bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
C5aR1 inhibition alleviates cranial radiation-induced cognitive decline
Authors: Krattli Robert P. , Do An H. , El-Khatib Sanad M. , Alikhani Leila , Markarian Mineh , Vagadia Arya R. , Usmani Manal T. , Madan Shreya , Baulch Janet E. , Clark Richard J. , Woodruff Trent M. , Tenner Andrea J. , Acharya Munjal M.
Published: July 2024

Cranial radiation therapy (RT) for brain cancers leads to an irreversible decline in cognitive function without an available remedy. Radiation-induced cognitive deficits (RICD) are a particularly pressing problem for the survivors of pediatric and low grade glioma (LGG) cancers who often live long post-RT lives. Radiation-induced elevated neuroinflammation and gliosis, triggered by the detrimental CNS complement cascade, lead to excessive synaptic and cognitive loss. Using intact and brain cancer-bearing mouse models, we now show that targeting anaphylatoxin complement C5a receptor (C5aR1) is neuroprotective against RICD. We used a genetic knockout, C5aR1 KO mouse, and a pharmacologic approach, employing the orally active, brain penetrant C5aR1 antagonist PMX205 to reverse RICD. Irradiated C5aR1 KO and WT mice receiving PMX205 showed significant neurocognitive improvements in object recognition memory and memory consolidation tasks. Inhibiting C5a/C5aR1 axis reduced microglial activation, astrogliosis, and synaptic loss in the irradiated brain. Importantly, C5aR1 blockage in two syngeneic, orthotopic glioblastoma-bearing mice protected against RICD without interfering with the therapeutic efficacy of RT to reduce tumor volumein vivo. PMX205 clinical trials with healthy individuals and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients showed no toxicity, drug-related adverse events, or infections. Thus, C5aR1 inhibition is a translationally feasible approach to address RICD, an unmet medical need.

SIGNIFICANCE

Cranial radiotherapy for brain cancers activates CNS complement cascade, leading to cognitive decline. Ablation of the complement C5a/C5aR1 axis alleviates radiation-induced neuroinflammation, synaptic loss, and cognitive dysfunction, providing a novel tractable approach.
Compressive Pangenomics Using Mutation-Annotated Networks
Authors: Walia Sumit , Motwani Harsh , Smith Kyle , Corbett-Detig Russell , Turakhia Yatish
Published: July 2024

Pangenomics is an emerging field that uses a collection of genomes of a species instead of a single reference genome to overcome reference bias and study the within-species genetic diversity. Future pangenomics applications will require analyzing large and ever-growing collections of genomes. Therefore, the choice of data representation is a key determinant of the scope, as well as the computational and memory performance of pangenomic analyses. Current pangenome formats, while capable of storing genetic variations across multiple genomes, fail to capture the shared evolutionary and mutational histories among them, thereby limiting their applications. They are also inefficient for storage, and therefore face significant scaling challenges. In this manuscript, we propose PanMAN, a novel data structure that is information-wise richer than all existing pangenome formats – in addition to representing the alignment and genetic variation in a collection of genomes, PanMAN represents the shared mutational and evolutionary histories inferred between those genomes. By using “evolutionary compression”, PanMAN achieves 5.2 to 680-fold compression over other variation-preserving pangenomic formats. PanMAN’s relative performance generally improves with larger datasets and it is compatible with any method for inferring phylogenies and ancestral nucleotide states. Using SARS-CoV-2 as a case study, we show that PanMAN offers a detailed and accurate portrayal of the pathogen’s evolutionary and mutational history, facilitating the discovery of new biological insights. We also presentpanmanUtils, a software toolkit that supports common pangenomic analyses and makes PanMANs interoperable with existing tools and formats. PanMANs are poised to enhance the scale, speed, resolution, and overall scope of pangenomic analyses and data sharing.
Facilitating the Virtual Exercise Games for Youth with T1D (ExerT1D) Peer Intervention: Protocol Development and Feasibility
Authors: Ash Garrett , Nam Soohyun , Stults-Kolehmainen Matthew , Haughton Adrian D. , Turek Carolyn , Chmielewski Annette , Shelver Michael , Baker Julien S. , Weinzimer Stuart A. , Nally Laura M.
Published: July 2024

Background

Barriers to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) include physiology, transition to autonomy, and diabetes-specific stigma. Opportunities for T1D peer activities with T1D role model support are limited. To address this need, our single-arm pilot study tested Virtual Exercise Games for Youth with T1D (ExerT1D) for feasibility.

Method

The program included an MVPA videogame, physician-led education regarding managing T1D around MVPA, objective habitual MVPA goal-setting, and T1D management skills guided by young adult instructors living with T1D.

Results

Fifteen adolescents (median age 15.4 (IQR 14.5 - 16.4) years, 7 non-Hispanic white, 7 male, median HbA1c 7.8% (IQR 7.4%-11.2%) enrolled; 13 attended 83% of sessions. Participants rated the program, comfort, instructors, and group cohesion high/very high (4.2±0.5 to 4.8±0.3 out of 5). They also rated motivation for the videogame high (4.1±0.4 out of 5). Instructor-adolescent interactions related to building T1D management skills were rated as excellent for 78% of sessions by intervention evaluators. Similarly, sharing knowledge and experiences were rated as excellent for 68% of sessions. However, adolescent-adolescent interactions were rated poorly (communication 29% excellent, peer interactions 8% excellent). The most reported barriers to participation were negative mood and oversleeping. No participants experienced diabetic ketoacidosis, severe hypoglycemia, or injuries during the study period. Compared to baseline, glycemic metrics appeared to decrease over time (d= -1.12, 90% CI [- 1.78, -0.48]).

Conclusions

Overall, ExerT1D facilitated excellent peer support by engaging diverse youth with T1D in an MVPA program led by role models living with T1D.
Harnessing early multimodal motor training to drive motor recovery and brain-wide structural reorganization after stroke
Authors: Teichert Manuel , Gull Sidra , Herrmann Karl-Heinz , Gaser Christian , Reichenbach Jürgen R. , Urbach Anja , Frahm Christiane , Holthoff Knut , Witte Otto W. , Schmidt Silvio
Published: July 2024

Stroke survivors often suffer from severe motor impairments, highlighting the critical need for effective rehabilitation strategies. In experimental models, extensive task-specific motor training within the first few weeks post-stroke significantly mitigates motor deficits. However, whether more multimodal motor training approaches after stroke can restore task-specific performance in non-trained motor tasks remains largely unknown. Additionally, while stroke itself triggers structural brain reorganization, the influence of early multimodal motor training on this process remains unclear. Here, we employed T2-weighted MRI to investigate brain region-specific volumetric changes over eight weeks in rats subjected to stroke and subsequent early multimodal motor training. We found that this combination not only facilitated task-specific motor function recovery, but also induced dramatic, multi-region, brain-wide volumetric changes. Specifically, over 80 locations within 50 distinct brain regions across both hemispheres exhibited substantial volumetric alterations in a predominantly bilateral symmetric pattern. In contrast, stroke or training alone resulted in changes in 8-15 locations within 7-13 brain regions, with stroke alone primarily affecting the infarcted hemisphere. Analysis of temporal volume changes revealed two distinct trajectories in post-stroke trained rats: one of initial swelling followed by shrinkage, and another of initial shrinkage followed by swelling, suggesting an early and delayed motor learning period. Overall, our findings demonstrate that multimodal motor training early after stroke effectively restores task-specific motor function and profoundly reshapes brain structure on a brain-wide scale, offering vital insights for developing optimized rehabilitation protocols to maximize recovery in stroke patients.
Unsupervised learning elucidates the interplay between conformational flexibility and aggregation in synergistic antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Serian Miruna , Mason A. James , Lorenz Christian D.
Published: July 2024

Synergy between antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) may be the key to their evolutionary success and could be exploited to develop more potent antibacterial agents. One of the factors thought to be essential for AMP potency is their conformational flexibility, but characterizing the diverse conformational states of AMPs experimentally remains challenging. Here we introduce a method for characterising the conformational flexibility of AMPs and provide new insights into how the interplay between conformation and aggregation in synergistic AMP combinations yields emergent properties. We use unsupervised learning and molecular dynamics simulations to show that mixing two AMPs from the Winter Flounder family (pleurocidin (WF2) & WF1a) constrains their conformational space, reducing the number of distinct conformations adopted by the peptides, most notably for WF2. The aggregation behaviour of the peptides is also altered, favouring the formation of higher-order aggregates upon mixing. Critically, the interaction between WF1a and WF2 influences the distribution of WF2 conformations within aggregates, revealing how WF1a can modulate WF2 behaviour. Our work paves the way for deeper understanding of the synergy between AMPs, a fundamental process in nature.
Inhibition of influenza virus replication by artificial proteins (αReps) targeting its RNA-polymerase
Authors: Bessonne Mélissa , Morel Jessica , Nevers Quentin , Urvoas Agathe , Valerio-Lepiniec Marie , Crépin Thibaut , Minard Philippe , Delmas Bernard
Published: July 2024

Seasonal epidemics and pandemics caused by influenza A viruses still represent a main public health burden in the world. Influenza viruses replicate and transcribe their genome in the nucleus of the infected cells, two functions that are supported by the viral RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase (FluPol) through extensive structural rearrangements and differential interactions with host cell factors. To get insights into its functioning, we screened a phage-display library of biosynthetic proteins (named αReps and build on a rigid alpha-helicoidal HEAT-like scaffold) against the structurally invariant FluPol core and several flexibly-linked domains of the FluPol PB2 subunit. Several αReps specific of the cap binding domain [CBD], the 627-domain and the NLS domain of the PB2 FluPol subunit displayed FluPol inhibitory and virus neutralization activities when transiently expressed in the cytosol. Furthermore, intracellular ectopic inducible expression of the αReps C3 and F3 (specific of the CBD and the 627-domain, respectively) in influenza virus permissive cells blocked transcription and multiplication of viruses representative of the H1N1, H3N2 and H7N1 subtypes, even when induced at late times post-infection. A synergic inhibitory effect on FluPol activity and virus multiplication was evidenced when the two αReps were covalently linked. These results suggest that i) interfering with FluPol structural rearrangements that are concomitant to its various activities may represent a promising strategy to block virus multiplication and to design new types of antivirals such as dual binders targeting distant sites on FluPol and ii) the 627-domain could be efficiently targeted to design influenza antivirals.

Author Summary

The influenza virus RNA-polymerase (FluPol) ensures genome transcription and replication in the nucleus of the infected cells. To select ligands able to interfere with FluPol functions, we screened a library of phages encoding biosynthetic proteins (named αReps) for binding to FluPol subunits and domains. When expressed intracellularly, several of them display efficient FluPol blocking and virus neutralizing activities. αReps C3 and F3 assembled through covalent linkages blocked FluPol activity more efficiently than their precursors. These αReps impaired multiplication of H1N1, H3N2 and H7N1 viruses, showing that their binding sites may constitute effective targets for new antiviral development.
BLOOD PROTEOMICS AND PAIN - A TRANSLATIONAL STUDY TO PROGNOSTICATE PAIN PHENOTYPES AND ASSESS NEW BIOMARKERS FOR PREVENTING PAIN IN HUMANS
Authors: Segelcke Daniel , Sondermann Julia R. , Kappert Christin , Pradier Bruno , Görlich Dennis , Fobker Manfred , Vollert Jan , Zahn Peter K. , Schmidt Manuela , Pogatzki-Zahn Esther M.
Published: July 2024

Personalized strategies in pain management and prevention should be based on individual risk factors as early as possible, but the factors most relevant are not yet known. An innovative approach would be to integrate multi-modal risk factors, including blood proteomics, in predicting high pain responders and using them as targets for personalized treatment options. Here, we determined and mapped multi-modal factors to prognosticate a phenotype with high risk of developing pain and hyperalgesia after an experimental incision in humans. We profiled unbiased blood plasma proteome signature of 26 male volunteers, assessed psychophysical and psychological aspects before incision injury. Outcome measures were pain intensity ratings and the extent of the area of hyperalgesia to mechanical stimuli surrounding the incision as a proxy for central sensitization. Phenotype-based stratification resulted in the identification of low- and high-responders for the two different outcome measures. Logistic regression analysis revealed prognostic potential for blood plasma proteins and for psychophysical and psychological parameters. The combination of certain parameters increased the prognostic accuracy for both outcome measures, exceeding 97%. In high-responders, term-term-interaction network analysis showed a proteome signature of a low-grade inflammation reaction. Intriguingly,in silicodrug repurposing indicates a high potential for specific antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory drugs already available. In conclusion, we show an integrated pipeline that provides a valuable resource for patient stratification and the identification of (i) multi-feature prognostic models, (ii) treatment targets, and (iii) mechanistic correlates that may be relevant for individualized management of pain and its long-term consequences.

One Sentence Summary

Unbiased identification of blood protein signatures in a translational human postoperative pain model provides new targets for managing pain.
Variability in Radiotherapy Outcomes Across Cancer Types: A Comparative Study of Glioblastoma Multiforme and Low-Grade Gliomas
Authors: Veviorskiy Alexander , Mkrtchyan Garik V , Osipov Andreyan N , Ozerov Ivan V , Aliper Alex , Zhavoronkov Alex , Scheibye-Knudsen Morten
Published: July 2024

Radiotherapy is a crucial treatment option for various cancers. However, the results of radiotherapy can vary widely across different cancer types and even among patients with the same type of cancer. This variability presents a major challenge in optimizing treatment strategies and improving patient survival. Here, we collected radiotherapy phenotype and expression data from 32 TCGA cancer datasets and performed overall survival analysis for 32 cancer types. Additionally, we conducted a signalling pathway enrichment analysis to identify key pathways involved in radiotherapy resistance and sensitivity. Our findings show that radiotherapy improves survival outcomes in certain cancer types, such as GBM, while worsening outcomes in others, such as LGG. Next, we focused on exploring the differences in radiotherapy outcomes between GBM and LGG, focusing on the molecular mechanisms contributing to these variations. The differential regulation of pathways related to programmed cell death, DNA repair, telomere maintenance, chromosome condensation, antiviral responses, and interferon signaling between GBM and LGG patients may elucidate the underlying reasons for these observed differences. These insights underscore the importance of personalized treatment approaches and the need for further research to improve radiotherapy outcomes in cancer patients.
Activated RNAi does not rescue piRNA pathway deficiency in testes
Authors: Taborska Eliska , Loubalova Zuzana , Kulmann Marcos Iuri Roos , Malik Radek , Buccheri Valeria , Pasulka Josef , Horvat Filip , Jenickova Irena , Sedlacek Radislav , Svoboda Petr
Published: July 2024

RNA interference (RNAi) and PIWI-associated RNAs (piRNA) pathways use small RNAs as sequence-specific guides to repress transposable elements. In mice, the loss ofMili, an essential piRNA pathway factor, causes male sterility associated with mobilization of LINE L1 retrotransposons while female mutants remain fertile. At the same time, mouse oocytes have exceptionally active RNAi thanks to an oocyte-specific variant of RNase III Dicer, which efficiently makes small RNAs from long dsRNA substrates. In oocytes of mice lacking functional MILI and the oocyte-specific Dicer variant, we previously observed that L1 retrotransposons are redundantly targeted by both, RNAi and piRNA pathways. To test whether enhanced RNAi may reduce theMilimutant phenotype in testes, we used transgenic mice ectopically expressing the oocyte-specific Dicer variant during spermatogenesis. We report here that this genetic modification increases siRNA biogenesis and supports RNAi but is not sufficient to reduce spermatogenic defects caused by the loss ofMili.
PROTECT Norge: Online assessment of cognition and dementia risk factors in 3000 Norwegian adults over 50
Authors: Testad Ingelin , Aakre Jon Arild , Gjestsen Martha Therese , Ballard Clive , Corbett Anne , Aarsland Dag , Pickering Ellie , Ushakova Anastasia
Published: July 2024

Objective

With the growing number of older people in the Norwegian population and the associated rapid rise in dementia and cognitive impairment, novel and more efficient methodologies are needed to facilitate research, improve diagnostic triage and deliver effective brain health interventions in the community. Methods: PROTECT-Norge is an online, remote cohort study in adults aged 50 and over. At-home assessments of cognition are completed annually using validated computerized neuropsychological tests (including Paired Associate Learning, Self-Ordered Search, Digit Span and Verbal Reasoning). Demographic data (age, gender, ethnicity, education, height, weight), medical and lifestyle information are also collected. Results: The current article describes analysis of baseline data from the first 3000 participants recruited to PROTECT-Norge (74.5% female, mean age 64.1 sd 7.7). It demonstrates that established risk factors for dementia such as Body Mass Index > 30, hypertension, smoking, and hearing loss are associated with significant detriments on cognitive performance on the computerized neuropsychological test battery. The level of data capture was excellent, and 94% of participants agreed to be contacted for further research programmes. Conclusion: This data shows excellent feasibility of the PROTECT-Norge cohort, demonstrating high completion rates and accessibility for people with early cognitive impairment. PROTECT-Norge represents a tremendous opportunity for cost-efficient, large-scale brain health research and potentially for clinical digital cognitive health programmes.

Key Points

PROTECT Norge is an online cohort study focusing on cognitive assessment and dementia risk factors in a population of Norwegian adults aged 50 and over.

The study utilizes validated computerized neuropsychological test battery for annual at-home assessments, in addition to capturing demographic, medical, and lifestyle data.

Study findings indicate significant associations between established dementia risk factors (e.g., obesity, hypertension, smoking, hearing loss) and poorer cognitive performance, highlighting the potential for early intervention strategies.

High participant engagement and willingness for further research involvement highlights PROTECT Norge’s feasibility and potential for large-scale brain health initiatives and clinical trials, using its built-in clinical trials infrastructure.
Probing the Biological Underpinnings of Advanced Brain Ageing in Schizophrenia
Authors: Murray Alex J. , Ballester Pedro L. , Rogers Jack C. , Williams Stephen , Wilson Martin , Deakin Bill , Katshu Mohammad , Liddle Peter , Palaniyappan Lena , Upthegrove Rachel
Published: July 2024

Background

Recent evidence suggests that patients with schizophrenia may show advanced brain ageing, particularly evident after the first year of onset. However, it is unclear if accelerated ageing relents, persists or continues to increase over time. The underlying causal factors are also poorly understood. Disruptions in glutamate function, oxidative stress, and inflammation may all contribute to progressive brain changes in people with schizophrenia. We examine whether brain ageing differs between early and established stages of schizophrenia, correlates with symptom severity and varies with markers of brain function, oxidative status and inflammatory burden.

Methods

Two brain-age prediction models assessed 112 participants (34 recent onset psychosis, 36 established schizophrenia, 42 healthy controls). Brain age gap (BAG) was calculated by subtracting chronological age from predicted age. Shapley’s additive explanations (SHAP) identified influential structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features driving brain-age prediction. Linear regression models and partial correlations, adjusting for age, explored associations between BAG and neurometabolites, inflammatory markers, medication exposure and clinical scores in the whole sample.

Results

The established schizophrenia group showed higher BAG (Mean = 6.21, SD = 7.30) compared to healthy individuals (Mean = -0.01, SD = 9.10), while recent-onset patients (Mean = 4.23, SD = 9.25) did not differ significantly from healthy individuals. The top 10 SHAP features diving the BAG included ventricular enlargement and total grey matter volume, which was similar in psychosis to healthy individuals. In a combined psychosis group (established + recent-onset), higher BAG correlated with more severe symptoms (PANSS total, general, and anxiodepressive subscales). BAG positively associated with Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy measured glutathione and negatively with N-Acetyl Aspartate.

Discussion

Accelerated brain age in schizophrenia may be related to illness severity and poor defence against oxidative stress. The lack of differences in SHAP features between schizophrenia and healthy individuals suggests that the pattern of brain ageing is in keeping with advanced normal ageing. Findings suggest potential treatment targets to improve brain health in schizophrenia, warranting further research.
Many locks to one key: N-acetylneuraminic acid binding to proteins
Authors: Dhanabalan KanagaVijayan , Cheng YiYang , Thach Trung , Subramanian Ramaswamy
Published: July 2024

Sialic acids play crucial roles in cell surface glycans of both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms, mediating various biological processes, including cell–cell interactions, development, immune response, oncogenesis and host–pathogen interactions. This review focuses on the β-anomeric form of N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac), particularly its binding affinity towards various proteins, as elucidated by solved protein structures. Specifically, we delve into the binding mechanisms of Neu5Ac to proteins involved in sequestering and transporting Neu5Ac in Gram-negative bacteria, with implications for drug design targeting these proteins as antimicrobial agents. Unlike the initial assumptions, structural analyses revealed significant variability in the Neu5Ac binding pockets among proteins, indicating diverse evolutionary origins and binding modes. By comparing these findings with existing structures from other systems, we can effectively highlight the intricate relationship between protein structure and Neu5Ac recognition, emphasizing the need for tailored drug design strategies to inhibit Neu5Ac-binding proteins across bacterial species.
Structure of Aquifex aeolicus lumazine synthase by cryo-electron microscopy to 1.42 Å resolution
Authors: Savva Christos G. , Sobhy Mohamed A. , De Biasio Alfredo , Hamdan Samir M.
Published: July 2024

Single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has become an essential structural determination technique with recent hardware developments making it possible to reach atomic resolution, at which individual atoms, including hydrogen atoms, can be resolved. In this study, we used the enzyme involved in the penultimate step of riboflavin biosynthesis as a test specimen to benchmark a recently installed microscope and determine if other protein complexes could reach a resolution of 1.5 Å or better, which so far has only been achieved for the iron carrier ferritin. Using state-of-the-art microscope and detector hardware as well as the latest software techniques to overcome microscope and sample limitations, a 1.42 Å map of Aquifex aeolicus lumazine synthase (AaLS) was obtained from a 48 h microscope session. In addition to water molecules and ligands involved in the function of AaLS, we can observe positive density for ∼50% of the hydrogen atoms. A small improvement in the resolution was achieved by Ewald sphere correction which was expected to limit the resolution to ∼1.5 Å for a molecule of this diameter. Our study confirms that other protein complexes can be solved to near-atomic resolution. Future improvements in specimen preparation and protein complex stabilization may allow more flexible macromolecules to reach this level of resolution and should become a priority of study in the field.
Continuous composite longitudinal fins under oscillating boundary conditions: a lattice Boltzmann solution
Authors: Sahu Abhishek , Bhowmick Shubhankar
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Transient response of continuous composite material (CCM) fin made of high thermally conductive composite material is presented. The continuously varying effective properties of composite material such as thermal conductivity, heat capacity and density have been modelled using the Mori-Tanaka homogenization theory and rule of mixture. Additionally, temperature dependency of thermal conductivity, heat generation (composite materials) and convection coefficient (fluid properties) have also been incorporated. Different base boundary conditions are addressed such as oscillating heat flow, oscillating temperature, step-changing heat flow and step-changing temperature. At the other boundary, the fin is assumed to have a convective tip.

Design/methodology/approach

Lattice Boltzmann method is implemented using an in-house source code for obtaining the numerical solution of typical non-linear heat balance equation of the aforementioned problem under various transient base boundary conditions.

Findings

The effects of various thermal parameters such as material diffusivity ratio and conductivity ratio, area ratio and Biot number on transient response of fin and temperature distribution of fins are studied and interpreted. The heat transfer rate and time for attainment of steady state temperature of metal matrix composite (MMC) fin are found to be proportionally dependent on their diffusivity ratio. Additionally for higher values of area ratio and biot number, MMC fins are reported to dissipate the heat more efficiently in comparision to homogeneous fins in terms of time required to attain the steady state and surface temperature.

Practical implications

Response of transient fin associated with advanced class of material can facilitates the practicing engineers for designing high-performance and/or miniaturized thermal management devices as used in electronic packaging industries.

Originality/value

Studies of composite fin consisting of laminating second layer of material over the first layer have been reported previously, however transient response of CCM fin fabricated by continuously varying the volume fraction of two materials along the fin length has not been reported till date. Such material finds its application in thermal management and electronic packaging industries. Results are plotted in form of a graph for different application-wise material combinations that have not been reported earlier, and it can be treated as design data.
Navigating the roadmap to meta-governance adoption
Authors: Al-Adwan Ahmad Samed , Al Masaeed Sultan , Yaseen Husam , Balhareth Hamad , Al-Mu'ani Lu'ay , Pavlíková Martina
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate citizens' adoption intention towards meta-government (metaverse-based government) by proposing a dual-perspective technology acceptance model.

Design/methodology/approach

The validity of the proposed model was established by gathering and analysing 533 responses using structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

The study findings underscore the importance of perceptions of ease of use and usefulness in fostering the intention to adopt meta-government. However, perceived cyber risk and switching costs negatively impact these perceptions. On the contrary, herd behaviour and perceived immersion positively influence perceptions of ease of use and usefulness.

Originality/value

This study significantly contributes to the existing literature by offering valuable insights into the factors that influence citizens' adoption of meta-government. It introduces a novel perspective on the primary factors (both enablers and barriers) shaping citizens' adoption intention of meta-government. These insights serve as a foundation for scholars, governments and policymakers to develop effective strategies for promoting meta-government adoption.
Digital financial consumers' decision-making: a systematic literature review and integrative framework
Authors: Barone Marco , Bussoli Candida , Fattobene Lucrezia
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to systematically review the literature on digital consumers’ decision-making in the banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sector and proposes an integrative framework.

Design/methodology/approach

By combining databases such as Web of Science and Elton B. Stephens Company (EBSCO), we identified, analyzed and synthesized 53 peer-reviewed empirical articles that explore the connection between digital solutions in the BFSI sector and various phases and constructs of the consumer decision-making process. We examined the dependent variables (DVs) used to operationalize consumer decision-making, performed a thematic analysis of the papers and proposed an integrative framework.

Findings

The reviewed articles have garnered more attention from marketing researchers than from BFSI or artificial intelligence scholars, often employing traditional behavioral and experimental methodologies that have several limitations. We identified 38 DVs used to operationalize consumer decision-making, with the most frequently recurring constructs being “Intention to use,” “Utilization,” “Satisfaction,” “Perceived usefulness” and “Trust.” We propose an integrative framework that groups these DVs into three main clusters: subjects’ perceptions, user experience and adoption/usage choice. This systematic literature review highlights the increasing importance of emotion in recent decades and underscores the difficulty of establishing a framework where relationships between variables are direct and unidirectional, as traditional economic theories assume.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to provide a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the DVs and the research methods used to study the impact of recent digital solutions on consumer decision-making in the BFSI sector. Further, a framework is proposed that can offer a new perspective for consumer research.
The hidden cost of cronyism! A nexus of knowledge hiding, moral disengagement and egoistic climate in higher educational institutions
Authors: Fatima Tehreem , Bilal Ahmad Raza , Imran Muhammad Kashif , Sarwar Ambreen , Shabeer Sobia
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Despite noted instances of organizational cronyism in public sector Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), there is a lack of empirical evidence on its detrimental outcomes. The present investigation tested the impact of organizational cronyism on knowledge hiding via the mediating role of moral disengagement and moderating role of egoistic climate.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-stage random sample was drawn from the 312 teaching faculty working in HEIs of Lahore, Pakistan in three waves. M-plus was used to validate a longitudinal moderated mediation model based on Structural Equation Modeling.

Findings

The results showed that organizational cronyism leads to knowledge hiding. In addition, it was substantiated that moral disengagement acts as a mediator in the relationship between organizational cronyism and knowledge hiding. The strengthening impact of an egoistic climate was found in the direct and indirect association between organizational cronyism, moral disengagement, and knowledge hiding.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of research on the consequences of organizational cronyism and the understanding of the factors that underlie this association is limited. This research has bridged this gap by investigating the role of moral disengagement and egoistic climate in linking organizational cronyism and knowledge-hiding by building on social exchange and social cognitive theory.
Robust and fragile determinants of the severity of COVID-19 in developing and developed countries: a comparative analysis
Authors: Moosa Imad A. , Khatatbeh Ibrahim N.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The primary objective of this paper is to explore the robust determinants influencing the infection rate and case mortality rate of COVID-19 in both developing and developed economies. The analysis is conducted using a dataset encompassing 148 countries.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this goal, empirical testing utilizes the Sala-i-Martin version of extreme bounds analysis, a method grounded in the cumulative density function. This approach allows for a comprehensive exploration of potential determinants.

Findings

The analysis results reveal that, to a large extent, distinct factors contribute to the infection and mortality rates in developed and developing countries. Notwithstanding these differences, certain common factors emerge, such as the risk environment, the number of tests conducted per million people and the percentage of the population over 65.

Originality/value

Despite acknowledging the potential limitations inherent in official data, this study concludes that the presented results offer valuable insights. The identified determinants, both unique and common, contribute to understanding the dynamics of COVID-19 in diverse economic settings. The information gleaned from this research holds significance for decision-makers involved in combating the ongoing pandemic.
Testing a novel haptic tram master controller technology via virtual reality: feasibility and user acceptance considerations
Authors: Callari Tiziana C. , Moody Louise , Horan Ben
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Virtual reality (VR) has been explored as a training and testing environment in a range of work contexts, and increasingly so in transport. There is, however, a lack of research exploring the role of VR in the training of tram drivers, and in providing an environment in which advances in tram technology can be tested safely. This study aimed to test a novel haptic tram master controller within a tram-based Virtual environment (VE).

Design/methodology/approach

The master controller is the primary mechanism for operating a tram, and its effective manipulation can significantly influence the comfort and well-being of passengers, as well as the overall safety of the tram system. Here, the authors tested a haptically enhanced master controller that provides additional sensory information with 16 tram drivers. The feasibility and user acceptance of the novel technology were determined through surveys.

Findings

The results indicate that the haptic master controller is seen as beneficial to the drivers suggesting that it could enhance their driving and demonstrate good acceptance. The VE has provided a potential training environment that was accepted by the drivers and did not cause adverse effects (e.g. sickness).

Research limitations/implications

Although this study involved actual tram drivers from a local tram company, the authors acknowledge that the sample size was small, and additional research is needed to broaden perspectives and gather more user feedback. Furthermore, while this study focused on subjective feedback to gauge user acceptance of the new haptic technology, the authors agree that future evaluations should incorporate additional objective measures.

Practical implications

The insights gained from this VE-based research can contribute to future training scenarios and inform the development of technology used in real-world tram operations.

Originality/value

Through this investigation, the authors showed the broader possibilities of haptics in enhancing the functionality and user experience of various technological devices, while also contributing to the advancement of tram systems for safer and more efficient urban mobility.
Seismic imaging of the complex geological structures in the southwestern edge of the Western limb, Bushveld Complex through focusing pre‐stack depth migration of legacy 2D seismic data
Authors: Sihoyiya Mpofana , Hloušek Felix , Manzi Musa S. D. , Rapetsoa Moyagabo K. , Buske Stefan , Khoza David
Published: July 2024

We reprocessed a 50‐km long legacy 2D reflection seismic profile acquired in 1986, under a project funded by the National Geophysics Program to improve the delineation of complex geological structures that host the platinum‐bearing horizons (known as the UG2 reef; a chromitite horizon) on the south‐eastern edge of the Western limb of the Bushveld Complex and to investigate the continuity of the reef below the thick cover. The pre‐stack seismic data quality was improved through conventional processing steps. We applied standard Kirchhoff pre‐stack depth migration as well as advanced coherency migration techniques. Both imaging techniques yielded good structural images of the platinum deposits, their hanging wall and footwall rocks. In particular, the coherency migration technique has provided significantly better images in complex faulted regions, yielding a better understanding of the interrelationship between fault activity and platinum deposit distribution, and the relative chronology of tectonic events. Moreover, the regional geological structures (Crocodile River fault and Chaneng structure) that crosscut the profile are clearly defined.
‘Becoming restrained’: Conceptualising restrictive practices in the care of people living with dementia in acute hospital settings
Authors: Mwale Shadreck , Northcott Andy , Lambert Imogen , Featherstone Katie
Published: July 2024

The use of restrictive practices within health and social care has attracted policy and practice attention, predominantly focusing on children and young people with mental health conditions, learning disabilities and autism. However, despite growing appreciation of the need to improve care quality for people living with dementia (PLWD), the potentially routine use of restrictive practices in their care has received little attention. PLWD are at significant risk of experiencing restrictive practices during unscheduled acute hospital admissions. In everyday routine hospital care of PLWD, concerns about subtle and less visible forms of restrictive practices and their impacts remain. This article draws on Deleuze’s concepts of ‘assemblage’ and ‘event’ to conceptualise restrictive practices as institutional, interconnection social and political attitudes and organisational cultural practices. We argue that this approach illuminates the diverse ways restrictive practices are used, legitimatised and perpetuated in the care of PLWD. We examine restrictive practices in acute care contexts, understanding their use requires examining the wider socio‐political, organisational cultures and professional practice contexts in which clinical practices occurs. Whereas ‘events’ and ‘assemblages’ have predominantly been used to examine embodied entanglements in diverse health contexts, examining restrictive practices as a structural assemblage extends the application of this theoretical framework.
The Impact of Medicaid Institutions for Mental Disease Exclusion Waivers on the Availability of Substance Abuse Treatment Services and the Varying Effect by Ownership Type
Authors: GE YIMIN , ROMLEY JOHN A. , PACULA ROSALIE LICCARDO
Published: July 2024

Policy Points

The adoption of Medicaid institutions for mental disease (IMD) exclusion waivers increases the likelihood of substance abuse treatment facilities offering mental health and substance abuse treatment for co‐occurring disorders, especially in residential facilities.

There are differential responses to IMD waivers based on facility ownership. For‐profit substance abuse treatment facilities are responsive to the adoption of IMD substance use disorder waivers, whereas private not‐for‐profit and public entities are not.

The response of for‐profit facilities suggests that integration of substance abuse and mental health treatment for individuals in residential facilities may be cost‐effective.

Context

Access to integrated care for those with co‐occurring mental health (MH) and substance use disorders (SUDs) has been limited because of an exclusion in Medicaid on paying for SUD care for those in institutions for mental disease (IMDs). Starting in 2015, the federal government encouraged states to pursue waivers of this exclusion, and by the end of 2020, 28 states had done so. It is unclear what impact these waivers have had on the availability of care for co‐occurring disorders and the characteristics of any facilities that expanded care because of them.

Methods

Using data from the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services, we estimate a two‐stage residual inclusion model including time‐ and state‐fixed effects to examine the effect of state IMD SUD waivers on the percentage of facilities offering co‐occurring MH and SUD treatment, overall and for residential facilities specifically. Separate analyses are conducted by facility ownership type.

Findings

Results show that the adoption of an IMD SUD waiver is associated with 1.068 greater odds of that state having facilities offering co‐occurring MH and substance abuse (SA) treatment a year or more later. The adoption of a waiver increases the odds of a state's residential treatment facility offering co‐occurring MH and SA treatment by 1.129 a year or more later. Additionally, the results suggest 1.163 higher odds of offering co‐occurring MH/SA treatment in private for‐profit SA facilities in states that adopt an IMD SUD waiver while suggesting no significant impact on offered services by private not‐for‐profit or public facilities.

Conclusions

Our study findings suggest that Medicaid IMD waivers are at least somewhat effective at impacting the population targeted by the policy. Importantly, we find that there are differential responses to these IMD waivers based on facility ownership, providing new evidence for the literature on the role of ownership in the provision of health care.
Differences across race and ethnicity in the quality of antidepressant medication management
Authors: Harris Alex H. S. , Liu Pingyang , Breland Jessica Y. , Nieser Kenneth J. , Schmidt Eric M.
Published: July 2024

Objective

To illustrate the importance of a multidimensional view of disparities in quality of antidepressant medication management (AMM), as well as discriminating “within‐facility” disparities from disparities that exist between facilities.

Data Sources and Study Setting

We used data from the Veterans Health Administration's (VA) Corporate Data Warehouse (CDW) which contains clinical and administrative data from VA facilities nationally.

Study Design

CDW data were used to measure five indicators of AMM quality, including the HEDIS Effective Acute‐Phase and Effective Continuation‐Phase measures. Mixed effects regression models were used to examine differences in quality indicators between racial/ethnic groups, controlling for other demographic and clinical factors. An adaptation of the Kitagawa‐Blinder‐Oaxaca (KBO) method was used to decompose mean differences in treatment quality between racial and ethnic groups into within‐ and between‐facility effects.

Data Extraction Methods

Demographic, clinical, and health service utilization data were extracted for patients in fiscal year 2017 with a diagnosis of depression and a new start of an antidepressant medication.

Principal Findings

The decomposition of the overall differences between White and Black patients on receiving an initial 90‐day prescription (46.7% vs. 32.7%), Effective Acute‐Phase (79.7% vs. 66.8%), and Effective Continuation‐Phase (64.0% vs. 49.6%) HEDIS measures revealed that most of the overall effects were “within‐facility,” meaning that Black patients are less likely to meet these measures regardless of where they are treated. Although the overall magnitude of disparities between White and Hispanic patients on these three measures was very similar (46.7% vs. 32.7%; 79.7% vs. 69.2%; 64.0% vs. 53.6%), the differences were more attributable to Hispanic patients being treated in facilities with overall lower performance on these measures.

Conclusions

Discriminating within‐ and between‐facility disparities and taking a multidimensional view of quality are essential to informing efforts to address disparities in AMM quality.