bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
scfetch: an R package to access and format single-cell RNA sequencing datasets from public repositories
Authors: Song Yabing , Gao Jiaxin , Wang Jianbin
Published: November 2023

Downloading and reanalyzing the existing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets is an efficient method to gain clues or new insights. However, there is no tool to access diverse scRNA-seq datasets (fastq/bamfiles, count matrices and processed objects) distributed in various repositories, consider features of datasets from different scRNA-seq protocols, and prepare for downstream analysis. Here, we presentscfetch, an R package to download diverse scRNA-seq datasets from SRA, GEO, PanglaoDB, UCSC Cell Browser, Zenodo and CELLxGENE, and load the downloaded datasets toSeurat. scfetchsupports scRNA-seq datasets generated by different protocols such as 10x Genomics and Smart-seq2. Besides,scfetchenables users to convert formats between different scRNA-seq objects, includingSeuratObject, Anndata, SingleCellExperiment, CellDataSet/cell_data_setandloom. Furthermore,scfetchalso supports downloadingfastq/bamfiles and count matrices of bulk RNA-seq from SRA and GEO.

Availability and Implementation

Thescfetchpackage and vignettes are freely available athttps://github.com/showteeth/scfetchandhttps://showteeth.github.io/scfetch/.

Contact

gaojx@im.ac.cn,jianbinwang@tsinghua.edu.cn.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are appended.
Proteomic Features of Adolescents and Young Adults with Soft Tissue Tumours
Authors: Tam Yuen Bun , Low Kaan , Hari PS , Chadha Madhumeeta , Burns Jessica , Wilding Christopher P , Arthur Amani , Chen Tom W , Thway Khin , Sadanandam Anguraj , Jones Robin L , Huang Paul H
Published: November 2023

Adolescents and young adult (AYA) patients with soft tissue tumours (STT) including sarcomas are an underserved group with disparities in treatment outcomes. To define the molecular features between AYA and older adult (OA) patients, we analysed the proteomic profiles of a large cohort of STT across 10 histological subtypes (AYA n=66, OA n=243). AYA tumours are enriched in proteins involved in mitochondrial metabolism while OA patients have elevated inflammatory and cell cycle signalling. By integrating the patient-level proteomic data with functional genomic profiles from sarcoma cell lines, we show that the mRNA splicing pathway is an intrinsic vulnerability in cell lines from OA patients and that components of the spliceosome complex are independent prognostic factors for metastasis free survival in AYA patients. Our study highlights the importance of performing age-specific molecular profiling studies to identify risk stratification tools and targeted agents tailored for the clinical management of AYA patients.
Action observation intervention using three - dimensional movies improves the usability of hands with distal radius fractures in daily life: a nonrandomized controlled trial in women
Authors: Usuki Kengo , Ueda Hiroaki , Yamaguchi Toshiya , Suzuki Takako , Hamaguchi Toyohiro
Published: November 2023

Prolonged immobilization of joints after distal radius fracture (DRF) leads to cerebral disuse-dependent plasticity (DDP) and deterioration of upper extremity function. Action observation therapy (AOT) can improve DDP. This nonrandomized controlled trial (UMIN 000039973) tested the hypothesis that AOT improves hand-use difficulties during activities of daily living in patients with DRF. Right-handed women with volar locking plate fixation for DRF were divided into AOT and Non-AOT groups for a 12-week intervention. The primary outcome was the difficulty in using the fractured hand, as examined by the Japanese version of the Patient-Related Wrist Evaluation (PRWE). Secondary outcomes were (1) range of motion (ROM) of the injured side and (2) difference between the measured and patient-estimated ROM. The survey was conducted immediately postoperatively and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively. The AOT groups used a head-mounted display and three-dimensional video during ROM exercises, whereas the Non-AOT group used active ROM exercises alone. A generalized linear model (GLM) was used to confirm interactions and main effects by group and time period, and multiple comparisons were performed. In total, 35 patients were assigned to the AOT (n=18, median age 74 years) and Non-AOT (n=17, 70 years) groups. In the GLM, PRWE Total, PRWE Specific, and PRWE Usual scores showed interactions between groups and periods. A post-hoc test showed that the PRWE Specific (z=3.43, p=0.02) and PRWE Usual (z=7.53, p<0.01) scores w ere significantly lower in the AOT group than in the Non-AOT group at 4 weeks postoperatively, whereas PRWE Total s cores (z=3.29, p=0.04) were lower at 8 weeks postoperatively. These results suggest that AOT can improve hand-use difficulties in right-handed women after DRF surgery. AOT positively affects the motor imagery of patients with DRF and can reverse the patient’s perceived difficulty of using the fractured hand during rehabilitation.
Neural Deterioration and Compensation in Visual Short-term Memory Among Individuals with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Xie Ye , Zhang Wei , Li Yunxia , Ku Yixuan
Published: November 2023

Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is considered to carry a high risk of progression to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and it has been characterized by deficits in visual short-term memory (VSTM). However, the relationship between VSTM deficits and pathological brain damage in individuals with MCI has remained unknown. In the current study, we examined a group of 123 elder adults, including 55 with aMCI and 68 age-matched controls. Participants performed color change-detection VSTM tasks, and structural and functional magnetic resonance images were acquired during rest. Compared to the normal control (NC) group, individuals with aMCI exhibited poorer accuracy and longer reaction time in VSTM tasks, along with reduced VSTM capacity. Additionally, structural atrophy was observed in aMCI participants in several brain regions, including the left medial temporal lobe (MTL), the left thalamus, the right frontal pole (FP) and the right postcentral gyrus (postCG). Interestingly, VSTM accuracy and capacity were found to be associated with the volume of the left MTL in the NC group but not in the aMCI group, suggesting alterations in the relationship between VSTM and brain regions in aMCI. However, VSTM capacity was correlated with the volume of the right FP in both groups, suggesting potential compensatory mechanisms involving the prefrontal cortex in aMCI. Moreover, using the atrophic left MTL as a seed, functional connectivity to the right FP was significantly higher in aMCI compared to NC. Notably, this FP area showed overlap with the atrophic frontal areas in terms of structural abnormalities. Furthermore, for individuals with aMCI who had a larger left MTL, the compensatory involvement of the right FP in VSTM, as assessed by brain-behavior correlations, was diminished. In summary, the present study uncovered a mechanism involving MTL dysfunction and prefrontal compensation in aMCI when performing VSTM tasks. These findings may offer valuable insights into potential intervention targets for individuals with aMCI.
First complete genome characterization of an Indian pigeon pox virus directly from a clinical sample
Authors: Sahu Basanta Pravas , Panda Subhasmita , Singh Ravi Raj , Swain Subrat Kumar , Sahoo Niranjana , Sahoo Anjan Kumar , Nayak Debasis
Published: November 2023

Avian pox disease is a highly contagious infection caused by pox virus and has serious consequences on avian species with regards to economic and conservation aspects. This viral genus named as Avipox virus (APV) that infects nearly 300 bird species and lack of enough complete genome information creates hindrance to infer this virus biology. Thus in this study, we have revealed the first complete genome of an Indian pigeon pox virus that belongs to the genus APV followed by comparative genomics analysis. The entire genome of present isolate (PPV/Pur-Od-4b/01/Ind) having 280058 bp nucleotide sequences with the GC content 29.51%. The unique feature of this complete genome revealed the presence of 270 open reading frames (ORFs) circumscribed by inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) of 4,689 bp at each end and lack of recombination events. The concatenated amino acid phylogenetic tree deciphered the present isolate closely related with Feral Pigeon pox virus derived from Africa. The molecular markers, such as microsatellites were ubiquitously distributed throughout the genome and more prevalent within the functional genes.
Effects of virtual fear on real anxiety – A pilot study assessing the effects of exposure in virtual reality and in vivo on anxious healthy participants in narrow rooms
Authors: Renner Vanessa , Witthöft Michael , Hardt Jochen , Conrad Rupert , Petrowski Katja
Published: November 2023

In vivo exposure is a highly effective but rarely implemented treatment for agoraphobia. Most of the patients receive medication or cognitive therapy without exposure because of a high expenditure of money and time for in vivo exposure. Exposure in virtual reality (VR) is easier to implement but the effectiveness of stimulating fear compared to in vivo exposure is still questionable. Therefore, in this study, the effects of in vivo and VR exposure on subjective symptom burden and heart rate variability (HRV) were assessed. 30 healthy individuals with fears in narrow rooms went through in vivo and VR exposure in a randomized order while HRV parameters (RMSSD, HF) and subjective symptom burden was assessed. Linear mixed models were calculated. The effect of condition (VR vs. in vivo), scenario (several narrow rooms) and slot (first 30 seconds, peak, last 30 seconds) on RMSSD and HF was assessed. A random effect for participants (random-intercept term) to allow the intercept to vary across participants was included. Regarding RMSSD and HF, participants showed significantly higher levels during in vivo exposure compared to exposure in VR (RMSSD: p = .005; HF: p < .001), reflecting a stronger activation of the parasympathetic nervous system during in vivo exposure or presumably higher stress levels during VR exposure. This study highlights the necessity of assessing subjective and objective parameters allowing the evaluation of the effectiveness of fear stimulation by exposure approaches. The effectiveness of VR exposure for agoraphobic patients’ needs to be assessed in future studies.
Clinical applicability of the WaveFront Phase Imaging Sensor in the Keratoconus Disease
Authors: Belda-Para Carolina , Velarde-Rodríguez Gonzalo , Velasco-Ocaña Miriam , Trujillo-Sevilla Juan M. , Rodríguez-Méndez Iván , Rodríguez-Martin Javier , Alejandre-Alba Nicolas , Rodríguez-García Silvia , Rodríguez-Ramos José M.
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Significance

The analysis of the wavefront phase of keratoconus eyes has become increasingly important due to its impact on the assessment of visual quality loss, irrecoverable with conventional optical treatments, and the understanding of morphological changes in corneal structures.

Aim

The aim of this work is to quantitatively assess the wavefront phase of keratoconic eyes measured by the novel high-resolution ocular aberrometer t·eyede (based on WaveFront Phase Imaging Sensor).

Approach

The measurements with this device were taken on healthy and keratoconic eyes at the Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz (Madrid, Spain). The wavefront phase recovered is post-processed and displayed in different phase maps, using exclusively the high-pass filter map for this study. From this map, the Root Mean Square, the Peak-to-Valley, and the amplitude value of the predominant obtained from its Fourier Transform are the parameters to distinguish between healthy and keratoconic eyes. Furthermore, the banding pattern observed in most keratoconic eyes is quantitatively analyzed by means of its period and orientation calculated from the Fourier Transform.

Results

The Control group was composed of 43 healthy eyes, and the Pathological group presented 43 keratoconic eyes. Regarding the first three parameters used to compare both groups, there were significant statistical differences between them in all parameters, where the values obtained with the keratoconic group were higher than those of the healthy group. Although the values cannot be statistically comparable between stages, they tended to increase according to the severity of the disease. On the other hand, analyzing the banding pattern, the mean value of the period was approximately 50 µm, and most orientations were obliquus, tending to be horizontal rather than vertical.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates that the objective analysis of the high frequencies detected by this wavefront sensor is a potential tool to reliably advise in the keratoconus diagnosis. Furthermore, combining this achievement with the quantitative assessment of the banding pattern would be used to objectively monitor the internal corneal status throughout the disease and its treatment optimization and surgery time.
Governing principles of transcriptional logic out of equilibrium
Authors: Dixit Smruti , Middelkoop Teije C. , Choubey Sandeep
Published: November 2023

Cells face a myriad of environments and signaling cues. In order to survive, adapt, and desvelop, cells respond to external and internal stimuli, by tightly regulating transcription. Transcriptional regulation involves combinatorial binding of a repertoire of transcription factors (TFs) to DNA, which often results in switch-like binary outputs, akin to logic gates. Recent experimental studies have demonstrated that transcription factor binding to DNA often involves energy expenditure, thereby driving the system out of equilibrium. The governing mechanistic principles of transcriptional logic out of equilibrium remain elusive. To this end, we employ a simple two-input model of transcription that explicitly considers the non-equilibrium binding of TFs to DNA. This simple model can accommodate both equilibrium and non-equilibrium mechanisms and allows for a comparative study of logic operations obtained in the two regimes. We find that, out of equilibrium, the regulatory function of two transcription factors gets altered in a mutually exclusive manner. Such behavior allows non-equilibrium regimes to recreate all the logic operations seen in equilibrium and create new logic operations inaccessible in equilibrium. Our findings demonstrate that cells attain a wider range of decision-making abilities by expending energy.
Subcellular Cavitation Bubbles Induce Cellular Mechanolysis and Collective Wound Healing in Ultrasound-Inflicted Cell Ablation
Authors: Bai Ziyue , Li Zaimeng , Shao Yue
Published: November 2023

Focused ultrasound (FUS) has been widely adopted in medical and life science researches. Although various physical and biological effects of FUS have been well-documented, there is still a lack of understanding and direct evidence on the biological mechanism of therapeutic cell ablation caused by high-intensity ultrasound (HIFU) and the subsequent wound healing responses. This study develops an enclosed cell culture device that synergistically combines non-invasive FUS stimulation and real-time, on-the-fly live-cell imaging, providing an in vitro platform to explore short and long-term biological effects of ultrasound. The process, mechanism, and wound healing response of cell ablation induced by HIFU are elucidated, revealing a unique mechanism, termed ultrasound-inflicted cellular mechanolysis, that is mediated by growing subcellular cavitation air bubbles under confined contact with cells. This provides a previously unappreciated mechanism for understanding the biomechanical principles of ultrasound-based ablative therapy. We also reveal a post-ablation phantom layer that serves as a guiding cue for collective cell migration during wound healing, thereby providing a biomimetic model for studying wound healing after HIFU-inflicted damage. Together, this study provides theoretical and technological basis for advancing our understanding of the biological effects of ultrasound-based ablative therapy and inspiring clinically relevant applications in the future.

Key Points

1)

Development of an integrated platform for real-time, on-the-fly imaging of FUS-induced cell ablation and response processes at cellular and subcellular levels

2)

Focused ultrasound induces cellular mechanolysis through previously unappreciated subcellular cavitation bubbles that grow under confined contact with cells

3)

Post-ablation phantom cell layer could serve as a guiding cue for collective wound healing after ultrasound-inflicted ablation
Parvalbumin interneuron mGlu5receptors govern sex differences in prefrontal cortex physiology and binge drinking
Authors: Fabian Carly B. , Jordan Nilah D. , Cole Rebecca H. , Carley Lily G. , Thompson Shannon M. , Seney Marianne L. , Joffe Max E.
Published: November 2023

Despite established sex differences in the prevalence and presentation of psychiatric disorders, little is known about the cellular and synaptic mechanisms that guide these differences under basal conditions. Proper function of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is essential for the top-down regulation of motivated behaviors. Activity of the PFC is tightly controlled by parvalbumin-expressing interneurons (PV-INs), a key subpopulation of fast-spiking GABAergic cells that regulate cortical excitability through direct innervations onto the perisomatic regions of nearby pyramidal cells. Recent rodent studies have identified notable sex differences in PV-IN activity and adaptations to experiences such as binge drinking. Here, we investigated the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie sex-specific regulation of PFC PV-IN function. Using whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology and selective pharmacology, we report that PV-INs from female mice are more excitable than those from males. Moreover, we find that mGlu1and mGlu5metabotropic glutamate receptors regulate cell excitability, excitatory drive, and endocannabinoid signaling at PFC PV-INs in a sex-dependent manner. Genetic deletion of mGlu5receptors from PV-expressing cells abrogates all sex differences observed in PV-IN membrane and synaptic physiology. Lastly, we report that female, but not male, PV-mGlu5-/-mice exhibit decreased voluntary drinking on an intermittent access schedule, which could be related to changes in ethanol’s stimulant properties. Importantly, these studies identify mGlu1and mGlu5receptors as candidate signaling molecules involved in sex differences in PV-IN activity and behaviors relevant for alcohol use.
International performance of Latin American companies: institutional and reputational perspectives
Authors: Parente-Laverde Ana-Maria , Martins Izaias , Rojas de Francisco Laura Isabel
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the effect of institutional dimensions and corporate reputation (CR) on the performance of Latin American companies using a study framework built on institutional theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a panel data analysis of 45 companies from the 6 biggest economies in Latin America for 5 years.

Findings

The authors found a positive effect between institutional independence and transparency perception, certifications, social norms, chief executive officer (CEO) international experience, board of directors' networks and CR with international performance (IP) and a negative effect between property rights protection and the perception of corporate social responsibility (CSR) with performance.

Originality/value

The uniqueness of this paper is based on the analysis of institutional and reputational variables on the IP of firms from emerging markets.
Training and development process: implication for academic staff performance and sustainable University Education
Authors: Oladejo Olufemi Michael , Mutereko Sybert , Ganiyu Idris Olayiwola
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study examines the effectiveness of training and development process for academic staff performance and sustainable university education.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research approach was adopted for data collection and analysis for this study. The study draws sample from 202 randomly selected academic staff from three universities in South-West Nigeria. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 27).

Findings

The findings showed a significant relationship between T&D process and academic staff performance. Also, the importance of conducting training need assessment before training programs are implemented was revealed.

Originality/value

This study provides evidence-based information which can help decisions on training and development program, enhance academic staff performance, and ensure university sustainability.
Examines the value of cloud computing adoption as a proxy for IT flexibility and effectiveness
Authors: A. Mjlae Salameh
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the value of cloud computing adoption (CCA) as a proxy for information technology (IT) flexibility (ITF) and IT effectiveness (ITE) among Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

A research framework with five hypotheses has been developed based on the results of previous studies. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling has been used for data analysis.

Findings

The results revealed that elements of ITF in two domains, IT technical resource (connectivity, modularityand compatibility) and IT human resource (IT personnel skills) specific to CCA, were significantly correlated with ITE.

Research limitations/implications

The findings have crucial implications: they contribute to the research community, administrators and cloud computing providers (CSPs) concerning the framework-improved procedure for CCA. The proposed model can enhance the awareness of service providers about why some SMEs accept cloud computing services, whereas actually the same ones having the same type of business do not. In addition, the above providers should enhance their interaction with the SMEs that contributed to the cloud computing knowledge to make a well-organized setting for the CCA, specifically, SMEs need that adopt an on-premise private cloud architecture. Moreover, necessary to determine the challenges in deploying solutions from the perspective of CSPs. The sample has been limited to Jordan respondents.

Practical implications

The research studies about the usage of cloud computing have shown its effects on SMEs today. Also, the different impacts of cloud computing on other sectors are at the center of attention. SMEs could get significant advantages by carefully considering and managing CCA from the ITF and ITE perspective.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to develop a framework for CCA based on the standpoint of ITF in two domains, IT technical resources (connectivity, modularity and compatibility) and IT human resources (IT personnel skills) and effectiveness.
Exploring teacher learning through a hybrid cross-cultural lesson study in China and the United States
Authors: Huang Rongjin , Weaver Joanna C. , Matney Gabriel , Huang Xingfeng , Wilson Joshua , Painter Christine
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to explore teachers' learning processes through a hybrid cross-cultural lesson study (LS) because little is known about the learning process through this novel and promising LS approach.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-cultural LS lasted over six months focusing on developing a research lesson (RL) related to linear functions/equations by addressing a commonly concerned student learning difficulty. The data collected were lesson plans, videos of RLs, cross-culture sharing meetings and post-lesson study teacher interviews. A cultural-history activity theory (CHAT) perspective (Engeström, 2001) was used as a theoretical and analytical framework, and contradictions were viewed as driving forces of teachers' learning. The data were analyzed to identify contradictions and consequent teachers' learning by resolving these contradictions.

Findings

The results revealed four contradictions occurring during the hybrid cross-cultural LS that are related to the preferred teaching approach, culturally relevant tasks, making sense of the specific topic and enactment of the RL. By addressing these contradictions, the participating teachers perceived their learning in cultural beliefs, pedagogical practice and organization of the lesson.

Research limitations/implications

This study details teachers' collaborative learning processes through hybrid cross-cultural LS and provides implications for effectively conducting cross-cultural LS. However, how the potential learning opportunity revealed from this case could be actualized at a larger scale in different cultures and the actual impact on local practices by adapting effective practices from another culture are important questions to be investigated further.

Originality/value

This study expands teacher learning through cross-cultural LS by focusing on contradictions cross-culturally as driving forces.
Organizations’ perspectives on whistleblowing: evidence from interviews with unregulated companies
Authors: Friedrich Christian , Quick Reiner
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Whistleblowers are individuals who detect and report misconduct in an organization. They help to mitigate organizational misbehavior and resulting damages effectively and relatively quickly. Whistleblower protection has not been systematically required in the European Union (EU), leaving many large organizations unregulated. This study aims to get in-depth insights into how unregulated organizations design, handle and view whistleblowing with the advent of a novel EU Whistleblowing Directive.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted 17 semistructured interviews with a diverse group of organizations headquartered in Germany and inductively analyzed them following Grounded Theory. Linking the Grounded Theory to the legal endogeneity model, they developed seven perspectives that help to explain how organizations view whistleblowing.

Findings

In trying to make sense of the role of whistleblowing in the organization’s governance, organizations and their managers assume different perspectives. These perspectives guide their approach to whistleblower protection in the context of evolving regulation with little regulatory guidance. Perspectives vary in the degree of supporting whistleblowing regulation, from viewing whistleblowing as a natural, everyday governance tool to denying it and fearing denunciation. Most organizations exhibit several perspectives.

Originality/value

Little is known about day-to-day whistleblowing practices from the perspective of organizations. The authors fill this research gap by providing initial evidence on how organizations approach whistleblowing and the EU Whistleblowing Directive. Identifying organizations’ perspectives may help us understand how ineffective or noncompliant whistleblowing systems emerge and how organizations can improve.
Mercy does not hold the army: a study on the dark side effect of benevolent leadership
Authors: Chen Hao , Wei Wu , Wang Liang , Bao Jiaying
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the mechanism of benevolent leadership on employee cheating behavior through two paths – employee uncertainty and perceived acceptability of norm violation – and also reveal the possible dark side of benevolent leadership. Meanwhile, the moderating effects of leader behavioral integrity in the cognition dual path process are also discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

This study invites 383 employees and their superiors in seven Chinese enterprises as the research objects and conducts a paired survey at three time points, and then Mplus 7.4 software is used to analyze the empirical data.

Findings

The results are shown as follows. Benevolent leadership plays a positive role on uncertainty and perceived acceptability of norm violation. Uncertainty and perceived acceptability of norm violation mediate the relationship between benevolent leadership and cheating behavior, respectively. Leader behavioral integrity moderates the positive role of benevolent leadership on uncertainty and perceived acceptability of norm violation. Leader behavioral integrity moderates the indirect effect of benevolent leadership on employees' cheating behavior through uncertainty and perceived acceptability of norm violation.

Originality/value

This study reveals the mechanism behind the negative role of benevolent leadership through the cognition reaction of employees to benevolent leadership and broadens the research scope of benevolent leadership. Meanwhile, it provides some practical inspiration for leaders to effectively use the benevolent leadership style and restrain employees' cheating behavior.
Real Estate Insights Navigating the future of property professionals: an AI-enabled paradigm
Authors: Dyason David , Squires Graham
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The technological disruption from artificial intelligence (AI) within the economy requires intelligent property professionals for tomorrow. This paper proposes that the direction of interaction between AI and tomorrow's property professional, the property graduate, should be AI-empowered rather than AI-directed.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reflects on the growing influence of AI in property combined with literature on technological adoption in the workplace. It proposes a way forward in navigating future decision-making.

Findings

An AI-empowered paradigm promotes the importance of industry-specific knowledge to determine factual information in decision-making. In contrast, an AI-directed paradigm leads to over-dominance of the user on pre-specified knowledge available through AI tools that could lead to AI-directed output that carries significant risk for the property industry.

Practical implications

Navigating the future requires a paradigm that moves from a computational focus driven predominantly by technological tools to one where tomorrow's professionals have a cognitive focus that leads to AI-enabled property graduates that can apply the correct tools in the right circumstances.

Originality/value

This paper reflects on the increasing role that technology and AI have within the property profession and brings to light the importance of learning through experience and the transparent use of AI tools in property.
Investigating consumer's buying behaviour of green products through the lenses of extended theory of planned behaviour
Authors: Mishra Suyash , Kaur Ravinder
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The study aims to predict the drivers of green purchase in extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB) by investigating direct and indirect role of consumers' attitude toward green purchase along with moderating effects of green trust and willingness to pay on purchase behaviour in an emerging market.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 417 useable responses were recorded from three different states of north India to resolve the issues related to demographic diversity in country by using a structured questionnaire. Structural equation modelling, mediation and moderation analyses were used to investigate the hypothesised relationships.

Findings

The research unveiled that environmental concern, subjective norm have significant direct and indirect influence on green purchase intention via attitude. Furthermore, this study also elucidates that green trust significantly moderates attitude–behaviour, and intention–behaviour relationships, whereas willingness to pay does not significantly moderate these relationships in proposed model.

Practical implications

This study provides interesting insights regarding consumers of emerging market toward green purchase. These insights are useful for marketers to design more focused strategies for enhancing the consumers' preferences for green products and promotion of pro-environmental behaviour in emerging markets.

Originality/value

The novel insights of this study are the mediating role of attitude in an emerging market in extended TPB model and exploration of the moderating role of green trust and willingness to pay premium to reduce the attitude–behaviour and intention–behaviour gaps for enhancing the consumers' preferences for green purchase.
Study on photoluminescence of integrated nano-calcium carbonate (CaCO3) enhanced with dysprosium (Dy) doped calcium borophosphate (CBP) phosphor
Authors: Kandiah Khishn Kumar , Balakrishnan Vengadaesvaran , Syafiq Amirul , Rahim Nasrudin Abd , Pandey Adarsh Kumar , Tan Yee Seng , Dhoble Sanjay J , Kasi Ramesh , Subramaniam Ramesh
Published: November 2023

Purpose

There is a strong inducement to develop new inorganic materials to substitute the current industrial pigments, which are known for their poor ultraviolet absorbent and low photoluminescence (PL) properties. The purpose of this paper is to invent a better rare-earth-based pigment material as a spectral modifier with good luminescence properties to enhance the spectral response for photovoltaic panel application.

Design/methodology/approach

Different phosphor samples made of nano-calcium carbonate (CaCO3) with varied wt.% of the dopant Dysprosium doped calcium borophosphate (CBP/Dy) as (W0 – 0%, W1 – 3,85%, W2 – 7.41%, W3 –10.71% and W4 –13.79%) were prepared via the solid-state diffusion method at 600 °C for 6 h using a muffle furnace. The structural, morphological and luminescence properties of the CaCO3:CBP/Dy powder samples were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and PL test.

Findings

The XRD, SEM and FTIR results verified the crystalline formation, morphological behaviour and vibration bonds of synthesized CBP/Dy-doped CaCO3 powder samples. XRD pattern revealed that the synthesized powder samples exhibit crystalline structured materials, and SEM results showed irregular shape and porous-like structured morphologies. FTIR spectrum shows prominent bands at 712, 874 and 1,404 cm−1, corresponding to asymmetric stretching vibrations of CO32− groups and out-of-plane bending. PL characterization of CBP/Dy-doped CaCO3 (sample W) shows emission at 427 nm (λmax) under the excitation of 358 nm. The intensity of PL emission spectra drops due to the concentration quenching effect, while the maximum PL intensity is observed in the W3 phosphor powder system.

Research limitations/implications

This phosphor powder is expected to find out the potential application such as a spectral modifier which is applied to match the energy of photons with solar cell bandgap to improve spectral absorption and lead to better efficiency.

Originality/value

The introduction of a nano-CaCO3:CBP/Dy hybrid powder system with good luminescence properties to be used as spectral modifiers for solar cell application has been synthesized in the lab, which is a novel attempt.
Identification and immune analysis of antimicrobial peptides from the cigarette beetle (Lasioderma serricorne)
Authors: Zhang Yue , Yan Yi , Smagghe Guy , Yang Hong , Dai Ren‐huai , Yang Wen‐jia
Published: November 2023

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in insects are endogenous peptides that are effector components of the innate defense system of the insect. AMPs may serve as antimicrobial agents because of their small molecular weight and broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity. In this study, we performed transcriptome analysis of cigarette beetle (Lasioderma serricorne) larvae, parasitized by the ectoparasitic wasp, Anisopteromalus calandrae. Several AMP genes were significantly upregulated following A. calandrae parasitism, postulating the hypothesis that the parasitization enhanced the host's resistance against pathogenic microorganisms through the regulation of host AMP genes. Specifically, 3 AMP genes (LsDef1, LsDef2, and LsCole) were significantly upregulated and we studied their immune function in L. serricorne. Immune challenge and functional analysis showed that LsCole was responsible for the immune response against Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria, while LsDef1 and LsDef2 were involved in insect defense against Gram‐positive bacteria. Purified recombinant LsCole exhibited antimicrobial activities against the Gram‐negative bacterium Escherichia coli and the Gram‐positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. LsDef2 showed an antibacterial effect against S. aureus. LsCole and LsDef2 exhibited antibiofilm activity against S. aureus. The 2 AMPs disrupted cell membranes and caused leakage of S. aureus cell contents. The results indicated that the 3 AMPs in L. serricorne are involved in the innate immunity of this pest insect. These AMPs may have potential as antimicrobial agents for bacterial infection chemotherapy. Hence, data are discussed in relation to new control strategies with greater biosafety against pest insects with use of microbial biocontrol agents in combination with RNA interference against the insect's defensive AMP genes.
Predictive performance of the sequential organ failure assessment score for in‐hospital mortality in patients with end‐stage kidney disease in intensive care units: A multicenter registry in Japan
Authors: Shimada Hiroki , Matsuoka Yoshinori , Miyakoshi Chisato , Ito Jiro , Seo Ryutaro , Ariyoshi Koichi , Yamamoto Yosuke , Mima Hiroyuki
Published: November 2023

Introduction

There is limited evidence regarding whether the performance of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score differs between patients with and without end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) in intensive care units (ICUs).

Methods

We used a multicenter registry (Japanese Intensive care Patient Database) to enroll adult ICU patients between April 2018 and March 2021. We recalibrated the SOFA score using a logistic regression model and evaluated its predictive ability in both ESKD and non‐ESKD groups. The primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality.

Results

128 134 patients were enrolled. The AUROC of the SOFA score was lower in the ESKD group than in the non‐ESKD group [0.789 (95% CI, 0.774–0.804) vs. 0.846 (95% CI, 0.841–0.850)]. The calibration plot revealed good performance in both groups. However, it overestimated in‐hospital mortality in ESKD groups.

Conclusion

The SOFA score demonstrated good predictive ability in patients with and without ESKD, but it overestimated the in‐hospital mortality in ESKD patients.
Use of hydration properties of proteins to understand their functionality and tailor texture of extruded plant‐based meat analogues
Authors: Flory Jenna , Alavi Sajid
Published: November 2023

Different protein sources create distinct textures in plant‐based meat due to differences in their hydration properties when exposed to different time, temperature, and shear regimes, which in turn depend upon their solubility, protein structure, and specific amino acids. This research aimed to identify these differences and manipulate them to reach a desired texture utilizing simple and reproducible analytical methods to characterize protein properties as either cold or heat swelling. Protein functionality was determined through least gelation concentration (LGC), water absorption index (WAI), and rapid visco analysis (RVA). Cold swelling or CS proteins (pea protein isolate, soy protein isolate, Arcon S soy protein concentrate) were characterized by an LGC < 14% and/ or WAI > 4.0 g/g, while LGC > 16% and/ or WAI < 4.0 g/g indicates proteins with heat swelling or HS properties (Arcon F soy protein concentrate, wheat gluten, and fava protein concentrate). An RVA peak time of around or less than 3 min (<75°C peak temperature) indicated CS properties while greater than 3.5 min (>80°C peak temperature) was considered HS. Protein mixes or treatments comprising mainly of different combinations and ratios of CS proteins were hypothesized to create a softer textured vegetable protein product or texturized vegetable protein (TVP) and those based on HS proteins a firmer TVP. Bulk density was higher for HS treatments (274–287 g/L) than for CS treatments (160–223 g/L). CS treatments exhibited a microstructure that was porous, while HS showed a dense, laminar microstructure. Texture profile analysis showed that CS treatments seemed to show a lower hardness (1154–1595 g) than the HS treatments (1893–2231 g).

Practical Application

Controlling texture can be a valuable tool when producing a plant‐based meat product. Different applications have various texture requirements. For example, a plant‐based fish stick would require a softer texture than a hamburger or chicken nugget. By increasing the knowledge of how protein functionality affects meat analogue texture, the time needed to produce new products with novel textures can be reduced. Money could also be saved by being able to quickly replace ingredients with a more affordable or accessible protein with similar swelling abilities to preserve product quality.
The effect of mixed culture fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. diastaticus on fermentation parameters and flavor profile
Authors: Nemenyi John , Pitts Eric R. , Martin‐Ryals Ana , Boz Ziynet , Zhang Boce , Jia Zhen , Budner Drew , MacIntosh Andrew J. , Thompson‐Witrick Katherine A.
Published: November 2023

Belgian Saisons and Lambics are two well‐known examples in the brewing industry of mixed fermentations, combination of two or more yeast and/or bacteria strains. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact different pitch rates of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (traditional brewing yeast) and S. cerevisiae var. diastaticus (a variant associated with Belgian styles) had on the fermentation kinetics and concentration of the volatile compounds in the finished beers. A series of brews were performed utilizing ratios of S. cerevisiae and diastaticus. The fermentations were heavily monitored, and a model was used to fit fermentation variables. It was found that mixed fermentations produced behaviors that were predictable and proportional to the mixture ratios. As expected, the pure cultural fermentations of diastaticus had a slower fermentation midpoint (M) at 45.45 h versus 28.28 h for S. cerevisiae with the mixed ones falling in between the two. Flavor and aroma play a key role in the acceptability of beer. The mixed fermentations showed a combination of the two different yeast strains aromatic profiles. When combined, there was a strong linearity between alcohols (R2 = 0.94), esters (R2 = 0.89), and the overall total (R2 = 0.91) volatile compounds.

Practical Application

Modeling is a widely utilized tool in several different fields. The purpose of this research is to apply modeling techniques to describe the fermentation speed and flavor profile of a mixed fermentation between S. cerevisiae and diastaticus. The equations from this data can be used by brewers for product development purposes to make beers with certain flavor profiles within a desired timeframe.
Antiproliferative and anti‐inflammatory effects of fractionated crude lectins from boiled kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Authors: Une Satsuki , Nakata Rieko , Nonaka Koji , Akiyama Junich
Published: November 2023

In this study, we investigated the biological profile of lectins isolated from raw and boiled Japanese red Kintoki beans (red kidney beans [RKB]; Phaseolus vulgaris). Lectins in beans showing agglutination activity were retained after heating. Raw and boiled RKB lectins were fractionated using carboxymethyl‐ and diethylaminoethyl‐Sepharose, respectively. Boiled RKB lectins were evaluated for carbohydrate specificity as well as cytokine‐inducing and antiproliferative activities against cancer cells and compared with raw RKB lectins. Raw RKB lectins showed specificity for thyroglobulin and fetuin, whereas boiled lectins showed specificity for N‐acetylneuraminic acid. Raw RKB lectins showed low resistance to proteases and tolerated temperatures greater than 80°C for 5 min. Notably, lectins from raw and boiled beans showed antiproliferative activity against five types of cancer cells B16, LM8, HeLa, HepG2, and Colo 679. In particular, lectins from raw beans exhibited a significantly stronger activity than those from boiled beans. Anti‐inflammatory effects were notably observed in crude extracts from raw and boiled beans. Specifically, lectins fractionated from boiled beans markedly inhibited the expression of tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6. Overall, our results showed that RKB lectins from boiled beans exert anti‐inflammatory and anticancer effects and could be developed as potential chemopreventive agents.

Practical Application

Japanese red kidney beans (RKB) are cultivated in numerous parts of the temperate zone and consumed in many countries. Lectins from boiled beans exhibited anticancer activity, similar to lectins from raw beans. Additionally, crude and fractionated lectins from boiled beans showed anti‐inflammatory activity. Thus, boiled RKB lectins have the potential to be used as a bioactive protein for medical research and could be developed as anticancer agents.
Indications for computed tomography angiography in limb trauma
Authors: Awal Wasim , De Groot Julia
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Computed tomography angiograms (CTAs) are useful in detecting vascular injury. There is a lack of consensus regarding the indications of CTAs in limb trauma, leading to overutilisation of CTAs in some centres and exposing patients to unnecessary harm. Thus, the aim of this study is to define the appropriate indications for CTAs in limb trauma.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of consecutive CTAs performed in a tertiary hospital from January to December 2022. Demographic and clinical factors were collected from the patients' charts including physical examination findings and arterial pressure index (API) measurements. Physical examination findings include hard signs (e.g. absent pulse) or soft signs (e.g. non‐expanding haematoma). These data were analysed to detect correlation with vascular injury on the patient's CTA.

Results

Forty‐nine CTAs were included, of which 10 (20.4%) found vascular injury. Hard signs (P < 0.001) and an API <0.9 (P = 0.02) were significantly correlated with vascular injury. Hard signs had a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 82%, whereas APIs had a specificity and sensitivity of 100%. Soft signs were not correlated with vascular injury due to poor specificity but had a sensitivity of 100%. Knee dislocations were not associated with vascular injury (P = 0.5).

Conclusion

This small study suggests that CTAs are indicated if there are hard signs of vascular compromise or an API <0.9, provided the patient is haemodynamically stable. The presence of soft signs can help identify which patients should receive an API measurement. CTAs may not be routinely indicated in knee dislocations.
Proprietary information and the choice between public and private debt
Authors: Bae Kee‐Hong , Dai Yunhao , Tan Weiqiang , Wang Wenming
Published: November 2023

The high costs of disclosing confidential information lead firms with proprietary information to prefer private debt (bank loan) to public debt (corporate bond). We provide empirical evidence supporting this proposition using the staggered adoption of the inevitable disclosure doctrine (IDD) by US state courts that exogenously increased the value of proprietary information. The focal firms are significantly less likely to issue bonds after the IDD adoption. Financing through public debt decreases more for firms in which the protection of proprietary information is relatively more important.