bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the life-extending potential and safety profile of rapamycin: a Mendelian Randomization study of the mTOR pathway
Authors: Sobczyk Maria K , Gaunt Tom R
Published: October 2023

Objective

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway plays an integral role in cellular metabolism, growth, and aging. While rapamycin and its analogs inhibit the mTOR pathway, extending lifespan in various organisms, the long-term safety and efficacy of these compounds in humans remain understudied.

Methods

Utilizing two mTOR expression QTL instruments derived from the eQTLgen and MetaBrain studies, we sought to explore the potential causal relationship between mTOR expression inhibition in blood and brain cortex (mimicking chronic rapamycin use), and its effects on longevity, cardiometabolic disease, prostate cancer and anthropometric risk factors. Subsequently, we extended the selection of instruments to 47 other members of the mTOR pathway. To complement this Mendelian randomization (MR) evidence, we conducted genetic colocalisation and sampling-based enrichment testing.

Results

Our findings suggest that genetically proxied mTOR inhibition may increase the odds of attaining top 1% longest lifespan in the population (OR=1.24, OR95%CI=1-1.53, p-value=0.048). Moreover, mTOR inhibition significantly reduced body mass index (BMI), basal metabolic rate (BMR), height, and age at menopause, while increasing bone mineral density. Interestingly, there was generally little evidence linking mTOR inhibition to cardiovascular disease incidence, with the exception of weak evidence for a protective effect against heart failure (OR=0.94, OR95%CI=0.89-0.99, p-value=0.039). Chronic mTOR inhibition did not causally affect prostate cancer incidence but increased the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A higher-than-expected (p-value = 0.05) number of genes in the mTOR pathway were causally associated with BMR.

Conclusions

This study highlights the potential lifespan-extending effects of mTOR inhibition and its significant influence on metabolic risk factors and disease. Members of the mTOR complex, especially mTORC1, play a disproportionate role in influencing BMR and BMI, which provides valuable insight for potential therapeutic target development.
Layer 1 NDNF Interneurons are Specialized Top-Down Master Regulators of Cortical Circuits
Authors: Hartung J , Schroeder A , Péréz Vázquez RA , Poorthuis RB , Letzkus JJ
Published: October 2023

Diverse types of inhibitory interneurons (INs) impart computational power and flexibility to neocortical circuits. Whereas markers for different IN types in cortical layers (L) 2-6 have been instrumental for generating a wealth of functional insights, only the recent identification of the first selective marker (NDNF) has opened comparable opportunities for INs in L1. However, at present we know very little about the connectivity of NDNF L1INs with other IN types, their input-output conversion, and the existence of potential NDNF L1IN subtypes. Here, we report pervasive inhibition of L2/3 INs (including PV- and VIPINs) by NDNF L1INs. Intersectional genetics revealed similar physiology and connectivity in the NDNF L1IN subpopulation co-expressing NPY. Finally, NDNF L1INs prominently and selectively engage in persistent firing, a physiological hallmark disconnecting their output from the current input. Collectively, our work therefore identifies NDNF L1INs as specialized master regulators of superficial neocortex according to their pervasive top-down afferents.
The EFFECT benchmark suite: measuring cancer sensitivity prediction performance - without the bias
Authors: Szalai Bence , Gáspár Imre , Kaszás Valér , Mérő László , Sztilkovics Milán , Szalay Kristóf Z.
Published: October 2023

1.

Creating computational biology models applicable to industry is much more difficult than it appears. There is a major gap between a model that looks good on paper and a model that performs well in the drug discovery process. We are trying to shrink this gap by introducing the Evaluation Framework For predicting Efficiency of Cancer Treatment (EFFECT) benchmark suite based on the DepMap and GDSC data sets to facilitate the creation of well-applicable machine learning models capable of predicting gene essentiality and/or drug sensitivity on in vitro cancer cell lines.

We show that standard evaluation metrics like Pearson correlation are misleading due to inherent biases in the data. Thus, to assess the performance of models properly, we propose the use of cell line/perturbation exclusive data splits, perturbation-wise evaluation, and the application of our Bias Detector framework, which can identify model predictions not explicable by data bias alone.

Testing the EFFECT suite on a few popular machine learning (ML) models showed that while library-standard non-linear models have measurable performance in splits representing precision medicine and target identification tasks, the actual corrected correlations are rather low, showing that even simple knock-out (KO)/drug sensitivity prediction is a yet unsolved task.

For this reason, we aim our proposed framework to be a unified test and evaluation pipeline for ML models predicting cancer sensitivity data, facilitating unbiased benchmarking to support teams to improve on the state of the art.
A method of identifying false positives in the strain-specific variant calling of rice
Authors: Kim Sunhee , Chu Sang-Ho , Park Yong-Jin , Lee Chang-Yong
Published: October 2023

In this study, we investigated the strain-specific effect in genetic variant calling from next-generation sequencing data. For this purpose, we used two major strains of the rice genome, Indica and Japonica, to build different variant calling models that differ in the composition of samples from the two strains. We found that the more the samples differed in their strains from the reference sequence, the more variants were predicted. In particular, the increase in predicted variants was noticeable when the samples that differed in their strains from the reference were included. We used machine learning approaches to understand this finding and compared the performance of different variant calling models using confusion matrices constructed from the predicted variants. We found that a significant proportion of the incrementally predicted variants are potential false positives, which becomes more pronounced the more phylogenetically different accessions from the reference are included in the samples. For the accuracy of the predicted variants, we proposed a method to identify the false positives that can be excluded from the potential false positives if necessary. The proposed method involves calling true variants from the purebred samples. We demonstrated the validity of the proposed method on the different variant calling models and showed a reduction of false positives in the predicted variants. As an example of practical utility, we applied the method to the dbSNP, a database of known variants, and demonstrated a way to identify false positives in the dbSNP. In these respects, this study provides general recommendations for effective practices in strain-specific variant calling in rice.
Activation of the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway suppresses mitochondrial dysfunction inC9orf72ALS/FTDin vivomodels and patient iNeurons
Authors: Au Wing Hei , Miller-Fleming Leonor , Sanchez-Martinez Alvaro , Lee James A. K. , Twyning Madeleine J. , Prag Hiran A. , Granger Sarah , Roome Katie , Ferraiuolo Laura , Mortiboys Heather , Whitworth Alexander J.
Published: October 2023

Mitochondrial dysfunction such as excess production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and defective mitochondrial dynamics are common features ofC9orf72Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/Frontotemporal Dementia (ALS/FTD), but it remains unclear whether these are causative or a consequence of the pathogenic process. To address this, we have performed a comprehensive characterisation of mitochondrial dysfunctionin vivomodel, analysing multiple transgenicDrosophilamodels ofC9orf72-related pathology, which can be correlated to disease-relevant locomotor deficits. Genetic manipulations to reverse different aspects of mitochondrial disruption revealed that only genetic upregulation of antioxidants such as mitochondrial Sod2 and catalase were able to rescueC9orf72locomotor deficits, suggesting a causative link between mitochondrial dysfunction, ROS and behavioural phenotypes. By analysing the Keap1/Nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, a central antioxidant response pathway, we observed a blunted response in theC9orf72models. However, both genetic reduction of Keap1 and its pharmacological targeting by dimethyl fumarate (DMF), was able to rescueC9orf72-related motor deficits. In addition, analysis ofC9orf72patient-derived iNeurons showed increased ROS that was suppressed by DMF treatment. These results indicate that mitochondrial oxidative stress is an upstream pathogenic mechanism leading to downstream mitochondrial dysfunction such as alterations in mitochondrial function and turnover. Consequently, our data support targeting the Keap1/Nrf2 signalling pathway as a viable therapeutic strategy forC9orf72-related ALS/FTD.
Computational prediction of structure, function and interaction of aphid salivary effector proteins
Authors: Waksman Thomas , Astin Edmund , Fisher S. Ronan , Hunter William N. , Bos Jorunn I.B.
Published: October 2023

Similar to plant pathogens, phloem-feeding insects such as aphids deliver effector proteins inside their hosts that act to promote host susceptibility and enable feeding and infestation. Despite exciting progress towards identifying and characterizing effector proteins from these insects, their functions remain largely unknown. The recent ground-breaking development in protein structure prediction algorithms combined with the availability of proteomics and transcriptomic datasets for agriculturally important pests, such as the aphidMyzus persicae(green peach aphid), provides new opportunities to explore the structural and functional diversity of effector repertoires. In this study, we sought to gain insight into the theM. persicaeeffector repertoire by predicting and analysing the structures of a set of 71 effector candidate proteins. We used two protein structure prediction methods, AlphaFold and OmegaFold, which produced mutually consistent results. We observed a wide continuous spectrum of sizes and structures among the effector candidates, from disordered proteins to globular enzymes. We made use of the structural information and state-of-the-art computational methods to predictM. persicaeeffector protein properties, including function and interaction with host plant proteins. Overall, our investigation provides novel insights into the structure, function, and interaction prediction of aphid effector repertoires and will guide the necessary experimental characterization to address new hypotheses.
A simple optical flow model explains why certain object viewpoints are special
Authors: Stewart Emma E.M. , Fleming Roland W. , Schütz Alexander C.
Published: October 2023

A core challenge in perception is recognizing objects across the highly variable retinal input that occurs when objects are viewed from different directions (e.g., frontvsside views). It has long been known that certain views are of particular importance, but it remains unclear why. We reasoned that characterising the computations underlying visual comparisons between objects could explain the privileged status of certain qualitatively special views. We measured pose discrimination for a wide range of objects, finding large variations in performance depending on the object and the view angle, with front and back views yielding particularly good discrimination. Strikingly, a simple and biologically plausible computational model based on measuring the projected 3D optical flow between views of objects accurately predicted both successes and failures of discrimination performance. This provides a computational account of why certain views have a privileged status.

Significance statement

Some viewpoints of objects are qualitatively and perceptually special, making them easier to recognize and remember. We show that qualitatively special viewpoints of familiar and novel 3D objects can be predicted by an optical-flow model that measures how points on the surface shift in the image as viewpoint changes. This provides a quantitative account for why some viewpoints of objects are perceptually special.
The COMBO window: A chronic cranial implant for multiscale circuit interrogation in mice
Authors: Edelman Bradley Jay , Siegenthaler Dominique , Wanken Paulina , Jenkins Bethan , Schmid Bianca , Ressle Andrea , Gogolla Nadine , Frank Thomas , Macé Emilie
Published: October 2023

Neuroscientists studying the neural correlates of mouse behavior often lack access to the brain-wide activity patterns elicited during a specific task of interest. Fortunately, large-scale imaging is becoming increasingly accessible thanks to modalities such as Ca2+imaging and functional ultrasound (fUS). However, these and other techniques often involve challenging cranial window procedures, and are difficult to combine with other neuroscience tools. We address this need with an open-source 3D-printable cranial implant - the COMBO (ChrOnicMultimodal imaging andBehavioralObservation) window. The COMBO window enables chronic imaging of large portions of the brain in head-fixed mice while preserving orofacial movements. We validate the COMBO window stability using both brain-wide fUS and multi-site two-photon imaging. Moreover, we demonstrate how the COMBO window facilitates the combination of optogenetics, fUS and electrophysiology in the same animals to study the effects of circuit perturbations at both the brain-wide and single-neuron level. Overall, the COMBO window provides a versatile solution for performing multimodal brain recordings in head-fixed mice.
Predation-resistantPseudomonasbacteria engage in symbiont-like behavior with the social amoebaDictyostelium discoideum
Authors: Steele Margaret I. , Peiser Jessica , Strassmann Joan E. , Queller David C.
Published: October 2023

The soil amoebaDictyostelium discoideumacts as both a predator and potential host for diverse bacteria. We tested fifteenPseudomonasstrains that were isolated from transiently infected wildD. discoideumfor ability to escape predation and infectD. discoideumfruiting bodies. Three predation-resistant strains frequently caused extracellular infections of fruiting bodies but were not found within spores. Furthermore, infection by one of these species induces secondary infections and suppresses predation of otherwise edible bacteria. Another strain can persist inside of amoebae after being phagocytosed but is rarely ingested. We sequenced isolate genomes and discovered that predation-resistant isolates are not monophyletic. ManyPseudomonasisolates encode secretion systems and toxins known to improve resistance to phagocytosis in other species, as well as diverse secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters that may contribute to predation resistance. However, the distribution of these genes alone cannot explain why some strains are edible and others are not. Each lineage may employ a unique mechanism for resistance.
The Biofilm Lifestyle Shapes the Evolution of β-Lactamases
Authors: Lorentzen Øyvind M. , Haukefer Anne Sofie B. , Johnsen Pål J. , Frøhlich Christopher
Published: October 2023

The evolutionary relationship between the biofilm lifestyle and antibiotic resistance enzymes remains a subject of limited understanding. Here, we investigate how β-lactamases affect biofilm formation inVibrio choleraeand how selection for a biofilm lifestyle impacts the evolution of these enzymes. Seven genetically diverse β-lactamases expressed inV. choleraedisplayed a strong inhibitory effect on biofilm production, ranging from 17% to 61%. To understand how natural evolution affects this antagonistic pleiotropy under biofilm selecting conditions, we randomly mutagenized one β-lactamase and selected for elevated biofilm formation. Our results revealed that biofilm evolution selects for mutations predominantly clustered around the β-lactamase’s active site, yielding functional variants still proficient in β-lactam hydrolysis without biofilm inhibition. Mutational analysis of evolved variants demonstrated that restoration of biofilm development could be achieved either independent of enzymatic function or by actively leveraging enzymatic activity to increase biofilm formation. Taken together, the biofilm lifestyle can impose a profound selective pressure on antimicrobial resistance enzymes. Shedding light on such evolutionary interplays is of great importance to understand the various factors driving antimicrobial resistance.

Impact statement

β-lactamases inhibit biofilm formation and the selection for increased biofilm production can mitigate this antagonistic pleiotropic effect. The emergence of β-lactamase variants avoiding biofilm inhibition strongly suggests that the biofilm lifestyle affects the evolutionary fate of these enzymes.
Predictions enable top-down pattern separation in the macaque face-processing hierarchy
Authors: Nigam Tarana , Schwiedrzik Caspar M.
Published: October 2023

Distinguishing faces requires well distinguishable neural activity patterns. Contextual information may separate neural representations, leading to enhanced identity recognition. Here, we use functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate how predictions derived from contextual information affect the separability of neural activity patterns in the macaque face-processing system, a 3-level processing hierarchy in ventral visual cortex. We find that in the presence of predictions, early stages of this hierarchy exhibit well separable and high-dimensional neural geometries resembling those at the top of the hierarchy. This is accompanied by a systematic shift of tuning properties from higher to lower areas, endowing lower areas with higher-order, invariant representations instead of their feedforward tuning properties. Thus, top-down signals dynamically transform neural representations of faces into separable and high-dimensional neural geometries. Our results provide evidence how predictive context transforms flexible representational spaces to optimally use the computational resources provided by cortical processing hierarchies for better and faster distinction of facial identities.
Microbiome imaging goes à la carte: Incorporating click chemistry into the fluorescence-activating and absorption-shifting tag (FAST) imaging platform
Authors: Anderson David M. , Logan Matthew G. , Patty Sara S. , Kendall Alexander J. , Borland Christina Z. , Pfeifer Carmem S. , Kreth Jens , Merritt Justin L.
Published: October 2023

The human microbiome is predominantly composed of facultative and obligate anaerobic bacteria that live in hypoxic/anoxic polymicrobial biofilm communities. Given the oxidative sensitivity of large fractions of the human microbiota, green fluorescent protein (GFP) and related genetically-encoded fluorophores only offer limited utility for live cell imaging due the oxygen requirement for chromophore maturation. Consequently, new fluorescent imaging modalities are needed to study polymicrobial interactions and microbiome-host interactions within anaerobic environments. The fluorescence-activating and absorption shifting tag (FAST) is a rapidly developing genetically-encoded fluorescent imaging technology that exhibits tremendous potential to address this need. In the FAST system, fluorescence only occurs when the FAST protein is complexed with one of a suite of cognate small molecule fluorogens. To expand the utility of FAST imaging, we sought to develop a modular platform (Click-FAST) to democratize fluorogen engineering for personalized use cases. Using Click-FAST, investigators can quickly and affordably sample a vast chemical space of compounds, potentially imparting a broad range of desired functionalities to the parental fluorogen. In this work, we demonstrate the utility of the Click-FAST platform using a novel fluorogen,PLBlaze-alkyne, which incorporates the widely available small molecule ethylvanillin as the hydroxybenzylidine head group. Different azido reagents were clicked ontoPLBlaze-alkyne and shown to impart useful characteristics to the fluorogen, such as selective bacterial labeling in mixed populations as well as fluorescent signal enhancement. Conjugation of an 80 Å PEG molecule toPLBlaze-alkyne illustrates the broad size range of functional fluorogen chimeras that can be employed. This PEGylated fluorogen also functions as an exquisitely selective membrane permeability marker capable of outperforming propidium iodide as a fluorescent marker of cell viability.
Gene expression comparisons between captive and wild shrew brains reveal captivity effects
Authors: Bedoya Duque Maria Alejandra , Thomas William R , Dechmann Dina K N , Nieland John Dirk , Baldoni Cecilia , von Elverfeldt Dominik , Muturi Marion , Corthals Angelique , Davalos Liliana M
Published: October 2023

Compared to their free-ranging counterparts, wild animals in captivity experience different conditions with lasting physiological and behavioral effects. Although shifts in gene expression are expected to occur upstream of these phenotypes, we found no previous gene expression comparisons of captive vs. free-ranging mammals. We assessed gene expression profiles of three brain regions (cortex, olfactory bulb, and hippocampus) of wild shrews (Sorex araneus) compared to shrews kept in captivity for two months and undertook sample drop-out to examine robustness given limited sample sizes. Consistent with captivity effects, we found hundreds of differentially expressed genes in all three brain regions, 104 overlapping across all three, that enriched pathways associated with neurodegenerative disease, oxidative phosphorylation, and genes encoding ribosomal proteins. In the shrew, transcriptomic changes detected under captivity resemble responses in several human pathologies, including major depressive disorder and neurodegeneration. While interpretations of individual genes are tempered by small sample sizes, we propose captivity influences brain gene expression and function and can confound analyses of natural processes in wild individuals under captive conditions.
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 4 is caused by a GGC expansion in theZFHX3gene and is associated with prominent dysautonomia and motor neuron signs
Authors: Paucar Martin , Nilsson Daniel , Engvall Martin , Laffita-Mesa José , Söderhäll Cilla , Skorpil Mikael , Halldin Christer , Fazio Patrik , Lagerstedt-Robinson Kristina , Solders Göran , Angeria Maria , Varrone Andrea , Risling Mårten , Jiao Hong , Nennesmo Inger , Wedell Anna , Svenningsson Per
Published: October 2023

Background

Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a group of heterogeneous autosomal dominant disorders. Spinocerebellar ataxia 4 (SCA4), one of the rarest SCAs, is characterized by adult-onset ataxia, polyneuropathy and linked to chromosome 16q22.1, the underlying mutation remains to be discovered.

Methods

Three Swedish families affected by undiagnosed SCA went through detailed examinations, neurophysiological tests, neuroimaging studies and genetic testing. Imaging included MRI of the neuroaxis and brain PET. In 3 cases neuropathological assessments were performed. Genetic testing included SR WGS, STR analysis with Expansion Hunterde novoand long read (LR) WGS.

Results

Novel features such as dysautonomia, motor neuron affection, and abnormal eye movements, were found. Anticipation was documented as well. Atrophy in the cerebellum, brainstem and spinal cord was found in patients studied with MRI. [18F]FDG-PET demonstrated brain hypometabolism whereas [11C]Flumazenil-PET yielded reduced binding in several brain lobes, insula, thalamus, hypothalamus and cerebellum. Neuropathological assessment revealed moderate to severe loss of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum. In the spinal cord a marked loss of motor neurons in the anterior horns was seen as well as pronounced degeneration of posterior tracts. Intranuclear, mainly neuronal, inclusions positive for p62 and ubiquitin were sparse but widespread in the CNS. This finding prompted assessment for nucleotide expansions. A poly-glycine stretch encoding GGC expansions in the last exon of the zink finger homeobox 3 (ZFHX3)gene was identified segregating with disease, and not found in 1000 controls.

Conclusions

SCA4 is a neurodegenerative disease, caused by a novel GGC expansion inZFHX3,arguably the first polyglycine disorder in humans.
Building a Uniport Olfactometer to Assess Mosquito Responses to Odors
Authors: Castillo John S. , Bellantuono Anthony J. , DeGennaro Matthew
Published: October 2023

The uniport olfactometer behavioral assay is currently one of the most reliable single-choice methods to use to study mosquito attraction to olfactory stimuli. It allows for the reproducible calculation of mosquito attraction rate to human hosts or to other olfactory stimuli. Here, we present the design of our modified uniport olfactometer. Consistent carbon-filtered air flows through the assay, creating positive pressure that reduces odor contamination from the room. It includes a precision-milled white acrylic base to facilitate easy setup and consistent placement of the component parts. Our design can be made by a commercial acrylic fabricator or an academic machine shop. This olfactometer is designed to assess the responses of mosquitoes but could be applied to other insects that fly upwind toward an odor stimulus. In a companion protocol, we detail how to perform the experiments with mosquitoes by using the uniport olfactometer.
Measuring Mosquito Spectral Sensitivity Using Electroretinograms
Authors: Peach Daniel A.H. , Blake Adam J.
Published: October 2023

Mosquitoes use a variety of cues to locate resources in the world around them, including olfactory, thermal, and visual stimuli. Understanding how mosquitoes perceive these stimuli is important for understanding and investigating mosquito behaviors and mosquito ecology. Specifically, mosquito vision can be studied in many ways, including by using electrophysiological recordings from their compound eyes. Electroretinograms can be used to characterize the spectral sensitivity of a mosquito species, revealing the wavelengths of light they can perceive. Here, we provide details on how to perform and analyze these recordings.
High-Throughput Mutant Screening via Transposon Sequencing
Authors: Bourgeois Jacob , Camilli Andrew
Published: October 2023

Transposon mutagenesis has been the method of choice for genetic screens and selections in bacteria by virtue of the transposon being linked to the disrupted gene, simplifying its identification. Transposon sequencing (Tn-seq) is a high-throughput version of transposon mutant screening, in which massively parallel sequencing is used to simultaneously follow the fitness of all mutants in a complex library. In a single experiment, one can use Tn-seq to interrogate the contribution of all genes of a bacterium to fitness under a condition of interest. Here, we introduce a method to construct a saturating transposon insertion library in Gram-negative bacteria, to capture the transposon junctionsen masse, and to identify essential genes and conditional genes using massively parallel sequencing. The accompanying protocol was developed as part of Cold Spring Harbor's Advanced Bacterial Genetics course.
Unusual reaction of (E)-2-[(benzo[d]thiazol-2-ylimino)methyl]-5-(diethylamino)phenol with triphenylborane: crystal structures and optical properties
Authors: Le Thi Hong Hai , Le Phuong Thao , Van Pham Thong , Minh Thi Nguyen Hue , Van Meervelt Luc
Published: October 2023

The molecular and crystal structure of (E)-2-[(benzo[d]thiazol-2-ylimino)methyl]-5-(diethylamino)phenol (C18H19N3O2S, Et2N-Bz) and its unexpected reaction product with triphenylborane, 2,2-diphenyl-1,3-dioxa-2-borata-1,2-dihydronaphthalene [systematic name: N,N-diethyl-2,2-diphenyl-2H-1,3λ3,2λ4-benzodioxaborinin-7-amine, C23H24BNO2, (I)] are described. For Et2N-Bz, the hydroxyl group is involved in an intramolecular hydrogen bond with the imino nitrogen atom and the C=N bond displays an E configuration. The crystal packing is characterized by layers of inversion dimers parallel to the (10\overline{1}) plane and chains of molecule in the a-axis direction formed through C—H...O interactions. Complex (I) crystallizes with two molecules (A and B) in the asymmetric unit, which differ in the orientation of the ethyl groups. The 1,3-dioxa-2-borata-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene ring displays a slight envelope conformation with the boron atom as the flap. In the crystal packing, chains of alternating A and B molecules formed by C—H...O hydrogen bonds run in the b-axis direction. The UV–vis absorption and emission properties of the compounds are discussed and their aggregation-induced emission properties are further investigated.
Photo-thermo-piezo-elastic waves in semiconductor medium subject to distinct two temperature models with higher order memory dependencies
Authors: Gupta Vipin , Barak M.S.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impacts of higher memory dependencies on a novel semiconductor material that exhibits generalized photo-piezo-thermo-elastic properties. Specifically, the research focuses on analyzing the behavior of the semiconductor under three distinct temperature models.

Design/methodology/approach

The study assumes a homogeneous and orthotropic piezo-semiconductor medium during photo-thermal excitation. The field equations have been devised to encompass higher order parameters, temporal delays and a specifically tailored kernel function to address the problem. The eigenmode technique is used to solve these equations and derive analytical expressions.

Findings

The research presents graphical representations of the physical field distribution across different temperatures, higher order plasma heat conduction models and time. The results reveal that the amplitude of the distribution profile is markedly affected by factors such as the memory effect, time, conductive temperature and spatial coordinates. These factors cannot be overlooked in the analysis and design of the semiconductor.

Research limitations/implications

Specific cases are also discussed in detail, offering the potential to advance the creation of precise models and facilitate future simulations.

Practical implications

The research offers valuable information on the physical field distribution across various temperatures, allowing engineers and designers to optimize the design of semiconductor devices. Understanding the impact of memory effect, time, conductive temperature and spatial coordinates enables device performance and efficiency improvement.

Originality/value

This manuscript is the result of the joint efforts of the authors, who independently initiated and contributed equally to this study.
The double reduction policy and education development in China
Authors: Zhong Keqing , Park Jae
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This policy review paper is an analysis of the Double Reduction Policy (DRP) of China that was promulgated in July 2021. It looks into its rationale as well as different stakeholders' early reactions to the policy.

Design/methodology/approach

Critical policy analysis (CPA) method was used to identify (1) the artefacts, such as language, objects and acts, that were significant carriers of the DRP; (2) communities of meaning, interpretation, speech and practice that are relevant to the DRP and its implementation; (3) the local discourses relevant to the DRP; and (4) the tension points and their conceptual sources (affective, cognitive and/or moral) by different DRP stakeholders. As per the comparative education field, this paper compares the pre-DRP and post-DRP periods to tease out how the policy affects different stakeholders of education.

Findings

The DRP in China could be attributed to diverse factors such as demography, socialist economic and developmental visions and manpower structure. The implementation of the DRP has generated uneven reactions among different stakeholders and geographical regions both in speed and scale. While education stakeholders have no choice but to adopt the policy, they face challenges derived from a sudden halt of private educational resources and subsequent increased duties of parents and schools.

Originality/value

The significance of this early policy analysis lies in offering an insight into education development in China by analysing and deliberating the DRP from different perspectives.
Housing supply and development contributions: a case study of sidewalks in Seattle
Authors: Garza Nestor , Goldman Michael
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to test the effect of Seattle’s discontinuous sidewalk requirement, on the number of housing units per construction permit.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses discontinuity linear regression (DLR) on a database of Seattle’s housing construction permits during January-2015 to January-2018, controlled by 51 socioeconomic, planning and geographic variables. The sidewalk requirement is continuous inside the designated urban villages; however, it is spatially and quantitatively discontinuous in the rest of the city: certain blocks at certain locations require sidewalks’ design and construction in permits with six or more housing units. DLR detects the effect of the discontinuity while controlling for a vast array of confounding variables.

Findings

The primary finding is that the discontinuous requirement reduces the number of housing units in about 75% of a housing unit per permit, which at the aggregate level amounts to around 335 fewer housing units during the period of analysis.

Research limitations/implications

The database is relatively small, which has limited a more thorough specification process and robustness tests.

Originality/value

Besides directly testing the effect of a discontinuous in-kind development contribution, the research setup allows to discuss a wider, more structural problem: the possibility of contributions avoidance due to spatial substitution. In contrast, spatially continuous (i.e. city-level) contributions cannot be avoided by performing spatial substitution, and they are internalized by the housing supply side (market-neutral).
An empirical research on the determinants of driver-partners' participative behaviour in crowd logistics: from a motivation theory perspective
Authors: Nguyen Cam Tu , Yuen Kum Fai , Kim Thai Young , Wang Xueqin
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Crowd logistics is a rising phenomenon in last-mile delivery that integrates technological applications and sources a large number of participants to do logistical activities, achieving sustainable shipping in urban environments. However, up until now, there has been limited literature in this field. This research aims to investigate the extrinsic and intrinsic factors that impact the participative behaviour of driver-partners in crowd logistics.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated model is developed based on motivation theory, incorporating attitude as a contributor to both extrinsic and intrinsic motivations. A questionnaire was constructed and distributed to collect data from 303 respondents who are existing or potential driver-partners in Vietnam.

Findings

Our findings confirm (1) the influence of monetary rewards on extrinsic motivation and (2) the power of self-efficacy, trust and sense of belonging on intrinsic motivation. Further, we find that attitude positively impacts extrinsic motivation, whereas there is no effect between attitude and intrinsic motivation. Both extrinsic and intrinsic motivations are demonstrated to significantly influence driver-partners' participative intentions. Additionally, a positive association is found between extrinsic and intrinsic motivations.

Originality/value

Findings from this study theoretically enrich the literature on crowd logistics, especially on the supply side, and empirically contribute to implications that are valuable to crowd logistics firms on driver-partner recruitment and business strategy development.
User involvement and value co-creation in well-being ecosystems
Authors: Poblete León , Eriksson Erik , Hellström Andreas , Glennon Russ
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This article aims to examine how users' involvement in value co-creation influences the development and orchestration of well-being ecosystems to help tackle complex societal challenges. This research contributes to the public management literature and answers recent calls to investigate novel public service governances by discussing users' involvement and value co-creation for novel well-being solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors empirically explore this phenomenon through a case study of a complex ecosystem addressing increased well-being, focussing on the formative evaluation stage of a longitudinal evaluation of Sweden's first support centre for people affected by cancer. Following an abductive reasoning and action research approach, the authors critically discuss the potential of user involvement for the development of well-being ecosystems and outline preconditions for the success of such approaches.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that resource reconfiguration of multi-actor collaborations provides a platform for value co-creation, innovative health services and availability of resources. Common themes include the need for multi-actor collaborations to reconfigure heterogeneous resources; actors' adaptive change capabilities; the role of governance mechanisms to align the diverse well-being ecosystem components, and the engagement of essential actors.

Research limitations/implications

Although using a longitudinal case study approach has revealed stimulating insights, additional data collection, multiple cases and quantitative studies are prompted. Also, the authors focus on one country but the characteristics of users' involvement for value co-creation in innovative well-being ecosystems might vary between countries.

Practical implications

The findings of this study demonstrate the value of cancer-affected individuals, with “lived experiences”, acting as sources for social innovation, and drivers of well-being ecosystem development. The findings also suggest that participating actors in the ecosystem should utilise wider knowledge and experience to tackle complex societal challenges associated with well-being.

Social implications

Policymakers should encourage the formation of well-being ecosystems with diverse actors and resources that can help patients navigate health challenges. The findings especially show the potential of starting from the user's needs and life situation when the ambition is to integrate and innovate in fragmented systems.

Originality/value

The proposed model proposes that having a user-led focus on innovating new solutions can play an important role in the development of well-being ecosystems.
Quality assurance strategies of higher education in digital era: an Anthropology of education study in Islamic higher education institution
Authors: Haddade Hasyim , Nur Askar , Rasyid Muhammad Nur Akbar , R. Abd Raviq
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the strategy and innovation of the Faculty of Adab and Humanities in developing the quality of education in digital era by using anthropology of education approach.

Design/methodology/approach

In accordance with the research purpose to demonstrate the strategy and innovation of the Faculty of Adab and Humanities in developing the quality of education in the digital era using an educational anthropology approach, the method used is descriptive qualitative, which refers to data in the form of interviews obtained from the field.

Findings

The results of this research indicate that there are strategies and innovations to develop the quality of higher education at the Faculty of Adab and Humanities in the digital era. These include adjusting the curriculum with the context of the era, implementing the learning process based on research and reinforcing on aspects of digital literacy among students through the innovation of the library based on digital.

Originality/value

This study can be considered in the process of evaluating policies related to quality reinforcing strategies and innovations at the Faculty of Adab and Humanities in facing the challenges of the times. The study is only limited to tracing and analyzing strategies and innovations to reinforce education in the Faculty of Adab and Humanities and their impact on human resource development. For further research, it can be done in more detail and depth and on a larger scale.
Iranian EFL teachers’ knowledge and skills in a language teaching methodology course: a gap-analysis study
Authors: Javadi Mohammad , Sarkhosh Mehdi
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the perceptions of Iranian English teachers about their teaching efficiency through a specific practicum course, namely, language teaching methodology. Drawing on a marketing education perspective, the researchers sought to measure the service quality offered in universities by examining teachers’ satisfaction with the curriculum.

Design/methodology/approach

Using quantitative gap analysis, the study evaluated the knowledge and skills of teachers in their preservice education regarding the perceived importance of knowledge and skills required in practice. The study involved 120 English as a foreign language teachers holding a BA degree from two universities in Iran, each with two to four years of teaching experience in the private sector. Data were collected using a 40-item semantic differential Likert scale developed by the researchers. The scale incorporated two components that assessed teachers’ perceived importance of knowledge and skills and their preservice educational preparation.

Findings

The findings revealed that most participants were overprepared in various items. However, there were some gaps in content knowledge and skills. Reasons for these gaps mainly included having adequate experience of and/or familiarity with course content, having completed relevant courses beforehand and imitating role model teachers. Teachers’ underpreparation was attributed to their lack of preparation in some specific subjects due to limited skill, practice, motivation, experience and familiarity with that content area.

Originality/value

This study explores the perceived knowledge and skills of Iranian English teachers and provides empirical insights into higher education service quality and customer satisfaction.
Perceptions of the textile industry stakeholders on a multi-slab goods and services tax system in India
Authors: Pandey Ashutosh , Saxena Nitin , Paliwal Udai
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the perception of the textile industry stakeholders (manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, consumers and tax professionals) on India’s new goods and services tax (GST) system and find whether the introduction of GST has made doing business easier or not.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers used interviews and surveys to capture the perceptions of the textile industry stakeholders at Surat, a major textile hub in India. To econometrically verify the perceptions, the researchers used a logit regression model.

Findings

The researchers found that the provision of monthly tax filing has increased textile businesses’ dependency on tax professionals, which increased business costs. Also, the GST system has made tax compliance easier and is user-friendly. However, tax refund-related issues are a significant factor that negatively impacts the ease of doing business post-GST.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the research shall be helpful for the GST Council of India and policymakers to understand the problems faced by the textile businesses and cater to their problems.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is original as none of the available studies captures the perception of all the textile industry stakeholders, namely, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, consumers and tax professionals, on the GST system applying econometric techniques to validate the perceptions.
The older adult: physical activity considerations and learning to age in place
Authors: Carrick Ryan M. , Wadsworth Danielle
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the transfer of learning among older adults and the importance of physical activity (PA) related to aging in place.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods approach examined 10 older adults aged 65–88, who were receiving occupational therapy and contemplating aging in place. Semistructured interviews determined participants' perceptions of aging in place and PA. Accelerometers assessed levels of PA over 14 days.

Findings

Interviews revealed that most participants were aware of the importance of PA but did not specify PA as being a primary contributor to continued independence with aging. Accelerometer data revealed that, on average, 96.7% of the day is spent in sedentary behavior.

Practical implications

Health-care professionals may ask the question, “What will my patient do with the information he or she has learned?” This study was useful to increase understanding of older adults’ learning, lifestyles and effects on aging independently.

Social implications

As older adults have true expectations of requirements for successful aging in place, realistic levels of PA and transfer of learning could improve the intended outcome of aging independently.

Originality/value

PA is often an overlooked factor for occupational engagement and aging in place and is novel to investigate in combination with interviews.
Bathroom stories: Capturing embodied practices through screen‐mediated relatedness
Authors: Zhang Yuan
Published: October 2023

Online ethnography is often criticized for being less immersive than traditional ethnography. However, this article argues that the digital medium offers a distinctive way to connect researchers with their interlocutors. Online ethnography can help balance being intimate while respecting research participants by maintaining appropriate distance in anthropological fieldwork. The article presents a case study of bathrooms during the Covid‐19 pandemic. It shows that online ethnography, which only allows access to what is seen and heard on the screen, creates a more limited, transient, flexible and ambiguous relationship with the research participants. This unique form of relatedness makes them more open to sharing their stories, images and videos about their bodily practices in bathrooms. The article emphasizes the potential of digital research methods to reveal the details of embodied practices. It invites anthropologists to explore the different ways of relating to digital and physical spaces in research.
Constituting absence as reliability: The case of COVID‐19 response networks
Authors: Rice Rebecca M.
Published: October 2023

High reliability organizations (HROs) are rare organizations that manage established technologies to avoid catastrophic errors. The concept of reliability, however, has become attractive to other organization types. This expansion creates scholarly questions about what reliability is outside of HROs. The COVID‐19 pandemic challenged new organizations to create reliability by also creating alternative meanings and practices of reliability that could adequately address an unknown, evolving health threat. This study draws on semistructured interviews and virtual ethnography during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic to examine how organizations communicatively defined reliability. The study finds that organizations engage in datafication of hazards to demonstrate they are performing reliably and proposes the practice of “evidencing reliability” as an important step in constituting reliability. However, datafication of hazards can also lead to skewed understandings of organizational performance and potential success biases.