bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benchmarking of Germline Copy Number Variant Callers from Whole Genome Sequencing Data for Clinical Applications
Authors: De La Vega Francisco M. , Irvine Sean A. , Anur Pavana , Potts Kelly , Kraft Lewis , Torres Raul , Kang Peter , Truong Sean , Lee Yeonghun , Han Shunhua , Onuchic Vitor , Han James
Published: July 2024

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is increasingly favored over other genomic sequencing methods for clinical applications due to its comprehensive coverage and declining costs. WGS is particularly useful for the detection of copy number variants (CNVs), presumed to be more accurate than targeted sequencing assays such as WES or gene panels, because it can identify breakpoints in addition to changes in coverage depth. Recent advancements in bioinformatics tools, including those employing hardware acceleration and machine learning, have enhanced CNV detection. Although numerous benchmarking studies have been published, primarily focusing on open-source tools for short-read WGS CNV calling, systematic evaluations that encompass commercially available tools that meet the rigorous demands of clinical testing are still necessary. In clinical settings, where the confirmation of reported CNVs is often required, there is a higher priority on sensitivity over specificity/precision compared to research applications. Moreover, clinical gene panel reporting primarily concerns whether a CNV affects coding regions or, in some cases, promoters, rather than the precise detection of breakpoints. This study aims to benchmark the performance of various CNV detection tools tailored for clinical reporting from WGS using reference cell lines, providing insights critical for optimizing clinical diagnostics. Our results indicate that while different tools exhibit strengths in either sensitivity or precision and are better suited for certain classes and lengths of variants, few can deliver the balanced performance essential for clinical testing, where high sensitivity is imperative. Generally, callers demonstrate better performance for deletions than duplications, with the latter being poorly detected in events shorter than 5kb. We demonstrate that the DRAGEN™ v4.2 CNV caller, particularly with custom filters on its high sensitivity mode, offers a superior balance of sensitivity and precision compared to other available tools.
Human gut microbiota interactions shape the long-term growth dynamics and evolutionary adaptations ofClostridioides difficile
Authors: Sulaiman Jordy Evan , Thompson Jaron , Cheung Pak Lun Kevin , Qian Yili , Mill Jericha , James Isabella , Vivas Eugenio I. , Simcox Judith , Venturelli Ophelia
Published: July 2024

Clostridioides difficilecan transiently or persistently colonize the human gut, posing a risk factor for infections. This colonization is influenced by complex molecular and ecological interactions with human gut microbiota. By investigatingC. difficiledynamics in human gut communities over hundreds of generations, we show patterns of stable coexistence, instability, or competitive exclusion. Lowering carbohydrate concentration shifted a community containingC. difficileand the prevalent human gut symbiontPhocaeicola vulgatusfrom competitive exclusion to coexistence, facilitated by increased cross-feeding. In this environment,C. difficileadapted via single-point mutations in key metabolic genes, altering its metabolic niche from proline to glucose utilization. These metabolic changes substantially impacted inter-species interactions and reduced disease severity in the mammalian gut. In sum, human gut microbiota interactions are crucial in shaping the long-term growth dynamics and evolutionary adaptations ofC. difficile, offering key insights for developing anti-C. difficilestrategies.
Virological characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 KP.3.1.1 variant
Authors: Kaku Yu , Uriu Keiya , Okumura Kaho , Ito Jumpei , Sato Kei ,   The Genotype to Phenotype Japan (G2P-Japan) Consortium
Published: July 2024

The SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 variant (BA.2.86.1.1), arising from BA.2.86.1 with spike protein (S) substitution S:L455S, outcompeted the previously predominant XBB lineages by the beginning of 2024. Subsequently, JN.1 subvariants including KP.2 (JN.1.11.1.2) and KP.3 (JN.1.11.1.3), which acquired additional S substitutions e.g., S:R346T, S:F456L, and S:Q493E, have emerged concurrently. Thereafter, JN.1 subvariants, such as LB.1 (JN.1.9.2.1), KP.2.3 (JN.1.11.1.2.3), and KP.3.1.1 (JN.1.11.1.3.1.1), which convergently acquired a deletion of Serine at the 31st position in S (S:S31del) in addition to the above substitutions, have emerged and spread as of June 2024. We recently reported the virological features of JN.1 subvariants including KP.2, KP.3, LB.1, and KP.2.3.2,3 Here, we investigated the virological properties of KP.3.1.1. First, we estimated the relative effective reproduction number (Re) of KP.3.1.1 using a Bayesian multinomial logistic model4 based on genome surveillance data from Spain, the USA, France, Canada, and the UK, where this variant has spread as of June 2024. In Spain, the Re of KP.3.1.1 is over 1.2-fold higher than that of JN.1 and even higher than those of KP.2, KP.3, LB.1, and KP.2.3. Additionally, the other countries under investigation herein show higher Re for KP.3.1.1. However, it must be noted there is the possibility of overestimation in these countries due to more limited KP.3.1.1 sequence numbers. These results suggest that KP.3.1.1 will spread worldwide along with other JN.1 sublineages. We then assessed the virological properties of KP.3.1.1 using pseudoviruses. The pseudovirus of KP.3.1.1 had significantly higher infectivity than that of KP.3. Neutralization of KP.3.1.1 was tested using i) convalescent sera after breakthrough infection (BTI) with XBB.1.5 or EG.5, ii) convalescent sera after the infection with HK.3 or JN.1, and iii) sera after monovalent XBB.1.5 vaccination. The 50% neutralization titer (NT50) against KP.3.1.1 was significantly lower than KP.3 (1.4–1.6-fold) in all four groups of convalescent sera tested. KP.3.1.1 also showed a 1.3-fold lower NT50 against XBB.1.5 vaccine sera than KP.3. Moreover, KP.3.1.1 showed stronger resistance with a 1.3-fold lower NT50 with statistical significances to the convalescent sera infected with EG.5 and HK.3 than KP.2.3. Altogether, KP.3.1.1 exhibited a higher Re, higher pseudovirus infectivity, and higher neutralization evasion than KP.3. These results align with our recent report that the JN.1 subvariants with S:S31del (e.g., KP.2.3 and LB.1) exhibited enhanced Re and immune evasion compared to the other JN.1 subvariants without S:S31del (e.g., JN.1, KP.2, and KP.3), highlighting the evolutionary significance of S:S31del in the JN.1 lineages.
Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 spike trimers towards optimized heparan sulfate cross-linking and inter-chain mobility
Authors: Froese Jurij , Mandalari Marco , Civera Monica , Elli Stefano , Pagani Isabel , Vicenzi Elisa , Garcia-Monge Itzel , Iorio Daniele Di , Frank Saskia , Bisio Antonella , Lenhart Dominik , Gruber Rudolf , Yates Edwin A. , Richter Ralf P. , Guerrini Marco , Wegner Seraphine V. , Grobe Kay
Published: July 2024

The heparan sulfate (HS)-rich extracellular matrix (ECM) serves as an initial interaction site for the homotrimeric spike (S)-protein of SARS-CoV-2 to facilitate subsequent docking to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors and cellular infection. Recent variants of concern (VOCs), notably Omicron, have evolved by swapping several amino acids to positively charged residues to enhance the S-protein trimer’s interaction with the negatively charged HS polysaccharide chains in the matrix. These increased interactions, however, may reduce Omicron’s ability to move through the HS-rich ECM to effectively find ACE2 receptors and infect cells, and raise the question of how HS-associated virus movement can be mechanistically explained. In this work, we show that Omicron S-proteins have evolved to balance HS interaction stability and dynamics, resulting in enhanced mobility on an HS-functionalized artificial matrix. Both properties are achieved by the ability of Omicrons S-proteins to cross-link at least two HS chains, providing both high avidity to retain the protein inside the HS-rich matrix, and fast dynamics, thus enabling direct S-protein switching between HS chains as a prerequisite for mobility at the cell surface. Optimized HS interactions can be targeted pharmaceutically, because an HS mimetic significantly suppressed surface binding and cellular infection specifically of the Omicron VOC. These findings suggest a robust way to interfere with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection and, potentially, future variants.
Robust deep learning estimation of cortical bone porosity from MR T1-weighted images for individualized transcranial focused ultrasound planning
Authors: Dagommer Matthieu , Daneshzand Mohammad , Nummemnaa Aapo , Guerin Bastien
Published: July 2024

Objective

Transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) is an emerging neuromodulation approach that has been demonstrated in animals but is difficult to translate to humans because of acoustic attenuation and scattering in the skull. Optimal dose delivery requires subject-specific skull porosity estimates which has traditionally been done using CT. We propose a deep learning (DL) estimation of skull porosity from T1-weighted MRI images which removes the need for radiation-inducing CT scans.

Approach

We evaluate the impact of different DL approaches, including network architecture, input size and dimensionality, multichannel inputs, data augmentation, and loss functions. We also propose back-propagation in the mask (BIM), a method whereby only voxels inside the skull mask contribute to training. We evaluate the robustness of the best model to input image noise and MRI acquisition parameters and propagate porosity estimation errors in thousands of beam propagation scenarios.

Main results

Our best performing model is a cGAN with a ResNet-9 generator with 3D 64×64×64 inputs trained with L1 and L2 losses. The model achieved a mean absolute error of 6.9% in the test set, compared to 9.5% with the pseudo-CT of Izquierdo et al. (38% improvement) and 9.4% with the generic pixel-to-pixel image translation cGAN pix2pix (36% improvement). Acoustic dose distributions in the thalamus were more accurate with our approach than with the pseudo-CT approach of both Burgos et al. and Izquierdo et al, resulting in near-optimal treatment planning and dose estimation at all frequencies compared to CT (reference).

Significance

Our DL approach porosity estimates with ∼7% error, is robust to input image noise and MRI acquisition parameters (sequence, coils, field strength) and yields near-optimal treatment planning and dose estimates for both central (thalamus) and lateral brain targets (amygdala) in the 200-1000 kHz frequency range.
Adiabatic quantum imaginary time evolution
Authors: Hejazi Kasra , Motta Mario , Chan Garnet Kin-Lic
Published: July 2024

We introduce an adiabatic state preparation protocol which implements quantum imaginary time evolution under the Hamiltonian of the system. Unlike the original quantum imaginary time evolution algorithm, adiabatic quantum imaginary time evolution does not require quantum state tomography during its runtime and, unlike standard adiabatic state preparation, the final Hamiltonian is not the system Hamiltonian. Instead, the algorithm obtains the adiabatic Hamiltonian by integrating a classical differential equation that ensures that one follows the imaginary time evolution state trajectory. We introduce some heuristics that allow this protocol to be implemented on quantum architectures with limited resources. We explore the performance of this algorithm via classical simulations in a one-dimensional spin model and highlight essential features that determine its cost, performance, and implementability for longer times, and compare to the original quantum imaginary time evolution for ground-state preparation. More generally, our algorithm expands the range of states accessible to adiabatic state preparation methods beyond those that are expressed as ground states of simple explicit Hamiltonians.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Carbon emission reduction in construction industry: qualitative insights on procurement, policies and artificial intelligence
Authors: Kumar Danish , Zhang Chengyi
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The construction industry is a major contributor to global carbon emissions. This study investigates the role of procurement and contracting methods in carbon emission reduction (CER) in the construction industry. It also examines artificial intelligence’s (AI’s) potential to drive low-carbon practices, aiming to identify transformative policies and practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a qualitative methodology, engaging in semi-structured interviews with nine industry professionals alongside an innovative engagement with Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) technology to gather insights into procurement and project delivery methods (PDM) role in CER. The study involved identifying patterns, organizing themes, and analyzing data to extract meaningful insights on effective policies and strategies for CER in the construction industry.

Findings

The results underscore the importance of early contractor involvement and integrated PDM for CER in construction. Results emphasize the pivotal role of project owners in directing projects toward sustainability, highlighting the need for client demand. The research identifies cost constraints, limited material availability, and human resource capacity as key barriers in the US. The study proposes innovative materials, financial incentives, education, and regulatory standards as effective interventions. It also explores the future use of AI in enhancing CER, suggesting new avenues for technological integration.

Originality/value

The study provides empirical insights into the role of procurement and PDM in CER within the US construction industry by using qualitative approach and use of a GPT. It underscores the interplay between contracting methods, stakeholder engagement, and AI’s emerging role, for enhancing policies and practices to decarbonize the US construction industry.
Does the pandemic affect the lifestyle and dietary intake? A comparative investigation during the pandemic and new normal situation
Authors: Dogra Pallavi , Kaushal Arun
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The study attempts to investigate the role of social media in spreading awareness regarding ayurvedic immunity boosters (AIB) and changes in diet. Further, the study examines the factors affecting the willingness to pay for ayurvedic immunity boosters (WPIB) during the pandemic and new normal situation with the moderating effect of the “fear of COVID-19 infection.”

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from millennials in two phases, i.e. the first phase (1 July–August 2021) with 300 respondents and a second phase with (June–August 2022) 257 respondents. An online questionnaire was shared with millennials using the snowball sampling technique. Descriptive statistics with SPSS and SmartPLS 4.0 software were applied to analyze the data.

Findings

The results found a variation in AIB content sharing on social media during 2021 and 2022. Results found that respondents reported significant changes in their lifestyle and diet, like consuming honey, khada, tulsi tea, etc. In 2021, health consciousness and trust significantly affected WPIB, whereas in 2022, only health consciousness was substantially affected. Fear of COVID-19 infection moderates the relationship between health consciousness, perceived fear and willingness to pay for ayurvedic products, whereas the effect on consumer preference and trust remains insignificant.

Research limitations/implications

Results could help ayurvedic product manufacturing companies understand the consumers' mindset and the factors that stimulate consumers to buy these immunity boosters. Ayurvedic advertisers should design unambiguous messages that focus on health consciousness and have trustable components to encourage consumers to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Originality/value

This is one of its kinds of studies that presents the contrasts of how the COVID-19 crisis has significantly changed individuals' dietary intake and affected lifestyle patterns.
A new optimal weapon target assignment method using an artificial fish swarm algorithm with survival evolution
Authors: Xu Ningjun , Sun Miaomiao , Shi Zhangsong , Zhang Jin
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Firepower conflicts usually decay the firepower plan's enforceability, thus incurring high survival risks. Previous studies have shown little attention to avoiding firepower conflicts during the weapon target assignment process. This research proposes a new constrained optimization model named Firepower Conflict Free WTA (FCFWTA) and designs a Survival Evolution (SE) strategy for Artificial Fish Swarm Algorithm (AFSA) to solve the complex constrained WTA problem. In this way, commanders can get more reliable firepower assignment decision support.

Design/methodology/approach

A new constrained optimization model named Firepower Conflict Free WTA (FCFWTA) is constructed. FCFWTA unifies firepower decision variables for different kinds of weapons and takes the firing time point as a clue for firepower conflict checking. The objective function of FCFWTA is the weighted sum of the minimum threat value rest rate (RRTV), maximum hit efficiency (HE) and minimum latest interception time percentage (PLT). Since previous algorithms do not check and resolve intermediate results during optimization, an adapted strategy named Survival Evolution is designed. It enables making full use of the limited firepower without adjusting the coordination scenario in execution.

Findings

The proposed method offers significant advantages in two aspects. Firstly, it effectively enhances the optimization results of WTA in the absence of firepower conflicts. Evidence from Figure. 6 confirms that without the proposed method, there is a high likelihood of generating invalid outcomes. After implementing firepower conflict check and resolution, there is a substantial degradation in the objective function value. Secondly, the method excels at equitably distributing firepower among multiple targets while also enhancing the overall interception probability, irrespective of the varying complexities presented by different scenarios. This ability to maintain balance and efficiency is crucial for tackling defense-related issues.

Research limitations/implications

Specifically, SE is tailored for MWMT problem under time and space constraints. This approach diverges significantly from conventional MWMT research, which typically focuses solely on ammunition quantity or firing range. Consequently, the primary objective was to verify the efficacy of this method. Test results indicated that SE does not exhibit uniform performance across different algorithms; while it significantly enhances the efficacy with PSO and AFSA, its influence is considerably diminished when applied to GA. It might be attributed to the inherent randomness associated with crossover and mutation, which can increase the likelihood of firepower conflicts, coupled with SE's reorganization of the chromosome.

Originality/value

The work described was original research that has not been published previously, and not under consideration for publication elsewhere, in whole or in part.
Do dominant groups respond negatively to diversity policies? The impact of modern racism beliefs on organizational citizenship behavior intentions
Authors: Morton John
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Diversity policies have become widespread in modern organizations. Such policies often have the goal of improving the workplace experiences of marginalized groups, and understanding dominant group reactions to such policies is vital to their effectiveness. This paper investigated the dominant group (i.e. White individuals) response to diversity policies, specifically how White individuals’ modern racism beliefs influence their organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) intentions when exposed to a diversity policy.

Design/methodology/approach

Using experimental methodology and a combination of social exchange theory and literature on modern racism, the two studies explore how exposure to a diversity (versus neutral) policy influences White individuals’ OCB intentions in two different settings (lab and field).

Findings

The results of these studies make clear that certain people respond negatively to diversity policies. In Study 1, White participants with relatively high modern racism beliefs showed lower OCB intentions directed at their organization when exposed to a diversity versus neutral policy. No differences emerged for White participants with relatively low modern racism beliefs. In Study 2, the results were replicated using a field sample of working adults in which they indicated their likelihood of OCB toward their employing organization.

Originality/value

The findings suggest that diversity policies can have unintended, adverse consequences for organizations, but are dependent upon employees’ modern racism beliefs. The results of the two studies provide a richer understanding of dominant group reactions to diversity policies by examining a downstream consequence of great organizational importance, i.e. OCB.
Leader responses to a pandemic: the interaction of leader gender and country collectivism predicting pandemic deaths
Authors: Triana María del Carmen , Richard Orlando , Byun Seo-Young , Park Kendall , Delgado Dora , Delgado Jorge
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The present study examines head of state gender and national collectivism to explain how some leaders have been able to manage a pandemic better than others.

Design/methodology/approach

We measure pandemic deaths per million using objective numbers for each country. Country collectivism is measured using the GLOBE study. Qualitative analyses of world leader speeches are used to examine how health-focused leaders’ language is. Media attention with sentiment analysis about each leader’s handling of the pandemic is also used to show how others reacted to leaders.

Findings

Countries with female leaders showed fewer pandemic deaths than those led by male leaders. The interaction between leader gender and country collectivism predicted death. Media sentiment was more favorable for women leaders than men leaders.

Practical implications

During times of crises, women’s more careful tendencies keep their constituents safer than their male counterparts. Country collectivism also aids male leaders in keeping constituents safe.

Social implications

The present study helps unpack when women leaders thrive and outperform their male counterparts. This furthers United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5: gender equality.

Originality/value

The study examines leader gender and national collectivism to predict pandemic deaths.
Psycho-cognitive relationship between data and knowledge discovery: a conceptual critique
Authors: Saha Mousumi , Ghosh Saptarshi
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The extraction of relevant knowledge from data is called knowledge discovery (KD). The KD process requires a large amount of data and it must be reliable before mining. Complexity is not only in deriving knowledge from data but also in improving system performance with a psycho-cognitive approach. KD demands a high level of human cognition and mental activity to generate and retrieve knowledge. Therefore, this study aims to explain how psychological knowledge is involved in KD.

Design/methodology/approach

By understanding the cognitive processes that lead to knowledge production, KD can be improved through interventions that target psychological processes, such as attention, learning and memory. In addition, psycho-cognitive approaches can help us to better grasp the process of KD and the factors that influence its effectiveness. The study attempted to correlate interdependence by interpreting cognitive approaches to KD from a psychological perspective. The authors of this paper draw on both primary and secondary literary warrants to empirically prove psychological bending in KD.

Findings

Understanding the psychological aspects of data and KD can identify the development of tools, process and environments that support individual and teams in making sense of data and extracting valuable knowledge. The study also finds that interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together expertise in psychology, data science and domain specific knowledge fosters effective KD processes.

Originality/value

The KD system cannot function well and will not be able to achieve its full potential without psycho-cognitive foundation. It was found that KD in the KD system is influenced by human cognition. The authors made a contribution to KD by fusing psycho-cognitive approaches with data-driven technology and machine learning.
Advancing gender inclusivity: moving entrepreneurial ecosystems onto new paths
Authors: de Bruin Anne , Swail Janine
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Drawing on a constructionist-poststructuralist feminist perspective, this paper aims to extend thinking on the evolution of entrepreneurial ecosystems by exploring how gendered entrepreneurial ecosystems can become more inclusive.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper contends path dependency of entrepreneurial ecosystems, maintains embedded gender bias (and biases against disadvantaged or unconventional entrepreneur groups) and builds an argument for path creation to de-bias entrepreneurial ecosystems. A metaphorical descriptor of entrepreneurial ecosystems is probed as contributing to the gendered entrepreneurial ecosystem discourse. Three propositions, namely on path creation, transformative agency and appropriate metaphors, are derived from the extant literature and an illustrative example employed to interrogate these propositions.

Findings

We advance path creation via transformative agency as a means for moving towards inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems. We provide an alternative metaphor to springboard change to the gendered scholarly discourse on entrepreneurial ecosystems. Our illustrative example lends support to our propositions.

Originality/value

This paper helps lay a foundation for new thinking on change towards inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems. It provides a powerful argument for broadening the mainstream path dependence view of entrepreneurial ecosystems. It is unique in suggesting a constructionist-poststructuralist feminist standpoint to challenge the dominant discourse on entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Navigating the future of megaprojects sustainability: a comprehensive framework and research agendas
Authors: Li Yongkui , Wang Mengqi , Locatelli Giorgio , Zhang Yueran
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Megaprojects can play a crucial role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and tackling Global Challenges. However, they are often criticized for their massive resource consumption, poor cost/time performance and significant social-environmental impacts, including irreversible environmental damage. This study aims to chart the evolution of research on megaprojects sustainability and to offer a roadmap for future developments.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a systematic literature review (SLR) to identify emerging themes and gaps. This study follows a three-step process of planning, conducting and reporting, based on the Tranfield approach. The overview of megaprojects sustainability research was captured through bibliometric analysis. In addition, content analysis was carried out to reveal the development of this field and get an insight into the future directions towards sustainability transition.

Findings

This study provides a longitudinal, in-depth analysis of megaprojects sustainability studies. Drawing on sustainability science and project management theories, we introduce a three-dimensional analytical framework consisting of sustainability, scope and stakeholder. This framework explains the evolution of megaprojects sustainability research from sustainability of megaprojects, to sustainability for megaprojects and then to sustainability by megaprojects. Three future avenues are proposed: (1) SDGs orientation at multi-level; (2) scope enlargement at temporal and spatial scales and (3) inclusive development for stakeholders.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive and forward-looking analysis of megaprojects sustainability research. The framework and three research agendas provide a comprehensive picture of megaproject sustainability research; the agenda for future research is intended to inspire more studies and disruptive actions towards sustainability transition.
Examining the role of expectations in outsourcing success utilizing the hierarchy of effects model
Authors: Carraher-Wolverton Colleen
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to involve both the development of a quantitative measure of outsourcing success that integrates recent research findings on expectations and applying the hierarchy-of-effects (HOE) model to investigating the influence of success on client satisfaction and recommendation intention.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducted a global survey of information systems managers and Chief Information Officers from firms who have engaged in outsourcing and analyzed the data using partial least squares (PLS).

Findings

The study analysis demonstrates the impact of client expectations on perceived outsourcing success, client satisfaction and intention to recommend. This paper also discusses how findings of this study provide important implications for both researchers and practitioners.

Originality/value

To further investigate the theoretical trend toward examining the impact of expectations on outsourcing success, this study extends the foundational success research by quantitatively demonstrating the robustness of an outsourcing success construct that incorporates expectations. Moreover, this study extends the traditional models of success by incorporating factors from each of the stages of client behavior, including cognition, affect and conation.
Do managers trust AI? An exploratory research based on social comparison theory
Authors: Rizzo Cristian , Bagna Giacomo , Tuček David
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate managers’ decision-making processes when evaluating suggestions provided by human collaborators or artificial intelligence (AI) systems. We employed the framework of Social Comparison Theory (SCT) in the business context to examine the influence of varying social comparison orientation levels on managers’ willingness to accept advice in their organization.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted on a sample of 192 US managers, in which we carried out an experiment manipulating the source type (human vs AI) and assessing the potential moderating role of social comparison orientation. Results were analyzed using a moderation model by Hayes (2013).

Findings

Despite the growing consideration gained by AI systems, results showed a discernible preference for human-generated advice over those originating from Artificial Intelligence (AI) sources. Moreover, the moderation analysis indicated how low levels of social comparison orientation may lead managers to be more willing to accept advice from AI.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the current understanding of the interplay between social comparison orientation and managerial decision-making. Based on the results of this preliminary study that used a scenario-based experiment, future research could try to expand these findings by examining managerial behavior in a natural context using field experiments, or multiple case studies.

Originality/value

This is among the first studies that examine AI adoption in the organizational context, showing how AI may be used by managers to evade comparison among peers or other experts, thereby illuminating the role of individual factors in affecting managers’ decision-making.
New regulations in the Brazilian private security industry: effects on turnover and human capital outcomes
Authors: de Oliveira Souza Renato , Cabral Sandro , Ribeiro Priscila Fernandes
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effects on firms' outcomes of a new government regulation on the private security industry that aimed to enhance the selection and training processes for armed-private security officers.

Design/methodology/approach

By using human capital theory and using a data set built from various public sources, this study analyzes the effects of a new regulation implemented in 2013–2014 in Brazil mandating psychological assessments for hiring private security armed officers. Firm-level data and a Difference-in-Differences (DiD) identification strategy are used to investigate the effects on turnover and human capital outcomes.

Findings

The study identifies substantial changes resulting from the new government regulation in private security firms. While it has led to increased turnover rates, the regulation has also facilitated firms in enhancing the human capital composition of their workforce by enabling the recruitment of more experienced personnel.

Research limitations/implications

This research informs to current debates on the effects of policy interventions on firm's outcomes by showing how regulations aimed to improve the configuration of human capital can generate win-win situations for both firms and citizens, despite the short-term trade-offs between higher turnover rates and improved human capital outcomes.

Practical implications

Refining selection and training processes can enhance the workforce in private security firms by replacing less capable professionals with more experienced ones. Insights from this study offer guidance to policymakers and industry practitioners in shaping effective business and public policies.

Social implications

This study underscores the role of training and psychological assessments in enhancing the composition of human capital in the private security industry.

Originality/value

By highlighting the role of policy interventions in establishing barriers to unskilled workers engaging in hazardous activities, this study contributes to the burgeoning literature in strategic management on the interaction between policy interventions and firm outcomes.
Preservation and conservation practices adopted for the management of academic board records in Nigerian polytechnics
Authors: Hamzat Saheed Abiola , Ayeni Funke Abosede , Kutu Jacob Oloruntoba
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Polytechnics in Nigeria are conventional institutions where academic board records are being managed in paper form. It has been observed that accessing these academic board records is difficult due to factors associated with the absence of preservation techniques and lack of clear-cut conservation practices. This study, therefore, aims to examine the preservation techniques and conservation practices adopted for the management of academic board records in polytechnics in South-West Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a qualitative method with the population comprising 54 records management personnel enumerated in the four selected polytechnics in South-West Nigeria. Triangulation method (questionnaire, interview and observation checklist) was used for data collection. The responses were analysed with descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Findings

Findings revealed that photocopying, binding and use of insecticides were the most rated preservation techniques adopted. The security and shelving of academic board records to allow for free flow of air were the most available conservation practices, whereas staff training was not adequately available. The topmost rated constraints were non-challant attitude of personnel in-charge, insufficient funds and inadequate infrastructure.

Research limitations/implications

This study concluded that preservation and conservation practices are vital in the management of academic board records in polytechnics in South-West Nigeria. For efficient and effective management of academic board records, modern-day preservation and conservation practices need to be adopted.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to study how preservation and conservation practices adopted for the management of academic board records in Nigerian polytechnics.
Transdisciplinary integration for applied linguistics: the case of electrophysiology
Authors: Al-Hoorie Ali H. , AlAwdah Ahmad Abdurrahman K.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to promote transdisciplinary integration in applied linguistics research by exploring the potential contribution of electrophysiology to enhancing listening comprehension skills. Specifically, it examines the effectiveness of dynamic auto-adjustment of speech rate based on heart rate in mitigating listening stress. The study also discusses the implications and future directions of interdisciplinary efforts in applied linguistics.

Design/methodology/approach

This study combines literature review, theoretical analysis, and practical application. It begins with a review of existing literature on transdisciplinary integration in applied linguistics and electrophysiology research. Theoretical frameworks are then synthesized to inform the development of an innovative approach to mitigate listening stress through dynamic auto-adjustment of speech rate based on heart rate.

Findings

The analysis suggests that transdisciplinary integration in applied linguistics research, particularly through the incorporation of electrophysiology, holds significant promise for enhancing listening comprehension skills. The dynamic auto-adjustment of speech rate based on heart rate emerges as a promising strategy for mitigating listening stress, calling for empirical research into this topic.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the field of applied linguistics by advocating for transdisciplinary integration and exploring innovative approaches to address challenges in language learning. Incorporating electrophysiology and dynamic auto-adjustment of speech rate based on heart rate offers novel research directions for practical strategies for enhancing listening comprehension skills. This research has the potential to advance theoretical understanding as well as offering practical implications for educators and policymakers seeking to improve language learning outcomes in diverse educational settings.
Parental illness work across the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnostic journey
Authors: Nicholson Tom , Lee Richard
Published: July 2024

The process of referral, assessment, and diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) within the UK is often protracted. Given that parents are frequently the instigators of the diagnostic process, understanding the experience of parents is important. Drawing on findings from a longitudinal study, this article explores how the parental experience of the ADHD diagnostic journey includes three significant and distinct forms of ‘illness work’. Twenty‐one semi‐structured serial interviews were conducted over a 2‐year period with seven parents of children on the ADHD diagnostic journey in North East England. We present three significant forms of parental illness work: (1) The ‘diagnostic quest’, parental work recognising and fighting for their children’s needs and selfhood, seeking diagnosis and engaging with systems, (2) ‘self‐biographical illness work’, the personal parental biographical response to the diagnostic journey and (3) ‘child biographical illness work and recontextualizing the child’, parental biographical adjustment and recontextualisation of their children. We advance Rasmussen et al.’s (2021) model by demonstrating its usefulness in understanding how parents with a personal ADHD diagnosis experience biographical disruption or cohesion in response to their children’s diagnosis. That a child’s diagnosis leads parents with ADHD to experience a self‐biographical cohesive or disruptive response is a unique and significant finding.
“Places of Memory”: Working with Roman Catholic Archives
Authors: Schofield Nicholas
Published: July 2024

The Roman Catholic Church has always been aware of its history and has developed a theology of the past. A document produced by the Pontifical Commission for the Cultural Patrimony of the Church in 1997, The Pastoral Function of Church Archives, brought together some of its central principles. Nevertheless, in practice, the Catholic community has followed these ideals to different degrees of success. This short article presents several case studies in the United Kingdom and Rome, and surveys the challenges facing Catholic archives. If religious archives are “places of memory,” the “memory” is often only occasionally tapped. There is always a real danger of historical amnesia. Religious archives should be confident in demonstrating that valuing the past means illuminating the present and believing in the future.
Investigating the effects of landscape productivity on the spatial ecology of a threatened marsupial inside feral predator exclosures
Authors: Arkinstall Cassandra M. , FitzGibbon Sean I. , Coulter Brianna , Moseby Katherine E. , Murray Peter J.
Published: July 2024

Landscape productivity and resource dispersion are key drivers of the movement patterns of many species. In less productive environments, home ranges are generally larger as individuals travel further to access resources. The greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) has been reintroduced to several feral predator exclosures to reduce their extinction risk. Understanding how landscape productivity and resource dispersion influence bilby space use is critical to enable effective management of populations in exclosures. At two exclosures, we tested three hypotheses: 1. Bilbies would preferentially utilize habitats with sandy substrates (<20% clay content), as they are suitable for digging burrows and foraging pits; 2. Home ranges would be larger at the arid site compared to the semi‐arid site due to lower productivity and patchier distribution of preferred habitats; and 3. Bilbies would travel further each night at the arid site to access preferred habitats. Rainfall was used as an indicator of productivity, and dispersion of preferred habitats as an indicator of resource dispersion. The study was undertaken during average rainfall conditions and under similar bilby population densities at both sites. GPS loggers recorded home ranges and movements of 10 bilbies at the arid site, and 11 bilbies at the semi‐arid site. Seventeen of the 21 bilbies preferentially utilized habitats with sandy substrates, which were less abundant at the arid site. There were no significant differences in home range size or nightly movements between the sites for either sex. We suggest the average rainfall conditions at both sites, and the dietary flexibility of bilbies, supported the maintenance of relatively small and stable home ranges (particularly for females). The effects of landscape productivity and resource dispersion on bilby space use are more likely to be evident during extended periods of below average rainfall. Bilby home range studies during low rainfall conditions (e.g. drought) are required for the effective, long‐term management of exclosure populations.
A single bout of resistance exercise triggers mitophagy, potentially involving the ejection of mitochondria in human skeletal muscle
Authors: Díaz‐Castro Francisco , Tuñón‐Suárez Mauro , Rivera Patricia , Botella Javier , Cancino Jorge , Figueroa Ana María , Gutiérrez Juan , Cantin Claudette , Deldicque Louise , Zbinden‐Foncea Hermann , Nielsen Joachim , Henríquez‐Olguín Carlos , Morselli Eugenia , Castro‐Sepúlveda Mauricio
Published: July 2024

Aim

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of a single bout of resistance exercise on mitophagy in human skeletal muscle (SkM).

Methods

Eight healthy men were recruited to complete an acute bout of one‐leg resistance exercise. SkM biopsies were obtained one hour after exercise in the resting leg (Rest‐leg) and the contracting leg (Ex‐leg). Mitophagy was assessed using protein‐related abundance, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and fluorescence microscopy.

Results

Our results show that acute resistance exercise increased pro‐fission protein phosphorylation (DRP1Ser616) and decreased mitophagy markers such as PARKIN and BNIP3L/NIX protein abundance in the Ex‐leg. Additionally, mitochondrial complex IV decreased in the Ex‐leg when compared to the Rest‐leg. In the Ex‐leg, TEM and immunofluorescence images showed mitochondrial cristae abnormalities, a mitochondrial fission phenotype, and increased mitophagosome‐like structures in both subsarcolemmal and intermyofibrillar mitochondria. We also observed increased mitophagosome‐like structures on the subsarcolemmal cleft and mitochondria in the extracellular space of SkM in the Ex‐leg. We stimulated human primary myotubes with CCCP, which mimics mitophagy induction in the Ex‐leg, and found that BNIP3L/NIX protein abundance decreased independently of lysosomal degradation. Finally, in another human cohort, we found a negative association between BNIP3L/NIX protein abundance with both mitophagosome‐like structures and mitochondrial cristae density in the SkM.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that a single bout of resistance exercise can initiate mitophagy, potentially involving mitochondrial ejection, in human skeletal muscle. BNIP3L/NIX is proposed as a sensitive marker for assessing mitophagy flux in SkM.
Drugs targeting APOE4 that regulate beta‐amyloid aggregation in the brain: Therapeutic potential for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Poblano Joan , Castillo‐Tobías Ileana , Berlanga Lia , Tamayo‐Ordoñez María Concepción , del Carmen Rodríguez‐Salazar María , Silva‐Belmares Sonia Yesenia , Aguayo‐Morales Hilda , Cobos‐Puc Luis E.
Published: July 2024

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by progressive cognitive decline, and behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia are common. The APOE ε4 allele, a genetic risk factor, significantly increases susceptibility to the disease. Despite efforts to effectively treat the disease, only seven drugs are approved for its treatment, and only two of these prevent its progression. This highlights the need to identify new pharmacological options. This review focuses on mimetic peptides, small molecule correctors and HAE‐4 antibodies that target ApoE. These drugs reduce β‐amyloid‐induced neurodegeneration in preclinical models. In addition, loop diuretics such as bumetanide and furosemide show the potential to reduce the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease in humans, and antidepressants such as imipramine improve cognitive function in individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Consistent with this, both classes of drugs have been shown to exert neuroprotective effects by inhibiting ApoE4‐catalysed Aβ aggregation in preclinical models. Moreover, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor ligands, particularly pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, reduce ApoE4‐induced neurodegeneration in animal models. However, they do not prevent the cognitive decline in APOE ε4 allele carriers. Finally, ApoE4 impairs the integrity of the blood–brain barrier and haemostasis. On this basis, ApoE4 modulation is a promising avenue for the treatment of late‐onset Alzheimer's disease.
Using the evolution of knowledge to explain changes in farm size distribution and specialization
Authors: Wei Hanlin
Published: July 2024

This study developed a theoretical model to explain the consolidation of farmland and specialization in agriculture. In the model, farmers are assumed to be endowed with knowledge regarding the production of each crop, which evolves through learning. Knowledge across crops is substitutable to various degrees. The farm size distribution and specialization are shown to be equilibrium outcomes determined by the distribution of knowledge. A simulation example based on farm‐level acreage data from California is presented to show the relevance of learning mechanisms and test model implications.