bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulatory features aid interpretation of 3’UTR Variants
Authors: Romo Lindsay , Findlay Scott D. , Burge Christopher B.
Published: August 2023

Our ability to determine the clinical impact of variants in 3’ untranslated regions (UTRs) of genes remains poor. We provide a thorough analysis of 3’UTR variants from several datasets. Variants in putative regulatory elements including RNA-binding protein motifs, eCLIP peaks, and microRNA sites are up to 16 times more likely than other variants to have gene expression and phenotype associations. Heterozygous variants in regulatory motifs result in allele-specific protein binding in cell lines and allele-specific gene expression differences in population studies. In addition, variants in shared regions of alternatively polyadenylated isoforms and those proximal to polyA sites are more likely to affect gene expression and phenotype. Finally, pathogenic 3’UTR variants in ClinVar are 20 times more likely than benign variants to fall in a regulatory site. We incorporated these findings into RegVar, a software tool that interprets regulatory elements and annotations for any 3’UTR variant, and predicts whether the variant is likely to affect gene expression or phenotype. This tool will help prioritize variants for experimental studies and identify pathogenic variants in patients.
Patient iPSC models reveal glia-intrinsic phenotypes in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Clayton Benjamin L.L. , Barbar Lilianne , Sapar Maria , Rusielewicz Tomasz , Kalpana Kriti , Migliori Bianca ,   The NYSCF Global Stem Cell Array® Team, Paull Daniel , Brenner Katie , Moroziewicz Dorota , Sand Ilana Katz , Casaccia Patrizia , Tesar Paul J. , Fossati Valentina
Published: August 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered an inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system, typically resulting in significant neurological disability that worsens over time. While considerable progress has been made in defining the immune system’s role in MS pathophysiology, the contribution of intrinsic CNS-cell dysfunction remains unclear. Here, we generated the largest reported collection of iPSC lines from people with MS spanning diverse clinical subtypes and differentiated them into glia-enriched cultures. Using single-cell transcriptomic profiling, we observed several distinguishing characteristics of MS cultures pointing to glia-intrinsic disease mechanisms. We found that iPSC-derived cultures from people with primary progressive MS contained fewer oligodendrocytes. Moreover, iPSC-oligodendrocyte lineage cells and astrocytes from people with MS showed increased expression of immune and inflammatory genes that match those of glial cells from MS postmortem brains. Thus, iPSC-derived MS models provide a unique platform for dissecting glial contributions to disease phenotypes independent of the peripheral immune system and identify potential glia-specific targets for therapeutic intervention.
BrrRCO, encoding a homeobox protein, is involved in leaf lobe development inBrassica rapa
Authors: Li Pan , Su Tongbing , Wu Yudi , Li Hui , Wang Limin , Zhang Fenglan , Yu Shuancang , Wang Zheng
Published: August 2023

Leaf shape is a vital economic and developmental trait in leafy vegetable Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapaL.subsp. pekinensis), which varies from smooth to deeply lobed, whereas the molecular basis remains unclear. Here, we detected an incompletely dominant major quantitative trait locus (QTL)qBrrLLA10for the lobed-leaf trait inB. rapa, and identifiedBrrRCO, encoding a HD-Zip transcription factor, as the casual gene underlying lobed leaf formation inB. rapa.Genotyping analysis showed that abundant variations in promoter ofBrrRCOis responsible for leaf lobe variation, and the expression levels and promoter activity were significantly affected by the promoter variations between two parents. BrrRCO was a nucleus-specific protein and possess highest expression level at the bases of each lobe. Ectopic overexpression ofBrrRCOinArabidopsisled to deeply lobed leaves have never been seen in wild type, and leaf lobe development was blocked whenBrrRCOexpression was down-regulated through virus-induced gene silencing assays. Taken together, our findings revealed thatBrrRCOpositively regulate leaf lobe formation in Chinese cabbage, and the cis-regulatory element modifications result in functional variation ofBrrRCO, providing a novel insight into the leaf shape improvement in Chinese cabbage and otherBrassicaspecies.

Highlight

BrrRCOis essential for leaf lobe formation by repressing local growth of leaf margin cells inB. rapa, and cis-regulatory modifications cause the different allele effects.
Retrotransposon addiction promotes centromere function via epigenetically activated small RNAs
Authors: Shimada Atsushi , Cahn Jonathan , Ernst Evan , Lynn Jason , Grimanelli Daniel , Henderson Ian , Kakutani Tetsuji , Martienssen Robert A.
Published: August 2023

Retrotransposons have invaded eukaryotic centromeres in cycles of repeat expansion and purging, but the function of centromeric retrotransposons, if any, has remained unclear. InArabidopsis, centromericATHILAretrotransposons give rise to epigenetically activated short interfering RNAs (easiRNAs) in mutants inDECREASE IN DNA METHYLATION1 (DDM1), which promote histone H3 lysine-9 di-methylation (H3K9me2). Here, we show that mutants which lose both DDM1 and RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) have pleiotropic developmental defects and mis-segregation of chromosome 5 during mitosis. Fertility defects are epigenetically inherited with the centromeric region of chromosome 5, and can be rescued by directing artificial small RNAs to a single family ofATHILA5retrotransposons specifically embedded within this centromeric region. easiRNAs and H3K9me2 promote pericentromeric condensation, chromosome cohesion and proper chromosome segregation in mitosis. Insertion ofATHILAsilences transcription, while simultaneously making centromere function dependent on retrotransposon small RNAs, promoting the selfish survival and spread of centromeric retrotransposons. Parallels are made with the fission yeastS. pombe, where chromosome segregation depends on RNAi, and with humans, where chromosome segregation depends on both RNAi and HELLSDDM1.
MIR319Cand its targetJAW-TCPs repress each other and establish cell proliferation pattern in incipient leaf primordia inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Shankar Naveen , Sunkara Preethi , Nath Utpal
Published: August 2023

The microRNA miR319 and its target JAW-TCP transcription factors regulate leaf morphogenesis in diverse plant species. In young Arabidopsis leaf primordia,JAW-TCPs are detected towards the distal region whereasMIR319Cis expressed at the base. Little is known about how this complementary expression pattern ofMIR319CandJAW-TCPsis generated. Here, we show thatMIR319Cis initially expressed uniformly throughout the incipient primordia and is later abruptly down-regulated at the distal region, with concomitant distal appearance ofJAW-TCPs, when leaves grow to ∼100 µm long. Loss ofJAW-TCPscauses distal extension ofMIR319Cexpression domain, whereas ectopic TCP activity restrictsMIR319Cmore proximally. JAW-TCPs are recruited to and are capable of depositing histone H3K27me3 repressive marks on theMIR319Cchromatin.JAW-TCPs fail to repressMIR319Cin transgenic seedlings where the TCP-bindingcis-elements onMIR319Care mutated, causing miR319 gain-of-function-like phenotype. Based on these results, we propose a model for growth patterning in leaf primordia whereinMIR319Cand JAW-TCPs repress each other and divide the uniformly growing primordia into distal differentiation zone and proximal proliferation domain.

Summary statement

JAW-TCPstranscriptionally repress the microRNA319 encoding geneMIR319Cto generate their mutually exclusive expression pattern and establish growth polarity during early stages of Arabidopsis leaf primordia.
Sex-specific adaptations to VTA circuits following subchronic stress
Authors: Bouarab Chloé , Wynalda Megan , Thompson Brittney V. , Khurana Ambika , Cody Caitlyn R. , Kisner Alexandre , Polter Abigail M.
Published: August 2023

Dysregulation of the mesolimbic reward circuitry is implicated in the pathophysiology of stress-related illnesses such as depression and anxiety. These disorders are more frequently diagnosed in females, and sex differences in the response to stress are likely to be one factor that leads to enhanced vulnerability of females. In this study, we use subchronic variable stress (SCVS), a model in which females are uniquely vulnerable to behavioral disturbances, to investigate sexually divergent mechanisms of regulation of the ventral tegmental area by stress. Using slice electrophysiology, we find that female, but not male mice have a reduction in theex vivofiring rate of VTA dopaminergic neurons following SCVS. Surprisingly, both male and female animals show an increase in inhibitory tone onto VTA dopaminergic neurons and an increase in the firing rate of VTA GABAergic neurons. In males, however, this is accompanied by a robust increase in excitatory synaptic tone onto VTA dopamine neurons. This supports a model by which SCVS recruits VTA GABA neurons to inhibit dopaminergic neurons in both male and female mice, but males are protected from diminished functioning of the dopaminergic system by a compensatory upregulation of excitatory synapses.
ZSWIM8 destabilizes many murine microRNAs and is required for proper embryonic growth and development
Authors: Shi Charlie Y. , Elcavage Lara E. , Chivukula Raghu R. , Stefano Joanna , Kleaveland Benjamin , Bartel David P.
Published: August 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) pair to sites in mRNAs to direct the degradation of these RNA transcripts. Conversely, certain RNA transcripts can direct the degradation of particular miRNAs. This target-directed miRNA degradation (TDMD) requires the ZSWIM8 E3 ubiquitin ligase. Here, we report the function of ZSWIM8 in the mouse embryo.Zswim8−/−embryos were smaller than their littermates and died near the time of birth. This highly penetrant perinatal lethality was apparently caused by a lung sacculation defect attributed to failed maturation of alveolar epithelial cells. Some mutant individuals also had heart ventricular septal defects. These developmental abnormalities were accompanied by aberrant accumulation of more than 50 miRNAs observed across 12 tissues, which often led to enhanced repression of their mRNA targets. These ZSWIM8-sensitive miRNAs were preferentially produced from genomic miRNA clusters, and in some cases, ZSWIM8 caused a switch in the dominant strand or isoform that accumulated from a miRNA hairpin—observations suggesting that TDMD provides a mechanism to uncouple coproduced miRNAs from each other. Overall, our findings indicate that the regulatory influence of ZSWIM8, and presumably TDMD, in mammalian biology is widespread and consequential, and posit the existence of many yet-unidentified transcripts that trigger miRNA degradation.
Scholar's policy recommendations for open innovation in SMEs: a systematic literature review
Authors: Idrissi Fakhreddine Moulay Othman , Castonguay Yan
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are currently showing an increasingly open innovation (OI) approach. Public policies supporting the adoption of OI by SMEs are becoming a priority for policymakers. Therefore, the aim of this article is to contribute to the literature by mapping scholars' policy recommendations for implementing OI among SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a systematic review of the literature (SRL) on the topic to achieve this purpose. A total of 99 academic articles were selected from the Web of Science and Scopus databases to suggest the main scholars' policy recommendations to implement OI among SMEs.

Findings

Results indicated that scholars' policy recommendations for OI adoption in SMEs can be organized into: research and development (R&D), networking, collaboration, knowledge and intellectual property rights (IPR), ecosystem, managerial capabilities, funding and incentives and sustainability policies.

Research limitations/implications

Only relevant articles about this topic have been included due to the reliance on the interpretations of the authors. The analysis of the literature revealed that the authors did not always distinguish policies dedicated to SMEs and those dedicated to large companies. Moreover, policies are not matched according to each OI dimensions (e.g. inbound, outbound and coupled OI).

Originality/value

The article uses a systematic literature review method that combines qualitative and quantitative analyses. This method contributes to theoretical development of OI policies dedicated, in particular to SMEs. This paper also provides policymakers and researchers with insights on the scope of OI policies that could support economic growth.
Historical effect of verified purchases and ordinary users’ testimonials on the sales rank of experience and search goods
Authors: Sajedikhah Ali , Rezaei Dolatabadi Hossein , Shahin Arash
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the extent and pattern of the influence of one of the most important decision-making tools in the context of social commerce. This study demonstrates how much customer testimonials (including verified purchases and ordinary users) can influence the sales rank of experience and search goods.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected by text mining and performing a content analysis on the XML documents of Web pages and processing them. For search goods, 22,311 opinions were recorded regarding 95 mobile phones. Additionally, for experience goods, 67,817 opinions were recorded regarding 162 books in the Amazon online store. The data were analyzed by functional regression method in longitudinal data analysis.

Findings

In terms of importance, the opinions and recommendations of verified purchases had a 60% greater impact on the sales rank of experience goods than the opinions and recommendations of ordinary users. In search goods, the opinions of ordinary users had a greater impact than the opinions of verified purchases. The historical effect of the opinions of ordinary users at the end of the review period on sales rank was evident, while the historical effect of the verified purchase viewpoints during the review period had a nonlinear curve. The results showed that it was necessary to increase the volume of comments to increase their reliability in experience goods.

Practical implications

Measuring the effect of customer testimonials helps the managers of retail websites design algorithms and online suggestion systems, thereby improving the sales of their products by providing information desired by customers.

Social implications

Individuals can be a source of information and influence the buying decision process of others by sharing their experiences. This issue helps reduce the purchase risk and explains the importance of interaction and sharing the customer’s experience.

Originality/value

Analyzing the impact of customer testimonials by separating verified purchases and ordinary users is one of the advantages of this study. The quantitative estimation of the impact of recommendations and the provision of a model of their historical effect is one of the approaches not addressed in similar studies.
Organizational structure and dynamic capabilities on business model innovation in project-driven enterprises: evidence from the construction industry
Authors: Wang Dan , Huang Ruopeng , Li Kaijian , Shrestha Asheem
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Flexibility and efficiency are dual attributes of the organizational structure that are crucial for project-driven enterprises to achieve sustainable development in a dynamic environment. However, there is a lack of research on the patterns by which the dual attributes of a project-driven enterprise’s organizational structure affect business model innovation. Employing organizational theory, this study aims to assess the mediating mechanisms and dynamic capabilities through which the dual attributes of the organizational structure influence business model innovation in project-driven enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 242 employees from four project-driven companies across 26 cities (e.g. Beijing, Tianjin, Guangzhou and Shenzhen) in China. Structural equation modeling revealed the relationship between organizational structure’s dual attributes and business model innovation.

Findings

The findings show that the dual attributes (flexibility and efficiency) of the organizational structure have positive impacts on business model innovation. Moreover, dynamic capabilities mediate the relationship between the dual attributes and business model innovation in project-driven enterprises.

Originality/value

This study provides contributions to innovation research in the context of project-driven enterprises by revealing the influence of organizational structure on business model innovation through the firms’ dynamic capabilities. Such knowledge can enable managers of project-driven enterprises to develop effective interventions to promote business model innovation.
Environmentally friendly tax measures in the Portuguese jurisdiction. Enforcement of the polluter pays tax principle
Authors: Rodrigues Aldeia Susana Cristina
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to understand what green tax measures Portuguese corporate tax law foresees and whether the measures observe the polluter pays tax principle.

Design/methodology/approach

The legal research method is applied to achieve the goals. Specifically, the research analyzes the most relevant corporate tax legislation to identify legal provisions influencing taxpayers’ behavior in sustainability decisions, particularly corporate income tax (CIT) and value-added tax (VAT) laws.

Findings

The results show that the Portuguese Green Taxation Law introduces several environmentally friendly taxation measures by benefiting or increasing the tax burden. The influence on the CIT law results from instruments such as the autonomous taxation of expenses, depreciation, provisions and the local corporate tax. In the VAT, electric tourism vehicles’ VAT deduction is possible. These measures enforce the polluter pays tax principle, increasing the tax burden on less environmentally friendly options and decreasing the tax burden on more green economic choices. These measures directly influence the companies’ choice because of the increase or decrease tax burden according to more or less polluting choices.

Research limitations/implications

This study only studies the Portugal case.

Originality/value

This study highlights the Portuguese experience reconciling taxation and environmental dimensions.
Goal congruence and shopping motivation influence for in-store mobile app
Authors: Casteran Gauthier , Acquatella François , Jolivet Vincent , Hlady-Rispal Martine
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Retailers can use their mobile app to send location-based advertisements to consumers in the store. Goal congruence is an important driver for this type of ad's effectiveness. However, evidence of goal congruence influence on positive and negative outcomes and, in turn, on product purchase intention, is lacking. Research also leaves out the moderating effect of shopping motivation and price promotion level. The paper tests the impact of goal congruence on purchase intention through attitude to the ad and its intrusiveness, as well as the moderating effect of shopping motivation and price promotion.

Design/methodology/approach

Two online experiments are conducted to investigate these effects. The first experiment investigates the influence of goal congruence (i.e. low vs high) and the moderating effect of shopping motivation (i.e. utilitarian vs hedonic) on attitudes to the ad, level of perceived intrusiveness and, ultimately, purchase intention. The second experiment introduces the moderating effect of price promotion.

Findings

Goal congruence has a positive effect on attitude to the ad but no impact on intrusiveness. Goal congruence and shopping motivation further have a significant effect on attitude to the ad, as well as on purchase intention. Finally, no interaction effect of price promotion level is found.

Originality/value

This study tests the effect of goal congruence for in-store mobile apps on attitude towards the ads and intrusiveness and ultimately purchase intention. It further tests the moderating effect of shopping motivation (i.e. utilitarian vs hedonic) and price promotion level on these relationships.
Commercialisation level and determinants of agricultural commercialisation of farmers in the highland of Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Tien Dung , Hoang Hung Gia , Sen Le Thi Hoa
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The paper aimed to examine the determinants of agricultural commercialisation of farmers and measured its commercialisation level in the highland of Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample size of 360 was randomly chosen from a total population of 5,771 farmers, and a structured questionnaire was developed to collect data. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including linear regression analysis, were used to analyse the data.

Findings

The descriptive statistics showed that the average commercialisation level of farmers was 56.3%. The regression model result indicated that number of off-farm income sources, farmer's risk perception, farming practices, number of agricultural activities, motorbikes value, ethnicity, distance from the city centre, number of customers, non-traded inputs value, participation in training programmes, family size, farm size, mobile phones value, traded inputs value, land tenure, distance from the local market and education of household head significantly affected agricultural commercialisation of farmers.

Originality/value

Any development strategies that assist farmers in adopting commercial farming in the highland of developing countries should consider these determinants.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-03-2022-0161
Modelling lifecycles of inter-organizational collaborations in healthcare: a systematic review and best-fit framework synthesis
Authors: Aunger Justin Avery , Millar Ross , Greenhalgh Joanne
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Inter-organisational collaboration (IOC) across healthcare settings has been put forward as a solution to mounting financial and sustainability challenges. Whilst ingredients for successful IOC have been explored, there remains limited understanding of the development of IOCs over time.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors systematically reviewed the literature to identify models applied to IOCs in healthcare across databases such as Healthcare Management Information Consortium (HMIC) and MEDLINE, identifying 2,763 titles and abstracts with 26 final papers included. The authors then used a “best fit” framework synthesis methodology to synthesise fourteen models of IOC in healthcare and the wider public sector to formulate an applied composite model describing the process through which collaborations change over time. This synthesis comprised extracting stages and behaviours from included models, selecting an a priori framework upon which to code these stages and behaviours and then re-coding them to construct a new composite model.

Findings

Existing models often did not consider that organisations may undergo many IOCs in the organisations' lifetime nor included “contemplation” stages or those analogous to “dissolution”, which might negatively impact papers using such models. The formulated' composite model utilises a life-cycle design comprising five non-linear phases, namely Contemplating, Connecting, Planning, Implementation and Maintenance or Dissolution and incorporates dynamic elements from Complex Adaptive Systems thinking to reflect the dynamic nature of collaborations.

Originality/value

This is the first purpose-built model of the lifecycles of IOCs in healthcare. The model is intended to inform implementers, evaluators and researchers of IOCs alike.
Technology-pushed, market-pulled, or government-driven? The adoption of industry 4.0 technologies in a developing economy
Authors: Zhou Baoru , Zheng Li
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the motivations for the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies among manufacturing firms in developing economies. Specifically, the effects of relative advantage of the technologies, competitive pressure, and government support on the adoption are explored. Moreover, the mediating role of top management support between environmental factors (government support and competitive pressure) and the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies is examined.

Design/methodology/approach

A research model is developed based on the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework strengthened by institutional theory. Structural equation modeling (SEM) approach is employed to evaluate the model using data obtained from 215 manufacturing firms through a cross-industry survey. Additionally, a post-hoc analysis is conducted using cluster analysis and ANOVA.

Findings

The results show that competitive pressure and government support significantly promote top management support, which in turn contributes to the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies. Relative advantage of the technologies is not significantly related to the adoption.

Research limitations/implications

This study does not explore the relationship between technology type and the specific needs of manufacturing firms. Future researchers can conduct a more comprehensive analysis by examining how different technology types align with the unique needs of individual companies.

Practical implications

The findings of this study have implications for both policymakers and managers. Policymakers can leverage these insights to understand the underlying motivations behind manufacturing firms' adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies and develop promoting policies. In turn, managers should keep an eye on government policies and utilize government support to facilitate technology adoption.

Originality/value

This study uncovers the underlying motivations—government support and competitive pressure—for the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies among manufacturing firms in developing economies. Meanwhile, it complements previous research by showing the mediating role of top management support between environmental factors (government support and competitive pressure) and the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies.
Digital learning space experience and learner continuous use in institutions of higher learning: a moderated-mediation model
Authors: Hevi Stewart Selase , Agbenorxevi Clemence Dupey , Malcalm Ebenezer , Owusu Nicodemus Osei , Nkrumah Gladys , Osei Charity
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper investigates the moderating-mediation roles of synchronous and asynchronous learning, as well as virtual self-efficacy between digital learning space experience and continuous use among learners in Ghanaian institutions of higher learning.

Design/methodology/approach

A convenience sampling technique was used in the selection of 604 students who answered questions on digital learning space experience, synchronous and asynchronous learning, virtual self-efficacy and learner continuous use within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The study employed regression analysis to measure the hypothesized paths.

Findings

The findings show that asynchronous learning partially mediates between digital learning space experience and learner continuous use, but the mediating effect of synchronous learning between digital learning space experience and learner continuous use was not significant. Further, virtual self-efficacy significantly moderates the mediated relationship between asynchronous learning and learner continuous use, but the moderated mediated role of synchronous learning was not established in the study.

Research limitations/implications

Generalization of the study findings is limited due to the sampling scope, which was restricted to students of IHL in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.

Originality/value

In this research, the academic scope of digital transformation was expanded from both digital structure elements and psychological perspectives within the domain of higher education literature.
COVID-adjusted HR practices and employees' stress across continents: testing a moderated mediation model
Authors: Kundu Subhash C. , Chahar Purnima , Tuteja Prerna
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The paper has intended to advance the research on the relationship between COVID-adjusted HR practices (CAHRP) and employees' stress (ES) by exploring the mediating role of employees' satisfaction from remote working (ESRW). Further, a consolidative moderated mediation model with HR pandemic readiness (HRPR) as moderator on the above-stated relationship has also been proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

A data set of 2266 respondents from 84 countries across six continents of the world was analysed using techniques like factor analyses, correlations and bootstrapping through PROCESS Macro in SPSS 23.

Findings

The results highlighted that ESRW significantly mediated the relationship of CAHRP and ES. Further, HRPR moderated significantly the indirect relationship between CAHRP and ES via employees' satisfaction. This relationship was found stronger at highest level as against lower level of HRPR.

Originality/value

This study has augmented empirical evidences to the existing literature of COVID-19 by presenting HRPR as a new dimension of HR and its role in handling the challenging situations of pandemics.
Mapping quality performance through Lean Six Sigma and new product development attributes
Authors: Kumar Vimal , Cudney Elizabeth A. , Mittal Ankesh , Jha Ajay , Yadav Neeraj , Owad Ali Al
Published: August 2023

Purpose

New product development (NPD) is necessary for business sustenance and customer satisfaction. Six Sigma and Design for Lean Six Sigma (DLSS) efficiently employ the repetitive stages for NPD, leading to quality performance and profitability. This study aims to map the quality performance through NPD attributes through the Lean methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

The data on NPD were collected from 267 respondents from manufacturing companies to map the relationship between Six Sigma and DLSS for NPD. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to confirm model fit, while structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the empirical data for framework testing. The study included nine variables and fourteen hypotheses identified from the literature.

Findings

The statistical results of this study show that NPD attributes such as innovation, marketing, organization, customer, product and technology positively influence the Lean Six Sigma structured improvement process (LSSSIP) and DLSS. Moreover, integrating these attributes in Lean planning enhance quality performance. This empirical investigation's findings indicate that ten of the 14 hypotheses were supported, giving the study a strong foundation.

Research limitations/implications

The data collection was limited to northern India; therefore, the results may not be generalizable to other areas of the world.

Practical implications

NPD involves handling technical issues and factors such as cost, operational bottlenecks, economic changes, competitors' strategy and company policy. This study helps understand the various NPD parameters and their relationship to Lean, which enables an effective NPD implementation strategy.

Originality/value

The current philosophy of NPD calls for a concurrent engineering approach; therefore, the entire organization must be part of this process. This study uses the holistic framework by optimizing NPD with Lean Six Sigma (LSS) principles. The study is unique in that, to date, research does not integrate NPD attributes with the objectives of LSS to develop an efficient NPD implementation strategy.
Genetic insights into the risk of metabolic syndrome and its components on psoriasis: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization
Authors: Liu Liming , Wang Wenxiang , Si Yongjie , Li Xianhe
Published: August 2023

The role of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on psoriasis has been explored only in observational studies. We conducted this bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) to clarify the causal relationship between MetS and its components and psoriasis. The genetic instruments of MetS and its five components (waist circumference [WC], hypertension, fasting blood glucose [FBG], triglycerides [TG], and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL‐C]) were obtained from public genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). Outcome datasets for psoriasis were collected from the FinnGen Biobank Analysis Consortium. The main method was inverse variance weighting, complemented by sensitivity approaches to rectify potential pleiotropy. MetS, WC, and hypertension increase the risk of psoriasis (MetS, odd ratios [OR] = 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–1.27, p = 1.23e‐04; WC, OR = 1.65, 95% CI  1.42–1.93, p = 1.06e‐10; hypertension, OR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.33–3.07, p = 0.0009). In the reverse analysis, no causal association between psoriasis and MetS and its five components was identified. We provide novel genetic evidence that MetS, WC, and hypertension are risk factors for the development of psoriasis. Early management of MetS and its components may be an effective strategy to decrease the risk of psoriasis.
The eco‐evolutionary role of fire in shaping terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Santos Fernanda , Bailey Joseph K. , Schweitzer Jennifer A.
Published: August 2023

Fire is an inherently evolutionary process, even though much more emphasis has been given to ecological responses of plants and their associated communities to fire.

Here, we synthesize contributions to a Special Feature entitled ‘Fire as a dynamic ecological and evolutionary force’ and place them in a broader context of fire research. Topics covered in this Special Feature include a perspective on the impacts of novel fire regimes on differential forest mortality, discussions on new approaches to investigate vegetation‐fire feedbacks and resulting plant syndromes, synthesis of fire impacts on plant–fungal interactions, and a meta‐analysis of arthropod community responses to fire.

We conclude by suggesting pathways forward to better understand the ecological and evolutionary consequences of fire. These include developing ecological and evolutionary databases for fire ecology, integrating hierarchical genetic structure or phylogenetic structure, and developing new experimental frameworks that limit context‐dependent outcomes.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Evolution of ontogenetic niches promotes species coexistence in a surprising way
Authors: Barbour Matthew A.
Published: August 2023

Animals usually change their trophic niche during their ontogeny, which has fundamental consequences for their population dynamics and interactions with other species. Theory predicts that ontogenetic niche differences between species can influence their ability to coexist. However, we lack empirical evidence for this coexistence mechanism and the role of evolution in shaping species' ontogenetic niches. Here, Anaya‐Rojas et al. (2023) show that contemporary evolution of ontogenetic niches likely contributes to the coexistence of two competing fish species (killifish and guppies) in streams on the Caribbean Island of Trinidad. As predicted by coexistence theory, they found that the weaker competitor (killifish) exhibited a relatively large ontogenetic niche shift, feeding at higher trophic levels as it grew, in streams where competition with the stronger competitor (guppies) was intense. Intuition suggests that the weaker competitor should experience strong selection on its ontogenetic niche in a different competitive environment, but this was not the case. Instead, they found that the stronger competitor evolved a more compressed ontogenetic niche, where guppies fed at a low trophic level regardless of their body size, when competition was intense. Although the mechanism underlying this surprising result remains to be determined, this work points to the importance of taking a food web perspective—explicitly accounting for consumer–resource interactions—to understand the outcome of eco‐evolutionary dynamics. Given that ontogenetic niche shifts are extremely common in animals, understanding the evolutionary ecology of these niche shifts should be a priority for future research on species coexistence.
The impact of lexical and phonological distance on reading acquisition: The diglossic context of Arabic
Authors: Asli‐Badarneh Abeer , Asadi Ibrahim
Published: August 2023

Background

Arabic is recognised as diglossic; one manifestation of diglossia is the co‐existence of two varieties of the language used in different social settings: standard (or literary) Arabic (StA) and spoken Arabic (SpA).

The study investigated the impact of lexical–phonological distance in Arabic (identical, cognate, unique, which are different types of words) on reading accuracy and fluency across grade levels.

Methods

The participants were 180 native Arabic‐speaking children first and second graders. Participants were asked to read three‐word lists comprising words of three different lexical distance from spoken Arabic (identical, cognates and unique) and three text selections representing similar lexical distance (mostly identical, mostly cognates and mostly unique).

Results

The findings showed a main effect of the word and text lexical distance fluency and accuracy reading scores. There was also a main effect of grade level on both scores. In addition, a significant interaction between the word and type words text lexical distance and grade level was found. The results revealed a more significant gap between the identical and the other two lexical distance categories (cognates and unique) in the second grade than in the first grade. Similarly, a more significant disparity was observed between the mostly identical type words and mostly cognate type word texts compared to unique type word texts in the second grade than in the first grade.

Conclusions

The results highlight the importance of StA knowledge and the centrality of diglossia lexical–phonological distance categories in reading, especially the contribution of reading StA words to text reading. The higher performance levels when reading identical compared to unique and cognate words and texts are discussed in light of the theoretical approaches to diglossic lexical–phonological distance. The results point to the centrality of diglossia lexical–phonological distance categories in reading.
Experiences of peer counsellors in supporting exclusive breastfeeding in southern India: An exploratory qualitative study
Authors: Charantimath Umesh S. , Bellad Roopa M. , Mahantashetti Niranjana , Karadiguddi Chandrashekar C. , Mungarwadi Geetanjali M. , Kelly Patricia J. , Ma Tony , Goudar Shivaprasad S. , Derman Richard J.
Published: August 2023

Objective

Peer counsellors are effective in addressing a variety of health challenges, including exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). Providing education and support from a person of similar background and experience has been an important adjunct to the practice of health workers for the past 50 years.

Design

It is an exploratory qualitative study.

Population or Sample

Twenty‐two peer counsellors.

Setting

In‐depth Interview in the community.

Methods

To better understand the experiences of these important health workers, we conducted qualitative interviews with 22 peer counsellors who participated in a research study in Belagavi District, Karnataka, India. Transcripts of the interviews were organised and assigned codes by the research team.

Main outcome measures

Experience of Peer counsellor’s role in the community to improve breastfeeding practices.

Results

Peer counsellors had a good understanding of the larger study and of their role. Analysis of the transcripts identified three themes: personal satisfaction; the effect on the larger circle of family and community; and ideas for future programming. The positive experiences and the ability of peers to be trained in counselling women around EBF support their use in breastfeeding support and other areas of health education.

Conclusions

The women from the community who served as peer counsellors were enthusiastic and satisfied about their work, which provided them with opportunities to do meaningful community work outside of their household routines. Use of the peer counsellor model to deliver a specific objective like improvement in EBF rates, immunisation or mental health in integration with healthcare providers can help in achieving desired goals.
Impact of a school‐based nutrition educational intervention on knowledge related to iron deficiency anaemia in rural Karnataka, India: A mixed methods pre–post interventional study
Authors: Salam Shumona Sharmin , Ramadurg Umesh , Charantimath Umesh , Katageri Geetanjali , Gillespie Bronwen , Mhetri Jayaraj , Patil Shrinivas , Mallapur Ashalata , Karadiguddi Chandrashekhar , Vastrad Phaniraj , Dandappanavar Ashwini , Roy Subarna , Peerapur Basavaraj , Goudar Shivaprasad , Anumba Dilly O. C.
Published: August 2023

Objective

To understand the extent to which adolescent awareness about anaemia and anaemia prevention can be changed by nutrition messages received at school.

Design

Mixed‐methods pre–post intervention study.

Setting

Three government schools in Bagalkot, Belagavi and Raichur districts of Karnataka, India.

Population

Students of grade six and seven and teachers involved in implementing the intervention.

Methods

An educational intervention was co‐developed by school teachers and nutrition experts using locally adapted resource materials that consisted of lectures, role play and practical demonstrations. Seven half‐hour educational sessions were delivered by school teachers over 7 weeks to 455 students. Pre‐ and post‐intervention tests measured changes in adolescents' knowledge about anaemia. Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with teachers and focus groups with students explored their reactions to the intervention.

Main outcome measures

Knowledge score related to anaemia.

Results

The percentage of children with correct scores increased by 7.3–49.0 percentage points for the tested questions after implementation of the intervention. The mean knowledge score increased by 3.67 ± 0.17 (p < 0.01). During interviews, teachers and students highlighted high acceptance of the intervention and materials, an increase in awareness, a positive attitude towards changing behaviour around diet, an increase in the demand for iron and folic acid supplements and improved sharing of messages learned with peers and families. Challenges expressed included need for further training, time limitations and hesitancy in teaching about menstruation and pregnancy.

Conclusions

Educational interventions carried out for adolescents by teachers in schools are effective in improving awareness and attitude related to anaemia and its prevention.
Role of prices in driving the variation in spending across medical groups
Authors: Mehrotra Ateev , Parker Emily D. , Koep Eleena , Liu Pang‐Hsiang , Chernew Michael E.
Published: August 2023

Objective

To understand the relative role of prices versus utilization in the variation in total spending per patient across medical groups.

Data Sources

We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of medical claims for commercially insured adults from a large national insurer in 2018.

Study Design

After assigning patients to a medical group based on primary care visits in 2018, we calculated total medical spending for each patient in that year. Total spending included care provided by clinicians within the medical group and care provided by other providers, including hospitals. It did not include drug spending. We estimated the case mix adjusted spending per patient for each medical group. Within each market, we categorized medical groups into quartiles based on the group's spending per patient. To decompose spending variation into price versus utilization, we compared spending differences between highest and lowest quartile medical groups under two scenarios: (1) using actual prices (2) using a standardized price (same price used for a given service across the nation).

Principal Findings

In total, 3,921,736 patients were assigned to 7284 medical groups. Per‐patient spending in the highest quartile of spending medical groups was $1813 higher than per‐patient spending in the lowest spending quartile of medical groups (50% higher relative spending). This overall difference was primarily driven by differences in inpatient care, imaging, and specialty care. In the scenario where we used standardized prices, the difference in spending between medical groups in the top and bottom quartiles decreased to $1425, implying that 79% of the $1813 difference in spending between the top and bottom quartile groups is explained by utilization and the remaining 21% by prices. The likely explanation for the modest impact of prices is that patients cared for by a given medical group receive care across a wide range of providers.

Conclusions

Prices explained a modest fraction of the differences in spending between medical groups.
The applications of MicroCT in studying age‐related tooth morphological change and dental age estimation: A scoping review
Authors: Zainuddin Muhammad Zaid , Mohamad Noor Shafini , Su Keng Tan , Mohd Yusof Mohd Yusmiaidil Putera
Published: August 2023

Conventional dental age estimation relies on destructive methods such as sectioning and staining, which are unpreferable when the tooth is required for evidential or archeological preservation. MicroCT is a non‐destructive, high‐resolution imaging technique that allows for accurate morphometrical measurement. Although microCT technology has been applied in a variety of dental studies, studies focusing on dental age‐related change and dental age estimation based on microCT imaging remain lacking. Based on the question: “How has microCT technology been applied in studying human age‐related tooth morphological change and dental age estimation studies?”, the authors conducted a scoping review in accordance with the Arksey and O'Malley (2005) and the PRISMA‐ScR guidelines. A literature search using five major scientific databases identified 452 articles, with 11 full‐text articles being eligible to be included in the scoping review. Furthermore, 6 out of the 11 studies performed dental age estimation modeling. An overview of the parameters used in the selected articles revealed a variety of tooth characteristics, such as pulp cavity to whole tooth volume ratio, secondary dentin, as well as the diameter of root canal orifice. The findings of this scoping review highlight the extent microCT is used in studying dental age‐related changes, as well as the effectiveness of microCT in dental age estimation studies. This review serves as a guide for future forensic odontology age estimation studies.