bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DeepGraphMut: A graph-based deep learning method for cancer prognosis using somatic mutation profile
Authors: Jose Aswin , Srivastava Akansha , Vinod P.K.
Published: December 2024

Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite advances in genomics, identifying clinically relevant subtypes of cancer remains challenging due to its complex and heterogeneous nature. In this work, we propose DeepGraphMut (DGM), a novel graph-based deep-learning pipeline that integrates somatic mutation data with protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. By employing a graph autoencoder with a graph attention layer and a node-level attention decoder, DGM generates patient-specific clinically relevant encodings for unsupervised and supervised tasks. We demonstrate the effectiveness of DGM across 16 cancer types comprising of 7352 samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Unsupervised clustering reveals distinct subtypes with significant survival differences in 11 cancer types. In supervised analysis using a Cox regression model, DGM demonstrates excellent performance in predicting survival outcomes, achieving a high concordance index (c-index) value in the range of 0.7 across most cancers, underscoring its robust predictive performance using only somatic mutation data. Furthermore, DGM outperforms its lightweight variant and the network-based stratification method in both unsupervised and supervised analyses. In summary, this study presents a promising approach for cancer subtype identification and prognosis, especially in resource-limited settings where multi-omics data may not be readily available. By leveraging the strengths of graph learning and network biology, DGM offers a valuable tool for advancing personalized medicine.
Structural Dynamics of the Dengue Virus Non-structural 5 (NS5) Interactions with Promoter Stem Loop A (SLA)
Authors: Obi Juliet O. , Kihn Kyle C. , McQueen Linfah , Fields James K. , Snyder Greg A. , Deredge Daniel J.
Published: December 2024

The dengue virus (DENV) NS5 protein plays a central role in dengue viral RNA synthesis which makes it an attractive target for antiviral drug development. DENV NS5 is known to interact with the stem-loop A (SLA) promoter at the 5’-untranslated region (5’-UTR) of the viral genome as a molecular recognition signature for the initiation of negative strand synthesis at the 3’ end of the viral genome. However, the conformational dynamics involved in these interactions are yet to be fully elucidated. Our study explores the structural dynamics of NS5 from DENV serotype 2 (DENV2 NS5) in complex with SLA, employing surface plasmon resonance (SPR), hydrogen - deuterium exchange coupled to mass spectrometry (HDX-MS), computational modeling, and cryoEM single particle analysis to delineate the molecular details of their interaction. Our findings indicate that DENV2 NS5 binds SLA in a closed conformation with significant interdomain cooperation between the methyltransferase (MTase) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) domains, a feature integral to the interaction. Our HDX-MS studies reveal SLA-induced conformational changes in both domains of DENV2 NS5, reflecting a potential mechanism for dengue NS5’s multifunctional role in viral replication. Lastly, our cryoEM structure provides the first visualization of the DENV2 NS5-SLA complex, confirming a conserved SLA binding mode across DENV serotypes. These insights obtained from our study enhance our understanding of dengue NS5’s complex conformational landscape, supporting the potential development of antiviral strategies targeting dengue NS5’s conformational states.
Comprehensive Network Analysis of miRNA Biogenesis Proteins and Their Ligand Interaction Sites to Identify Novel Targets for Cancer Therapeutics
Authors: Almhanna Hazem , Naser Hassan Hachim , Kumar Arun HS
Published: December 2024

A network analysis of canonical microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis identified DROSHA, Exportin-5, and DICER1 as essential proteins for both precursor and mature miRNA processing. The analysis revealed strong interactions between these proteins and others involved in miRNA biogenesis, suggesting a complex regulatory network. Ligand binding sites on these key proteins were identified, suggesting potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Our findings indicate that modulating miRNA biogenesis through these proteins could influence cellular protein production and function, providing a promising avenue for developing advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) to impact protein expression in diseases such as cancer.
Metagenomic analysis of marsupial gut microbiomes provides a genetic basis for the low methane economy
Authors: Bowerman Kate L. , Lu Yang , McRae Harley , Volmer James G. , Zaugg Julian , Pope Phillip B. , Hugenholtz Philip , Greening Chris , Morrison Mark , Soo Rochelle M. , Evans Paul N.
Published: December 2024

The potent greenhouse gas methane is an end-product of plant biomass digestion by gut microbiota, though the amount produced and/or released varies among herbivorous animals. On a per unit of feed basis, macropodid marsupials (e.g. kangaroos) are widely thought to be low methane-emitting herbivores compared to high methane-producing ruminant livestock. How the gut microbiome contributes to the low methane status of marsupials is not well understood but of high potential value for a low methane economy. Here, we analyse the faecal metagenomes of 14 different marsupial species and 1,394 derived metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), focusing on the functional distinction of the bacterial and archaeal communities compared to ruminant faecal microbiomes. Though composition and function of the marsupial gut microbiome considerably varied across and within animal species, there was a clear host-associated bacterial signature for the community that differed significantly between marsupial hosts and compared to ruminants. Of particular note was a range ofBacteroidota, Campylobacterota, Desulfobacterota,PseudomonadotaandVerrucomicrobiotaspecies that were enriched in marsupials and encode H2-uptake hydrogenases that mediate hydrogenotrophic respiration. Additionally, in support of an enrichment of electron sinks, enzymes for butyrate, propionate, and glutamate production, as well as nitrate, nitrite, and fumarate respiration were enriched in marsupials. Collectively, these data suggest that, by favoring an enrichment of alternate hydrogen sinks of bacterial origin, the low methane phenotype reported for marsupials is feasible and offers a genetic basis to pursue reductions of livestock methane emissions.
Gut microbiome speciesLevilactobacillus brevisregulates reproductive fitness inC. elegans
Authors: Braun Nicole J. , Mor Danielle E.
Published: December 2024

The human gut microbiome has attracted considerable attention in recent years due to its broad impact on various physiological processes; however, the mechanisms underlying host-microbiota interactions are not fully understood. In particular, direct causal relationships between specific species and host health outcomes remain to be established. Here we examined the effects of human gut microbiome speciesLevilactobacillus brevis(L. brevis) on host health usingC. elegansand found thatL. brevisfeeding caused significant reproductive dysfunction, including severe egg retention leading to fewer eggs laid, and abnormal egg morphologies. These effects were associated with impaired serotonin signaling in hermaphrodite-specific neurons (HSNs), which regulate egg-laying, while vulval muscle function remained intact. Progeny fromL. brevis-fed worms exhibited reduced viability and delayed development, suggesting an overall reduction inC. elegansreproductive fitness. Our findings align with emerging evidence linking gut dysbiosis to reproductive health disorders in humans, and underscore the need to explore specific roles of individual gut microbiota in host health and physiology. Our work also highlights the utility ofC. elegansas a model for studying the complex interactions between the microbiome and the host.
More than half of annotated human miRNAs are never expressed at levels sufficient for biological function
Authors: Kachooei Saba Ataei , Bracken Julie M , Pillman Katherine A , Gregory Philip A , Bracken Cameron P
Published: December 2024

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are widely studied for their role in post-transcriptional gene regulation, often using exogenous overexpression systems to reveal their functions. However, such approaches may not accurately reflect endogenous miRNA activity due to the substantially higher expression levels achieved experimentally. To address this, we sought to determine the minimal endogenous expression threshold required for a miRNA to exert biologically significant effects. By comparing these experimentally determined expression thresholds with small RNA sequencing datasets comprising hundreds of cell lines and tens of thousands of tissue samples, we found that more than half of all annotated miRNAs are never expressed at levels sufficient to be biologically relevant. This calls into question the conclusions of thousands of studies reporting functions for these lowly expressed miRNAs, whose results are likely attributable to artificial overexpression rather than physiological activity. Our study highlights the need for more rigorous evaluation of miRNA functionality in their native context, and provides further support to arguments that the size of the functional human “microRNAome” is far smaller than some estimates of miRNA numbers based upon small RNA sequencing data.
Engineering an Anthrax Toxin inspired protein-ligand for Nanoparticle-Mediated Treatment of Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Márquez-López Ana , Fanarraga Mónica L
Published: December 2024

Background

Malignant melanoma is a highly aggressive cancer that presents significant treatment challenges, especially in metastatic stages where conventional therapies often fail due to resistance. Targeting the tumor’s supportive environment rather than the cancer cells themselves offers a promising strategy. The tumor endothelial marker 8 (TEM8), also known as anthrax toxin receptor 1, is overexpressed in tumor neovasculature endothelial cells and their precursors, making it an attractive therapeutic target. This study introduces PA17, a protein ligand derived from the anthrax toxin binding domain and specifically engineered to target TEM8, aiming to enhance the precision and effectiveness of nanomedicine.

Results

Recombinant and purified PA17 ligand protein exhibited high affinity for TEM8 bothin vitroandin vivoin preclinical melanoma models, demonstrating significant intrinsic antitumor activity and no detectable off-target effects. When PA17 was used to functionali ze doxorubicin-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles, it resulted in a 65% reduction in tumor mass with a single local administration and a 55% reduction after three systemic administrations. This treatment was significantly more effective than free doxorubicin or non-targeted doxorubicin-loaded nanoparticles and was associated with a marked decrease in tumor vascularization.

Conclusions

This study highlights the potential of toxin-derived ligands as novel targeti ng agents for tumor neovasculature in aggressive cancers such as malignant melanoma. PA17, with its intrinsic antitumor properties and exceptional targeting efficacy, enhances the efficacy of nanomedicine and addresses common challenges such as drug resistance. The use of natural ligands represents a transformative approach to nanomedicine delivery and offers a promising strategy to advance cancer nanotherapy.

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Kinetic Implications of IP6Anion Binding on the Molecular Switch of the HIV-1 Capsid Assembly
Authors: Gupta Manish , Hudait Arpa , Yeager Mark , Voth Gregory A.
Published: December 2024

HIV-1 capsid proteins (CA) self-assemble into a fullerene-shaped capsid, enabling cellular transport and nuclear entry of the viral genome. A structural switch comprising the Thr-Val-Gly-Gly (TVGG) motif either assumes a disordered coil or a 310helix conformation to regulate hexamer or pentamer assembly, respectively. The cellular polyanion inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) binds to a positively charged pore of CA capsomers rich in arginine and lysine residues mediated by electrostatic interactions. Both IP6 binding and TVGG coil-to-helix transition are essential for pentamer formation. However, the connection between IP6 binding and TVGG conformational switch remains unclear. Using extensive atomistic simulations, we show that IP6 imparts structural order at the central ring, which results in multiple kinetically controlled events leading to the coil- to-helix conformational change of the TVGG motif. IP6 facilitates the helix-to-coil transition by allowing the formation of intermediate conformations. Our results identify the key kinetic role of IP6 in HIV-1 pentamer formation.
Balancing power and growth in start-ups: an investigation of founder control, board size, and fundraising efficiency
Authors: Hsiao Yi-Chi , Liu Cheng-Hsi , Yeh Chun-Ping
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to scrutinize the relationship between the founder’s control level over the startup and the startup’s board size on fundraising efficiency, in addition to examining how these factors are influenced by different resource combinations that the startup attracts.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 1356 firm-year observations is collected from both the startup database of Business Next Media Corp. in Taiwan and the Company Registration and Business Registration Database of Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Department of Commerce. The panel data analytic approach with fixed effect is used for hypothesis testing.

Findings

The founder’s shareholding negatively correlates with fundraising efficiency; such a negative relationship can be alleviated by incorporating foreign investors. The board size positively correlates with fundraising efficiency; such a positive relationship can be mitigated by the inclusion of external corporate directors.

Originality/value

While a conventional understanding posits that startups with diverse, multiplex and symmetrical boards can rapidly construct a diverse alliance portfolio, henceforth always being beneficial to growth, this research challenges this notion by probing the possible adverse effects of having an excessive number of outside corporate directors on a startup’s fundraising efficiency.
Unveiling the antecedents of career sustainability in project management
Authors: Jacob Beatriz , Mosquera Pilar
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Despite the significant growth of project management as a field, it remains undervalued as a recognised career path within many organisations. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the factors that contribute to the sustainability of project managers’ careers. Specifically, this research assesses the role of career motivation, organisational support and supervisor support in enhancing career sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 224 project managers, a conceptual model is tested using partial least squares.

Findings

Career motivation, supervisor support and organisational support all play crucial roles in enhancing project managers’ perception of career sustainability. Supervisor support positively influences career motivation, and the latter mediates the relationship between supervisor support and one dimension of career sustainability – resourcefulness. Besides, organisational support is positively related to resourcefulness. The model demonstrates a good explanatory power of career sustainability, especially resourcefulness.

Research limitations/implications

The use of a convenience sample limits generalisability. Future research should include diverse cultural contexts and longitudinal designs to better establish causal relationships.

Practical implications

Organisations should develop programmes to enhance project managers’ career motivation and provide tailored supervisor support. Investing in both tangible and intangible resources will help sustain their career paths.

Originality/value

This study advances the project management literature by integrating personal and contextual factors into a comprehensive model of career sustainability. It highlights the synergistic effects of career motivation, organisational support and supervisor support.
Impact of operational excellence frameworks on sustainable performance in services: a qualitative study
Authors: Siefan Shatha , Antony Jiju , Mayyas Ahmad , Omar Mohammed , Prashar Anupama , Tortorella Guilherme , Foster Monika , Maalouf Maher
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the adoption and effects of operational excellence methodologies on sustainable performance within the sector, drawing insights from 18 global quality management experts.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing a phenomenological approach alongside constant comparison, classical content and taxonomy analysis, qualitative data from semi-structured interviews are rigorously examined. The study examines the challenges and outcomes of implementing lean, six sigma and lean six sigma, particularly in the financial, social and environmental realms. By integrating academic research with real-world applications, this research identifies challenges and opportunities across diverse service industries, with the aim of informing best practices for practitioners.

Findings

The findings highlight a significant impact on financial outcomes, with lean six sigma implementations predominantly enhancing financial performance. However, perceptions differ regarding sustainability and the acknowledgment of such impact. In terms of social performance, opinions vary from consistently positive impact to a dual effect – both positive and negative. Regarding environmental impact, perspectives range from limited to significant positive outcomes. Additionally, quantitative analysis of operational measures underscores a noteworthy emphasis on financial performance, with a grand average of 4.23. Social performance marginally surpasses environmental performance, with averages of 3.01 and 2.95, respectively.

Originality/value

The critical role of the service sector in modern economies highlights the imperative for enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability. The findings highlight the importance of proactively integrating lean six sigma principles into the operational frameworks of service organizations to optimize both operational and sustainable performance.
A text classification method combining in-domain pre-training and prompt learning for the steel e-commerce industry
Authors: Peng Qiaojuan , Luo Xiong , Yuan Yuqi , Gu Fengbo , Shen Hailun , Huang Ziyang
Published: December 2024

Purpose

With the development of Web information systems, steel e-commerce platforms have accumulated a large number of quality objection texts. These texts reflect consumer dissatisfaction with the dimensions, appearance and performance of steel products, providing valuable insights for product improvement and consumer decision-making. Currently, mainstream solutions rely on pre-trained models, but their performance on domain-specific data sets and few-shot data sets is not satisfactory. This paper aims to address these challenges by proposing more effective methods for improving model performance on these specialized data sets.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a method on the basis of in-domain pre-training, bidirectional encoder representation from Transformers (BERT) and prompt learning. Specifically, a domain-specific unsupervised data set is introduced into the BERT model for in-domain pre-training, enabling the model to better understand specific language patterns in the steel e-commerce industry, enhancing the model’s generalization capability; the incorporation of prompt learning into the BERT model enhances attention to sentence context, improving classification performance on few-shot data sets.

Findings

Through experimental evaluation, this method demonstrates superior performance on the quality objection data set, achieving a Macro-F1 score of 93.32%. Additionally, ablation experiments further validate the significant advantages of in-domain pre-training and prompt learning in enhancing model performance.

Originality/value

This study clearly demonstrates the value of the new method in improving the classification of quality objection texts for steel products. The findings of this study offer practical insights for product improvement in the steel industry and provide new directions for future research on few-shot learning and domain-specific models, with potential applications in other fields.
Strategic deployment of energy storage systems in the Indian power grid
Authors: Gupta Laxmi
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The transition from centralized thermal power plants to distributed renewable energy sources complicates the balance between power supply and load demand in electrical networks. Energy storage systems (ESS) offer a viable solution to this challenge. This research aims to analyze the factors influencing the implementation of ESS in the Indian smart grid.

Design/methodology/approach

To analyze the factors affecting ESS deployment in the grid, the SAP-LAP framework (situation-actor-process and learning-action-performance) integrated with e-IRP (efficient-interpretive ranking process) was used. The variables of SAP-LAP elements were selected from expert opinion and a literature review. Here, e-IRP was utilized to prioritize elements of SAP-LAP (actors in terms of processes and actions in terms of performance).

Findings

This analysis prioritized five stakeholders in the Indian power industry for energy storage implementation: government agencies/policymakers, ESS technology developers/manufacturers, private players, research and development/academic institutions, and contractors. Furthermore, the study prioritized the necessary actions that these stakeholders must take.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s findings help identify actors and manage different actions in implementing grid energy storage integration. Ranking these variables would help develop a strategic roadmap for ESS deployment and decisions about adopting new concepts.

Originality/value

It is one of the first attempts to analyze factors influencing ESS implementation in the power grid. Here, qualitative and quantitative methodologies are used to identify and prioritize various aspects of ESS implementation. As a result, the stakeholder can grasp the concept much more quickly.
ChatGPT: a transformative role in academia–insights into academic staff performance since adoption
Authors: Sadallah Mouad , Bin-Nashwan Saeed Awadh , Benlahcene Abderrahim
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The escalating integration of AI tools like ChatGPT within academia poses a critical challenge regarding their impact on faculty members’ and researchers’ academic performance levels. This paper aims to delve into academic performance within the context of the ChatGPT era by exploring the influence of several pivotal predictors, such as academic integrity, academic competence, personal best goals and perceived stress, as well as the moderating effect of ChatGPT adoption on academic performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quantitative method to investigate the impact of essential variables on academic integrity, academic competence, perceived stress and personal best goals by analysing 402 responses gathered from ResearchGate and Academia.edu sites.

Findings

While affirming the established direct positive relationship between academic integrity and performance since adopting AI tools, this research revealed a significant moderating role of ChatGPT adoption on this relationship. Additionally, the authors shed light on the positive relationship between academic competence and performance in the ChatGPT era and the ChatGPT adoption-moderated interaction of competence and performance. Surprisingly, a negative association emerges between personal best goals and academic performance within ChatGPT-assisted environments. Notably, the study underscores a significant relationship between heightened performance through ChatGPT and increased perceived stress among academicians.

Practical implications

The research advocates formulating clear ethical guidelines, robust support mechanisms and stress-management interventions to maintain academic integrity, enhance competence and prioritise academic professionals’ well-being in navigating the integration of AI tools in modern academia.

Originality/value

This research stands out for its timeliness and the apparent gaps in current literature. There is notably little research on the use of ChatGPT in academic settings, making this investigation among the first to delve into how faculty and researchers in education use OpenAI.
Leveraging technological readiness and green dynamic capability to enhance sustainability performance in manufacturing firms
Authors: Ullah Sami , Kukreti Mohit , Sami Abdul , Shaukat Muhammad Rehan
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This research explains the critical role of technological readiness and green dynamic capabilities in enhancing the sustainability performance of manufacturing firms, which is pivotal for achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The theoretical framework is grounded in the dynamic capability theory, positing that technological readiness enhances a firm’s green dynamic capabilities, and employee green behavior moderates the effect on the sustainability performance of manufacturing firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative data from 1,660 managerial employees of a diverse sample of manufacturing firms was aggregated at the firm level using interclass correlation and interrater agreement, ensuring robustness using at least two responses per firm. With the final dataset of 418 firms, structural equation modeling was conducted using AMOS26.

Findings

The findings reveal that technological readiness positively affects sustainability performance and enhances it through green dynamic capabilities. Furthermore, the study highlights the positive moderating role of employees’ green behavior, amplifying the impact of green dynamic capabilities on sustainability performance.

Originality/value

This research makes a novel contribution to the body of knowledge by integrating dynamic capability theory with empirical evidence on sustainability performance. It represents a significant step toward promoting a more sustainable and responsible future for organizations and society and provides comprehensive insights into the complex interplay of these variables. These insights are crucial for academia, industry practitioners and policymakers striving to foster sustainable practices within the manufacturing sector.
Facilitating Construction 5.0 for smart, sustainable and resilient buildings: opportunities and challenges for implementation
Authors: Yitmen Ibrahim , Almusaed Amjad , Alizadehsalehi Sepehr
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The concept of Construction 5.0 has emerged as the next frontier in construction practices and is characterized by the integration of advanced technologies with human-centered approaches, sustainable practices and resilience considerations to build smart and future-ready buildings. However, there is currently a gap in research that provides a comprehensive perspective on the opportunities and challenges of facilitating Construction 5.0. This study aims to explore the opportunities and challenges in facilitating Construction 5.0 and its potential to implement smart, sustainable and resilient buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

The structural equation modeling (SEM) method was used to evaluate the research model and investigate the opportunities and challenges related to Construction 5.0 in its implementation for smart, sustainable and resilient buildings.

Findings

The results show that adopting human-centric technology, sustaining resilience and maintaining sustainability in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry seizes the opportunities to overcome the challenges for facilitating Construction 5.0 in the implementation of smart, sustainable and resilient buildings.

Practical implications

The AEC industry facilitating Construction 5.0 has the potential to redefine the future of construction, creating a built environment that is not only intelligent, sustainable and resilient but also deeply connected with the well-being and values of the communities it serves.

Originality/value

The research illuminates the path forward for a holistic understanding of Construction 5.0, envisioning a future where smart, sustainable and resilient buildings stand as testaments to the harmonious collaboration between humans and technology.
Critical edge: shaping the future of skills management for organizational success
Authors: Blumberg Max , Levenson Alec
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Organizations face increasing pressure to optimize their human capital management strategies in today’s competitive business environment. As the nature of work evolves, the ability to identify, develop and leverage critical thinking skills has become paramount for organizational success. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the Critical Edge Skills Framework (CESF), a novel approach to skills management that focuses on the cognitive demands of various roles within an organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The CESF provides a structured method for categorizing skills based on the level of critical thinking required and the nature of the work involved. By adopting this framework, organizations can better align their talent acquisition, development and succession planning strategies with the cognitive demands of different roles, ultimately driving strategy execution, innovation and competitive advantage.

Findings

The CESF represents a significant advancement in how organizations approach talent acquisition, development and succession planning. By adopting this framework, organizations can better understand the cognitive demands of various roles, align talent with the appropriate level of critical thinking and ensure that employees are well-suited to the nature of their work, whether it involves designing or executing tasks.

Originality/value

This paper’s skills taxonomy: provides a clear progression of cognitive abilities, from foundational skills to leadership and transformational thinking, allowing organizations to better understand critical thinking development; helps organizations identify the cognitive abilities required for different job roles, enabling more targeted and cost-effective talent acquisition, training and development; emphasizes the importance of higher-order thinking skills, which are crucial for driving innovation and organizational success; aligns with common educational frameworks, ensuring that graduates possess the critical thinking skills required by the modern workforce; and clarifies skill requirements, making it more manageable to determine the most suitable production resource for specific tasks. This optimizes the use of organizational resources and enhances productivity.
Commentary on “Looking towards the future: the potential of Precision Teaching in the work of the educational psychologist in Ireland”. Considerations when using Precision Teaching to support students with complex learning needs
Authors: Diffley Shauna , McTiernan Aoife
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to endorse and elaborate on the recommendations put forward by Griffin and Mannion (2024).

Design/methodology/approach

Specifically, this paper aims to expand on the potential for the application of Precision Teaching (PT) at the School Support Plus (for a few) level of the Irish continuum of support.

Findings

This paper focuses on applying PT to support learners with complex learning needs and emphasises the importance of viewing PT as a flexible system that can be adapted to support all learners.

Originality/value

Considerations and adaptations for using the PT system to support learners with complex learning needs are discussed, including count times, frequency aim ranges, practice type and assuring assent and social validity.
Assessing the influence of artificial intelligence on sustainable consumption behavior and lifestyle choices
Authors: Sharma Animesh Kumar , Sharma Rahul
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Artificial intelligence (AI) has advanced at a rapid pace in the 21st century, and this has had a profound impact on many facets of human behavior, most notably the attitudes toward sustainable consumption and the lifestyles of consumers. Young consumers are at the forefront of AI technology adoption due to their upbringing in an era dominated by technological advancements, and these technologies are changing the way they engage with brands, make purchases and practice sustainability. This research paper aims to investigate the influence of AI on sustainable consumption behavior and lifestyle choices among young consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

This research study examines the complex effects of AI on young consumers using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 model. This study addresses the intricacies and issues related to AI, such as the risk of overconsumption and the environmental impact of AI technologies, while also examining how AI-driven tailored experiences improve consumer engagement and promote sustainability. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to evaluate the hypotheses and produce solid insights into the connections between consumer behavior, sustainable consumption and the adoption of AI.

Findings

The results highlight the necessity of adopting AI in a balanced manner and stress the significance of coordinating AI advancements with sustainability goals.

Originality/value

This study offers a significant contribution to the body of knowledge by examining the relationships between the adoption of AI, environmental consciousness and sustainable consumption. It also offers practical suggestions for encouraging consumers to engage in eco-friendly activities and responsible consumption.
The Prevalence and Comparative Analysis of Adhesion and Biofilm‐Related Genes in Staphylococcus aureus Isolates: A Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Sharifi Aram , Mahmoudi Peyman , Sobhani Keyvan , Ashengroph Morahem
Published: December 2024

Staphylococcus aureus is a versatile pathogen capable of causing a wide range of infections, from minor skin infections to life‐threatening invasive diseases. The pathogenicity of S. aureus is attributed to its ability to produce various virulence factors, including adhesion and biofilm‐related proteins. Understanding the prevalence and distribution of these genes among S. aureus isolates from different sources is crucial for devising effective strategies to combat biofilm‐associated contamination. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive network meta‐analysis to assess the prevalence of adhesion and biofilm‐related genes in S. aureus isolates and investigate the impact of the isolate source on their occurrence. A systematic search of multiple databases was performed, and a total of 53 relevant studies were included. The prevalence of adhesion and biofilm‐related genes in S. aureus isolates was determined, with the highest prevalence observed for clfB (p‐estimate = 85.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 78–90.6), followed by eno (p‐estimate = 81.1, 95% CI 61.7–91.9), and icaD (p‐estimate = 77, 95% CI 68.6–83.6). Conversely, bap and bbp genes exhibited the lowest prevalence rates (p‐estimate = 6.7 and 18.7, respectively). The network meta‐analysis allowed us to examine the pairwise co‐study of adhesion and biofilm‐related genes in S. aureus isolates. The most frequently co‐studied gene pairs were icaA‐icaD (30 times) and fnbA‐fnbB (25 times). Subgroup analysis showed that the occurrence of icaC and icaB genes was significantly lower in animal isolates compared to human and food isolates (p < 0.05). It is worth noting that there was limited data available for the analysis of sasG, bbp, bap, eno, and fib genes. In conclusion, the study revealed varying prevalence rates of adhesion and biofilm‐related genes in S. aureus isolates. Genes such as clfB, eno, and icaD were found to be highly prevalent, while bap and bbp were less common. Limited existing data on the prevalence of genes like sasG, bbp, bap, eno, and fib highlights the need for further research to determine their exact prevalence rates. Our results contribute to a better understanding of S. aureus pathogenesis and can facilitate the development of effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of S. aureus infections.
Aloneness and the terms of detachment in West African migration
Authors: Stasik Michael
Published: December 2024

In this article, I examine practices of social detachment among West African migrants in urban Ghana. Faced with pressures arising from expectations of reciprocity, especially from kin back home, some migrants exert considerable efforts to break, if temporarily, with relations of mutual recognition and support, entering what I term migratory aloneness. Far from being an individualizing endeavour linked to the corrosive effects of modernization, this contingent withdrawal from social relations has a continuity with the cultural grammar of West African frontier mobility, wedded to a paradoxical pursuit of social becoming through social detachment. By attending to the efforts and effects of detached relations, which I explore in relation to valuations, predicaments, and the temporality of aloneness, I seek in this article to nuance anthropological arguments about the significance of relatedness in West African migration practices, as well as to contribute to broader efforts to depart from anthropology's fixation on norms of reciprocity and connection.
Intended Conservative Management Versus Caesarean Hysterectomy for Known or Suspected Placenta Accreta Spectrum: A Cost‐Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Morgan Jessica C. , Hripko Erika N. , Einerson Brett D. , Premkumar Ashish
Published: December 2024

Objective

We examined the cost‐effectiveness of conservative management (CM) compared to planned caesarean hysterectomy (CH) for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS).

Design

A cost‐effectiveness analysis in a theoretical cohort of patients.

Setting

A decision analytic model.

Population

A theoretical cohort of 1000 pregnant patients with PAS greater than 20 weeks gestation.

Methods

In base case analysis, we assumed that between 20% and 40% of individuals would be eligible for CM. Model inputs were derived from the literature. Analysis was conducted from a healthcare system perspective with a 1 year analytic horizon. Outcomes included hysterectomy, surgical site infection (SSI), length of hospitalisation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and death. An incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $50 000 per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) defined cost‐effectiveness. Sensitivity analyses were performed.

Main Outcome Measures

The cost gained per life year and per QALY.

Results

For base case estimates, CM was the cost‐saving strategy with an ICER of $9330.51 USD. Compared to CH, CM resulted in 905 fewer hysterectomies, 80 fewer instances of SSI and five fewer deaths. CM resulted in 149 more admissions with length of stay > 5 days and 25 more ICU admissions. In probabilistic sensitivity analysis, CM was the cost‐effective strategy in 71% of runs and the dominant strategy in 42% of runs.

Conclusions

CM was the cost‐effective strategy for the management of PAS in greater than 70% of iterations of our model. Modelling demonstrated significant uncertainty in the comparative effectiveness of the two strategies, highlighting the need for prospective research evaluating the effectiveness of CM.
Integrating multi‐trait genomic selection with simulation strategies to improve grain yield and parental line selection in rice
Authors: Anilkumar Chandrappa , Sah Rameswar Prasad , Muhammed Azharudheen T. P. , Behera Sasmita , Mohanty Soumya Priyadarshini , Anandan Annamalai , Marndi Bishnu Charan , Samantaray Sanghamitra
Published: December 2024

Inclusion of correlated secondary traits in the prediction of primary trait in multi‐trait genomic selection (GS) models can improve the predictive ability. Our objectives in the present investigations were to (i) evaluate the effectiveness of multi‐trait and single‐trait GS models for the higher predictive ability and (ii) compare the breeding potential of parental lines selected based on phenotype and GS for grain yield in rice. We used phenotype data of five correlated traits as secondary traits evaluated to predict the grain yield, a primary trait. Yield related functional markers were used for prediction. Breeding populations were simulated using the best parents selected through GS and phenotype based selection. Results suggest that the multi‐trait model resulted in higher predictive abilities (0.82 for grain yield) than single‐trait models (0.76 for grain yield) and parents selected through GS have potential to produce superior progenies. We conclude that the use of a multi‐trait GS approach is advantageous over single‐trait models, and the GS also help selecting potential parents for developing improved populations. The results of the study have potential scope for improving quantitative traits using GS in rice.
Effects of personalized and normative feedback via the Positive Play Quiz on responsible gambling intention, self‐efficacy and behavior: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tabri Nassim , Wood Richard T. A. , Wohl Michael J. A.
Published: December 2024

Aims

To evaluate whether a personalized and normative feedback (PNF) intervention for responsible gambling increases gambling insight as well as intention and self‐efficacy to engage in responsible gambling and behavioral engagement.

Design

Two‐arm randomized controlled trial. Outcome measurements occurred post‐randomization and 3 months later.

Setting

Online, Canada.

Participants

Canadian community members who gambled at a land‐based casino or online in the last 3 months [61.9% men; mean age = 56.52 (standard deviation = 14.80)] recruited via an online panel (n = 4091).

Intervention and comparator

Participants were randomized to receive PNF (n = 1940) or no feedback (n = 2151).

Measurements

Primary outcomes included gambling insight, intentions and self‐efficacy to engage in seven responsible gambling behaviors post‐randomization as well as engagement in these behaviors during the 3‐month follow‐up.

Findings

Post‐intervention, participants receiving PNF (relative to no feedback) had greater gambling insight (d = 0.32, P = 4.59e‐25) as well as greater intentions and self‐efficacy to learn about how the games they play work (dintention = 0.31, P = 4.92e‐24; dself‐efficacy = 0.25, P = 4.35e‐16), learn about the odds of winning at these games (dintention = 0.30, P = 1.43e‐21; dself‐efficacy = 0.25, P = 2.13e‐15) and use operator‐provided tools to help limit their gambling (dintention = 0.20, P = 1.36e‐10; dself‐efficacy = 0.18, P = 3.92e‐9). However, post‐intervention differences in intention and self‐efficacy to limit time and money spent gambling, openness about gambling with others and balancing gambling with other activities were not observed. Meaningful increases in behavioral engagement 3 months later were observed but were not significant.

Conclusions

PNF for responsible gambling (relative to no feedback) appears to increase gambling insight, intentions and self‐efficacy to engage in gambling literacy and use of limit‐setting tools. Exploratory analyses indicated receiving PNF (relative to no feedback) led to behavioral changes during the 3‐month follow‐up period.
Clinical and cost‐effectiveness of earlier discharge from acute hospital after total joint arthroplasty
Authors: Rele Siddharth , Schilling Chris , Shadbolt Cade , Spelman Tim , Taylor Nicholas F , Dowsey Michelle M , Choong Peter FM
Published: December 2024

Background

Reducing length of stay has been proposed as a key component of policies that aim to meet demand and minimize costs associated with total joint arthroplasty. However, few studies explore shifting of healthcare utilization when length of stay is shortened.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study examined patients undergoing primary, total hip and knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis to simulate a policy‐level institutional reduction in acute hospital stay by 1 day. Costs, quality of life, and rates of complications, readmission and discharge to inpatient rehabilitation were compared in patients with a three‐ and four‐day length of acute stay. Balance was achieved using overlap‐propensity weighting.

Results

In total, 2023 patients were included. Earlier discharge from acute hospital was not associated with a change in odds of 90‐day complications (OR: 0.85 [95% CI, 0.58 to 1.27]; P = 0.447), readmissions (OR: 1.11 [95% CI, 0.67 to 1.82]; P = 0.691), and emergency department presentations (OR: 1.07 [95% CI, 0.66 to 1.73]; P = 0.774). Earlier discharge from acute hospital was associated with an increase in odds of discharge to inpatient rehabilitation (OR: 2.16 [95% CI, 1.45 to 3.20]; P < 0.001). No significant differences in costs and quality adjusted life years were observed at one‐year. Cost savings during index admission were shifted onto increased costs associated with inpatient rehabilitation.

Conclusion

Earlier discharge was not associated with changes in 90‐day complications, readmission, or ED presentations. However, an increase in utilization of inpatient rehabilitation was observed, offsetting early cost savings. Patients who were discharged from acute care on day three had no difference in costs compared to those discharged on day four.
The impact of BTK knockdown on lung adenocarcinoma growth and immune response
Authors: Huang Jilan , Yuan Yufan , Guo Linghong , Xia Guojin , Chen Yan , Chen Qi , Wang Min
Published: December 2024

This study explores the molecular role of the BTK gene in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) progression and patient prognosis. Using a radiomics model based on BTK expression and PET‐CT data analyzed through DeeplabV3, alongside transcriptomic and clinical data from TCGA, we established a strong predictive relationship between BTK levels and LUAD outcomes. Our findings demonstrate that low BTK expression is linked to poorer prognoses. Experimental models, including cell lines and in vivo mouse studies, revealed that BTK deficiency leads to increased LUAD cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Furthermore, in vivo models indicated that BTK knockdown results in enhanced tumor growth and diminished CD8+ T cell activity. These results suggest that BTK plays a crucial role in modulating LUAD progression and the tumor immune environment, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.