bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A distributional regression approach to modeling the impact of structural and intermediary social determinants on communities burdened by tuberculosis in Eastern Amazonia – Brazil
Authors: Luciano Giacomet Clóvis , Vieira Ramos Antônio Carlos , Dias Moura Heriederson Sávio , Zamboni Berra Thaís , Alves Yan Mathias , Delpino Felipe Mendes , Farley Jason E. , Reynolds Nancy R. , Alonso Jonas Bodini , Teibo Titilade Kehinde Ayandeyi , Arcêncio Ricardo Alexandre
Published: November 2022

Background

TB is a disease affected by social determinants of health; however, it is unclear what its structural and intermediary determinants are in Eastern Amazonia. The region contains many natural resources, yet it suffers drastically from poverty, inequality, and neglected diseases. Here, we aimed to employ mathematical modeling to evaluate the influence of structural and intermediary determinants of health on TB in Eastern Amazonia – Brazil.

Methods

We conducted an ecological study. We considered cases diagnosed of TB and collected data by census tract to measure the social determinants. We applied thegeneralized additive model for location, scale, and shape(GAMLSS) framework to identify the effect of social determinants on communities with a high prevalence of TB. The Double Poisson distribution (DPO) was selected and we tested the inclusion of quadratic effects.

Results

1,730 people were selected. The majority were female (59.3%), aged 31 to 59 years (47.6%), blacks (67.9%), schooling level of 5 to 8 years (18.7%). Prevalence of alcoholism was 8.6% and mental illness 0.7%. The GAMLSS analyses showed that the risk of community incidence of TB is associated with the proportion of the population without basic sanitation and also with the age groups 16-31 years and > 61 years.

Conclusions

The study revealed that GAMLSS is an strategic tool to identify territories at greatest risk for TB. Models should have broader scope to include social determinants so as to better inform policy to reduce inequality and achieving the goal of the End TB strategy.
Shadow imaging for panoptical visualization of living brain tissue
Authors: Dembitskaya Yulia , Boyce Andrew K. J. , Idziak Agata , Langeroudi Atefeh Pourkhalili , Bourdellès Guillaume Le , Girard Jordan , Arizono Misa , Ducros Mathieu , Sato-Fitoussi Marie , de Amezaga Amaia Ochoa , Oizel Kristell , Bancelin Stephane , Mercier Luc , Pfeiffer Thomas , Thompson Roger J. , Kim Sun Kwang , Bikfalvi Andreas , Nägerl U. Valentin
Published: November 2022

Progress in neuroscience research hinges on technical advances in visualizing living brain tissue with high fidelity and facility. Current neuroanatomical imaging approaches either require tissue fixation, do not have cellular resolution or only give a fragmented view. Here, we show how regular light microscopy together with fluorescence labeling of the interstitial fluid in the extracellular space provide comprehensive optical access in real-time to the anatomical complexity and dynamics of living brain tissue.
The motor pattern of rolling escape locomotion inDrosophilalarvae
Authors: He Liping , Borjon Lydia , Tracey W. Daniel
Published: November 2022

When undisturbed,Drosophilalarvae move forward through their environment with sweeping waves of caudal to rostral muscle contraction [1, 2]. In stark contrast, nociceptive sensory stimuli (such as attacks by parasitoid wasps) trigger the larvae to roll across the substrate by corkscrewing around the long body axis [3, 4]. While studies have described the motor pattern of larval crawling [1, 2], the motor pattern of larval rolling escape locomotion remains unknown. Here, we have determined this pattern. To do so, we developed a high speed confocal time-lapse imaging preparation that allowed us to trigger rolling with optogenetics while simultaneously imaging a genetically encoded calcium sensor that was expressed in the muscles. Of the 30 muscles present in each larval abdominal hemisegment we find that only 11 muscles are consistently and specifically activated across segments during rolling. 8 additional muscles are more sparsely activated. Importantly, the sequential pattern of muscle recruitment during rolling is completely distinct from that of forward or reverse crawling. We discover that a roll involves a wave of muscle activation that propagates around the larval circumference (in the transverse plane of each segment) and involves four coactive muscle groups. A pattern of activation progresses from coactive ventral muscle groups to dorsal groups and then spreads across the midline to the contralateral dorsal muscle groups which then progresses back to the ventral groups. Finally, the direction of a roll (either clockwise or counterclockwise around the body) is determined by the clockwise or counterclockwise order of muscle group activation around the transverse plane.
Spatial cell type mapping of multiple sclerosis lesions
Authors: Lerma-Martin Celia , Badia-i-Mompel Pau , Ramirez Flores Ricardo O. , Sekol Patricia , Hofmann Annika , Thäwel Thomas , Riedl Christian J. , Wünnemann Florian , Ibarra-Arellano Miguel A. , Trobisch Tim , Eisele Philipp , Schapiro Denis , Haeussler Maximilian , Hametner Simon , Saez-Rodriguez Julio , Schirmer Lucas
Published: November 2022

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a prototypic chronic-inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. After initial lesion formation during active demyelination, inflammation is gradually compartmentalized and restricted to specific tissue areas such as the lesion rim in chronic-active lesions. However, the cell type-specific and spatially restricted drivers of chronic tissue damage and lesion expansion are not well understood. Here, we investigated the properties of subcortical white matter lesions by creating a cell type-specific spatial map of gene expression across various inflammatory lesion stages in MS. An integrated analysis of single-nucleus and spatial transcriptomics data enabled us to uncover patterns of glial, immune and stromal cell subtype diversity, as well as to identify cell-cell communication and signaling signatures across lesion and non-lesion tissue areas in MS. Our results provide insights into the conversion of the tissue microenvironment from a ‘homeostatic’ to a pathogenic or ‘dysfunctional’ state underlying lesion progression in MS. We expect that this study will help identify spatially resolved cell type-specific biomarkers and therapeutic targets for future interventional trials in MS.
Dodecyl Creatine Ester Improves Cognitive Function and Identifies Drivers of Creatine Deficiency
Authors: Mabondzo Aloïse , Harati Rania , Broca-Brisson Léa , Guyot Anne-Cécile , Costa Narciso , Cacciante Francesco , Putignano Elena , Baroncelli Laura , Skelton Matthew R , Saab Cathy , Martini Emmanuelle , Benech Henri , Joudinaud Thomas , Gaillard Jean-Charles , Armengaud Jean , Hamoudi Rifat A.
Published: November 2022

Creatine transporter deficiency prevents creatine uptake into the brain, leading to mental retardation. To better understand the pathophysiology, this study focuses on the identification of biomarkers related to cognitive improvement in a Slc6a8 knockout mouse model (Slc6a8/y) engineered to mimic the clinical features of CTD patients which have low brain creatine content. Shotgun proteomics analysis of 4,035 proteins in four different brain regions; the cerebellum, cortex, hippocampus (associated with cognitive functions) and brain stem, and muscle as a control, was performed in 24 mice. Comparisons of the protein abundance in the four brain regions between DCE-treated intranasally Slc6a8-/y mice and wild type and DCE-treated Slc6a8-/y and vehicle group identified 14 biomarkers, shedding light on the mechanism of action of DCE. Integrative bioinformatics and statistical modeling identified key proteins associated with CTD, including KIF1A and PLCB1. The abundance of these proteins in the four brain regions was significantly correlated with both the object recognition and the Y-maze tests. Functional analysis confirmed their key roles and associated molecules in CTD pathogenesis.
The molecular genetic landscape of human brain size variation
Authors: Seidlitz Jakob , Mallard Travis T. , Vogel Jacob W. , Lee Younga H. , Warrier Varun , Ball Gareth , Hansson Oskar , Hernandez Leanna M. , Mandal Ayan S. , Wagstyl Konrad , Lombardo Michael V. , Courchesne Eric , Glessner Joseph T. , Satterthwaite Theodore D. , Bethlehem Richard A.I. ,   Lifespan Brain Chart Consortium, Tasaki Shinya , Ng Bernard , Gaiteri Chris , Smoller Jordan W. , Ge Tian , Gandal Michael J. , Alexander-Bloch Aaron F.
Published: November 2022

Human brain size increases dynamically through early development, peaks in adolescence, and varies up to two-fold among adults. Although previous studies have elucidated changes in brain size across evolution, development, traits, and diseases, the molecular underpinnings of interindividual variation in brain size remain unknown. Here, we leverage postmortem brain RNA sequencing and estimates of brain weight (BW) in 2,531 individuals across three independent datasets, to identify 928 genes that show genome-wide significant associations with either higher or lower BW (BW+, BW-, respectively). These BW gene sets showed distinct neurodevelopmental trajectories and spatial patterns that mapped onto developmental, functional and cellular axes of brain organization. Expression differences among evolutionarily conserved BW genes were predictive of interspecies differences in brain size, and functional annotation of BW genes revealed enrichment for neurogenesis and cell-cell communication. Genome-wide, transcriptome-wide, and phenome-wide association analyses ofin vivoneuroimaging phenotypes confirmed that the genetic regulation of BW-transcripts influences cortical surface area and volume, as well as behavioral traits related to brain function and disease. Cumulatively, our study represents a major step towards the goal of delineating the causal mechanisms of human brain size variation in health and disease.
Distinct spectral profiles of awake resting EEG in disorders of consciousness - the role of frequency and topography of oscillations
Authors: Drążyk Dominika , Przewrocki Karol , Górska Urszula , Binder Marek
Published: November 2022

The prolonged disorders of consciousness (PDOC) pose a challenge for an accurate clinical diagnosis, mainly due to patients’ scarce or ambiguous behavioral responsiveness. Measurement of brain activity can support better diagnosis, independent of motor restrictions. Methods based on spectral analysis of resting-state EEG appear as a promising path, revealing specific changes within the internal brain dynamics in PDOC patients. In this study we used a robust method of resting-state EEG power spectrum parameter extraction to identify distinct spectral properties for different types of PDOC.

Sixty patients and 37 healthy volunteers participated in this study. Patient group consisted of 22 unresponsive wakefulness patients, 25 minimally conscious patients and 13 patients emerging from the minimally conscious state. Ten minutes of resting EEG was acquired during wakefulness and transformed into individual power spectra. For each patient, using the spectral decomposition algorithm, we extracted maximum peak frequency within 1-14 Hz range in the centro-parietal region, and the antero-posterior (AP) gradient of the maximal frequency peak. All patients were behaviorally diagnosed using Coma Recovery Scale - Revised (CRS-R).

The maximal peak frequency in the 1-14 Hz range successfully predicted both neurobehavioral capacity of patients as indicated by CRS-R total score and PDOC diagnosis. Additionally in patients in whom only one peak within the 1-14 Hz range was observed, the AP gradient significantly contributed to the accuracy of prediction. We have identified three distinct spectral profiles of patients, likely representing separate neurophysiological modes of thalamocortical functioning. Etiology did not have significant influence on the obtained results.
Evaluation of antibody kinetics and durability in health subjects vaccinated with inactivated COVID-19 vaccine (CoronaVac): A cross-sectional and cohort study in Zhejiang, China
Authors: Zhang Hangjie , Hua Qianhui , Xu Nani , Zhang Xinpei , Chen Bo , Ma Xijun , Hu Jie , Chen Zhongbing , Yu Pengfei , Lei Huijun , Wang Shenyu , Ding Linling , Fu Jian , Liao Yuting , Yang Juan , Jiang Jianmin , Lv Huakun
Published: November 2022

Background

Although inactivated COVID-19 vaccines are proven to be safe and effective in the general population, the dynamic response and duration of antibodies after vaccination in the real world should be further assessed.

Methods

We enrolled 1067 volunteers who had been vaccinated with one or two doses of CoronaVac in Zhejiang Province, China. Another 90 healthy adults without previous vaccinations were recruited and vaccinated with three doses of CoronaVac, 28 days and 6 months apart. Serum samples were collected from multiple timepoints and analyzed for specific IgM/IgG and neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) for immunogenicity evaluation. Antibody responses to the Delta and Omicron variants were measured by pseudovirus-based neutralization tests.

Results

Our results revealed that binding antibody IgM peaked 14–28 days after one dose of CoronaVac, while IgG and NAbs peaked approximately 1 month after the second dose then declined slightly over time. Antibody responses had waned by month 6 after vaccination and became undetectable in the majority of individuals at 12 months. Levels of NAbs to live SARS-CoV-2 were correlated with anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and NAbs to pseudovirus, but not IgM. Homologous booster around 6 months after primary vaccination activated anamnestic immunity and raised NAbs 25.5-fold. The NAb inhibition rate subsequently rose to 36.0% for Delta (p=0.03) and 4.3% for Omicron (p=0.004), and the response rate for Omicron rose from 7.9% (7/89) to 17.8% (16/90).

Conclusions

Two doses of CoronaVac vaccine resulted in limited protection over a short duration. The homologous booster slightly increased antibody responses to the Delta and Omicron variants; therefore, the optimization of booster procedures is vital.

Funding

Key Research and Development Program of Zhejiang Province; Key Program of Health Commission of Zhejiang Province/ Science Foundation of National Health Commission; Major Program of Zhejiang Municipal Natural Science Foundation.
Beta band rhythms influence reaction times
Authors: Rassi Elie , Lin Wy Ming , Zhang Yi , Emmerzaal Jill , Haegens Saskia
Published: November 2022

Despite their involvement in many cognitive functions, beta oscillations are among the least understood brain rhythms. Reports on whether the functional role of beta is primarily inhibitory or excitatory have been contradictory. Our framework attempts to reconcile these findings and proposes that several beta rhythms co-exist at different frequencies. Beta frequency shifts and their potential influence on behavior have thus far received little attention. In this magnetoencephalography experiment, we asked whether changes in beta power or frequency in auditory cortex and motor cortex influence behavior (reaction times) during an auditory sweep discrimination task. We found that in motor cortex, increased betapowerslowed down responses, while in auditory cortex, increased betafrequencyslowed down responses. We further characterized beta as transient burst events with distinct spectro-temporal profiles influencing reaction times. Finally, we found that increased motor-to-auditory beta connectivity also slowed down responses. In sum, beta power, frequency, bursting properties, cortical focus, and connectivity profile all influenced behavioral outcomes. Our results imply that the study of beta oscillations requires caution as beta dynamics are multifaceted phenomena, and that several dynamics must be taken into account to reconcile mixed findings in the literature.
Catecholaminergic neuromodulation and selective attention jointly shape perceptual decision-making
Authors: Nuiten Stijn A. , De Gee Jan Willem , Zantvoord Jasper B. , Fahrenfort Johannes J. , van Gaal Simon
Published: November 2022

Perceptual decisions about sensory input are influenced by fluctuations in ongoing neural activity, most prominently driven by attention and neuromodulator systems. It is currently unknown if neuromodulator activity and attention differentially modulate perceptual decision-making and/or whether neuromodulatory systems in fact control attentional processes. To investigate the effects of two distinct neuromodulatory systems and spatial attention on perceptual decisions, we pharmacologically elevated cholinergic (through donepezil) and catecholaminergic (through atomoxetine) levels in humans performing a visuo-spatial attention task, while we measured electroencephalography (EEG). Both attention and catecholaminergic enhancement improved decision-making at the behavioral and algorithmic level, as reflected in increased perceptual sensitivity and the modulation of the drift rate parameter derived from drift diffusion modeling. Univariate analyses of EEG data time-locked to the attentional cue, the target stimulus, and the motor response, further revealed that attention and catecholaminergic enhancement both modulated pre-stimulus cortical excitability, cue- and stimulus-evoked sensory activity as well as parietal evidence accumulation signals. Interestingly, we observed both similar, unique, and interactive effects of attention and catecholaminergic neuromodulation on these behavioral, algorithmic, and neural markers of the decision-making process. Thereby, this study reveals an intricate relationship between attentional and catecholaminergic systems and advances our understanding about how these systems jointly shape various stages of perceptual decision-making.
The effect of walking with reduced trunk motion on dynamic stability in healthy adults
Authors: Buurke Tom J.W. , van de Venis Lotte , Keijsers Noël , Nonnekes Jorik
Published: November 2022

Background

Most people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) walk with a smaller mediolateral base of support (BoS) compared to healthy people, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. According to the extrapolated center of mass (XCoM) concept, a decrease in mediolateral XCoM excursion would require a smaller mediolateral BoS to maintain a constant margin of stability (MoS) and remain stable. As people with PD typically walk with reduced trunk motion, we hypothesized that the mediolateral MoS might stay the same despite a smaller BoS.

Research question

As proof of principle, we assess whether walking with reduced trunk motion results in a smaller step width in healthy adults, without altering the mediolateral MoS.

Methods

Fifteen healthy adults walked on a treadmill at preferred comfortable walking speed in two conditions. First, the ‘regular walking’ condition without any instructions, and second, the ‘reduced trunk motion’ condition with the instruction: ‘Keep your trunk as still as possible’. Treadmill speed was kept the same in the two conditions. Trunk kinematics, step width, mediolateral XCoM excursion and mediolateral MoS were calculated and compared between the two conditions.

Results

Walking with the instruction to keep the trunk still significantly reduced trunk kinematics. Walking with reduced trunk motion resulted in significant decreases in step width and mediolateral XCoM excursion, but not in the mediolateral MoS. Furthermore, step width and mediolateral XCoM excursion were strongly correlated during both conditions (r=0.887 and r=0.934).

Significance

This study shows that walking with reduced trunk motion leads to a gait pattern with a smaller BoS in healthy adults, without altering the mediolateral MoS. Our findings indicate a strong coupling between CoM motion state and the mediolateral BoS. We expect that people with PD who walk narrow-based, have a similar mediolateral MoS as healthy people, which will be further investigated.
5-MeO-DMT modifies innate behaviors and promotes structural neural plasticity in mice
Authors: Jefferson Sarah J. , Gregg Ian , Dibbs Mark , Liao Clara , Wu Hao , Davoudian Pasha A. , Sprouse Jeffrey S. , Sherwood Alexander M. , Kaye Alfred P. , Pittenger Christopher , Kwan Alex C.
Published: November 2022

Serotonergic psychedelics are gaining increasing interest as potential therapeutics for a range of mental illnesses. Compounds with short-lived subjective effects may be clinically useful because dosing time would be reduced, which may improve patient access. One short-acting psychedelic is 5-MeO-DMT, which has been associated with improvement in depression and anxiety symptoms in early clinical studies. However relatively little is known about the behavioral effects and neural mechanisms of 5-MeO-DMT in animal models. Here we characterized the effects of 5-MeO-DMT on innate behaviors and dendritic architecture in mice. We showed that 5-MeO-DMT induces a dose-dependent increase in head-twitch response that is shorter in duration than that induced by psilocybin at all doses tested. 5-MeO-DMT also substantially suppresses social ultrasonic vocalizations produced during mating behavior. 5-MeO-DMT produces long-lasting increases in dendritic spine density in the mouse medial frontal cortex that are driven by an elevated rate of spine formation. However, unlike psilocybin, 5-MeO-DMT did not affect the size of dendritic spines. These data provide insights into the behavioral and neural consequences underlying the action of 5-MeO-DMT and highlight similarities and differences with those of psilocybin.
Chromatin remodeller Chd7 is developmentally regulated in the neural crest by tissue-specific transcription factors
Authors: Williams Ruth , Taylor Gunes , Ling Irving T C , Candido-Ferreira Ivan , Mayes Sarah , Bozhilov Yavor , Tyser Richard C V , Srinivas Shankar , Hughes Jim Raymond , Sauka-Spengler Tatjana
Published: November 2022

Neurocristopathies such as CHARGE syndrome result from aberrant neural crest development. A large proportion of CHARGE cases are attributed to mutations in the gene encoding CHD7, chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 7, which remodels chromatin. While the role for CHD7 in neural crest development is well documented, it remains elusive how this seemingly ubiquitous factor is specifically upregulated in neural crest cells. Here, we use epigenomic profiling of chick neural crest to identify a cohort of enhancers regulating Chd7 expression in neural crest cells and other tissues. We functionally validate upstream transcription factor binding at candidate enhancers, revealing novel epistatic relationships between neural crest master regulators and Chd7. To our knowledge, this is the first report of tissue-specific regulation of a chromatin remodeller. Furthermore, we find conserved enhancer feature in human embryonic epigenomic data and validate the activity of the human equivalent CHD7 enhancers in the chick embryo. Collectively our findings embed Chd7 in the neural crest gene regulatory network and offer potentially clinically relevant elements for interpreting CHARGE syndrome cases without causative allocation.
Multiple imputation of missing data under missing at random: compatible imputation models are not sufficient to avoid bias
Authors: Curnow Elinor , Carpenter James R , Heron Jon E , Cornish Rosie P , Rach Stefan , Didelez Vanessa , Langeheine Malte , Tilling Kate
Published: November 2022

Background

Epidemiological studies often have missing data. Multiple imputation (MI) is a commonly-used strategy for such studies. MI guidelines for structuring the imputation model have focused on compatibility with the analysis model, but not on the need for the (compatible) imputation model(s) to be correctly specified. Standard (default) MI procedures use simple linear functions. We examine the bias this causes and performance of methods to identify problematic imputation models, providing practical guidance for researchers.

Methods

By simulation and real data analysis, we investigated how imputation model mis-specification affected MI performance, comparing results with complete records analysis (CRA). We considered scenarios in which imputation model mis-specification occurred because (i) the analysis model was mis-specified, or (ii) the relationship between exposure and confounder was mis-specified.

Results

Mis-specification of the relationship between outcome and exposure, or between exposure and confounder in the imputation model for the exposure, could result in substantial bias in CRA and MI estimates (in addition to any bias in the full-data estimate due to analysis model mis-specification). MI by predictive mean matching could mitigate for model mis-specification. Model mis-specification tests were effective in identifying mis-specified relationships. These could be easily applied in any setting in which CRA was, in principle, valid and data were missing at random (MAR).

Conclusion

When using MI methods that assume data are MAR, compatibility between the analysis and imputation models is necessary, but is not sufficient to avoid bias. We propose an easy-to-follow, step-by-step procedure for identifying and correcting mis-specification of imputation models.
Dissecting the chain of information processing and its interplay with neurochemicals and fluid intelligence across development
Authors: Zacharopoulos George , Sella Francesco , Emir Uzay , Kadosh Roi Cohen
Published: November 2022

Previous research has highlighted the role of glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in perceptual, cognitive, and motor tasks. However, the exact involvement of these neurochemical mechanisms in the chain of information processing, and across human development, are unclear. In a cross-sectional longitudinal design, we used a computational approach to dissociate cognitive, decision, and visuomotor processing in 293 individuals spanning early childhood to adulthood. We found that glutamate and GABA within the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) explained unique variance in visuomotor processing, with higher glutamate predicting poorer visuomotor processing in younger participants but better visuomotor processing in mature participants, while GABA showed the opposite pattern. These findings were functionally, neuroanatomically, and neurochemically specific, and were replicated ~1.5 years later and were generalized in two further different behavioral tasks. Using resting fMRI, we revealed that the relationship between IPS neurochemicals and visuomotor processing is mediated by functional connectivity in the visuomotor network. We then extended our findings to high-level cognitive behavior by predicting fluid intelligence performance. We showed that fluid intelligence performance is explained by IPS GABA and glutamate and is mediated by visuomotor processing, and moderated by the developmental stage. These results provide an integrative biological and psychological mechanistic explanation that links cognitive processes and neurotransmitters across human development and establishes their involvement in intelligent behavior.
Geometric modeling analysis method for stacking assembly deviation of aero engine rotor
Authors: Wang Zesheng , Wu Dongbo , Wang Hui , Liang Jiawei , Peng Jingguang
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Assembly errors of aeroengine rotor must be controlled to improve the aeroengine efficiency. However, current method cannot truly reflect assembly errors of the rotor in working state owing to difficulties in error analysis. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to establish an optimization method for aeroengine rotor stacking assembly.

Design/methodology/approach

The assembly structure of aeroengine rotor is featured. Rotor eccentricity is optimized based on Jacobian–Torsor model. Then, an optimization method for assembly work is proposed. The assembly process of the high-pressure compressor rotor and the high-pressure turbine rotor as the rotor core assembly is mainly considered.

Findings

An aeroengine rotor is assembled to verify the method. The results show that the predicted eccentricity differed from the measured eccentricity by 6.1%, with a comprehensive error of 8.1%. Thus, the optimization method has certain significance for rotor assembly error analysis and assembly process optimization.

Originality/value

In view of the error analysis in the stacking assembly of aeroengine rotor, an innovative optimization method is proposed. The method provides a novel approach for the aeroengine rotor assembly optimization and is applicable for the assembly of high-pressure compressor rotor and high-pressure turbine rotor as the rotor core assembly.
A flexible and efficient tooling design technology for aircraft fuselage panel assembly
Authors: Miah Md. Helal , Zhang Jianhua , Tonk Ravinder
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Regarding the assembly of the fuselage panel, this paper aims to illustrate a design of pre-assembly tooling of the fuselage panel for the automatic drilling riveting machine. This new prototype of pre-assembly tooling can be used for different types and sizes of fuselage panels. Also, apply to the automated drilling and riveting machine of the fuselage panels.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the different structures of the fuselage panel, the position of the preassembly tooling components, location of the clamp and position of the fuselage panel are determined. After that, the overall structure of the preassembly tooling is designed, including the movable frame and the cardboard. The cardboard positioning module and the clamping module formulate a detailed design scheme of preassembly tooling for the fuselage panel. The structure of the pre-assembled tooling is optimized by static analysis. The result of the overall design is optimized by using MATLAB and CATIA-V5 software, and the results meet the condition of the design requirements.

Findings

The traditional assembly process of the fuselage is to install the fuselage panel on the preassembly tooling for positioning the hole and then install it on the automated drilling and riveting tooling for secondary tooling. Secondary tooling can consume assembly errors of the fuselage panel. The new prototype of flexible tooling design for the fuselage panel not only avoids the secondary tooling error of the fuselage panel but also meets the preassembly of different types of fuselage panels.

Research limitations/implications

The further development of the flexible tooling design of the fuselage panel is to reduce the error of sliding tooling due to friction of the sliding components. Because if the assembly cycle is increased, the sliding parts will lose material due to corrosion. As a result, the repeated friction force is the root cause of the positioning error of sliding parts. Therefore, it is necessary to engage less corrosive material. Also, the lubricant may be used to reduce the corrosion in minimizing the positioning error of the sliding tool components. In addition, it is important to calculate the number of assembly cycles for efficient fuselage panel assembly.

Originality/value

According to the structure and assembly process characteristics of the fuselage panel, the fuselage panel preassembly tooling can optimize the assembly process of the fuselage panel and have certain practical application values.
Trust in lecturer–student relationships as a factor supporting entrepreneurship
Authors: Lewicka Dagmara , Bollampally Naresh
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to identify trust’s role in the student–lecturer relationship and to identify the factors that build trust in this relationship, as well as the mechanisms through which trust influences entrepreneurial intentions and behaviours.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents the results of empirical research based on a semi-structured interview questionnaire. The participants included 12 entrepreneurs, 25–40 years old, who were running their own small enterprises. They were categorised by industry.

Findings

This study’s results suggest that entrepreneurship education based on trust in student–lecturer relationships contributes to the formation of entrepreneurial intentions and behaviours. This study has identified the factors that build trust between students and lecturers. Three mechanisms were also identified as having the greatest impact on transforming entrepreneurial intentions into actions: increasing self-efficacy, cultivating a broader perspective and encouraging initiative and risk taking.

Research limitations/implications

An obvious limitation of this research is its small sample size. Moreover, this study’s respondents were all entrepreneurs running small companies – mainly start-ups – with up to 50 employees established by entrepreneurs up to four years after graduation. Additionally, the majority of the sample were men of Indian nationality. In subsequent studies, including more diverse respondents would be useful. Moreover, a quantitative survey of a larger sample with greater gender and cultural diversity would be worthwhile to test the proposed model.

Practical implications

This paper helps explain the trust’s importance in the student–lecturer relationship. This paper reveals how relationships should be established to support entrepreneurial learning outcomes.

Originality/value

The results of this research expand the knowledge on trust-building between students and lecturers that can develop successful entrepreneurial attitudes amongst students and help students succeed as entrepreneurs. To the authors’ knowledge, no previous research had examined this topic. This study’s results are probably more universally relevant than our limited sample suggests, so further in-depth research is needed.
Local government turnover and capital structure: evidence from China
Authors: Liang Shangkun , Xin Fu , Yu Junli , Zhao Gang
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The political influence on the determinants of capital structure has been under-researched for a long time. Taking the turnover of secretary of municipal committee as a political factor in China, this paper studies the effect of local government officials' turnover on firm's capital structure.

Design/methodology/approach

Starting with all A-shares listed firms in the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges from 2001 to 2018, this paper implements the OLS estimation, staggered difference-in-difference approach to investigate the effects of political turnover on the choice of capital structure.

Findings

The results show that, driven by government officials' turnover, firms will significantly reduce their leverage. When comparing between formal finance (bank loans) and informal finance (payables), the reduction of capital structure is mainly driven by banks, not by suppliers. Furthermore, two possible channels have been investigated. First, the reduction effects are mainly driven by the SOEs when classifying the types of corporate ownership into SOEs and non-SOEs. Second, the reduction effects exist in areas with the more intense government intervention when considering the heterogeneity of the development of institutional environment in provinces.

Originality/value

This paper first contributes to the literature on the determinants of corporate choice on capital structure. Second, this paper enriches the studies on the economic consequences of local government officials' turnover.
Marketing of library resources and its impact on the library usage of distance-learning students
Authors: Atuase Diana , Maluleka Jan
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Access to learning resources in higher education is a prerequisite for effective learning. The purpose of this study is to investigate how marketing of library resources can influences library usage of students from the University of Education Winneba and University of Cape Coast in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was grounded in the pragmatic paradigm and guided by the mixed methods research approach. The sequential explanatory design was used in that, quantitative data was collected first, followed by the collection of qualitative data. The respondents were selected using the multi-stage and purposive sampling techniques. A total of 1,170 students were involved in the quantitative study, and the qualitative study comprised 12 students and 6 librarians. The quantitative data were analysed descriptively using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), while the qualitative data were analysed thematically.

Findings

The study found that the marketing of library resources and services increased awareness and motivates students from the University of Education Winneba and University of Cape Coast to use them. In addition, the study found no relationship between competencies in information literacy and the use of library resources and services beyond developing students’ capacity to use library resources The study further established a positive relationship between improved learning activities and the use of library resources and services by students at the University of Education Winneba and University of Cape Coast in Ghana.

Originality/value

The study is unique in its scope and focus and will lead understanding to the use of library services and resources to achieving positive learning outcomes in Ghanaian distance learning institutions. Thus, the expanded benefit to students’ use of library services not only will improve their academic activities, performances, retention, programme completion, employment opportunities and lifelong learning but also is important for institutions to increase students’ enrolments, increase university world-wide visibility and influence national development.
Building competitive advantages and business success: the role of learning orientation, reward systems and entrepreneurial orientation
Authors: Correia Ricardo Jorge , Dias José G. , Teixeira Mário Sérgio , Campos Susana
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The complexity of the firm’s external environment, with its constant changes, forces managers to develop novel strategies that can meet new strategic needs. The purpose of this study is to examine the role of reward systems (RSs) in strategic management, as well as their relationship to learning and entrepreneurial orientation (EO), commonly referred to as the driving force behind growth, competitive advantages (CAs) and improved performance. It also focuses on the study of the relationship between EO and business performance (BP), the introduction and testing of the possible antecedents of this relationship and potential mediating factors.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model was tested on a sample of 1,190 Portuguese firms using a structural equation model.

Findings

It is shown for the first time that learning orientation (LO) is an antecedent of the RSs and, subsequently, of EO. Additionally, the CAs of differentiation and cost leadership play a mediating role in the relationship between EO and BP. Furthermore, RSs are also a driving force behind both CAs.

Originality/value

This study makes several empirical and theoretical contributions, addressing the gap in the literature about the role of RSs in strategic management. It tests the relationship between LO and the firm’s performance by taking the mediating effects of RSs, EO and CAs into account. Additionally, we discuss LO as an antecedent strategic variable of human resources practices, in particular, RSs. Finally, we broaden the scope of our research by examining these issues in the context of Portuguese SMEs from different industries.
Exploring the dynamics of bank liquidity holding in Islamic and conventional banks
Authors: Abdo Khalil Yahya Mohammed , Noman Abu Hanifa Md. , Hanifa Mohamed Hisham
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to address how Islamic banks (IBs) and conventional banks (CBs) manage their liquidity and their speed of adjusting liquidity holdings both in the short- and long term.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the partial adjustment model (PAM) on a sample of 445 banks from 17 Organisation of Islamic Cooperation countries over the period 2010–2018.

Findings

Results reveal that despite IBs’ placement of higher short-term liquidity buffer, they experience lower net stable fund ratio (NSFR) in the long term, relative to CBs. This study’s results also reveal that IBs enjoy higher and lower speed of adjustment (SOA) for NSFR in the long- and short term, respectively. Furthermore, the results suggest that bank-specific and macroeconomic factors weaken the liquidity SOA.

Practical implications

This study sheds light on the importance of the adjusting speed of bank liquidity in a bid to provide regulators with insights for enhancing liquidity holdings and emphasising the regulation of banks’ reaction pace to attain the target buffers.

Originality/value

This study estimates the liquidity adjustment speed of IBs and CBs by providing a comprehensive discussion and empirical evidence across countries. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to use PAM for the assessment of liquidity holdings in IBs and the first to examine SOA of short-term liquidity holdings in the banking sector.
Engaging with deepfakes: a meta-synthesis from the perspective of social shaping of technology theory
Authors: Vasist Pramukh Nanjundaswamy , Krishnan Satish
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to establish a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of how individuals engage with deepfakes, focusing on limiting adverse effects and capitalizing on their benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies on deepfakes, incorporating study-specific analysis followed by a cross-study synthesis.

Findings

Based on the meta-synthesis, the study developed an integrated conceptual framework based on the perspectives from the social shaping of technology theory embedding deepfake-related assertions, motivations, the subtleties of digital platforms, and deepfake-related repercussions.

Research limitations/implications

The study offers crucial insights into the evolving nature of deepfakes as a socio-technical phenomenon and the significance of platform dynamics in deepfake production. It enables researchers to comprehend the cascading effects of deepfakes and positions them to evaluate deepfake-related risks and associated mitigation mechanisms.

Practical implications

The framework that emerges from the study illustrates the influence of platforms on the evolution of deepfakes and assists platform stakeholders in introducing effective platform governance structures to combat the relentless proliferation of deepfakes and their consequences, as well as providing guidance for governments and policymakers to collaborate with platform leaders to set guardrails for deepfake engagement.

Originality/value

Deepfakes have been extensively contested for both their beneficial and negative applications and have been accused of heralding an imminent epistemic threat that has been downplayed by some quarters. This diversity of viewpoints necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. In responding to this call, this is one of the first to establish a comprehensive, theoretically informed perspective on how individuals produce, process, and engage with deepfakes through a meta-synthesis of qualitative literature on deepfakes.
A multi-perspective approach of international tourist satisfaction in tourism service: from big data perspective
Authors: Nguyen Ha Thu , Le Anh Thi Tu , Phan Anh Chi , Hoang Thuy Dam Luong
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Customer reviews on online platforms after their service experience not only provide useful information to help other customers make reasonable decisions about the hotel, but also provide a great opportunity for scholars to refresh the research directions on customer experience and satisfaction in tourism services. This paper aims to discover the key driver of international tourist satisfaction in the hospitality service and the way to effectively improve this factor, starting with the abundant online customer reviews.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-perspective approach was used to compare the differences in service providers and service user’s interpretation of the factors that shape customer satisfaction. In addition to content analysis of nearly 2,500 online reviews of international tourists for 21 high-class hotels in Vietnam on Booking.com in 2019, the authors conducted in-depth interviews with the managers of 5-star hotels to show a comprehensive picture of customer satisfaction drivers, especially the staff factor.

Findings

The research results have clarified the main aspects of the staff – the most important service factor among the seven hotel service factors investigated from the customer’s perspective. On the other hand, the study also emphasized the gap between customers’ perception of the staff and the enterprise’s efforts and implementation of this factor. These findings allowed to identify aspects of staff that could be further improved to more effectively satisfy customers and provide a superior experience.

Research limitations/implications

The study suggested a potential research direction using a multi-perspective approach to better understand trends and shifts in customer experience and satisfaction. Further studies could overcome the limitation of the research scope of this paper by examining different destinations or expanding the exploration of both mid-range and budget hotels.

Practical implications

The findings offer implications for managers to improve tourist satisfaction by developing organizational culture and mindfulness-related training programs for employees.

Originality/value

This study has enriched the literature of tourism and hospitality services by providing empirical evidence on the exploitation of big data sources and deepening the insights into international tourist satisfaction with hotel services.
Design your life: user-initiated design of technology to empower autistic young adults
Authors: Waardenburg Thijs , van Huizen Niels , van Dijk Jelle , Dortmans Koen , Magnée Maurice , Staal Wouter , Teunisse Jan-Pieter , van der Voort Mascha
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This article describes the development and initial experiences of Design Your Life, a new design approach implementing user-initiated design of technological environments that support autistic young adults to live independently.

Design/methodology/approach

This article makes use of a phenomenological Research-through-Design approach. Investigation of possible ways in which a set of four guiding principles could be applied into a design toolkit for autistic young adults and their caregivers by means of three design case studies was conducted. Promising methods from the design practice and literature were applied and contrasted with the lived experiences and practical contexts of autistic young adults and their caregivers.

Findings

This exploratory research yielded several important insights for the design direction of Design Your Life. Reflecting on how the guiding principles played out in practice it was noted that: the case studies showed that stakeholders appreciate the approach. The design principles applied cannot be used without the help of a sparring partner. This suggests that caregivers may be trained in design-thinking to fulfil this role. The Design Your Life method will be iteratively developed, refined and validated in practice.

Originality/value

The presented approach puts design tools in the hands of the people who will use the technology. Furthermore, the approach sees technologies as empowering interventions by which a person can strengthen their own living environment. According to this article, this approach is new for this application. It provides valuable perspectives and considerations for autistic people, caregivers, researchers and policy makers.