phosphorylates KIFC1 at residues S349and T359
Signal sequences target enzymes and structural proteins to bacterial microcompartments and are critical for microcompartment formation
Authors: Johnson Elizabeth R. , Kennedy Nolan W. , Mills Carolyn. E. , Liang Shiqi , Chandrasekar Swetha , Nichols Taylor M. , Rybnicky Grant A. , Tullman-Ercek Danielle
Published: September 2024

Spatial organization of pathway enzymes has emerged as a promising tool to address several challenges in metabolic engineering, such as flux imbalances and off-target product formation. Bacterial microcompartments (MCPs) are a spatial organization strategy used natively by many bacteria to encapsulate metabolic pathways that produce toxic, volatile intermediates. Several recent studies have focused on engineering MCPs to encapsulate heterologous pathways of interest, but how this engineering affects MCP assembly and function is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of signal sequences, short domains that target proteins to the MCP core, in the assembly of 1,2-propanediol utilization (Pdu) MCPs. We characterized two novel Pdu signal sequences on the structural proteins PduM and PduB, which constitutes the first report of metabolosome signal sequences on structural proteins rather than enzymes. We then explored the role of enzymatic and structural Pdu signal sequences on MCP assembly by deleting their encoding sequences from the genome alone and in combination. Deleting enzymatic signal sequences decreased MCP formation, but this defect could be recovered in some cases by overexpressing genes encoding the knocked-out signal sequence fused to a heterologous protein. By contrast, deleting structural signal sequences caused similar defects to knocking out the genes encoding the full length PduM and PduB proteins. Our results contribute to a growing understanding of how MCPs form and function in bacteria and provide strategies to mitigate assembly disruption when encapsulating heterologous pathways in MCPs.
Targeted and complete genomic sequencing of the major histocompatibility complex in haplotypic form of individual heterozygous samples
Authors: Hu Taishan , Mosbruger Timothy L. , Tairis Nikolaos G. , Dinou Amalia , Jayaraman Pushkala , Sarmady Mahdi , Brewster Kingham , Li Yang , Hayeck Tristan J. , Duke Jamie L. , Monos Dimitri S.
Published: September 2024

The human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a ∼4 Mb genomic segment on Chromosome 6 that plays a pivotal role in the immune response. Despite its importance in various traits and diseases, its complex nature makes it challenging to accurately characterize on a routine basis. We present a novel approach allowing targeted sequencing and de novo haplotypic assembly of the MHC region in heterozygous samples, using long-read sequencing technologies. Our approach is validated using two reference samples, two family trios, and an African-American sample. We achieved excellent coverage (96.6%–99.9% with at least 30× depth) and high accuracy (99.89%–99.99%) for the different haplotypes. This methodology offers a reliable and cost-effective method for sequencing and fully characterizing the MHC without the need for whole-genome sequencing, facilitating broader studies on this important genomic segment and having significant implications in immunology, genetics, and medicine.
Novel electronic structures from anomalous stackings in
NbS2
and
MoS2
Authors: Watson Matthew D. , Date Mihir , Louat Alex , Schröter Niels B. M.
Published: September 2024

We show that in some transition metal dichalcogenides, minority regions of the cleaved sample surfaces show—unexpectedly and anomalously—a finite number of 2D electronic states instead of the expected 3D valence bands. In the case of NbS2, in addition to the typical spectrum associated with bulk 2Ha stacking, we also find minority regions with electronic structures consistent with few layers of 3R stacking. In MoS2, we find areas of both bulk 2Hc and 3R stackings, and regions exhibiting finite-layer quantization of both types. We further find evidence for a more exotic 4Ha stacking of MoS2, in which the valence band maximum is quasi-2D. The results highlight how variation of the interlayer stacking of van der Waals materials beyond the commonly reported bulk polytypes can yield novel electronic structures.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Track signals at IceCube from subleading channels
Authors: Francener Reinaldo , Gonçalves Victor P. , Gratieri Diego R.
Published: September 2024

Tracks events at the IceCube Observatory are characterized by an energetic muon crossing several kilometers before decaying. Such muons are dominantly produced in charged current (CC) muon neutrino-hadron interactions. However, muons are also produced through W-boson production and in the decay of tau leptons and heavy mesons created in neutral and charged current interactions induced by all neutrino flavors. In this paper, we investigate the contribution of these subleading channels to events characterized as tracks at the IceCube. Our results indicate that these channels correspond to a non-negligible fraction of the high-energy starting events track events. In addition, we show that its contributions are concentrated in muons that are less energetic than those arising from muonic neutrino CC interactions for the same visible energies of the process. Finally, we investigate the impact of these additional channels on the description of the astrophysical neutrino flux, and we find that the inclusion of these subleading processes are important in determining the parameters of the astrophysical neutrino flux.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Scattering of vortices with excited normal modes
Authors: Krusch Steffen , Rees Morgan , Winyard Thomas
Published: September 2024

We consider head-on collisions at critical coupling of vortices modeled by the Abelian-Higgs model. We investigate the two-vortex scattering, whereby the vortices are excited by the shape mode causing fluctuations in the gauge-invariant quantities. When the vortices are excited with a sufficiently large amplitude the moduli space approximation fails, and we observe an interesting behavior in which the vortices can become trapped in a quasibound state with multiple bounces. We perform a detailed investigation on the behavior of these excited vortices and sample a phase space of solutions. Interestingly, we find a fractal structure dependent on the initial phase of the mode and velocity of the vortices.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Alternative fast quantum logic gates using nonadiabatic Landau-Zener-Stückelberg-Majorana transitions
Authors: Ryzhov A. I. , Ivakhnenko O. V. , Shevchenko S. N. , Gonzalez-Zalba M. F. , Nori Franco
Published: September 2024

A conventional realization of quantum logic gates and control is based on resonant Rabi oscillations of the occupation probability of the system. This approach has certain limitations and complications, like counter-rotating terms. We study an alternative paradigm for implementing quantum logic gates based on Landau-Zener-Stückelberg-Majorana (LZSM) interferometry with nonresonant driving and the alternation of adiabatic evolution and nonadiabatic transitions. Compared to Rabi oscillations, the main differences are a nonresonant driving frequency and a small number of periods in the external driving. We explore the dynamics of a multilevel quantum system under LZSM drives and optimize the parameters for increasing the gate speed. We define the parameters of the external driving required for implementing a specific quantum logic gate using the adiabatic-impulse model. In particular, we demonstrate the implementations of single-qubit X, Y, Hadamard gates, and two-qubit i and gates using the LZSM transitions. The considered LZSM approach for implementing arbitrary quantum logic gates can be applied to a large variety of multilevel quantum systems and external driving.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Symmetry breaking and non-ergodicity in a driven-dissipative ensemble of multilevel atoms in a cavity
Authors: Hernandez Enrique , Suarez Elmer , Lesanovsky Igor , Olmos Beatriz , Courteille Philippe W. , Slama Sebastian
Published: September 2024

Dissipative light-matter systems can display emergent collective behavior. Here, we report a Z2-symmetry-breaking phase transition in a system of multilevel Rb87 atoms strongly coupled to a weakly driven two-mode optical cavity. In the symmetry-broken phase, nonergodic dynamics manifests in the emergence of multiple stationary states with disjoint basins of attraction. This feature enables the amplification of a small atomic population imbalance into a characteristic macroscopic cavity transmission signal. Our experiment does not only showcase strongly dissipative atom-cavity systems as platforms for probing nontrivial collective many-body phenomena, but also highlights their potential for hosting technological applications in the context of sensing, density classification, and pattern retrieval dynamics within associative memories.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
First crystal structure of the DUF2436 domain of virulence proteins from Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Kim Bogeun , Hwang Jisub , Im Sehyeok , Do Hackwon , Shim Youn-Soo , Lee Jun Hyuck
Published: September 2024

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a major pathogenic oral bacterium that is responsible for periodontal disease. It is linked to chronic periodontitis, gingivitis and aggressive periodontitis. P. gingivalis exerts its pathogenic effects through mechanisms such as immune evasion and tissue destruction, primarily by secreting various factors, including cysteine proteases such as gingipain K (Kgp), gingipain R (RgpA and RgpB) and PrtH (UniProtKB ID P46071). Virulence proteins comprise multiple domains, including the pro-peptide region, catalytic domain, K domain, R domain and DUF2436 domain. While there is a growing database of knowledge on virulence proteins and domains, there was no prior evidence or information regarding the structure and biological function of the well conserved DUF2436 domain. In this study, the DUF2436 domain of PrtH from P. gingivalis (PgDUF2436) was determined at 2.21 Å resolution, revealing a noncanonical β-jelly-roll sandwich topology with two antiparallel β-sheets and one short α-helix. Although the structure of PgDUF2436 was determined by the molecular-replacement method using an AlphaFold model structure as a template, there were significant differences in the positions of β1 between the AlphaFold model and the experimentally determined PgDUF2436 structure. The Basic Local Alignment Search Tool sequence-similarity search program showed no sequentially similar proteins in the Protein Data Bank. However, DaliLite search results using structure-based alignment revealed that the PgDUF2436 structure has structural similarity Z-scores of 5.9–5.4 with the C-terminal domain of AlgF, the D4 domain of cytolysin, IglE and the extracellular domain structure of PepT2. This study has elucidated the structure of the DUF2436 domain for the first time and a comparative analysis with similar structures has been performed.
Adapting human resources management to global health crises: lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Asfahani Ahmed
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on human resource management (HRM) within Saudi Arabia's distinct socio-legal landscape, which is shaped by Islamic cultural norms, stringent labor laws and a diversifying economy. This context necessitates innovative HR strategies during crises.

Design/methodology/approach

Grounded in the resource-based view, this qualitative study employs semi-structured interviews with 18 HR professionals across various sectors. This approach enables an in-depth exploration of HRM practice adaptations during the pandemic, using purposive sampling to ensure the collection of rich and relevant data.

Findings

Significant shifts towards remote work, the digitalization of HR operations and prioritizing employee health and safety were identified. The analysis revealed key themes, including HR policy changes, resilience strategies, encountered challenges, the importance of communication in employee engagement and strategic learnings. These findings highlight the criticality of adaptability, clear communication and digital transformation in effective crisis management.

Originality/value

This research contributes novel insights into the resilience of HRM practices in Saudi Arabia’s unique socio-legal environment during health crises. It fills a gap in our understanding of how specific regional contexts influence HRM strategies during emergencies, offering valuable contributions to both theory and practice. The study provides practical guidance for HR professionals and policymakers on crafting effective HRM strategies tailored to organizational needs in crisis conditions, thereby enhancing the field’s knowledge on navigating HRM challenges in future health crises.
Drivers of social media use among SMEs and its impact on brand awareness and customer engagement
Authors: Alkhasoneh Osama Mohammad , Jamaludin Hamiza , Bin Zahar Abdul Rahman i , Al-Sharafi Mohammed A.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Despite the widespread use of social media globally, SMEs exhibit a below-average adoption rate. This raises critical questions about the reasons behind SMEs' limited engagement with this ubiquitous platform. The primary objective of this research is to explore the factors influencing the utilization of social media by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and assess its influence on brand awareness and customer engagement in the Jordanian context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilizes a quantitative research approach to examine SMEs' adoption of social media. Data are collected from 290 SMEs in Jordan through paper-based and online surveys employing purposive sampling. The validity of the proposed model is confirmed using a partial least squares (PLS) approach, specifically employing SmartPLS 4 for analysis.

Findings

The results reveal that the examined model successfully captures the dynamics of social media usage among SMEs, shedding light on the significant drivers influencing their decision to use social media in their activities. The findings also underscore the pivotal role of social media usage in SMEs, particularly in enhancing brand awareness and fostering customer engagement within the Jordanian business landscape.

Originality/value

This study significantly contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the practical implications of social media activity, specifically in the context of SMEs. Using the UTAUT2 model to examine the drivers of social media use among SMEs and extend it to assess the broader impact of social media usage on brand awareness and customer engagement adds uniqueness to the study, providing a more nuanced view of social media usage in the SME sector.
Strategic justification of integrated resource planning tools in organizations
Authors: Mahmoodi Armin , Hashemi Leila
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper presents a novel multi-objective optimization model aimed at enhancing the success rate of resource planning (RP) implementation. The model optimization is developed based on the organizational structure types, fit-gap contingency analysis reports, uncertainty optimization problems on implementation schedule time and relative time and budget constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

Two pivotal strategies are employed: RP tools redesign through customization and organizational redesign. The synergistic integration of these strategies is essential, recognizing that RP tools implementation success hinges not only on technical aspects but also on aligning the system with organizational structure, culture and practices. In the analysis phase, a committee of experts identifies the initial gaps, which are evaluated through three conflicting objective functions: cost, time and penalty and running by the e-constraint method. In case of uncertainty nature time of RP tools implementation, the Activity-on-Arrow (A-O-A) method has been utilized.

Findings

The e-constraint method is utilized to derive the Pareto-optimal front, representing solutions effectively addressing identified gaps. A compromised solution is then proposed using the LP-metric method to strike a balance between conflicting objectives, ultimately improving RP tool implementation by reducing misfits.

Originality/value

To demonstrate and validate the model, a controlled case study is initially presented, illustrating its effectiveness. Subsequently, a real industry case study is provided, further validating the model’s applicability and practical relevance. This comprehensive approach offers valuable insights to optimize RP tool implementation outcomes, a critical concern for organizations undergoing technological transitions.
Generation of adaptive refinement tetrahedral meshes over domains of multi-chamber partition
Authors: Huang Haoyu , Shan Julin , Lo S.H. , Yu Fei , Cao Jie , Chang Jihai , Guan Z.Q.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

In this study, we propose a tetrahedral mesh generation and adaptive refinement method for multi-chamber, multi-facet, multiscale and surface-solid mesh coupling with extremely thin layers, solving the two challenges of mesh generation and refinement in current electromagnetic simulation models.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing innovative topology transformation techniques, high-precision intersection judgment algorithms and highly reliable boundary recovery algorithms to reduce the number of Steiner locking points. The feasible space for the reposition of Steiner points is determined by using the linear programming. During mesh refinement, an edge-split method based on geometric center and boundary facets node size is devised. Solving the problem of difficult insertion of nodes in narrow geometric spaces, capable of filtering the longest and boundary edges of tetrahedrons, refining the mesh layer by layer through multiple iterations, and achieving collaborative optimization of surface and tetrahedral mesh. Simultaneously, utilizing a surface-facet preserving mesh topology optimization algorithm to improve the fit degree between the mesh and geometry.

Findings

Initial mesh generation for electromagnetic models, compared to commercial software, the method proposed in this paper has a higher pass rate and better mesh quality. For the adaptive refinement performance of high-frequency computing, this method can generate an average of 50% fewer meshes compared to commercial software while meeting simulation accuracy.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a complete set of mesh generation and adaptive refinement theories and methods designed for the structural characteristics of electromagnetic simulation models, which meet the needs of real-world industrial applications.
Financial technology’s role in advancing social responsibility: a bibliometric review of research progress and future opportunities
Authors: AlQudah Mohammad Zakaria , Samara Husni , Qudah Hanan , Nazzal Reem , Yousef Bani Hani Laith , Radwan Razan Adil , Alrahamneh Samer
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The primary aim is to identify and examine the critical success factors (CSFs) in FinTech that influence social responsibility (SR). This study aims to differentiate between internal factors (e.g. risk management, innovation, regulatory compliance, technology integration) and external factors (e.g. market conditions and regulatory changes) and offer insights into effective FinTech practices that enhance SR performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive literature review using the Web of Science database analyzed 143 relevant articles. This review categorizes CSFs and assesses how FinTech practices impact SR.

Findings

The findings indicate that strategic FinTech practices, such as innovation in financial services, effective data management and stakeholder collaboration, are crucial for enhancing operational efficiency, fostering sustainability and improving responsiveness to social and environmental needs. This study also highlights current trends in FinTech and SR, emphasizing the integration of FinTech into broader SR strategies.

Practical implications

This study provides valuable insights for practitioners on how to leverage FinTech to enhance SR, including strategies for integrating innovative technologies and improving stakeholder engagement.

Social implications

By advancing the understanding of how FinTech can contribute to SR, this research highlights the potential for FinTech to drive positive social and environmental outcomes, fostering greater corporate responsibility and sustainability.

Originality/value

This research provides a novel bibliometric analysis of FinTech’s role in advancing SR, offering a comprehensive overview of the CSFs and emerging trends in this field.
Media influence on public trust during crises: A comparative analysis of different media types and trust dimensions
Authors: Zhang Qing , Zhang Xiaojun
Published: September 2024

This study aims to reveal how media influence public trust during crises and whether these mechanisms vary by media type, trust dimensions, government levels, and regions. Using the COVID‐19 pandemic as a case study, we surveyed 31 provincial‐level regions in China from April 22 to 28, 2020, analysed the data with Stata 16.0, and drew the following conclusions. First, the mechanisms by which social media and traditional media influence public trust differ significantly. Social media can only directly impact outgroup trust or reduce both government trust and outgroup trust by lowering citizens' perceptions of government performance (CPGP). In contrast, traditional media directly enhance public trust across all dimensions and can also indirectly increase trust by boosting CPGP. Second, traditional media affect trust in both local and central governments, while social media have no significant effect. Third, citizens' perceptions of central and local government performance play distinct roles in this process. Finally, the impact of media on public trust varies between urban and rural areas and across different regions.
Improving the rheological properties of ultra‐processed powdered goat milk beverage using texture additives
Authors: Andrade Mychelle de Lira , Alcântara Maristela Alves , Santana Amanda Marília da Silva , Diniz Natasha Carolina Melo , Ferreira Rodholfo da Silva Barbosa , Pereira Emmanuel Moreira , da Silva Fabio Anderson Pereira
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to investigate the static and dynamic rheological properties of an ultra‐processed powdered goat milk beverage containing carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), guar gum (GG), and xanthan gum (XG), using a mixture design. Fourteen samples were evaluated, in addition to the original beverage. The flow curves classified the fluids as non‐Newtonian and characterized all the reconstituted beverages with pseudoplastic behavior, precisely due to the addition of hydrocolloids that increased the viscosity, and the fresh beverage sample showed the behavior of a dilatant fluid. The stress sweep verified the changes in the storage module (G′) and the loss module (G″), the G′ ranged from 1.97 to 20.36 (Pa) and the G″ ranged from 5.94 to 11.30 (Pa), demonstrating that there was the formation of beverages with elastic and viscous behaviors. The results showed a synergistic effect between the texture improvers, and the formulations with GG identified a greater effect on the tension. The frequency sweep tests showed that the behavior of the samples was that of a weak gel; however, when subjected to a certain frequency, the values of G′ exceeded the value of G″, becoming a sample with more elastic characteristics and consequently, presenting the behavior of a stronger gel. Finally, according to the data presented, it is assumed that formulations containing GG and xanthan gum may produce desirable consumer properties for the reconstituted goat milk drink. Samples with a higher concentration of GG exhibited improved rheological performance, characterized by greater consistency, increased resistance to tension, and higher viscosity at low frequencies.

Practical Application

The powdered goat milk drink is an innovative product that meets the demands of the food industry and consumers by offering a nutritious and sustainable beverage alternative.
A review on rebaudioside M: The next generation steviol glycoside and noncaloric sweetener
Authors: Okonkwo Clinton E. , Adeyanju Adeyemi A. , Onyeaka Helen , Nwonuma Charles Obiora , Olaniran Abiola F. , Alejolowo Omokolade Oluwaseyi , Inyinbor Adejumoke A. , Oluyori Abimbola Peter , Zhou Cunshan
Published: September 2024

So far, the use of artificial low‐calorie sweeteners, like sucralose, saccharin, and so on, to replace the conventional‐based sugars has not succeeded due to the long‐term adverse health effects, for example, hypertension, and not well‐known safety stand. In this review, we discussed the next generation SvGl (rebaudioside M [Reb M]), their biosynthetic pathway in plant, high‐yield production via microbial fermentation and enzyme engineering, physicochemical properties, taste modification, kinetic metabolism, application in food and beverages, safety and toxicological evaluation, regulation and dosage recommendation, and health benefits. In stevia, the biosynthesis of stevia glycosides, especially Reb M, is derived from the bifurcation of the pathway leading to gibberellin, followed by subsequent enzymatic modification of rubusoside. Reb M is more economically produced via microbial fermentation of modified yeast Yarrowia lipolytica and enzymatic bioconversion of rebaudioside A (Reb A) or Reb E. Reb M can serve as a suitable alternative to the conventional‐based sugars.
Tissue‐specific functions of MSCs are linked to homeostatic muscle maintenance and alter with aging
Authors: Kurosawa Tamaki , Ikemoto‐Uezumi Madoka , Yoshimoto Yuki , Minato Keitaro , Kaji Noriyuki , Chaen Takashi , Hase Eiji , Minamikawa Takeo , Yasui Takeshi , Horiguchi Kazuhide , Iino Satoshi , Hori Masatoshi , Uezumi Akiyoshi
Published: September 2024

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), also known as fibro‐adipogenic progenitors, play a critical role in muscle maintenance and sarcopenia development. Although analogous MSCs are present in various tissues, recent single‐cell RNA‐seq studies have revealed the inter‐tissue heterogeneity of MSCs. However, the functional significance of MSC heterogeneity and its role in aging remain unclear. Here, we investigated the properties of MSCs and their age‐related changes in seven mouse tissues through histological, cell culture, and genetic examinations. The tissue of origin had a greater impact on the MSC transcriptome than aging. By first analyzing age‐related changes, we found that Kera is exclusively expressed in muscle MSCs and significantly down‐regulated by aging. Kera knockout mice recapitulated some sarcopenic phenotypes including reduced muscle mass and specific force, revealing the functional importance of Kera in the maintenance of muscle youth. These results suggest that MSCs have tissue‐specific supportive functions and that deterioration in these functions may trigger tissue aging.
Impact of extracorporeal blood pump gap sizes on the performance and hemocompatibility under off‐design operation
Authors: Fischer Lars , Jansen Sebastian V. , Steinseifer Ulrich , Yen Ifan , Hsu Po‐Lin , Neidlin Michael
Published: September 2024

Background

Hemocompatibility remains the dominant challenge in rotary blood pumps, and more information on the relationship between individual pump design features, hemodynamics, and blood trauma in various operation conditions is necessary. The study evaluated the variation of gap sizes in extracorporeal blood pumps concerning their influence on blood compatibility, particularly during off‐design conditions.

Methods

We developed a parametric generic blood pump framework for in‐silico and in‐vitro design feature analysis. Thirty‐six designs with varying axial and radial gap sizes between 0.5 mm and 3 mm were generated. CFD was applied to calculate and compare device hemodynamics and evaluate the performance and hemocompatibility during off‐design and target operation conditions. The following quantities were analyzed: pressure difference, hemolysis potential, residence times, hydraulic efficiency, and recirculation ratio.

Results

The in‐vitro prototype showed excellent agreement with in‐silico predictions regarding hydraulic performance (R2 = 0.996 with a RMSE = 2.07). Our results show a modest impact of gap size variations ±10% on key metrics. Domain‐resolved analyses revealed a significant contribution of the gap regions to the device's overall hemolytic performance, with an increasing contribution for off‐design flow rates. Overall elevated hemolysis levels were identified if at least one gap size was held minimal.

Conclusions

We introduced and showed the feasibility of a parametric rotary blood pump framework to systematically investigate design feature impact. Results suggest, larger and uniformly sized gaps being overall beneficial regarding hemocompatibility.
Knowledge gaps and opportunities for conservation with orchid collectors in Vietnam
Authors: Davis Elizabeth Oneita , Graves Adam , Block Heinfried , Powell Christy , Cao Trung Tien
Published: September 2024

Unsustainable harvesting of orchid species is a critical, global threat to orchid diversity and abundance, fueled by domestic and global demand. However, drivers of demand continue to be under‐explored, despite opportunities for proactive engagement and/or behavior change strategies with and/or directed at orchid collectors. In this study, we surveyed self‐identified Vietnamese orchid collectors, some of whom were also known to engage in wild harvesting of endangered species, to understand sociological dimensions including motivations, knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and conservation ethos. We found that knowledge about domestic and international regulations was low, and that orchid collectors were likely to believe that Vietnam has plenty of orchids left in the wild. Orchid collectors were highly willing to share their expertise and collections with international NGOs, and receive advice on propagation of orchid species. Through Bayesian logistic regression, we found no statistically significant influence of demographic attributes on the behavior of harvesting from the wild; however, having access to propagation equipment and supplies increased the likelihood of wild harvest. Accurate knowledge (awareness) is a key first step in the behavior change process. We suggest the implementation of awareness‐raising campaigns targeted at Vietnamese orchid collectors, which communicate domestic and international restrictions about orchid harvest and trade, as well as the known status of orchid species in the wild. Additionally, we suggest that an opportunity exists to recruit Vietnamese orchid collectors into a formal network for knowledge‐sharing and the co‐creation of sustainable guidelines around keeping and propagating orchids.

Abstract in Vietnamese is available with online material.
Haemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident or stroke in a 16‐year‐old Cob mare
Authors: Potier Julie F. N. , Prutton Jamie S. W.
Published: September 2024

This paper describes the clinical and histopathological features of a 16‐year‐old Cob mare who sustained a haemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident or stroke. The mare presented with an acute onset of neurological signs, with a neuroanatomical localisation to the midbrain and thalamus regions. The mare was reported to have suffered from ataxia on all four limbs which started 7 days prior to referral and was also showing several signs of left‐sided cranial nerve deficits. On initial examination, the mare presented with quadrilateral ataxia, left‐sided facial paralysis, weak tongue tone and a left‐sided nose tilt as well as a hemineglect syndrome characterised by an inability to eat food presented on the right side of her mouth. Complete blood count and biochemistry analyses did not reveal any abnormalities, and a standing head CT revealed the presence of a hyperdense lesion localised in the left ventral cortex and thalamus region, which could be consistent with a vascular lesion, cholesterol granuloma or a mass. The mare was monitored, and as her condition slightly improved, was discharged from the hospital. Four weeks later, the clinical signs recurred and as the ataxia presented a danger for the mare and anyone handling her, the decision was made to euthanise the mare. A post‐mortem CT scan of the head revealed an enlargement of the previous lesion, and the histopathological examination confirmed the presence of a haemorrhage within the brain, associated with neoplastic emboli. Haemorrhagic stroke has not previously been well described in horses therefore presents a challenge in diagnosis. Treatment in small animals is mainly conservative.