bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of predators and prey kills Turing patterns
Authors: Piskovsky Vit
Published: March 2024

The spatiotemporal patterns of predators and their prey play a pivotal role in ecology and ecological interactions can drive their formation at fine scales (1). While motility can explain the emergence of such predator-prey patterns (2–14) via the Turing mechanism (15), the predicted Turing patterns do not exhibit temporal changes that are common in experiments (16–24) and nature (25–31). Moreover, the Turing mechanism treats motility as fixed, even though predators and prey adjust their motility in response to each other (32–37) and their interactions influence their evolution (38–47). Using adaptive dynamics (48), I prove that the evolution of motility prevents the formation of Turing patterns and promotes the formation of dynamic patterns, such as predator-prey waves (28, 49–54). The resulting predator-prey cycles are shown to be induced by heterogeneous motility, which extends the emergence of predator-prey cycles beyond regimes predicted by Lotka-Volterra (55) or Rosenzweig-MacArthur (56) models. This work unites models for predator-prey spatiotemporal patterns (2–14) and evolution of motility (57–64) to explain how dynamic spatiotemporal patterns of co-evolving predators and prey emerge and persist. The novel mathematical theory is general and extends to other ecological situations, such as ecological public goods games (65).

Significance Statement

The spatio-temporal patterns of predators and their prey play a key role in ecology and are crucial for their conservation. Yet, even at fine scales, such patterns are often complex and exhibit spatial and temporal heterogeneity. While simple mathematical models often predict static spatial patterns (Turing patterns), I show that such patterns of predators and prey are unstable if their motility can evolve. In particular, I suggest that the evolution of motility can give rise to complex spatio-temporal patterns of predators and prey, such as predator-prey waves. Moreover, the mathematical results can be generalised to other contexts, providing novel insights into the evolution of cooperation.
Use of Protein interactions from Imaging Complexes after Translocation (PICT) to characterisein situthe spatial configuration of proteins interacting with the exocyst
Authors: Hernandez Altair C. , Betancur Laura I. , Picco Andrea , Gallego Oriol
Published: March 2024

Although the structure of the exocyst has been successfully resolved by cryo-electron microscopy, multiple studies showed that exocyst function requires the transient interaction with additional proteins. Unfortunately, the exocyst-interacting network could not be collectively reconstituted, challenging the understanding of how the exocyst complex is coordinated within the network of proteins involved in exocytosis. In a previous work, we described an approach that combines Protein interactions from Imaging Complexes after Translocation (PICT) and centroid localization analysis of diffraction-limited fluorescence signals to estimate the distance between a labelled protein and a spatial reference. This approach allows resolving the spatial organisation of protein interactions directly in living cells, both for intra-complex (i.e. between exocyst subunits) and inter-complex (i.e. between exocyst and transient binding proteins) interactions. In this chapter, we present the protocol to reproduce the sample preparation and image acquisition for PICT experiments. We also describe the computational image analysis pipeline to estimate the distance in PICT experiments. As illustration of the approach, we measure the distance from the spatial reference where the exocyst is anchored to 1) an intra-complex interaction (i.e. Sec5 exocyst subunit) and 2) an inter-complex interaction (Sec2, a guanyl-nucleotide exchange factor mediating vesicle tethering).
Characterizing the expression patterns of short-day flowering genes, the manipulation of their expression using red-far red wavelengths, and the resulting phenotype/ chemotype inCannabis sativa
Authors: Haiden Samuel
Published: April 2024

Cannabis is a short day (SD) plant whose inflorescences produce valuable medicines. By studying the mechanisms of photoperiodic flowering initiation in cannabis, we may develop new methods of improving cultivation. In SD plants, CONSTANS, which is enhanced by CDL gated proteins that are expressed during short days, acts as a bifunctional regulator of flower inhibition or genesis via FT (florigen). These genes are downstream of phytochrome, which may be activated by horticultural lighting conditions like red (R, 660nm) to far red (FR, 700+nm) wavelength ratios. This study demonstrates that gene expression can be manipulated using high and low R:FR ratios, and characterizes the expression levels of CONSTANS, FT, PRR37, and SOC1 in cannabis over the first 14 short days. It also demonstrates the resulting effect on cannabinoid production and biomass yields.
Microbiome of psyllids of the family Aphalaridae, includingAphalara itadori, a potential biocontrol agent againstReynoutriaspp
Authors: Nishino Kyosuke , Inoue Hiromitsu , Hirose Yuu , Nakabachi Atsushi
Published: March 2024

Several European and North American countries have started releasing the Japanese knotweed psyllidAphalara itadori(Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) to control the Japanese knotweedReynoutria japonica(Caryophyllales: Polygonaceae) and its relatives, which are among the worst invasive exotic plants. However, establishing populations of the current Kyushu and Hokkaido strains in the field has not been successful, desiring new lineages. Moreover, little is known about the microbiome of the current strains, which potentially impacts properties as biocontrol agents. Hence, this study analyzed the microbiota of anA. itadoristrain newly collected on Honshu Island, along with related species of the family Aphalaridae, using amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. TheA. itadorisymbionts were further located using fluorescencein situhybridization. The results demonstrated that the analyzedA. itadoristrain has a dual symbiotic system with “CandidatusCarsonella ruddii” (Gammaproteobacteria: Oceanospirillales) andSodalissp. (Gammaproteobacteria: Enterobacterales) harbored in the bacteriome, suggesting their evolutionarily stable mutualistic relationships withA. itadori. The central area of the bacteriome harboringSodalisappeared to comprise uninucleate bacteriocytes with nuclei larger than those of bacteriocytes forCarsonella, rather than a syncytium with smaller nuclei as previously reported for various psyllid lineages. No known plant pathogens or manipulators of insect reproduction were identified in the analyzed strain, indicating its suitability as a biocontrol agent, posing a minimum risk to the ecosystem. Besides distinctCarsonellalineages, the analysis identifiedSodalisindependently acquired byCraspedolepta miyatakeai, and an ambiguousEnterobacteralessymbiont inEpheloscyta kalopanacis. OnlyCarsonellawas identified inTogepsylla matsumurana.
Precipitating factors, presentation and outcomes of diabetic ketoacidosis among patients seen at moi teaching and referral hospital, eldoret kenya
Authors: Msagha Clemence Mwahe , Kamano Jemima , Ayuo Paul
Published: March 2024

Background

Diabetes Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a major complication of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) with a likelihood of high mortality if not managed appropriately. It is diagnosed with a triad of hyperglycemia, ketonemia and metabolic acidosis.

Objectives

To describe the precipitating factors, clinical presentation and outcomes of DKA among patients attending Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH).

Methods

This prospective study involved 120 consecutively recruited participants diagnosed with DKA. Participants were drawn from the Emergency department and Diabetes Outpatient clinic and followed up in the wards and intensive care unit (ICU) in MTRH for up to 10 days. Focused history and physical examination was done. Blood sugar was measured daily; blood ketones and blood gases were measured on days 1,2,3 and 5. Precipitating factors, presentation and outcomes were summarised as frequencies and their corresponding percentages and presented in tables and charts.

Results

The median age of participants was 33 years (IQR 23, 44.5). Type 1 DM represented 63.3% and type 2 DM 34.2% of the patients. The most common precipitating factors for DKA were; new onset undiagnosed DM (37.5%), missed medication (36.7%) and infection (35.8%). The most common presentation was dehydration (97.5%) with 49.2% of the patients having severe DKA while 22.5% had mild DKA. Urine and blood ketones for diagnosis of DKA were present in 46.4% and 100% of patients respectively. The median length of hospital stay was 6 days (IQR 5,7) with infection being a significant determinant (aOR 2.63). The number of days taken for DKA to resolve ranged from 1 to 5 days with a median period of 3 days (IQR 2,3). DKA in-hospital mortality was 9.2% with new onset DM being a significant determinant (uOR 5.19).

Conclusion

Some of the identified DKA precipitants in the study are preventable. The impact of DKA in MTRH is notable given the significant hospital stay and mortality.

Recommendation

We recommend implementation research studies that would develop and test different strategies to address the precipitants to prevent DKA. For the hospital to undertake an audit of current DKA management process with the aim of improving outcomes in terms of hospital stay and mortality.
Inhibition of striatal indirect pathway during second postnatal week leads to long lasting deficits in motivated behavior
Authors: Olivetti Pedro R. , Torres-Herraez Arturo , Raudales Ricardo , Sumerau Mary-Elena , Moyles Sinead , Balsam Peter , Kellendonk Christoph
Published: April 2024

Schizophrenia is a neuropsychiatric disorder with postulated neurodevelopmental etiology. Genetic and imaging studies have shown enhanced dopamine and D2 receptor occupancy in the striatum of patients with schizophrenia. However, whether alterations in postnatal striatal dopamine can lead to long lasting changes in brain function and behavior is still unclear. Here, we approximated striatal D2R hyperfunction in mice via designer receptor mediated activation of inhibitory Gi-protein signaling during a defined postnatal time window. We found that Gi-mediated inhibition of the indirect pathway during postnatal day 8-15 led to long lasting decreases in locomotor activity and motivated behavior measured in the adult animal. In vivo photometry further showed that the motivational deficit was associated with an attenuated adaptation of cue-evoked dopamine levels to changes in effort requirements. These data establish a sensitive time window of D2R-regulated striatal development with long lasting impacts on neuronal function and behavior.
HIV-1 Capsid Rapidly Induces Long Lived CPSF6 Puncta in Non-dividing Cells but Similar Puncta Already Exist in Uninfected T-cells
Authors: Guedán Anabel , Burley Megan , Caroe Eve R. , Bishop Kate N.
Published: March 2024

The HIV-1 capsid (CA) protein forms the outer shell of the viral core that is released into the cytoplasm upon infection. CA binds various cellular proteins, including CPSF6, that directs HIV-1 integration into speckle associated domains in host chromatin. Upon HIV-1 infection, CPSF6 forms puncta in the nucleus. Here, we characterised these CPSF6 puncta further, in HeLa cells, T-cells and macrophages and confirm that integration and reverse transcription are not required for puncta formation. Indeed, we found that puncta formed very rapidly after infection, correlating with the time that CA entered the nucleus. In aphidicolin-treated HeLa cells and macrophages, puncta were detected for the length of the experiment, suggesting that puncta are only lost upon cell division. CA still co-localised with CPSF6 puncta at the latest time points, considerably after the peak of reverse transcription and integration. Intriguingly, the number of puncta induced in macrophages did not correlate with the MOI, or the total number of nuclear speckles present in each cell suggesting that CA/CPSF6 is only directed to a few nuclear speckles. Furthermore, we found that CPSF6 already co-localised with nuclear speckles in uninfected T-cells suggesting that HIV-1 promotes a natural behaviour of CPSF6.
Characterization ofArabidopsisaldolases AtFBA4 and AtFBA5; inhibition by morin and interaction with calmodulin
Authors: Symonds Kyle , Smith Milena A. , Esme Oona , Plaxton William C. , Snedden Wayne A.
Published: March 2024

Fructose bisphosphate aldolases (FBAs) catalyze the reversible cleavage of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate into dihydroxyacetone phosphate and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate. We analyzed two previously uncharacterized cytosolicArabidopsisFBAs, AtFBA4 and AtFBA5. Based on a recent report, we examined the interaction of AtFBA4 with calmodulin (CaM)-like protein 11 (AtCML11). AtFBA4 did not bind AtCML11, however, we found that CaM bound AtFBA5 in a Ca2+-dependent manner with high specificity and affinity (KD∼ 190 nM) and enhanced its stability. AtFBA4 and AtFBA5 exhibited Michaelis-Menten kinetics withKmandVmaxvalues of 180 µM and 4.9 U/mg for AtFBA4, and 6.0 µM and 0.30 U/mg for AtFBA5, respectively. The flavonoid morin inhibited both isozymes. Our study suggests that Ca2+signalling and flavanols may influence plant glycolysis/gluconeogenesis.
Interictal waking and sleep electrophysiological properties of the thalamus in focal epilepsies
Authors: Biagioni Tommaso , Fratello Maria , Garnier Elodie , Lagarde Stanislas , Carron Romain , Villalon Samuel M. , Lambert Isabelle , Marchi Angela , Makhalova Julia , Trebuchon Agnes , Bonini Francesca , Scavarda Didier , Benar Christian , Bartolomei Fabrice , Pizzo Francesca
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Addressing drug-resistant epilepsy poses a significant clinical hurdle, particularly when conventional resective surgery is not feasible. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) emerges as a potential therapeutic avenue for such cases. To shed light on the thalamo-cortical epileptogenic networks and refine prognostic indicators and treatments, we conducted an exhaustive examination of interictal data from thalamic stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) recordings in a substantial patient cohort (n=121). Our investigation delved into thalamo-cortical connectivity, interictal hyperexcitability biomarkers, and their associations with clinical parameters during both rest and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep states.

Methodology

We conducted an observational study retrospectively gathering data from patients who underwent stereotactic-EEG with thalamic implantation as part of pre-surgical evaluation. Interictal recordings during rest and NREM sleep were analyzed to detect spikes and fast ripples automatically. Functional connectivity between the thalamus and other brain regions (involved or non-involved in the epileptogenic network) was examined using linear regression analysis (R2), while statistical evaluations assessed relationships between these measures, patient outcomes, and clinical variables.

Results

Elevated rates of thalamic spikes and fast ripples during sleep were linked to unfavorable surgical outcomes (Engel class III/IV) compared to favorable outcomes (Engel class I/II). Thalamo-cortical functional connectivity analysis revealed heightened thalamic strength, particularly in the beta and gamma bands during sleep, among patients with poor surgical outcomes, especially with non-involved networks. Conversely, during rest, lower spike and fast ripple rates were observed in patients with longer epilepsy durations. Furthermore, thalamic strength values during resting state were diminished in patients with prolonged epilepsy durations and older age.

Discussion

Our study uncovered heightened thalamic interictal activity and thalamo-cortical functional connectivity during sleep in patients with unfavorable surgical outcomes, within the largest cohort of patients with thalamic recordings documented. These findings inform pre-surgical assessments, aiding in identifying patients unsuitable for surgery and suggesting alternative interventions like DBS. Additionally, diminished thalamic activity and connectivity associated with epilepsy duration and age prompt speculation on the role of the thalamus as a pivotal hub in aging-related processes. Vigilance state-dependent insights from the thalamus underscore the necessity for comprehensive analyses to tailor stimulation protocols, facilitating a personalized therapeutic approach.
Life-history adaptation under climate warming magnifies the agricultural footprint of a cosmopolitan insect pest
Authors: Burc Estelle , Girard-Tercieux Camille , Metz Moa , Cazaux Elise , Baur Julian , Koppik Mareike , Rêgo Alexandre , Hart Alex , Berger David
Published: March 2024

Climate change is affecting population growth rates of ectothermic pests with potentially dire consequences for agriculture, but how rapid genetic adaptation impacts these dynamics remains unclear. To address this challenge, we predicted how climate change adaptation in life-history traits of insect pests may affect future agricultural yields by unifying thermodynamics based on first principles with classic life-history theory. Our model predicts that warming temperatures favour changes in resource allocation decisions coupled with increased larval host consumption, resulting in a predicted double-blow on agricultural yields under future climate change. We find support for these predictions by studying thermal adaptation in life-history traits and underlying gene expression in the wide-spread insect pest,Callosobruchus maculatus, with five years of life-history evolution under experimental warming causing an almost two-fold increase in its predicted agricultural footprint. These results emphasize the need for integrating a mechanistic understanding of life-history evolution into forecasts of pest impact.
The CRISPRaTOR: a biomolecular circuit for Automatic Gene Regulation in Mammalian Cells with CRISPR technology
Authors: Mallozzi Alessio , Fusco Virginia , Ragazzini Francesco , di Bernardo Diego
Published: March 2024

We introduce the CRISPRaTOR, a biomolecular circuit for precise control of gene expression in mammalian cells. The CRISPRaTOR leverages the stochiometric interaction between the artificial transcription factor VPR-dCas9, and the anti-CRISPR protein AcrIIA4, enhanced with synthetic coiled-coil domains to boost their interaction, to maintain the expression of a reporter protein constant across diverse experimental conditions, including fluctuations in protein degradation rates and plasmid concentrations, by automatically adjusting its mRNA level. This capability, known as Robust Perfect Adaptation (RPA), is crucial for the stable functioning of biological systems and has wide-ranging implications for biotechnological applications. The CRISPRaTOR belongs to a class of biomolecular circuits named antithetic integral controllers, and it can be easily adapted to regulate any endogenous transcription factor thanks to the versatility of CRISPR-Cas system. Finally, we show that RPA holds also in cells genomically integrated with the CRISPRaTOR, thus paving the way for practical applications in biotechnology that require stable cell lines.
A Gridded Microclimate Dataset from a Sub-Arctic Biodiversity Hotspot in Finland
Authors: Niittynen P. , Salminen H. , Peña-Aguilera P. , Aalto J. , Alahuhta J. , Luoto M. , Maliniemi T. , Rissanen T. , Roslin T. , Tukiainen H. , Tyystjärvi V. , Kemppinen J.
Published: March 2024

Microclimate measurements are crucial for explaining and predicting functions and patterns in nature, yet the availability of microclimate data often poses a challenge. This study introduces a dataset comprising 63 spatially continuous microclimate surfaces for the Kilpisjärvi region in northwestern Finland. The study region is a biodiversity hotspot for arctic-alpine flora and fauna and one of the most extensively investigated regions in Northern Europe. The data were gathered through a collaborative network of microclimate loggers, encompassing 430 measurement locations that comprehensively cover the 300 km2 landscape under study. We employed predominantly well-performing Random Forest models to project microclimate variables across the study area at a 3-metre spatial resolution. The high-resolution and extensive spatial coverage of the dataset facilitates examination of microclimate characteristics and variability across this sub-Arctic region, providing a valuable resource for both theoretical and applied research, as well as for biodiversity conservation.
A starting guide on multi-omic single-cell data joint analysis: basic practices and results
Authors: Martini Lorenzo , Bardini Roberta , Di Carlo Stefano
Published: March 2024

Multi-omics single-cell data represent an excellent opportunity to investigate biological complexity in general and generate new insights into the biological complexity of heterogeneous multicellular populations. Considering one omics pool at a time captures partial cellular states, while combining data from different omics collections allows for a better reconstruction of the intricacies of cell regulations at a particular time. However, multi-omics data provide only an opportunity. Computational approaches can leverage such opportunities, given that they raise the challenge of consistent data integration and multi-omics analysis. This work showcases a bioinformatic workflow combining existing methods and packages to analyze transcriptomic and epigenomic single-cell data separately and jointly, generating a new, more complete understanding of cellular heterogeneity.
Enhancing Prediction of Human Traits and Behaviors through Ensemble Learning of Traditional and Novel Resting-State fMRI Connectivity Analyses
Authors: Yoshimoto Takaaki , Tokunaga Kai , Chikazoe Junichi
Published: April 2024

Recent efforts in cognitive neuroscience have focused on leveraging resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) data from fMRI to predict human traits and behaviors more accurately. Traditional methods typically analyze RSFC by correlating averaged time-series data between regions of interest (ROIs) or networks, a process that may overlook critical spatial signal patterns. To address this limitation, we introduced a novel linear regression technique that estimates RSFC by predicting spatial brain activity patterns in a target ROI from those in a seed ROI. We applied both traditional and our novel RSFC estimation methods to a large-scale dataset from the Human Connectome Project, analyzing resting-state fMRI data to predict sex, age, personality traits, and psychological task performance. Additionally, we developed an ensemble learner that integrates these methods using a weighted average approach to enhance prediction accuracy. Our findings revealed that hierarchical clustering of RSFC patterns using our novel method displays distinct whole-brain grouping patterns compared to the traditional approach. Importantly, the ensemble model outperformed the traditional RSFC method in predicting human traits and behaviors. Notably, the predictions from the traditional and novel methods showed relatively low similarity, indicating that our novel approach captures unique and previously undetected information about human traits and behaviors through fine-grained local spatial patterns of neural activation. These results highlight the potential of combining traditional and innovative RSFC analysis techniques to enrich our understanding of the neural basis of human traits and behaviors.
Ethnic inequalities in primary care for people with multiple long-term conditions: evidence from the General Practice Patient Survey
Authors: Hayanga Brenda , Stafford Mai , Bécares Laia
Published: April 2024

Objective

To examine the relationship between ethnicity and experiences of primary care for people with multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs) and assess the relative importance of demographic, practice, and area-level factors as influences on primary care experiences across ethnic groups.

Design

A retrospective study using 2018-19 GP Patient Survey data linked to the General Practice Workforce data, and the Office for National Statistics data.

Setting

UK

Participants: 294,987 respondents with two or more long-term conditions with complete data on selected demographic variables (age, gender, ethnicity, economic activity), practice and area-level variables (number of full-time equivalent GPs and nurses, practice size, area-deprivation, area life expectancy and ethnic density).

Main outcome measures

Multilevel regression analysis used to assess the relationship between ethnicity and experience of accessing primary care (i.e. satisfaction with appointment times, types and booking experience) and interacting with healthcare professionals (i.e. satisfaction with confidence and trust in healthcare professionals and the extent to which patients feel healthcare professionals listen to them, give them enough time, treat them with care and concern, involve them in healthcare decisions, and meet their needs). Separate regression models built for each outcome and included i) each covariate separately, ii) demographic factors (iii) demographic, practice, and areal-level factors.

Results

Upon full adjustment Arab, Bangladeshi, Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, other Asian, mixed white and Asian, other white and other ethnic group people with MLTCs have both lower levels of satisfaction with primary care access and interacting with healthcare professionals compared with white British people. The influence of demographic, practice and area-level factors is not uniform across ethnic groups. For example, demographic factors account for the inequalities in levels of satisfaction with access to primary care between white British people and Black other, mixed other, mixed white & Black Caribbean and Gypsy & Irish Travellers. However, practice and area-level factors strengthen inequalities in the experience of accessing primary care for Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani people.

Conclusions

Given that patient experience is a key aspect of healthcare quality and is said to be associated with favourable health outcomes, the inequalities identified in this study are concerning. The poorer experiences of primary care might be one mechanism by which people with MLTCs from minoritised ethnic groups have poorer health outcomes. In addition to the assessment of other practice and area-level factors, qualitative studies are required to understand and effectively address the sources of ethnic inequalities in primary care experiences for people with MLTCs.
Description of new mandibular remains ofMicrocolobusfrom Nakali (ca. 10 Ma, Kenya): implications on the evolution of Miocene colobines
Authors: Pallas Laurent , Nakatsukasa Masato , Kunimatsu Yutaka
Published: April 2024

We have described mandibular specimens of fossil colobines from the late Miocene site of Nakali (Kenya). Using qualitative and quantitative dental and mandibular traits, we compared them to an extensive sample of extant colobines and Miocene fossil colobines. We tested the hypothesis that i) only one species was present in this newly described fossil sample, ii) this species is phenetically distinct from fossil colobines from Ngerngerwa and Ngorora, iii) this species is phenetically distinct from hitherto documented fossil Miocene colobines, and iv) this species is phenetically more different from extant African colobines than from Asian colobines. Bootstrap analyses demonstrated that the Nakali specimens belong to a single fossil species. Dental and symphyseal morphometric ratios and a morphometric geometric analysis of the corpus cross-section showed that the Nakali colobines belong toMicrocolobus tugenensis. Bootstrap analyses failed to unambiguously confirm the distinct taxonomic status of isolated dental specimens from Ngerngerwa and Ngorora, and suggest that they may represent, along with the Nakali sample, a single species. A linear discriminant analysis established on dental linear dimensions of four Nakali specimens classified them within the African colobine tribe (Colobini).Microcolobushave a P4occlusal morphology, a breadth differential of the symphyseal transverse tori, and an inclination of the symphysis similar to extant African colobines. However, the corpus shape ofMicrocolobusis closer to that of primitive cercopithecoids, in addition to the lack of the diagnostic mesiodistal elongation of the lower canine of extant African colobines, suggesting thatMicrocolobusis likely a stem Colobinae.
Transport-based fusion that distinguishes between Majorana and Andreev bound states
Authors: Nitsch Maximilian , Seoane Souto Rubén , Matern Stephanie , Leijnse Martin
Published: April 2024

It has proven difficult to distinguish between topological Majorana bound states and nontopological Andreev bound states and to measure the unique properties of the former. In this work, we aim to alleviate this problem by proposing and theoretically analyzing a different type of fusion protocol based on transport measurements in a Majorana box coupled to normal leads. The protocol is based on switching between different nanowire pairs being tunnel coupled to one of the leads. For a Majorana system, this leads to switching between different states associated with parity blockade. The charge being transmitted at each switch provides a measurement of the Majorana fusion rules. Importantly, the result is different for a system with nontopological Andreev bound states. The proposed protocol only requires measuring a DC current combined with fast gate control of the tunnel couplings.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Effective graviton mass in de Sitter space
Authors: Sadekov D. I.
Published: April 2024

We calculate the effective mass of gravitational perturbations induced by the interaction of the classical gravitational field with quantum matter in the background of the Poincaré patch of de Sitter space. Using the Schwinger-Keldysh diagrammatic technique, the one-loop effective action is calculated, and it is shown that the graviton does not acquire mass for the most symmetric Bunch-Davies state. However, we have shown that even in this case, there is a nontrivial modification of the theory at one loop in the scalar sector of gravity.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Theory of Coupled Neuronal-Synaptic Dynamics
Authors: Clark David G. , Abbott L. F.
Published: April 2024

In neural circuits, synaptic strengths influence neuronal activity by shaping network dynamics, and neuronal activity influences synaptic strengths through activity-dependent plasticity. Motivated by this fact, we study a recurrent-network model in which neuronal units and synaptic couplings are interacting dynamic variables, with couplings subject to Hebbian modification with decay around quenched random strengths. Rather than assigning a specific role to the plasticity, we use dynamical mean-field theory and other techniques to systematically characterize the neuronal-synaptic dynamics, revealing a rich phase diagram. Adding Hebbian plasticity slows activity in already chaotic networks and can induce chaos in otherwise quiescent networks. Anti-Hebbian plasticity quickens activity and produces an oscillatory component. Analysis of the Jacobian shows that Hebbian and anti-Hebbian plasticity push locally unstable modes toward the real and imaginary axes, respectively, explaining these behaviors. Both random-matrix and Lyapunov analysis show that strong Hebbian plasticity segregates network timescales into two bands, with a slow, synapse-dominated band driving the dynamics, suggesting a flipped view of the network as synapses connected by neurons. For increasing strength, Hebbian plasticity initially raises the complexity of the dynamics, measured by the maximum Lyapunov exponent and attractor dimension, but then decreases these metrics, likely due to the proliferation of stable fixed points. We compute the marginally stable spectra of such fixed points as well as their number, showing exponential growth with network size. Finally, in chaotic states with strong Hebbian plasticity, a stable fixed point of neuronal dynamics is destabilized by synaptic dynamics, allowing any neuronal state to be stored as a stable fixed point by halting the plasticity. This phase of freezable chaos offers a new mechanism for working memory.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Thematic fields potentially impacting on building maintenance developments
Authors: Falorca Jorge Furtado
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the results of a study carried out to identify and analyse which potential subject areas may have impact on developments in the field of building maintenance (BM). That is, it is intended to contribute to the integration of new approaches so that building maintenance management (BMM) becomes as automated, digital and intelligent or smartness as possible in the near future.

Design/methodology/approach

The research approach has resulted in a theory that is essentially based on a qualitative design. The route followed was a literature review, involving the collection, analysis and interpretation of carefully selected information, mostly from recently published records. The data assembled and the empirical experience itself made it possible to present a comprehensive viewpoint and some future outlooks.

Findings

Five thematic areas considered as potentially impactful for BM developments have been highlighted, analysed and generically labelled as thematic base words, which are monitoring, automation, digitalisation, intelligence and smart. It is believed that these may be aspects that will lay the groundwork for a much more advanced and integrated agenda, featured by a high-tech vision.

Originality/value

This is thought to be a different way of looking at the problem, as it addresses five current issues together. Trendy technological aspects are quite innovative and advantageous for BMM, providing opportunities not yet widely explored and boosting the paradigm shift.
Modeling the nexus between perceived fit and work engagement: an empirical investigation
Authors: Sharma Komal , Sood Sarita
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Despite a variety of theoretical and empirical studies on work engagement (WE), few have explored the role of individual-level factors. Underpinned by person-environment fit (PEF) and self-determination theory (SDT), the present study aims to pinpoint the fundamental process driving the relationship between WE and perceived fit (PF).

Design/methodology/approach

Using the survey method, data were collected from 263 college teachers. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling were applied to test the serial mediation paradigm.

Findings

The results of the study accentuate crafting as an important mediator between PF and WE. The current study does not support the mediating role of authentic living between PF and WE. Both authentic living and job crafting (JC) mediate the PF and WE relationship. Employees’ sense of congruence promotes living authentically and JC, resulting in WE.

Practical implications

The WE of employees is harnessed if they get an opportunity to practice authenticity. Authentic employees feel compelled to bring change to the job so that it is in alignment with their core values, thus resulting in WE. The organizations that create a culture in which the administrators allow the practice of individual-factors, namely authentic living, and JC successfully fosters WE.

Originality/value

The variables presented in the serial mediation model explain the underlying mechanisms between PF and WE. This is among the very few studies that explore the individual-level factors that boost individual levels of WE among teachers. Therefore, it adds to the literature on WE.
Integrating GIS and BIM with MCDM for infrastructure planning: a comprehensive framework
Authors: Santos Paulo Alberto Sampaio , Cortez Breno , Carvalho Michele Tereza Marques
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Present study aimed to integrate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) in conjunction with multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) to enhance infrastructure investment planning.

Design/methodology/approach

This analysis combines GIS databases with BIM simulations for a novel highway project. Around 150 potential alternatives were simulated, narrowed to 25 more effective routes and 3 options underwent in-depth analysis using PROMETHEE method for decision-making, based on environmental, cost and safety criteria, allowing for comprehensive cross-perspective comparisons.

Findings

A comprehensive framework proposed was validated through a case study. Demonstrating its adaptability with customizable parameters. It aids decision-making, cost estimation, environmental impact analysis and outcome prediction. Considering these critical factors, this study holds the potential to advance new techniques for assessment and planning railways, power lines, gas and water.

Research limitations/implications

The study acknowledges limitations in GIS data quality, particularly in underdeveloped areas or regions with limited technology access. It also overlooks other pertinent variables, like social, economic, political and cultural issues. Thus, conclusions from these simulations may not entirely represent reality or diverse potential scenarios.

Practical implications

The proposed method automates decision-making, reducing subjectivity, aids in selecting effective alternatives and considers environmental criteria to mitigate negative impacts. Additionally, it minimizes costs and risks while demonstrating adaptability for assessing diverse infrastructures.

Originality/value

By integrating GIS and BIM data to support a MCDM workflow, this study proposes to fill the existing research gap in decision-making prioritization and mitigate subjective biases.
Feeling ostracized? Exploring the hidden triggers, impact on silence behavior and the pivotal role of ethical leadership
Authors: Al-Dhuhouri Fatima Saeed , Mohd-Shamsudin Faridahwati , Bani-Melhem Shaker
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The literature on workplace ostracism lacks the integration of the antecedents and consequences of ostracism in a single study, hindering a holistic picture of how perceived workplace ostracism (PWO) emerges and subsequently hampering theoretical development and practical intervention. Based on this critical gap, we examine the effect of person-organization unfit and interpersonal distrust as potential antecedents of PWO, which we propose to affect employee silence. Furthermore, we highlight PWO as a mediator linking interpersonal distrust and person-organization unfit to employee silence. In addition, we further investigate the boundary condition of ethical leadership to address when the effect of PWO on employee silence can be potentially mitigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 242 service industry employees in the United Arab Emirates, and analyzed using PLS-SEM.

Findings

Both person-organization unfit and interpersonal distrust lead to PWO, increasing employee silence. Feeling ostracized serves as a mediator, linking interpersonal distrust and person-organization unfit to employee silence. Ethical leadership moderates this, reducing the ostracism’s impact on silence, showcasing its value in mitigating harmful workplace dynamics.

Practical implications

The study is useful for organizations and managers as it illustrates the causes and consequence of PWO and provides practical solutions.

Originality/value

This study is one of the scarce endeavors to holistically investigate workplace ostracism by testing its antecedents and consequence in a single model. Furthermore, it explores person-organization unfit as a novel antecedent of PWO.
Dynamics of household welfare change and analysis of coping strategies during floods: an empirical investigation
Authors: Senapati Sibananda
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to understand the socioeconomic impact of flood events on households, especially household welfare in terms of changes in consumption and coping strategies to deal with flood risk. This study is based on Bihar, one of the most frequently flood-affected, most populous and economically backward states in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were collected from 700 households in the seven most frequently flood-affected districts in Bihar. A total of 100 individuals from each district were randomly selected from flood-affected villages. Based on a detailed literature review, an econometric (probit) model was developed to test the null hypothesis of the availability of consumption insurance, and the multivariate probability approach was used to analyze the various coping strategies of these households.

Findings

The results of this study suggest that flood-affected households maintain their consumption by overcoming various losses, including income, house damage and livestock loss. Households depend on financial transfers, borrowings and relief, and migrate to overcome losses. Borrowing could be an extra burden as the government compensates for house damage and crop loss late to the affected households. Again, there is no compensation to overcome livelihood loss and deal with occurrences of post-flood diseases, which further emphasizes the policy implications of strengthening the health infrastructure in the state and generating alternative livelihood opportunities.

Originality/value

This study discusses flood risk in terms of changes in household welfare, identifies the most effective risk-coping capabilities of rural communities and contributes to the shortcomings of the government insurance and relief model.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-07-2023-0569
Automated Dewey Decimal Classification of Swedish library metadata using Annif software
Authors: Golub Koraljka , Suominen Osma , Mohammed Ahmed Taiye , Aagaard Harriet , Osterman Olof
Published: April 2024

Purpose

In order to estimate the value of semi-automated subject indexing in operative library catalogues, the study aimed to investigate five different automated implementations of an open source software package on a large set of Swedish union catalogue metadata records, with Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) as the target classification system. It also aimed to contribute to the body of research on aboutness and related challenges in automated subject indexing and evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

On a sample of over 230,000 records with close to 12,000 distinct DDC classes, an open source tool Annif, developed by the National Library of Finland, was applied in the following implementations: lexical algorithm, support vector classifier, fastText, Omikuji Bonsai and an ensemble approach combing the former four. A qualitative study involving two senior catalogue librarians and three students of library and information studies was also conducted to investigate the value and inter-rater agreement of automatically assigned classes, on a sample of 60 records.

Findings

The best results were achieved using the ensemble approach that achieved 66.82% accuracy on the three-digit DDC classification task. The qualitative study confirmed earlier studies reporting low inter-rater agreement but also pointed to the potential value of automatically assigned classes as additional access points in information retrieval.

Originality/value

The paper presents an extensive study of automated classification in an operative library catalogue, accompanied by a qualitative study of automated classes. It demonstrates the value of applying semi-automated indexing in operative information retrieval systems.
Investigating the dynamics of FinTech adoption: an empirical study from the perspective of mobile banking
Authors: Kumar Jitender , Rani Vinki
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Financial technology (FinTech) is experiencing transformation because artificial intelligence has become the new norm to enrich the experiences of individuals in this modern era of technological advancement. The article utilizes the stimuli-organism-response (SOR) framework to investigate how individual attitudes and behavioral intentions influence the adoption of FinTech, particularly in mobile banking.

Design/methodology/approach

433 respondents participated in the self-administered survey to answer questions related to demographic profiles and items to assess the variables adopted in the conceptual framework. The study applied “partial least squares structural equation modeling” PLS-SEM to analyze the data.

Findings

A structural equation model indicates that perceived usefulness and ease of use significantly affect attitude and behavioral intention. Moreover, the outcomes show that perceived value and social influence significantly influence, while perceived risks and performance expectancy insignificantly affect behavioral intention. Further, the outcomes also confirm that attitude and behavioral intention substantially influence mobile banking adoption.

Practical implications

The article provides insights for practitioners to improve and assess the quality of mobile banking services by using proposed antecedents that may increase the actual use of FinTech services, which serves as a valuable resource for stakeholders.

Originality/value

The new research model adds to the existing literature by offering empirical evidence of mobile banking adoption by considering three theories. Further, the study builds upon the S-O-R framework that incorporates FinTech attributes to explain the antecedents of the actual use of FinTech towards mobile banking adoption.
E-procurement acceptance in the Ghanaian public sector: an application of an extended technology acceptance model (TAM) in the construction industry
Authors: Addy Michael Nii , Addo Evans Teye , Abdulai Sulemana Fatoama , Kwofie Titus Ebenezer , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis , Adade-Boateng Anita Odame
Published: April 2024

Purpose

E-procurement has the advantage of improving the overall performance of construction project delivery. The purose of this study is to uncover the factors influencing e-procurement acceptance in the public sector of Ghana’s construction industry (GCI). Using an extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT 2), variables that promote the acceptance of e-procurement in GCI were explored.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected using a mixed method strategy. In the first stage, a semi-structured interview was used to collect, assess and optimize the UTAUT2 model. Thematic analysis was used on the qualitative data, leading to modification of the proposed UTAUT2 model. The study subsequently used a questionnaire survey using the extended UTAUT2 model. Survey data was analyzed using structural equation modelling (SEM), leading to the identification and validation of factors that facilitate e-procurement acceptance in Ghanaian construction as well as the impact of these factors.

Findings

The findings of the study reveal that five independent constructs of the proposed UTAUT2 model significantly affects the behavioural intention of practitioners to accept and use e-procurement in the construction industry in Ghana.

Practical implications

The study will be of utility to government agencies, contracting organizations and other construction stakeholders in developing policy and programmes to support e-procurement acceptance within the sector.

Originality/value

This is a new extended UTAUT2 model that is applicable to technology acceptance within the public sector in sub-Saharan Africa.