bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microstructural and cellular characterisation of the subchondral trabecular bone in human knee and hip osteoarthritis using synchrotron tomography
Authors: Muratovic Dzenita , Findlay David M. , Quinn Micaela J. , Quarrington Ryan D. , Solomon Lucian B. , Atkins Gerald J.
Published: January 2023

Objective

It is unclear if different factors influence osteoarthritis (OA) progression and the changes characterising OA disease in hip and knee. We investigated the difference between hip OA and knee OA at the subchondral bone tissue and cellular level, relative to the degree of cartilage degeneration.

Design

Bone samples were collected from 11 patients (aged 70±8 years) undergoing knee arthroplasty and 8 patients (aged 64±12 years) undergoing hip arthroplasty surgery. Bone microstructure, osteocyte-lacunar network and bone matrix vascularity were evaluated using synchrotron micro-CT imaging. Samples were additionally examined histologically to determine osteocyte density, viability, and connectivity.

Results

After adjustment for donor gender and age, associations between the extent of cartilage degeneration, bone volume fraction [8.7, 95% CI (3.4, 14.1)], trabecular number [1.5, 95% CI (0.8, 2.3)], osteocyte lacunar density [4714.9; 95% CI (2079.1, 7350.6)] and trabecular separation [-0.06, 95% CI (0.01, 0.1)] were found in both knee and hip OA.

When compared to knee OA, hip OA was characterised by higher trabecular thickness [0.006, 95% CI (-4, 0.01)], larger but less spheric osteocyte lacunae [47.3; 95% CI (11.2, 83.4), -0.04; 95% CI (-0.6, -0.01), respectively], lower vascular canal density [-22.8; 95% CI (-35.4, -10.3)] lower osteocyte density [-84.9; 95% CI (-102.4, -67.4)], and less senescent but more apoptotic osteocytes [-2.4; 95% CI (-3.6, -1.2), 24.9; 95% CI (17.7, 32.1)], respectively.

Conclusion

Subchondral bone from hip OA and knee OA exhibits different characteristics at the tissue and cellular levels, suggesting different mechanisms of OA progression between the hip and knee joints.
Control of Center of Mass Motion during Walking Predicts Gait and Balance in People with Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Dusane Shamali , Shafer Anna , Ochs Wendy L. , Cornwell Tara , Henderson Heather , Kim Kwang-Youn A. , Gordon Keith E.
Published: January 2023

Background

There is evidence that ambulatory people with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) have an impaired ability to control lateral motion of their whole-body center of mass (COM) during walking. This impairment is believed to contribute to functional deficits in gait and balance, however that relationship is unclear. Thus, this cross-sectional study examines the relationship between the ability to control lateral COM motion during walking and functional measures of gait and balance in people with iSCI.

Methods

We assessed the ability to control lateral COM motion during walking and conducted clinical gait and balance outcome measures on twenty ambulatory adults with chronic iSCI (C1-T10 injury, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale C or D). To assess their ability to control lateral COM motion, participants performed three treadmill walking trials. During each trial, real-time lateral COM position and a target lane were projected on the treadmill. Participants were instructed to keep their lateral COM position within the lane. If successful, an automated control algorithm progressively reduced the lane width, making the task more challenging. If unsuccessful, the lane width increased. The adaptive lane width was designed to challenge each participant’s maximum capacity to control lateral COM motion during walking. To quantify control of lateral COM motion, we calculated lateral COM excursion during each gait cycle and then identified the minimum lateral COM excursion occurring during five consecutive gait cycles. Our clinical outcome measures were Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT) and Functional Gait Assessment (FGA). We used a Spearman correlation analysis (ρ) to examine the relationship between minimum lateral COM excursion and clinical measures.

Results

Minimum lateral COM excursion had significant moderate correlations with BBS (ρ=−0.54, p=0.014), TUG (ρ=0.59, p=0.007), 10MWT-preferred (ρ=−0.59, p=0.006), and FGA (ρ=−0.59, p=0.007) and a significant strong correlation with 10MWT-fast (ρ=−0.68, p=0.001).

Conclusion

Control of lateral COM motion during walking predicts a wide range of clinical gait and balance measures in people with iSCI. This finding suggests the ability to control lateral COM motion during walking could be a contributing factor to gait and balance in people with iSCI.
Nuclear genetic control of mtDNA copy number and heteroplasmy in humans
Authors: Gupta Rahul , Kanai Masahiro , Durham Timothy J. , Tsuo Kristin , McCoy Jason G. , Chinnery Patrick F. , Karczewski Konrad J. , Calvo Sarah E. , Neale Benjamin M. , Mootha Vamsi K.
Published: January 2023

Human mitochondria contain a high copy number, maternally transmitted genome (mtDNA) that encodes 13 proteins required for oxidative phosphorylation. Heteroplasmy arises when multiple mtDNA variants co-exist in an individual and can exhibit complex dynamics in disease and in aging. As all proteins involved in mtDNA replication and maintenance are nuclear-encoded, heteroplasmy levels can, in principle, be under nuclear genetic control, however this has never been shown in humans. Here, we develop algorithms to quantify mtDNA copy number (mtCN) and heteroplasmy levels using blood-derived whole genome sequences from 274,832 individuals of diverse ancestry and perform GWAS to identify nuclear loci controlling these traits. After careful correction for blood cell composition, we observe that mtCN declines linearly with age and is associated with 92 independent nuclear genetic loci. We find that nearly every individual carries heteroplasmic variants that obey two key patterns: (1) heteroplasmic single nucleotide variants are somatic mutations that accumulate sharply after age 70, while (2) heteroplasmic indels are maternally transmitted as mtDNA mixtures with resulting levels influenced by 42 independent nuclear loci involved in mtDNA replication, maintenance, and novel pathways. These nuclear loci do not appear to act by mtDNA mutagenesis, but rather, likely act by conferring a replicative advantage to specific mtDNA molecules. As an illustrative example, the most common heteroplasmy we identify is a length variant carried by >50% of humans at position m.302 within a G-quadruplex known to serve as a replication switch. We find that this heteroplasmic variant exertscis-acting genetic control over mtDNA abundance and is itself undertrans-acting genetic control of nuclear loci encoding protein components of this regulatory switch. Our study showcases how nuclear haplotype can privilege the replication of specific mtDNA molecules to shape mtCN and heteroplasmy dynamics in the human population.
A computable phenotype for patients with SARS-CoV2 testing that occurred outside the hospital
Authors: Wang Lijing , Zipursky Amy , Geva Alon , McMurry Andrew J. , Mandl Kenneth D. , Miller Timothy A.
Published: January 2023

Objective

To identify a cohort of COVID-19 cases, including when evidence of virus positivity was only mentioned in the clinical text, not in structured laboratory data in the electronic health record (EHR).

Materials and Methods

Statistical classifiers were trained on feature representations derived from unstructured text in patient electronic health records (EHRs). We used a proxy dataset of patientswithCOVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for training. We selected a model based on performance on our proxy dataset and applied it to instances without COVID-19 PCR tests. A physician reviewed a sample of these instances to validate the classifier.

Results

On the test split of the proxy dataset, our best classifier obtained 0.56 F1, 0.6 precision, and 0.52 recall scores for SARS-CoV2 positive cases. In an expert validation, the classifier correctly identified 90.8% (79/87) as COVID-19 positive and 97.8% (91/93) as not SARS-CoV2 positive. The classifier identified an additional 960 positive cases that did not have SARS-CoV2 lab tests in hospital, and only 177 of those cases had the ICD-10 code for COVID-19.

Discussion

Proxy dataset performance may be worse because these instances sometimes include discussion of pending lab tests. The most predictive features are meaningful and interpretable. The type of external test that was performed is rarely mentioned.

Conclusion

COVID-19 cases that had testing done outside of the hospital can be reliably detected from the text in EHRs. Training on a proxy dataset was a suitable method for developing a highly performant classifier without labor intensive labeling efforts.
The fourth dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine following 12 different three-dose regimens: Safety and immunogenicity to Omicron BA.4/BA.5
Authors: Kanokudom Sitthichai , Chansaenroj Jira , Suntronwong Nungruthai , Assawakosri Suvichada , Yorsaeng Ritthideach , Nilyanimit Pornjarim , Aeemjinda Ratchadawan , Khanarat Nongkanok , Vichaiwattana Preeyaporn , Klinfueng Sirapa , Thongmee Thanunrat , Srimuan Donchida , Thatsanatorn Thaksaporn , Sudhinaraset Natthinee , Wanlapakorn Nasamon , Honsawek Sittisak , Poovorawan Yong
Published: January 2023

Objective

To investigate the reactogenicity and immunogenicity of the fourth dose using mRNA vaccines after different three-dose regimens and to compare the 30 µg BNT162b2 and 50 µg mRNA-1273 vaccines.

Methods

This prospective cohort study was conducted between June and October 2022. The self-recorded reactogenicity was evaluated on the subsequent 7 days after a fourth dose. Binding and neutralizing activity of antibodies against the Omicron BA.4/5 variants were determined.

Results

Overall, 292 healthy adults were enrolled and received BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273. Reactogenicity was mild to moderate and well-tolerated after a few days. Sixty-five individuals were excluded. Thus, 227 eligible individuals received a fourth booster dose of BNT162b2 (n=109) and mRNA-1273 (n=118). Most participants, regardless the type of previous three dose regimens, elicited a significantly high level of binding antibodies and neutralizing activity against the Omicron BA.4/5 28 days after a fourth dose. The neutralizing activity against the Omicron BA.4/5 between the BNT162b2 (82.8%) and mRNA-1273 (84.2%) groups was comparable with a median ratio of 1.02.

Conclusion

This study found that the BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 vaccines can be used as a fourth booster dose for individuals who were previously immunized with any prior mix and match three dose COVID-19 vaccine.
Emergency care interventions for pediatric severe acute respiratory infections in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Relan Pryanka , Garbern Stephanie Chow , O’Reilly Gerard , Bills Corey B , Schultz Megan , Kivlehan Sean , Trehan Indi , Becker Torben K
Published: January 2023

Background

Severe acute respiratory infections (SARIs) are the leading cause of pediatric death globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Given the potential rapid clinical decompensation and high mortality rate from SARIs, interventions that facilitate the early care of patients are critical to improving patient outcomes. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the impact of emergency care interventions on improving clinical outcomes of pediatric patients with SARIs in LMICs.

Methods

PubMed, Global Health, and Global Index Medicus electronic databases were searched to identify peer-reviewed clinical trials or studies with comparator groups published before November 2020. All studies which evaluated acute and emergency care interventions on clinical outcomes for children (29 days to 19 years) with SARIs conducted in LMICs were included. Given the heterogeneity of interventions and outcomes, a narrative synthesis was performed. Bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias 2 and Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions.

Results

20,583 studies were screened, with 99 meeting criteria for final inclusion. The most common conditions studied were pneumonia or acute lower respiratory infection (61.6%) and bronchiolitis (29.3%). The majority of studies evaluated medications (80.8%), followed by respiratory support (14.1%) and supportive care (5%). The strongest evidence of benefit was found for respiratory support interventions such as improved medical oxygen systems to decrease risk of death. Results were notably inconclusive on the utility of continuus positive airway pressure (CPAP). Mixed results were found for interventions for bronchiolitis, although possible benefit was found for hypertonic nebulized saline to decrease hospital length of stay. Early use of adjuvant treatments such as Vitamin A, D, and zinc for pneumonia and bronchiolitis did not appear to have convincing evidence of benefit on clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

While the burden of SARI in pediatric populations is high, few emergency care (EC) interventions have high quality evidence for benefit on clinical outcomes in LMICs. Respiratory support interventions have the strongest evidence for decreasing hospital length of stay and mortality and improvement of clinical status. Further research on the use of CPAP in diverse settings and populations is needed. A stronger evidence base for EC interventions for children with SARI, including metrics on the timing of interventions, is greatly needed.
Effects of low versus high inspired oxygen fraction on myocardial injury after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Cho Youn Joung , Hyeon Cheun , Nam Karam , Lee Seohee , Ju Jae-Woo , Kang Jeehoon , Han Jung-Kyu , Kim Hyo-Soo , Jeon Yunseok
Published: January 2023

Background

Oxygen therapy is used in various clinical situation, but its clinical outcomes are inconsistent. The relationship between the fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO2) during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and clinical outcomes has not been well studied. We investigated the association of FIO2(low vs. high) and myocardial injury in patients undergoing TAVI.

Methods

Adults undergoing transfemoral TAVI under general anesthesia were randomly assigned to receive FIO20.3 or 0.8 during procedure. The primary outcome was the area under the curve (AUC) for high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) during the first 72 h following TAVI. Secondary outcomes included the AUC for postprocedural creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), acute kidney injury and recovery, conduction abnormalities, pacemaker implantation, stroke, myocardial infarction, and in-hospital mortality.

Results

Between October 2017 and April 2022, 72 patients were randomized and 62 were included in the final analysis (n=31 per group). The median (IQR) AUC for hs-cTnI in the first 72 h was 42.66 (24.82–65.44) and 71.96 (35.38–116.34) h·ng/mL in the FIO20.3 and 0.8 groups, respectively (p=0.066). The AUC for CK-MB in the first 72 h was 257.6 (155.6–322.0) and 342.2 (195.4–485.2) h·ng/mL in the FIO20.3 and 0.8 groups, respectively (p=0.132). Acute kidney recovery, defined as an increase in the estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥ 25% of baseline in 48 h, was more common in the FIO20.3 group (65% vs. 39%, p=0.042). Other clinical outcomes were comparable between the groups.

Conclusions

The FIO2level did not have a significant effect on periprocedural myocardial injury following TAVI. However, considering the marginal results, a benefit of low FIO2during TAVI could not be ruled out.
Prediction of in-hospital mortality among intensive care unit patients using modified daily Laboratory-based Acute Physiology Scores, version 2 (LAPS2)
Authors: Kohn Rachel , Weissman Gary E. , Wang Wei , Ingraham Nicholas E. , Scott Stefania , Bayes Brian , Anesi George L. , Halpern Scott D. , Kipnis Patricia , Liu Vincent X. , Dudley R. Adams , Kerlin Meeta Prasad
Published: January 2023

Background

Mortality prediction for intensive care unit (ICU) patients frequently relies on single acuity measures based on ICU admission physiology without accounting for subsequent clinical changes.

Objectives

Evaluate novel models incorporating modified admission and daily, time-updating Laboratory-based Acute Physiology Scores, version 2 (LAPS2) to predict in-hospital mortality among ICU patients.

Research design

Retrospective cohort study.

Subjects

All ICU patients in five hospitals from October 2017 through September 2019.

Measures

We used logistic regression, penalized logistic regression, and random forest models to predict in-hospital mortality within 30 days of ICU admission using admission LAPS2 alone in patient-level and patient-day-level models, or admission and daily LAPS2 at the patient-day level. Multivariable models included patient and admission characteristics. We performed internal-external validation using four hospitals for training and the fifth for validation, repeating analyses for each hospital as the validation set. We assessed performance using scaled Brier scores (SBS), c-statistics, and calibration plots.

Results

The cohort included 13,993 patients and 120,101 ICU days. The patient-level model including the modified admission LAPS2 without daily LAPS2 had an SBS of 0.175 (95% CI 0.148-0.201) and c-statistic of 0.824 (95% CI 0.808-0.840). Patient-day-level models including daily LAPS2 consistently outperformed models with modified admission LAPS2 alone. Among patients with <50% predicted mortality, daily models were better calibrated than models with modified admission LAPS2 alone.

Conclusions

Models incorporating daily, time-updating LAPS2 to predict mortality among an ICU population perform as well or better than models incorporating modified admission LAPS2 alone.
TReSR: A PCR-compatible DNA sequence design method for engineering proteins containing tandem repeats
Authors: Davey James A , Goto Natalie K
Published: January 2023

Protein tandem repeats (TRs) are motifs comprised of near-identical contiguous sequence duplications. They are found in approximately 14% of all proteins and are implicated in diverse biological functions facilitating both structured and disordered protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions. These functionalities make protein TR domains an attractive component for the modular design of protein constructs. However, the repetitive nature of DNA sequences encoding TR motifs complicates their synthesis and mutagenesis by traditional molecular biology workflows commonly employed by protein engineers and synthetic biologists. To address this challenge, we developed a computational protocol to significantly reduce the complementarity of DNA sequences encoding TRs called TReSR (forTandemRepeat DNASequenceRedesign). The utility of TReSR was demonstrated by constructing a novel constitutive repressor synthesized by duplicating the LacI DNA binding domain into a single-chain TR construct by assembly PCR. Repressor function was evaluated by expression of a fluorescent reporter delivered on a single plasmid encoding a three-component genetic circuit. The successful application of TReSR to construct a novel TR-containing repressor with a DNA sequence that is amenable to PCR-based construction and manipulation will enable the incorporation of a wide range of TR-containing proteins for protein engineering and synthetic biology applications.
The inflammatory and tumor suppressor SAMD9L acts through a Schlafen-like box to restrict HIV and inhibit cell translation in SAAD/ATXPC
Authors: Legrand Alexandre , Dahoui Clara , De La Myre Mory Clément , Loyer Clara , Noy Kodie , Guiguettaz Laura , Pillon Margaux , Wcislo Mégane , Guéguen Laurent , Cimarelli Andrea , Mateo Mathieu , Fiorini Francesca , Ricci Emiliano , Etienne Lucie
Published: January 2023

Sterile alpha motif domain-containing proteins 9 and 9L (SAMD9/9L) are associated with life-threatening genetic diseases and are restriction factors of poxviruses. Yet, their cellular function and the extent of their antiviral role are poorly known. Here, we found that interferon-stimulated SAMD9L, and not SAMD9, restricts HIV-1 replication at the translation step, with a strong inhibition of Transmitted/Founder HIV-1 patient strains. More broadly, SAMD9L restricts primate lentiviruses, but not another retrovirus (MLV) or two ssRNA viruses (MOPV, VSV). Using structural modeling and mutagenesis of SAMD9L, we identified a Schlafen(SLFN)-like active site necessary for HIV-1 restriction. By testing a germline gain-of-function variant from patients with SAMD9L-associated autoinflammatory disease (SAAD) and ataxia-pancytopenia (ATXPC), we determined that SAMD9L cellular and pathogenic functions also depend on the SLFN-like active site. Finally, we propose a model in which SAMD9L translational repression could be dependent on codon-usage, linking its cellular function and the virus-specific innate immunity. The identification of another Achille’s heel of HIV, as well as the inflammatory SAMD9L effector and auto-regulatory determinants, provide novel avenues against infectious and genetic diseases.

Significance statement

This study identifies SAMD9L as a potent HIV-1 antiviral factor from the interferon immunity and deciphers the host determinants underlying SAMD9L translational repression. The characterization of SAMD9L activity and determinants is also of medical importance for patients with rare genetic diseases bearing deleterious mutations in SAMD9L or with specific cancers. We demonstrate that a pathogenic SAMD9L patient’s variant is inactivated by the mutation of an identified active site in a SLFN-like box, resulting in an abolished translational shutdown. Furthermore, we describe SAMD9L, but not SAMD9, as an antiviral factor of HIV and lentiviruses, through a translational repression mediated by the SLFN-like box and potentially dependent on codon usage. These findings may have implications to better fight against HIV/AIDS as well as SAAD/ATXPC.

Key findings

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SAMD9L, but not SAMD9, restricts HIV-1, including Transmitted/Founder patient strains.

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SAMD9L broadly restricts primate lentiviruses, but not the retrovirus MLV, nor two ssRNA viruses, the Rhabdovirus VSV and the Arenavirus MOPV.

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SAMD9L inhibits viral and cellular translation through an essential E198/D243 active site in a SLFN-like box.

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The SAMD9L-associated autoinflammatory disease (SAAD) F886Lfs*11 variant has enhanced HIV translational repression, unveiling an autoregulatory domain of the anti-lentiviral function.
Cystine/glutamate antiporter system Xc-deficiency impairs insulin secretion
Authors: de Baat Axel , Meier Daniel T , Rachid Leila , Fontana Adriano , Böni-Schnetzler Marianne , Donath Marc Y
Published: January 2023

System Xc-, encoded bySlc7a11, is an antiporter that exports glutamate and imports cystine. Cystine is used for protein synthesis and incorporation in thiol peptides such as glutathione, which function as cofactors for reactive oxygen species scavenging enzymes. Glutamate export by astrocytes through system Xc-has been implicated in excitotoxicity, a form of neurotoxicity that has been postulated to also occur in insulin-producing beta-cells in the pancreatic islets. This study describes the implications ofSlc7a11deficiency on glucose metabolism in both constitutive and myeloid cells-specific knockout mice. ConstitutiveSlc7a11deficiency leads to drastically lowered glutathione levels in the pancreatic islets and immune cells in addition to diminished insulin secretion bothin vitroandin vivo. Macrophage-specific deletion did not have a significant impact on metabolism or islet function. These findings suggest that system Xc-is required for glutathione maintenance and insulin production in beta-cells, but is dispensable for islet macrophage function.
Prevalence of depression and its association with health-related quality of life in people with heart failure in low- and middle-income countries: a protocol for systematic review
Authors: Mulugeta Henok , Sinclair Peter M. , Wilson Amanda
Published: January 2023

Background

Heart failure is a serious clinical burden with variety of physical and emotional symptoms such as fatigue, reduced functional capacity, edema, dyspnea and depression. These symptoms limit patients’ daily physical and social activities, which reduce their health-related quality of life. The objective of this systematic review is to estimate the prevalence of depression and its association with HRQoL in people living with heart failure in LMICs.

Methods

The primary outcome is the prevalence of depression in people with heart failure. The secondary outcome is association of depression with health-related quality of life. Comprehensive search of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus and JBI EBP databases will be conducted to identify relevant studies. The methodological quality of each article will be assessed using a JBI critical appraisal instruments. A random-effects model using the DerSimonian and Laird method will be employed to estimate the regional prevalence. Heterogeneity across the studies will be assessed by Cochrane Q test and I2statistic. A funnel plot and Egger’ s test will be used for assessing publication bias. This protocol is developed in accordance with the JBI methodology for systematic reviews. All statistical analyses will be performed using STATA version 17 software. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines 2020 will be followed for reporting the results.

Discussion

This systematic review will provide up-to-date high-quality evidence on the impact of depression and inform healthcare policymakers on effective ways to improve care for this population in LMICs. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42022361759.
Competition of interactions and a new high-temperature phase of selenourea
Authors: Roszak Kinga , Katrusiak Andrzej
Published: January 2023

The aggregation of molecules is usually associated with a specific type of interaction, which can be altered by thermodynamic conditions. Under normal conditions, the crystal structure of selenourea, SeC(NH2)2, phase α is trigonal, space group P31, Z = 27. Its large number of independent molecules (Z
α′ = 9) can be associated with the formation of an NH...N hydrogen bond substituting one of 36 independent NH...Se hydrogen bonds, which prevail among intermolecular interactions. Phase α approximates the trigonal structure with a threefold smaller unit cell (Z = 9), which in turn approximates another still threefold smaller unit cell (Z = 3). The temperature-induced transformations of selenourea have been characterized by calorimetry and by performing 21 single-crystal X-ray diffraction structural determinations as a function of temperature. At 381.0 K, phase α undergoes a first-order displacive transition to phase γ, with space group P3121 and Z reduced to 9, when the NH...N bond is broken and an NH...Se bond is formed in its place. Previously, an analogous competition was observed between NH...N and NH...O hydrogen bonds in high-pressure phase III of urea. The lattice vectors along the (001) plane in low- and high-temperature phases of selenourea are related by a similarity rule, while the lattice dimensions along direction c are not affected. This similarity rule also applies to the structures of phase γ and hypothetical phase δ (Z = 3). The thermally controlled transition between enantiomorphic phases of selenourea contrasts with its high-pressure transition at 0.21 GPa to a centrosymmetric phase β, where both the NH...Se and NH...N bonds are present. The compression and heating reduce the number of independent molecules from Z′ = 9 in phase α, to Z′ = 2 in phase β and to Z′ = 1.5 in phase γ.
Removal efficiency prediction model based on the artificial neural network for pollution prevention in wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Alnajjar Hussein Y.H. , Üçüncü Osman
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Artificial intelligence (AI) models are demonstrating day by day that they can find long-term solutions to improve wastewater treatment efficiency. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are one of the most important of these models, and they are increasingly being used to forecast water resource variables. The goal of this study was to create an ANN model to estimate the removal efficiency of biological oxygen demand (BOD), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and total suspended solids (TSS) at the effluent of various primary and secondary treatment methods in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP).

Design/methodology/approach

The MATLAB App Designer model was used to generate the data set. Various combinations of wastewater quality data, such as temperature(T), TN, TP and hydraulic retention time (HRT) are used as inputs into the ANN to assess the degree of effect of each of these variables on BOD, TN, TP and TSS removal efficiency. Two of the models reflect two different types of primary treatment, while the other nine models represent different types of subsequent treatment. The ANN model’s findings are compared to the MATLAB App Designer model. For evaluating model performance, mean square error (MSE) and coefficient of determination statistics (R2) are utilized as comparative metrics.

Findings

For both training and testing, the R values for the ANN models were greater than 0.99. Based on the comparisons, it was discovered that the ANN model can be used to estimate the removal efficiency of BOD, TN, TP and TSS in WWTP and that the ANN model produces very similar and satisfying results to the APPDESIGNER model. The R-value (Correlation coefficient) of 0.9909 and the MSE of 5.962 indicate that the model is accurate. Because of the many benefits of the ANN models used in this study, it has a lot of potential as a general modeling tool for a range of other complicated process systems that are difficult to solve using conventional modeling techniques.

Originality/value

The objective of this study was to develop an ANN model that could be used to estimate the removal efficiency of pollutants such as BOD, TN, TP and TSS at the effluent of various primary and secondary treatment methods in a WWTP. In the future, the ANN could be used to design a new WWTP and forecast the removal efficiency of pollutants.
Food safety communication in YouTube video recipes
Authors: Melville Naomi , Fairchild Ruth , Evans Ellen W.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Given the popularity of online video recipes, the purpose of this study was to explore the potential communication of food safety malpractices in YouTube video recipes.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis of purposively sampled, high-risk chicken salad video recipes (n = 38) using an observational checklist was undertaken. The checklist was based upon the requirements of the Partnership for Food Safety Education “Safe Recipe Style Guide”, which was annotated with visual and verbal communication of food safety practices being “best practice”, “inadequate” or “absent”.

Findings

None of the observed video recipes showed visual handwashing at the start of the recipe. Furthermore, there was a distinct lack of visual communication of handwashing during the video recipes.

Research limitations/implications

The lack of visual and verbal food safety communications within video recipes indicates a failure to adequately inform consumers of risks and safeguarding practices.

Originality/value

Previous research has focussed on communication of food safety practices in broadcasted television cookery programmes and published recipe books; this research extends consumer foods safety research to include resources commonly used by consumers to obtain meal inspiration. To date, this is the first study that has utilised the “Safe recipe style guide” as a tool to assess inclusion of food safety messages.
Digital information literacy skills and use of electronic resources by humanities graduate students at Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Oseghale Osagie
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the level of digital information literacy (DIL) skill and use of electronic resources by humanities graduate students at Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the survey research design and 200 graduate students from the 12 departments that made up the Faculty of Arts in the University of Ibadan participated in the study. A self-devised structured questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. A pilot questionnaire was first sent to a small random sample of the respondents, with feedback used to fine-tune the final questionnaire. Respondents were requested to rate their level of proficiency in the use of digital devices, web-based tasks, information finding, evaluation and utilisation of available e-resources and challenges encountered. Ethical consideration of informed consent, institutional permission, confidentiality and anonymity of participants was strictly followed. Data collected were analysed and result presented using descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentage, mean and inferential statistics such as regression analysis and Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient were used to test the research question and hypothesis, respectively.

Findings

Humanities graduate students at the University of Ibadan possessed high level of DIL skills in respect of digital devices usage, web-based tasks, information finding and evaluation, but low in e-resources utilisation. This study identified inadequate knowledge of e-resources availability, irregular internet access, inadequate training on e-resources utilisation, inadequate staff assistance, lack of continuity in e-resources subscription and paucity of local contents in the e-resources as main challenges encountered by graduate students in the use of e-resources. To ensure that those who can most benefit from e-resources utilisation are not further marginalised, this study recommends that active steps should be taken to increase e-resources awareness, regular internet access, training/support, continuity of e-resources subscription and increased local content so that all may benefit from the opportunities of the information age.

Originality/value

This paper has demonstrated that DIL skills can enhance effective utilisation of e-resources if users have adequate knowledge of e-resources availability, regular internet access, adequate training and assistance on e-resources utilisation, continuity in database subscription and adequate local contents e-resources.
The role of leadership skills in organisational citizenship behaviour at Vietnamese libraries: organisational culture as a mediator
Authors: Tran Quan Hoang Nguyen
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This research aims to explore the influence of leadership skills (technical, human and conceptual) on organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) with the mediating role of organisational culture in Vietnamese libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative methodology was selected to achieve the objective of this research. Data were gathered through paper/pencil surveys from 201 participants working in various Vietnamese libraries. The convergent validity, consistency reliability and discriminant validity of measures were validated challenged via Stata 15.1 software. The findings of the proposed hypotheses were examined via regression analysis.

Findings

The results partially supported the hypothesis that leadership skills significantly predict OCB. Regarding the relationship between leadership skills and organisational culture, only human skill significantly affected bureaucracy culture. In turn, only bureaucracy culture significantly affected the OCB of individuals (OCBI) and OCB of organisations (OCBO). Finally, bureaucracy culture significantly mediated the relationship between human skill, OCBI and OCBO.

Originality/value

This study opens the scope of research on leadership skills in Vietnamese libraries by exploring three main gaps in the extant studies of leadership approach, namely, the influence of three leadership skills on OCB, the role of leadership in promoting organisational culture and the underlying mechanism through which leadership skills contribute to OCB with the mediation of organisational culture. The implications of the research are discussed.
The effect of social capital on housing prices: panel data analysis by province in Turkey
Authors: Pilatin Abdulmuttalip , Hepşen Ali , Kayran Onur
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to reveal whether social capital has an effect on the housing price index in Turkey, which is a developing country. The research was carried out by using the data on the basis of 81 provinces of Turkey in a 12-year period covering the years 2007–2018.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were subjected to panel data regression analysis and the related models were tested using the Driscoll-Kraay (1998) Estimator.

Findings

According to the results of the analysis, it was understood that there is a negative and significant relationship between social capital (SC1) and the housing price index. The results were corroborated by susceptibility testing. As the level of social capital rises in the provinces in Turkey, the manipulative and opportunistic behavior tendencies of individual and corporate house sellers decrease. These results support the principal–agent theory and theory of moral hazard, which constitute the theoretical background of the study.

Originality/value

No study has been found in the literature on the effect of social capital on housing prices. This situation constitutes the main motivation source of the study and shows its originality.
Investigation of the effect of vibration in the multi-objective optimization of dry turning of hardened steel
Authors: Ahmed Md.Tanvir , Juberi Hridi , Bari A.B.M. Mainul , Rahman Muhommad Azizur , Rahman Aquib , Arefin Md. Ashfaqur , Vlachos Ilias , Quader Niaz
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of vibration on ceramic tools under dry cutting conditions and find the optimum cutting condition for the hardened steel machining process in a computer numerical control (CNC) lathe machine.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, an integrated fuzzy TOPSIS-based Taguchi L9 optimization model has been applied for the multi-objective optimization (MOO) of the hard-turning responses. Additionally, the effect of vibration on the ceramic tool wear was investigated using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT).

Findings

The optimum cutting conditions for the multi-objective responses were obtained at 98 m/min cutting speed, 0.1 mm/rev feed rate and 0.2 mm depth of cut. According to the ANOVA of the input cutting parameters with respect to response variables, feed rate has the most significant impact (53.79%) on the control of response variables. From the vibration analysis, the feed rate, with a contribution of 34.74%, was shown to be the most significant process parameter influencing excessive vibration and consequent tool wear.

Research limitations/implications

The MOO of response parameters at the optimum cutting parameter settings can significantly improve productivity in the dry turning of hardened steel and control over the input process parameters during machining.

Originality/value

Most studies on optimizing responses in dry hard-turning performed in CNC lathe machines are based on single-objective optimization. Additionally, the effect of vibration on the ceramic tool during MOO of hard-turning has not been studied yet.
Linking entrepreneurial orientation and supply chain resilience to strengthen business performance: an empirical analysis
Authors: Sturm Sebastian , Hohenstein Nils-Ole , Hartmann Evi
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study examines the interactions between entrepreneurial orientation, supply chain resilience (SCRES) as well as the financial and commercial dimensions of business performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on a literature review, the authors develop a research model to identify positive relationships between five specific dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation, SCRES and business performance based on the dynamic capabilities view. The hypotheses are then empirically validated by applying partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) on survey data obtained from a questionnaire and 168 global companies.

Findings

The results partially support the hypotheses and suggest that entrepreneurial activities complement the resilience of supply chains to sudden disruptions and therefore also foster competitive advantage.

Originality/value

The relationships between entrepreneurial orientation, SCRES and business performance are examined and validated empirically in a single model, bridging the gap between these distinct research streams and shedding further light on supply chain risk management.
A combined vertical accuracy compensation method for automatic drilling and riveting of aircraft panels with variable curvatures
Authors: Hu Junshan , Jin Jie , Wu Yueya , Xuan Shanyong , Tian Wei
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Aircraft structures are mainly connected by riveting joints, whose quality and mechanical performance are directly determined by vertical accuracy of riveting holes. This paper proposed a combined vertical accuracy compensation method for drilling and riveting of aircraft panels with great variable curvatures.

Design/methodology/approach

The vertical accuracy compensation method combines online and offline compensation categories in a robot riveting and drilling system. The former category based on laser ranging is aimed to correct the vertical error between actual and theoretical riveting positions, and the latter based on model curvature is used to correct the vertical error caused by the approximate plane fitting in variable-curvature panels.

Findings

The vertical accuracy compensation method is applied in an automatic robot drilling and riveting system. The result reveals that the vertical accuracy error of drilling and riveting is within 0.4°, which meets the requirements of the vertical accuracy in aircraft assembly.

Originality/value

The proposed method is suitable for improving the vertical accuracy of drilling and riveting on panels or skins of aerospace products with great variable curvatures without introducing extra measuring sensors.
“I want my PRC”: engagement of undergraduates with and assessment of the peer research consultant program
Authors: Clark Karlene , Breiland Avery
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper describes the benefits found in undergraduate students working to provide research assistance to their peers. The discussion includes how soft skills are built, along with how the position has aided in both educational and building towards their future careers. The paper is submitted for the special issue on “The future of peer-led research services.”

Design/methodology/approach

The authors provide a viewpoint from both a peer research supervisor and a student currently working as a PRC. The paper covers the requirements and implementations at the beginning of the program along with the changes that have occurred to better streamline the process of hiring and training. The viewpoint of the PRC was a key factor in the process.

Findings

Soft skills are a key component of the program. The undergraduate PRCs develop confidence, leadership and communication skills through interactions with their peers. The campus community is responding to the peer model because the PRCs are currently taking the same classes or have recently taken them, and the campus is now asking for the peer mentors that assist librarians in teaching introductory classes.

Practical implications

For libraries considering the development of their own programs, the benefits presented can lend to their proposals on real-world application beyond the college experience, as well as how it benefits the busy schedules of librarians.

Social implications

The training the PRCs are provided by librarians provides credibility and trust, which encourages their peers to utilize the services. Soft skills are also one of the most requested needs for businesses beyond college. The PRC program is providing these skills, which the peer mentors use both in career readiness and their daily interactions.

Originality/value

This paper views a program only a few years old on how it managed through a pandemic, as well as how the supervisor adjusted training to reflect a renovation that brought about a changing desk model. With a current undergraduate PRC as the co-author, a unique perspective is brought to the writing by showing what they personally are taking away from working in the program.
E-government, political system and COVID-19 in Africa: lessons for future disruptive shocks
Authors: Dammak Saida , Mbarek Sonia , Moalla Mouna
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the role of mobile tracing applications as part of e-government services in combating the COVID-19 pandemic effects in Africa by analyzing the moderating role of sustainable development. This study also investigated the role of the political and economic systems in mitigating the negative consequences of COVID-19 and how e-government interacts in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This study included the COVID-19 performance index for 94 countries belonging to different regions, including 20 African countries. Multiple linear regression was used for data analysis via Stata software. The study was conducted from the start of the pandemic to March 13, 2021.

Findings

The results show that less economically and technologically developed countries with generally authoritarian political systems, including African countries, could limit the spread of the pandemic better than some democratic, economically and technologically developed countries in the first wave of the pandemic. The promotion of sustainable development goals moderates the relationship between mobile tracing applications as part of the e-government service and the fight against COVID-19.

Originality/value

This study provides insight into the role of mobile application technology as an e-governance service in mitigating the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in a context characterized by economic limitations, fragile public health infrastructure and relatively high political instability, especially in Africa. The findings shed light on some of the difficulties African countries may face in incorporating technology into their development projects.
The Beneficiary's Ownership Rights in the Trust Res in a Liberal Property Regime
Authors: Dagan Hanoch , Samet Irit
Published: January 2023

This article argues that a liberal theory of property rights can help us resolve a century old debate about a foundational aspect of the trust, namely, the nature of the beneficiary's interest. According to orthodoxy, the beneficiary has a (weak form) of proprietary right to the trust res. But proponents of this view found it hard to defend it from attacks by Maitland and his successors who argue that central aspects of the beneficiary's right imply that the beneficiary's rights should be classified as a personal right against the trustee. The reason for their failure, we argue, is the misguided picture of property rights, as essentially the right to exclude, which they share with proponents of the obligation theory. Liberal property theory, by contrast, gives pride of place to divided ownership, of the kind exemplified by the trust, and accounts for all aspects of the beneficiary's right.