bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colonoscopy polyp classification via enhanced scattering wavelet convolutional neural network
Authors: Tan Jun , Yuan Jiamin , Fu Xiaoyong , Bai Yilin
Published: April 2024

Among the most common cancers, colorectal cancer (CRC) has a high death rate. The best way to screen for colorectal cancer (CRC) is with a colonoscopy, which has been shown to lower the risk of the disease. As a result, Computer-aided polyp classification technique is applied to identify colorectal cancer. But visually categorizing polyps is difficult since different polyps have different lighting conditions.

Different from previous works, this article presents Enhanced Scattering Wavelet Convolutional Neural Network (ESWCNN), a polyp classification technique that combines Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Scattering Wavelet Transform (SWT) to improve polyp classification performance. This method concatenates simultaneously learnable image filters and wavelet filters on each input channel. The scattering wavelet filters can extract common spectral features with various scales and orientations, while the learnable filters can capture image spatial features that wavelet filters may miss.

A network architecture for ESWCNN is designed based on these principles and trained and tested using colonoscopy datasets (two public datasets and one private dataset). An n-fold cross-validation experiment was conducted for three classes (adenoma, hyperplastic, serrated) achieving a classification accuracy of 96.4%, and 94.8% accuracy in two-class polyp classification (positive and negative). In the three-class classification, correct classification rates of 96.2% for adenomas, 98.71% for hyperplastic polyps, and 97.9% for serrated polyps were achieved. The proposed method in the two-class experiment reached an average sensitivity of 96.7% with 93.1% specificity.

Furthermore, we compare the performance of our model with the state-of-the-art general classification models and commonly used CNNs. Six end-to-end models based on CNNs were trained using 2 dataset of video sequences. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed ESWCNN method can effectively classify polyps with higher accuracy and efficacy compared to the state-of-the-art CNN models. These findings can provide guidance for future research in polyp classification.
Masseter Muscle Volume and Its Association with Sarcopenia and Muscle Determinants with Insights from ACTN3 Polymorphism in Older Japanese Adults: the Bunkyo Health Study
Authors: Abudurezake Abulaiti , Kakehi Saori , Umemura Futaba , Kaga Hideyoshi , Someya Yuki , Tabata Hiroki , Yoshizawa Yasuyo , Naito Hitoshi , Tajima Tsubasa , Ito Naoaki , Otsuka Hikaru , Shi Huicong , Sugimoto Mari , Sakamoto Shota , Muroga Yukiko , Wakabayashi Hidetaka , Kawamori Ryuzo , Watada Hirotaka , Tamura Yoshifumi
Published: April 2024

Aim

Sarcopenia has been associated with a decrease in masseter muscle (MM) thickness in high-risk older populations. However, the relationship to sarcopenia and determinants of MM volume (MMV) in the general older population remain unclear.

Mabethod

In a cross-sectional study of 1484 older adults of Tokyo, we evaluated MMV using 3D MRI scanning, appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM), handgrip strength, dietary intake, smoking, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels, and the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism. Participants were divided into quintiles based on MMV (Q1-5).

Results

Our study of participants with a mean age of 73.0 ± 5.3 years, MMV (Men:35.3 ± 7.8 ml, Women: 25.0 ± 5.1 ml) was significantly larger in men than in women. A significant association between MMV and sarcopenia was observed, with the lowest quintile (Q1) showing a higher risk compared to the highest quintile (Q5) in both sexes. Body mass index (BMI) and age were independent determinants of ASMM in both sexes, while BMI, but interestingly not age, was a determinant of MMV. Moreover, IGF-1 was positively correlated with MMV in both sexes; smoking negatively correlated with MMV in women. The ACTN3 577X polymorphism was associated with only smaller MMV in men.

Conclusion

Low MMV increased the risk of sarcopenia, particularly in men. BMI and age strongly influenced ASMM, while MMV was only weakly associated with BMI and not with age. Notably, the IGF-1 level was positively correlated to only MMV, and the ACTN3 genotype was linked to reduced only MMV in men.
Accurate prediction of neurologic changes in critically ill infants using pose AI
Authors: Gleason Alec , Richter Florian , Beller Nathalia , Arivazhagan Naveen , Feng Rui , Holmes Emma , Glicksberg Benjamin S , Morton Sarah U , La Vega-Talbott Maite , Fields Madeline , Guttmann Katherine , Nadkarni Girish N , Richter Felix
Published: April 2024

Infant alertness and neurologic changes can reflect life-threatening pathology but are assessed by exam, which can be intermittent and subjective. Reliable, continuous methods are needed. We hypothesized that our computer vision method to track movement, pose AI, could predict neurologic changes in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). We collected 4,705 hours of video linked to electroencephalograms (EEG) from 115 infants. We trained a deep learning pose algorithm that accurately predicted anatomic landmarks in three evaluation sets (ROC-AUCs 0.83–0.94), showing feasibility of applying pose AI in an ICU. We then trained classifiers on landmarks from pose AI and observed high performance for sedation (ROC-AUCs 0.87–0.91) and cerebral dysfunction (ROC-AUCs 0.76–0.91), demonstrating that an EEG diagnosis can be predicted from video data alone. Taken together, deep learning with pose AI may offer a scalable, minimally invasive method for neuro-telemetry in the NICU.
Incorporating Real-World Clinico-Genomic Insights to Inform Diversity Enrollment Targets in Oncology Trials
Authors: De La Vega Francisco M. , Pouliot Yannick , Rhead Brooke
Published: April 2024

The passage of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Omnibus Reform Act of 2022 underscores a national commitment to enhancing diversity in clinical trials. This commitment recognizes not only the ethical imperative of inclusivity but also the practical necessity to ensure the safety and efficacy of medications across all demographic groups. Particularly for Phase 3 and pivotal clinical trials, the FDA has issued draft guidance that recommends sponsors to develop diversity plans with race and ethnicity (R/E) enrollment targets informed by the epidemiological landscape of the disease in the therapy’s target population. For biomarker-driven oncology trials, real-world data (RWD), especially when enriched with multimodal clinico-genomic information, holds immense promise for informing these R/E enrollment goals.

However, leveraging RWD comes with hurdles, including the overrepresentation of insured patients, significant non-random missingness in R/E data, and disparities between R/E distributions in RWD and disease incidence databases—often attributed to healthcare access and socioeconomic disparities. Here, we propose a robust methodology to harness clinico-genomic RWD, addressing these challenges through strategies that include accurate R/E imputation and incidence adjustment factors. Our approach then utilizes clinical data and biomarker prevalence in RWD to derive a data-driven R/E distribution for clinical trial enrollment targets.

Through a case study on a hypothetical biomarker-driven clinical trial targeting prostate adenocarcinoma and leveraging a cohort from the Tempus clinco-genomic database, we demonstrate the application of our methodology. This example illustrates the potential of RWD to offer enrollment target scenarios, grounded in disease epidemiology and empirical R/E distributions adjusted for biomarker prevalence. Such data-driven targets are pivotal for the development of informed and equitable diversity plans in oncology clinical trials, paving the way for more representative and generalizable research outcomes.
Barley powdery mildew invasion coincides with the dynamic accumulation of leaf apoplastic extracellular vesicles that are associated with host stress response proteins
Authors: Thieron Hannah , Spanu Pietro , Buhl Miriam , Hülsmann Charlotte , Kummer Charlotte , Demir Fatih , Huesgen Pitter , Panstruga Ralph
Published: April 2024

The mutual exchange of extracellular vesicles across kingdom borders is a feature of many plant-microbe interactions. The occurrence and cargos of extracellular vesicles has been studied in several instances, but their dynamics in the course of infection have remained elusive. Here we used two different procedures, differential high-speed centrifugation and polymer-based enrichment, to collect extracellular vesicles from the apoplastic wash fluid of barley (Hordeum vulgare) leaves challenged by its fungal powdery mildew pathogen,Blumeria hordei. Both methods yielded extracellular vesicles of similar quality and morphological characteristics, though the polymer approach was associated with higher reproducibility. We noted that extracellular vesicles derived from the apoplastic wash fluid constitute polydisperse populations that are selectively responsive to leaf infection byB. hordei. Extracellular vesicles of ∼100 nm – 300 nm diameter became progressively more abundant, in particular from 72 hours post inoculation onwards, resulting in a major peak late during fungal infection. Vesicles of ∼300 nm – 500 nm showed similar accumulation dynamics but reached much lower levels, suggesting they might constitute a separate population. Proteome analysis uncovered an enrichment of biotic stress response proteins associated with the extracellular vesicles. The barley t-SNARE protein Ror2, the ortholog of the PEN1 marker protein of extracellular vesicles inArabidopsis thaliana, accumulates in extracellular vesicles during powdery mildew infection, hence also qualifying as a potential marker protein. Our study serves as a starting point for investigating the role of extracellular vesicles at different stages of plant-microbe interactions.
Meiotic DNA break resection and recombination rely on chromatin remodeler Fun30
Authors: Huang Pei-Ching , Hong Soogil , Mimitou Eleni P. , Kim Keun P. , Murakami Hajime , Keeney Scott
Published: April 2024

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are nucleolytically processed to generate single-stranded DNA tails for homologous recombination. InSaccharomyces cerevisiaemeiosis, this 5’-to-3’ resection involves initial nicking by the Mre11–Rad50–Xrs2 complex (MRX) plus Sae2, then exonucleolytic digestion by Exo1. Chromatin remodeling adjacent to meiotic DSBs is thought to be necessary for resection, but the relevant remodeling activity was unknown. Here we show that the SWI/SNF-like ATPase Fun30 plays a major, non-redundant role in resecting meiotic DSBs. Afun30null mutation shortened resection tract lengths almost as severely as anexo1-nd(nuclease-dead) mutation, and resection was further shortened in thefun30 exo1-nddouble mutant. Fun30 associates with chromatin in response to meiotic DSBs, and the constitutive positioning of nucleosomes governs resection endpoint locations in the absence of Fun30. We infer that Fun30 directly promotes both the MRX- and Exo1-dependent steps in resection, possibly by removing nucleosomes from broken chromatids. Moreover, we found that the extremely short resection in thefun30 exo1-nddouble mutant is accompanied by compromised interhomolog recombination bias, leading to defects in recombination and chromosome segregation. Thus, this study also provides insight about the minimal resection lengths needed for robust recombination.
Genomic and proteomic evidence for hormonal and metabolic foundations of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Moolhuijsen Loes M.E. , Zhu Jia , Mullin Benjamin H. , Pujol-Gualdo Natalia , Actkins KyEra V. , Mack Jasmine A. , Rao Hridya , Trivedi Bhavi , Kentistou Katherine A. , Zhao Yajie , Westergard David , Tyrmi Jaakko S. , Thorleifsson Gudmar , Zhang Yanfei , Wittemans Laura , DeVries Amber , Brewer Kelly , Sisk Ryan , Danning Rebecca , Preuss Michael H. , Jones Michelle R. , Ruth Katherine S. , Andersen Marianne , Azziz Ricardo , Banasik Karina , Boehnke Michael , Broer Linda , Brunak Soren , Chan Yee-Ming , Chasman Daniel I. , Daly Mark , Ehrmann David A. , Fauser Bart C. , Fritsche Lars G. , Hayes M. Geoffrey , He Chunyan , Huang Hongyan , Kowalska Irina , Kraft Peter , Legro Richard S. , Lin Nan , Loos Ruth J. , Louwers Yvonne V. , Magi Reedik , McCarthy Mark I. , Morin-Papunen Laure , Morrison Jean V. , Morton Cynthia , Nadkarni Girish N. , Neale Benjamin M. , Nielsen Henriette Svarre , Nyegaard Mette , Ostrowski Sisse R. , Pedersen Ole B.V. , Sorensen Erik , Mikkelsen Christina , Erikstrup Christian , Kaspersen Kathrine A. , Bruun Mie T. , Aagaard Bitten , Ullum Henrik , Obermayer-Pietsch Barbara , Ong Ken K. , Palotie Aarno , Reeve Mary P. , Salumets Andres , Saxena Richa , Spector Timothy D. , Stuckey Bronwyn G. A. , Thorsteinsdottir Unnur , Uitterlinden Andre G. , Urbanek Margrit , Zollner Sebastian , Van Heel David A. ,   Genes and Health Research Team,   DBDS Genomic Consortium,   23ndMe Research Team, Hirschhorn Joel N. , Stefansson Kari , Perry John R.B. , Styrkarsdottir Unnur , Wilson Scott G. , Piltonen Terhi , Laisk Triin , Jarvelin Marjo-Riitta , Burns Kharis , Justice Anne E. , Laivuori Hannele , Goodarzi Mark O. , Davis Lea K. , Dunaif Andrea , Lindgren Cecilia M. , Laven Joop S.E. , Franks Stephen , Visser Jenny A. , Welt Corrine K. , Karaderi Tugce , Day Felix R.
Published: April 2024

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its underlying features remain poorly understood. In this genetic and proteomic study, we expand the number of genetic loci from 19 to 29, and identify 31 associated plasma proteins. Many risk-increasing loci were associated with later age at menopause, underscoring the reproductive longevity related to a larger functional ovarian reserve. Hormonal regulation in the aetiology of this condition, through metabolic and reproductive features, was emphasised. The proteomic analysis highlighted perturbations of metabolically-related biology that are typical in women with PCOS. A PCOS polygenic risk score was associated with adverse cardio-metabolic outcomes, with differing contributions of testosterone and BMI in women and men. Finally, while oligo- and anovulatory infertility are characteristic features of PCOS, we observed no impact of PCOS susceptibility on childlessness. We suggest that PCOS susceptibility confers balanced pleiotropic influences on fertility in women, and life-long adverse metabolic consequences in both sexes.
MePHD1.2 affects the synthesis of cyanogenic glycosides by regulating the transcription ofMeCYP79D2in cassava
Authors: Li Mengtao , Zhao Xiao , Li Yuanchao , Zhao Xiaoye , Mai Weitao , Li Yajun , Liang Qibing , Yin Qingchun , Wang Wenquan , Liu Jinping , Chen Xin
Published: April 2024

The high content of cyanogenic glycosides (CG) in cassava storage tubers seriously affects human food safety. CG play crucial roles in plant growth and development and can protect cassava leaves from being masticated by herbivorous predators.

Nevertheless, the regulatory mechanism of CG biosynthesis, which results in a low CG content in storage tubers and high CG content in leaves, remains poorly understood.

Here, yeast one-hybrid assay was performed using a mixed cDNA library of cassava storage roots and leaves as prey and the promoter ofMeCYP79D2as bait. MeCYP79D2, a cytochrome P450 protein, is the rate-limiting enzyme for CG synthesis in cassava. From this information, a candidate regulator ofMeCYP79D2, that is, transcription factor MePHD1.2, was selected.

MePHD1.2, which is located in the nucleus and exhibits a transcription inhibitory activity, can directly bind to PD2 segment in the promoter ofMeCYP79D2, which results in its repressed expression. In cassava, the transcriptional activity ofMeCYP79D2was considerably enhanced inmephd1.2lines, which caused an increase in the contents of linamarin and lotaustralin.

Our findings unveil a novel regulatory module governing CG biosynthesis, wherein mutation ofMePHD1.2attenuates its transcription inhibition onMeCYP79D2and boosts CGs biosynthesis in cassava.
Rapid mortality in captive bush dogs (Speothos venaticus) caused by influenza A of avian origin (H5N1) at a wildlife collection in the United Kingdom
Authors: Falchieri Marco , Reid Scott M. , Dastderji Akbar , Cracknell Jonathan , Warren Caroline J. , Mollett Benjamin C. , Peers-Dent Jacob , Schlachter Audra-Lynne D , Mcginn Natalie , Hepple Richard , Thomas Saumya , Ridout Susan , Quayle Jen , Pizzi Romain , Núñez Alejandro , Byrne Alexander M. P. , James Joe , Banyard Ashley C.
Published: April 2024

Europe has suffered unprecedented epizootics of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 since Autumn 2021. As well as impacting upon commercial and wild avian species, the virus has also infected mammalian species more than ever observed previously. Mammalian species involved in spill over events have primarily been scavenging terrestrial carnivores and farmed mammalian species although marine mammals have also been affected. Alongside reports of detections in mammalian species found dead through different surveillance schemes, several mass mortality events have been reported in farmed and wild animals. During November 2022, an unusual mortality event was reported in captive bush dogs (Speothos venaticus) with clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAIV of avian origin being the causative agent. The event involved an enclosure of fifteen bush dogs, ten of which succumbed during a nine-day period with some dogs exhibiting neurological disease. Ingestion of infected meat is proposed as the most likely infection route.
Resolving theEuphorbia neriifolia(Euphorbiaceae) complex: a taxonomy with two new succulent species from Western India
Authors: Malpure Nilesh V. , De Jong Bruce E. , Raut Prashant S. , Sardesai Milind M.
Published: April 2024

Linnaeus appears to have clubbed three distinct species underEuphorbia neriifolia, a species from China and Indonesia that is the originalE. neriifolia, a species from India and Sri Lanka which is now recognized asE. nivulia, and a species from West Africa which is now calledE. drupifera. After conducting field studies and examining the applicable protologues, original type material, world literature, and world herbaria, we conclude that for hundreds of years, workers have erroneously clubbed various species from India underE. neriifolia. These species includeE. ligulariafrom Northeast India and two common succulents from Western India described here as new species viz.E. yadaviiandE. paschimia. An epitype forE. neriifoliafrom Indonesia is designated to stabilize the species,E. ligulariais reinstated as a species, a neotype is designated forE. drupifera.E. complanatais synonymized underE. neriifolia, andE. undulatifoliais synonymized underE. ligularia. We present amended descriptions ofE. neriifolia,E. nivulia,E. drupiferaandE. ligularia.
A role for root carbonic anhydrase βCA4 in bicarbonate tolerance ofArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Perez-Martin Laura , Almira Casellas Maria Jose , Estrela Muriel Laura , Tolra Roser , Rubio Lourdes , Poschenrieder Charlotte , Busoms Silvia
Published: April 2024

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are the main enzymes handling bicarbonate in the different cell compartments. This study analyses the expression of CAs in roots ofArabidopsis thalianademes differing in tolerance to bicarbonate: the tolerant A1(c+) deme and the sensitive deme, T6(c-). While 10 mM NaCl caused a transient depolarization of the root cell membranes, 10 mM NaHCO3 caused hyperpolarization. This hyperpolarization was much stronger in A1(c+) than in T6(c-). Acetazolamide (AZ), a specific inhibitor of CAs, abolished the hyperpolarizing effect in A1(c+), indicating the implication of CAs in this fast membrane response. The time dependent (3 to 72 h) expression profiles of 14 CAs (αCA1-8 and βCA1-6) in roots of A1(c+) and T6(c-) exposed to either control or NaHCO3 (pH 8.3) revealed a bicarbonate specific upregulation of BCA4.1 (from 3 to 12 h) and, although to a lesser extent, of βCA3 in A1(c+). Contrastingly, in T6(c-) βCA4 was downregulated by NaHCO3. Exclusively in A1(c+), the enhanced expression of βCA4 under bicarbonate was parallelled by an increase of PIP1,3, SLAH1, SLAH3, AHA2, and FRO2 gene expression levels. Under HCO3- exposure, a bca4 knockout mutant had lower number of lateral roots, lower root diameter and higher MDA root concentrations than the WT. The obtained results indicate that bicarbonate induced root membrane hyperpolarization is the fast (minutes) initial signalling event in the tolerance response, followed by the specific upregulation of BCA4.1 and the genes involved in H20 and CO2 transport, apoplast acidification, ion homeostasis and iron acquisition.
Multiresolution molecular dynamics simulations reveal the interplay between conformational variability and functional interactions in membrane-bound cytochrome 2B4
Authors: Han Sungho Bosco , Teuffel Jonathan , Mukherjee Goutam , Wade Rebecca C.
Published: April 2024

Cytochrome P450 2B4 (CYP 2B4) is one of the best characterized CYPs and serves as a key model system for understanding the mechanisms of microsomal class II CYPs, which metabolize most known drugs. The highly flexible nature of CYP 2B4 is apparent from crystal structures that show the active site with either a wide open or a closed heme binding cavity. Here, we investigated the conformational ensemble of the full-length CYP 2B4 in a phospholipid bilayer, using multiresolution molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Coarse-grained MD simulations revealed two predominant orientations of CYP 2B4's globular domain with respect to the bilayer. Their refinement by atomistic resolution MD showed adaptation of the enzyme's interaction with the lipid bilayer, leading to open configurations that facilitate ligand access to the heme binding cavity. CAVER analysis of enzyme tunnels, AquaDuct analysis of water routes, and Random Acceleration Molecular Dynamics simulations of ligand dissociation support the conformation-dependent passage of molecules between the active site and the protein surroundings. Furthermore, simulation of the re-entry of the inhibitor bifonazole into the open conformation of CYP 2B4 resulted in binding at a transient hydrophobic pocket within the active site cavity that may play a role in substrate binding or allosteric regulation. Together, these results show how the open conformation of CYP 2B4 facilitates binding of substrates from and release of products to the membrane, whereas the closed conformation prolongs the residence time of substrates or inhibitors and selectively allows the passage of smaller reactants via the solvent and water channels.
Temporal variability enhances the acquisition of stereotyped communication signals
Authors: James Logan S , Ruge Olivia , Sakata Jon T
Published: April 2024

Species-typical behaviors are organized into species-typical patterns, and deviations away from these patterns often diminish the strength of behavioral and sensory responses to such stimuli. In songbirds like the zebra finch, species-typical songs consist of acoustic elements (syllables) arranged into stereotyped (i.e., highly predictable) sequences with stereotyped timing. However, the degree to which deviations away from these stereotyped temporal patterns modulate the strength of vocal learning (i.e., the fidelity of vocal imitation) remains unknown. Here we tutored 123 juvenile zebra finches with stimuli that varied in the stereotypy of syllable sequencing and timing. In contrast to the prediction that deviations away from species-typical stereotypy would diminish vocal learning, deviations from sequence or timing stereotypy did not decrease how well juveniles imitated the acoustic structure of syllables. Moreover, presenting syllables in species-atypical sequences (i.e., randomized syllable sequences) enhanced vocal imitation in birds that were tutored later in development. This unexpected enhancement of birdsong learning by sequence variability resembles the effects of contextual diversity on speech acquisition and indicates that such variability can benefit learning even for very stereotyped behaviors.
Factors Associated with Non-and Incomplete Vaccination Among Children Aged 12-23 Months in Gindhir Rural District, Southeast Ethiopia: A Multinomial Analysis
Authors: Mulugeta Geremew Tsegaye , Gemeda Desta Hiko , Dimore Abraham Lomboro , Getu Tihitian Yohannes , Gelaw Adamu Zerihun , Doyamo Adane Woldeab
Published: April 2024

Background

Childhood immunization is one of the most successful public health interventions that prevent children’s morbidity and mortality from Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPDs). Despite this, achieving high vaccination coverage is still one of the pressing public health problems globally, particularly in low-and middle-income countries.

Objective

This study aims to identify factors associated with non- and incomplete vaccination status among children aged 12-23 months in Gindhir rural district, East Bale zone, Southeast Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study supplemented with a qualitative study was conducted in the Gindhir district from April 25-June10/ 2021. A total of 563 mothers of children 12-23 months participated. Study participants were selected using computer-generated random numbers. The sample was proportionally allocated to the size of children 12-23 months in each kebele. An administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data using face-to-face interviews. Epi– data version 3.1 was used for data entry and SPSS version 25 software was used for data analysis. Bivariate and Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to identify the determinants of vaccination status at a P value of less than 0.05. Seven in-depth interviews and two focused group discussions were conducted and analyzed manually by coding.

Results

-Totally 563 mothers/caregivers with children aged 12-23 months participated with a 96.6% response rate. Of the 563 children included in the study, 307 (54.5% [95%CI: 50.1-58.8]) were fully vaccinated, 142(25.5% [95%CI:21.7-29.1]) were incompletely vaccinated and 114 (20.2% [95%CI: 16.7-23.8]) were not vaccinated at all. Home delivery [3.46 (95%CI: 1.27-9.40)], absence of nearby health facility[4.84(95% CI: 1.75-13.39)], lack of transportation incur cost [2.75(95%CI:1.06-7.14)], mothers/caregivers negative perceived benefits of child vaccination [2.69(95%CI: 1.35-5.37)], mothers/caregivers poor knowledge about VPDs [2.78(95%CI: 1.14-5.30)] and vaccination schedule [5.54(95%CI: 2.74-11.22)], and negative attitude towards vaccination[2.01(95%CI: 1.01-3.98)] were identified as independent predictors of non-vaccination. While home delivery [6.85 (95%CI: 1.69-27.79)], lack of provision of counselling by health workers [2.19(95%CI: 1.13-4.27)], mothers/caregivers’ poor knowledge about VPDs [2.71(95%CI: 1.60-4.58)] and vaccination schedule [3.30(95%CI: 1.90-5.74)], and attitude towards vaccination [2.53(95%CI: 1.47-3.38)] were significantly associated with incomplete vaccination status.

Conclusion

Designing and implementing public health interventions tailored to locally identified problems is vital to narrow the observed variation in childhood vaccination status.
Classically Computing Performance Bounds on Depolarized Quantum Circuits
Authors: Mishra Sattwik Deb , Frías-Pérez Miguel , Trivedi Rahul
Published: April 2024

Quantum computers and simulators can potentially outperform classical computers in finding ground states of classical and quantum Hamiltonians. However, if this advantage can persist in the presence of noise without error correction remains unclear. In this paper, by exploiting the principle of Lagrangian duality, we develop a numerical method to classically compute a certifiable lower bound on the minimum energy attainable by the output state of a quantum circuit in the presence of depolarizing noise. We provide theoretical and numerical evidence that this approach can provide circuit-architecture-dependent bounds on the performance of noisy quantum circuits.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Did disruptive events affect the purchase of private label food products?
Authors: Colamatteo Annarita , Sansone Marcello , Iorio Giuliano
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the private label food products, specifically assessing the stability and changes in factors influencing purchasing decisions, and comparing pre-pandemic and post-pandemic datasets.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs the Extra Tree Classifier method, a robust quantitative approach, to analyse data collected from questionnaires distributed among two distinct consumer samples. This methodological choice is explicitly adopted to provide a clear classification of factors influencing consumer preferences for private label products, surpassing conventional qualitative methods.

Findings

Despite the profound disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this research underscores the persistent hierarchy of factors shaping consumer choices in the private label food market, showing an overall stability in consumer behaviour. At the same time, the analysis of individual variables highlights the positive increase in those related to product quality, health, taste, and communication.

Research limitations/implications

The use of online surveys for data collection may introduce a self-selection bias, and the non-probabilistic sampling method could limit the generalizability of the results.

Practical implications

Practical implications suggest that managers in the private label industry should prioritize enhancing quality control, ensuring effective communication, and dynamically adapting strategies to meet evolving consumer preferences, with a particular emphasis on quality and health attributes.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing body of literature by providing insights into the profound transformations induced by the COVID-19 pandemic on consumer behaviour, specifically in relation to their preferences for private label food products.
Consumer preferences for commission rates in the online food delivery industry: a willingness-to-pay approach
Authors: Grashuis Jasper , Su Ye , Liu Pei
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Food service establishments and online food delivery companies use a revenue share model based on a commission rate. Because of the asymmetry of bargaining power, many food service establishments are vulnerable to a high commission rate. What is missing in the ongoing discussion about the revenue share model is the perspective of food consumers, who are the third party in the multi-sided market.

Design/methodology/approach

Within a willingness-to-pay (WTP) framework, we study if food consumers have preferences for the commission rate charged by food delivery companies to food service establishments. With 456 random consumers in the United States, we conduct a controlled experiment in which information is used as treatment in two groups. In the first group, the provided information only relates to the revenue share model (i.e. economic). In the second group, participants also received information about price control initiatives (i.e. economic and political).

Findings

Based on WTP-space mixed logit model results, there is a significant effect of information on preferences for the commission rate. While participants in the control group exhibited no aversion to the commission rate, participants who received treatment had a significant and negative WTP. The magnitude of the effect is estimated at -$1.08 for participants in the first treatment and -$2.28 for participants in the second treatment.

Originality/value

To date there is no applied research on the preferences of consumers in the online food order and delivery industry with respect to upstream conditions (i.e. commission rates).
How do digital media strengthen the role of social networks in promoting farmers' adoption of climate change mitigation measures?
Authors: Liu Qiqi , Yan Tingwu
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper investigates the ways digital media applications in rural areas have transformed the influence of social networks (SN) on farmers' adoption of various climate change mitigation measures (CCMM), and explores the key mechanisms behind this transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzes data from 1,002 farmers’ surveys. First, a logit model is used to measure the impact of SN on the adoption of different types of CCMM. Then, the interaction term between digital media usage (DMU) and SN is introduced to analyze the moderating effect of digital media on the impact of SN. Finally, a conditional process model is used to explore the mediating mechanism of agricultural socialization services (ASS) and the validity of information acquisition (VIA).

Findings

The results reveal that: (1) SN significantly promotes the adoption of CCMM and the marginal effect of this impact varies with different kinds of technologies. (2) DMU reinforces the effectiveness of SN in promoting farmers' adoption of CCMM. (3) The key mechanisms of the process in (2) are the ASS and the VIA.

Originality/value

This study shows that in the context of DMU, SN’s promotion effect on farmers' adoption of CCMM is strengthened.
Reporting good news but not bad: the dual effect of employee stewardship behavior on work–family interface
Authors: Wang Mengke , Qian Chen , Kiani Ataullah , Xu Guangyi
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Stewardship behavior is an important embodiment of the spirit of employee ownership, which is critical to the sustainability of companies, especially under the influence of the COVID-19 epidemic. Most previous studies have focused on how to motivate employees’ stewardship behavior, but little is known about how stewardship behavior affects employees themselves. The purpose of this study is to explore how employee stewardship behavior affects their work-family interface based on the conservation of resources (COR) theory.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, structural equation modeling was conducted using two-wave survey data from 323 employees through three internet companies in Southern China.

Findings

Results reveal that engaging in stewardship behavior is positively correlated with both positive emotion and emotional exhaustion. Positive emotion and emotional exhaustion, in turn, mediate the effects of stewardship behavior on work–home interface. Family motivation influences the strength of the relationships between positive emotion or emotional exhaustion and work–family interface, that is, high family motivation strengthens the positive association between positive emotion and work–family enrichment and weakens the positive association between emotional exhaustion and work–family conflict.

Practical implications

This study suggests that managers should give employees more support and care to ease the worries of engaging in stewardship behavior. Also, organizations should recruit employees with high family motivation, which can reduce the negative effects of stewardship behavior on work–-family interface.

Originality/value

Based on an actor’s perspective, this study examines both the positive and negative effects of stewardship behavior on employees themselves, thereby increasing understanding of the dual effect of stewardship behavior. In addition, this study further elucidates the mechanisms that moderate the positive and negative effects of individual family motivation on their engagement in stewardship behavior within the COR theory.
Laiterie du Berger (LDB): prioritizing quality of life over profit
Authors: Anne Djiby
Published: April 2024

Learning outcomes

After the completion of this case study, students will be able to understand the importance of being close to local people when embarking on social business; understand that clear purpose and good decision-making can lead to great outcomes; and learn that innovation is crucial to ensure sustainability of both business and impact.

Case overview/synopsis

The case highlights the journey of Laiterie du Berger (LDB), a social enterprise in the agribusiness industry and the challenges faced as it expands and innovates. LDB’s roots lie in its commitment to social impact, aiming to uplift the Fulani livestock farmers and address socioeconomic issues. The company’s business model prioritizes people over profits, focusing on sustainable development and poverty alleviation. The LDB case showcases the challenges and opportunities in the agribusiness industry. LDB’s commitment to social impact, demonstrated through its support for farmers and sustainable farming practices, has been integral to its success. As the company expands and innovates, it faces critical decisions that require balancing financial growth with social responsibility. By embracing development, innovation and collaboration, LDB can continue to be a catalyst for positive change in the agribusiness industry while staying true to its roots and the principles that have defined its journey.

Complexity academic level

This case study is designed for bachelor’s and master’s degree students in the field of entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as MBA students. The case focuses on social entrepreneurship with the example of an agribusiness company located in Senegal, prioritizing social impact and quality of life. The case study explores the dynamics of the sector, including expansion strategy, innovation initiatives and the dilemma of balancing social mission and profit that social entrepreneurs may be facing. By analyzing this real-world situation of LDB, students will have the opportunity to enhance their decision-making skills.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship
What drives prospective investors to support small and medium enterprises via Islamic securities crowdfunding? An empirical evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Majid Rifaldi
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The presence of securities crowdfunding (SCF) FinTech in the Islamic financial landscape opens investment opportunities through shares and sukuk (Sharia bond) instruments. This study aims to examine the effect of investment risk (IR), legal risk (LR), product knowledge (PK), Sharia compliance (SC) and subjective norm (SN) on investment decisions in businesses and projects run by small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The questionnaires were distributed to prospective investors with prior knowledge of SCF and Islamic investment. The data collected was then examined using partial least square-structural equation modeling using SmartPLS 4.0.

Findings

The results show that LR has positive and significant implications for supporting investment through SCF, while IR has the opposite. The main findings in this study explain that PK and SC are proven to strengthen the intention to invest in SCF. Meanwhile, SN, which also strengthens intention, is the greatest influence. Therefore, it is highly recommended that SCF organizers collaborate with regulators (OJK), universities, academics and the investor community, as well as Muslim entrepreneurs, to provide education and literacy regarding SCF products and the underlying contracts, along with the consequences and uniqueness of investment vis SCF.

Practical implications

From a managerial side, Sharia expert educators can be appointed to increase investors’ literacy and confidence to support SMEs’ business expansion via SCF. In addition, to minimize investment risk, SCF organizers are also advised to issue sukuk and shares in different low-risk businesses/sectors, followed by investment amounts that are more affordable for novice investors.

Originality/value

Research on SCF as an alternative to SME financing is still scarce. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first research to empirically test the relationship between risk, SC, PK and SN on potential investors’ decisions to support SMEs through the SCF mechanism.
What keeps you up at night? Moral distress in nurse leaders in the USA, Germany, Austria and Switzerland
Authors: Beil-Hildebrand Margitta B. , Sari Kundt Firuzan , Kutschar Patrick , Birkholz Lorri
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Nurse leaders are challenged by ethical issues in today’s complex health-care settings. The purpose of this study was to describe and analyze key elements of moral distress identified by nurse leaders from health-care systems in the USA, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The aim was to develop an understanding of distressing ethical issues nurse leaders face in the USA and three German-speaking European countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This descriptive cross-sectional study surveyed a convenience sample of nurse leaders in the USA, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The voluntary, anonymous survey also included qualitative questions and was distributed using the Qualtrics® platform. A thematic analysis of the qualitative data in each country was carried out and a comparative analysis identified similarities and differences between the groups of nurse leaders comparing the US data to that from three German-speaking European countries.

Findings

The survey was completed by 316 nurse leaders: Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (n = 225) and the USA (n = 91). Similar themes identified as causing all nurse leaders moral distress included a lack of individual and organizational integrity, hierarchical and interprofessional issues, lack of nursing professionalism, patient care/patient safety concerns, finances negatively impacting care and issues around social justice. Within these six themes, there were also differences between the USA and the three German-speaking European countries.

Originality/value

Understanding the experiences associated with distressing ethical situations can allow nurse leaders and organizations to focus on solutions and develop resilience to reduce moral distress in the USA and three German-speaking European countries.
A molecular imprinting electrochemical sensor for detection of anticancer drug amsacrine
Authors: Zhang Xiaotong , Zhang Qiu
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a molecular imprinting electrochemical sensor for the specific detection of the anticancer drug amsacrine. The sensor used a composite of bacterial cellulose (BC) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as a platform for the immobilization of a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) film. The main objective was to enhance the electrochemical properties of the sensor and achieve a high level of selectivity and sensitivity toward amsacrine molecules in complex biological samples.

Design/methodology/approach

The composite of BC-AgNPs was synthesized and characterized using FTIR, XRD and SEM techniques. The MIP film was molecularly imprinted to selectively bind amsacrine molecules. Electrochemical characterization, including cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, was performed to evaluate the modified electrode’s conductivity and electron transfer compared to the bare glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Differential pulse voltammetry was used for quantitative detection of amsacrine in the concentration range of 30–110 µM.

Findings

The developed molecular imprinting electrochemical sensor demonstrated significant improvements in conductivity and electron transfer compared to the bare GCE. The sensor exhibited a linear response to amsacrine concentrations between 30 and 110 µM, with a low limit of detection of 1.51 µM. The electrochemical response of the sensor showed remarkable changes before and after amsacrine binding, indicating the successful imprinting of amsacrine in the MIP film. The sensor displayed excellent selectivity for amsacrine in the presence of interfering substances, and it exhibited good stability and reproducibility.

Originality/value

This study presents a novel molecular imprinting electrochemical sensor design using a composite of BC and AgNPs as a platform for MIP film immobilization. The incorporation of BC-AgNPs improved the sensor’s electrochemical properties, leading to enhanced sensitivity and selectivity for amsacrine detection. The successful imprinting of amsacrine in the MIP film contributes to the sensor's specificity. The sensor's ability to detect amsacrine in a concentration range relevant to anticancer therapy and its excellent performance in complex sample matrices add significant value to the field of electrochemical sensing for pharmaceutical analysis.
ISO 9001 implementation model: a review and future research agenda
Authors: Susanto Danar Agus , Suef Mokhamad , Karningsih Putu Dana , Prasetya Bambang
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study’s main objective is to explore the ISO 9001 implementation model and identify a future research agenda. This is important because not all organizations find it easy to implement ISO 9001, and not all organizations get positive benefits after implementing it.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a comprehensive review of the literature on ISO 9001 implementation models using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews (PRISMA) methodology to systematically review the existing literature on ISO 9001 implementation models. Relevant studies published from 2003 to early 2023 are explored to reveal the research landscape, gaps and trends.

Findings

Many ISO 9001 implementation methods have been developed for actual implementation in organizations, including models, frameworks, special variable considerations, application uses and integration. These methods were developed and applied to cover gaps regarding constraints, unbeneficial, special conditions, implementation objectives and organization types in ISO 9001 implementation. Current issues and future research on ISO 9001 implementation models were found, namely ISO 9001 implementation models specific to SMEs, ISO 9001 implementation levels, ISO 9001 implementation models that are agile to change, and affordable certification models.

Originality/value

Only a few researchers have systematically reviewed the literature or taken a bibliometric approach in their analyses to provide an overview of the current trends and links to ISO 9001 implementation models. The ISO 9001 standard is a general standard and can be applied by all organizations with the implementation method left to the implementer. Many implementation methods have been developed, but several implementation obstacles and disadvantages are still found. It is important to know the extent of current research and discover future research gaps regarding methods of implementing the ISO 9001 standard.