bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short- and long-range roles of UNC-6/Netrin in dorsal-ventral axon guidancein vivoinCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Hooper Kelsey M. , Lundquist Erik A.
Published: April 2024

Recent studies in vertebrates andCaenorhabditis eleganshave reshaped models of how the axon guidance cue UNC-6/Netrin functions in dorsal-ventral axon guidance, which was traditionally thought to form a ventral-to-dorsal concentration gradient that was actively sensed by growing axons. In the vertebrate spinal cord, floorplate Netrin1 was shown to be largely dispensable for ventral commissural growth. Rather, short range interactions with Netrin1 on the ventricular zone radial glial stem cells was shown to guide ventral commissural axon growth. InC. elegans, analysis of dorsally-migrating growth cones during outgrowth has shown that growth cone polarity of filopodial extension is separable from the extent of growth cone protrusion. Growth cones are first polarized by UNC-6/Netrin, and subsequent regulation of protrusion by UNC-6/Netrin is based on this earlier-established polarity (the Polarity/Protrusion model). In both cases, short-range or even haptotactic mechanisms are invoked: in vertebrate spinal cord, interactions of growth cones with radial glia expressing Netrin-1; and inC. elegans, a potential close-range interaction that polarizes the growth cone. To explore potential short-range and long-range functions of UNC-6/Netrin, a potentially membrane-anchored transmembrane UNC-6 (UNC-6(TM)) was generated by genome editing.unc-6(tm)was hypomorphic for dorsal VD/DD axon pathfinding, indicating that it retained someunc-6function. Polarity of VD growth cone filopodial protrusion was initially established inunc-6(tm), but was lost as the growth cones migrated away from theunc-6(tm)source in the ventral nerve cord. In contrast, ventral guidance of the AVM and PVM axons was equally severe inunc-6(tm)andunc-6(null). Together, these results suggest thatunc-6(tm)retains short-range functions but lacks long-range functions. Finally, ectopicunc-6(+)expression from non-ventral sources could rescue dorsal and ventral guidance defects inunc-6(tm)andunc-6(null). Thus, a ventral directional source of UNC-6 was not required for dorsal-ventral axon guidance, and UNC-6 can act as a permissive, not instructive, cue for dorsal-ventral axon guidance. Possibly, UNC-6 is a permissive signal that activates cell-intrinsic polarity; or UNC-6 acts with another signal that is required in a directional manner. In either case, the role of UNC-6 is to polarize the pro-protrusive activity of UNC-40/DCC in the direction of outgrowth.
Ab initio
investigation of laser-induced ultrafast demagnetization of
L10
FePt: Intensity dependence and importance of electron coherence
Authors: Mrudul M. S. , Oppeneer Peter M.
Published: April 2024

We theoretically investigate the optically induced demagnetization of ferromagnetic FePt using the time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). We compare the demagnetization mechanism in the perturbative and nonperturbative limits of light-matter interaction and show how the underlying mechanism of the ultrafast demagnetization depends on the driving laser intensity. Our calculations show that the femtosecond demagnetization in TDDFT is a longitudinal magnetization reduction and results from a nonlinear optomagnetic effect, akin to the inverse Faraday effect. The demagnetization scales quadratically with the electric field E in the perturbative limit, i.e., ΔMz∝E2. Moreover, the magnetization dynamics happens dominantly at even multiples nω0, (n=0,2,⋯) of the pump-laser frequency ω0, whereas odd multiples of ω0 do not contribute. We further investigate the demagnetization in conjunction to the optically induced change of electron occupations and electron correlations. Dynamical correlations within the Kohn-Sham local-density framework are shown to have an appreciable yet distinct effect on the amount of demagnetization depending on the laser intensity. Comparing the computed demagnetizations with those calculated from spin occupations, we show that electronic coherence plays a dominant role in the demagnetization process, whereas interpretations based on the time-dependent occupation numbers poorly describe the ultrafast demagnetization.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Nonperturbative Second Law of Black Hole Mechanics in Effective Field Theory
Authors: Davies Iain , Reall Harvey S.
Published: April 2024

We describe a method for defining dynamical black hole entropy in gravitational effective field theories. The entropy is constructed order by order in derivatives. For any fixed number of derivatives, the entropy satisfies a nonperturbative second law of black hole mechanics if the black hole remains within the regime of validity of effective field theories. In equilibrium the entropy reduces to the Wald entropy. It reduces to the entropy defined by Hollands in theories of vacuum gravity with up to ten derivatives.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
When faster rotation is harmful: The competition of alliances with inner blocking mechanism
Authors: Szolnoki Attila , Chen Xiaojie
Published: April 2024

Competitors in an intransitive loop of dominance can form a defensive alliance against an external species. The vitality of this superstructure, however, is jeopardized if we modify the original rock-scissors-paper-like rule and allow that the vicinity of a predator blocks stochastically the invasion success of its neighboring prey towards a third actor. To explore the potential consequences of this multipoint interaction we introduce a minimal model where two three-member alliances are fighting but one of them suffers from this inner blocking mechanism. We demonstrate that this weakness can be compensated by a faster inner rotation which is in agreement with previous findings. This broadly valid principle, however, is not always true here because the increase of rotation speed could be harmful and results in a series of reentrant phase transitions on the parameter plane. This unexpected behavior can be explained by the relation of the blocked triplet and a neutral pair formed by a triplet member with an external species. Our results provide novel aspects to the fundamental laws which determine the evolutionary process in multistrategy ecological systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Divide-and-Conquer Quantum Algorithm for Hybrid
de novo
Genome Assembly of Short and Long Reads
Authors: Fang Jing-Kai , Lin Yue-Feng , Huang Jun-Han , Chen Yibo , Fan Gao-Ming , Sun Yuhui , Feng Guanru , Guo Cong , Meng Tiejun , Zhang Yong , Xu Xun , Xiang Jingen , Li Yuxiang
Published: April 2024

Computational biology holds immense promise as a domain that can leverage quantum advantages due to its involvement in a wide range of challenging computational tasks. Researchers have recently explored the applications of quantum computing in genome assembly implementation. However, the issue of repetitive sequences remains unresolved. In this paper, we propose a hybrid assembly quantum algorithm using high-accuracy short reads and error-prone long reads to deal with sequencing errors and repetitive sequences. The proposed algorithm builds upon the variational quantum eigensolver and utilizes divide-and-conquer strategies to approximate the ground state of larger Hamiltonian while conserving quantum resources. Using simulations of ten-qubit quantum computers, we address problems as large as 140 qubits, yielding optimal assembly results. The convergence speed is significantly improved via the problem-inspired based on the known information about the assembly problem. In addition, we qualitatively verify that entanglement within quantum circuits may accelerate the assembly path optimization.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Financial inclusion, digital finance and agricultural participation
Authors: Mumtaz Muhammad Zubair
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Financial inclusion and digital finance go side by side and help enhance agricultural activities; however, the magnitude of digital financial services varies across countries. In line with this argument, this study aims to examine whether financial inclusion enhances agricultural participation and decompose the significance of the difference in determinants of agricultural participation between financially included – not financially included households and digital finance – no digital finance households.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses Pakistan’s household integrated economic survey 2018/19 to test hypotheses. The logit model is used to examine the effect of financial inclusion on agriculture participation. Moreover, this study employs a nonlinear Fairlie Oaxaca Blinder technique to investigate the difference in determinants of agricultural participation.

Findings

This study reports that financial inclusion positively influences agricultural participation, meaning households may have access to financial services and participate in agricultural activities. The results suggest that the likelihood of participating in agriculture in households with mobiles and smartphones is higher. Moreover, household size, income, age, gender, education, urban, remittances from abroad, fertilizer, pesticides, wheat, cotton, sugarcane, fruits and vegetables are the significant determinants of agricultural participation. To distinguish the financially included – not financially included households’ gap, this study employs a nonlinear Fairlie Oaxaca Blinder decomposition and finds that differences in fertilizer explain the substantial gap in agricultural participation. Likewise, this study tests the digital finance – no digital finance gap and finds that the difference in fertilizer is a significant contributor, describing a considerable gap in agricultural participation.

Research limitations/implications

Empirically identified that various factors cause agricultural participation including financial inclusion and digital finance. Regarding the research limitation, this study only considers a developing country to analyze the findings. However, for future research, scholars may consider some other countries to compare the results and identify their differences.

Practical implications

The accessibility of fertilizer can reduce the agricultural participation gap. However, increased income level, education and cotton and sugar production can also overcome the differences in agriculture participation between digital finance and no digital finance households.

Originality/value

This is the first study to decompose the difference in determinants of agricultural participation between financially and not financially included households.
Our Common Gulf Cities: agenda for equitable AEC industries for sustainable urban development
Authors: Ottmann Daniela A.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper delves into the critical role of women in the domains of architecture, engineering, construction and urban planning, particularly within the context of the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the imperative of achieving gender parity. Concentrating on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, this paper explores the profound importance of women as essential contributors to urbanisation and sustainable development. It scrutinizes the existing gender disparities within the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industries; evaluates prevailing women empowerment indices in diverse sectors; and presents a strategic framework for harnessing women’s engagement to cultivate inclusive and sustainable urban cultures in the GCC. This conceptual paper introduces an actionable framework that can serve as a guiding agenda for empowering women in the AEC sectors by incorporating their socio-cultural, economic and ecological contributions towards creating sustainable cities.

Design/methodology/approach

Centring its focus on Gulf Cities, this paper employs a comprehensive approach to examine the current gender disparities within the architecture, engineering and construction sectors. It probes potential barriers and advocates for leveraging women’s participation to foster inclusive and sustainable urban development in the GCC. The study introduces the Women’s Empowerment Index (WEI) for the Gulf AEC industry elucidating how these measures are translated into a tailored framework.

Findings

The paper presents a practical framework that provides actionable guidance for engaging various stakeholders, including governments, academia and industry players, to empower women within the AEC industries. An “Agenda for equitable AEC industries for sustainable urban development: Our Common Gulf Cities” is culminated in a Women Empowerment Index for the AEC Industry (WEI-AEC) designed to serve as a guidance tool to monitor progress within industry, governments and academia.

Research limitations/implications

Future research endeavours could advance the framework by conducting institutional support analyses, multi-stakeholder collaboration studies and practical testing of the framework within real-world scenarios.

Practical implications

The findings of this study can guide and influence a diverse range of initiatives, including policy development, educational strategies, corporate endeavours, awareness campaigns, capacity-building programs, skill enhancement initiatives and knowledge exchange among the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Originality/value

This conceptual paper introduces a practical framework that can serve as a roadmap for implementing the study’s potential to shape policies, educational programs and corporate initiatives aimed at advancing both gender equality and the development of sustainable cities.
Buick at a Crossroads: Building Brand Momentum
Authors: Whitler Kimberly A. , Wells Graham D. , Yemen Gerry
Published: April 2024

Few cases allow the student to understand the relationship between brand strategy, marketing strategy, implementation, and analysis. While some conceive of the process as being sequential, this case demonstrates that in fact, this process is more fluid, and that implementation and analysis impact subsequent strategy.

This field-based case provides a rare glimpse into the turnaround of a brand that was all but dead. After Buick suffered more than five decades of declining business results and an inferior brand image versus all rivals, few thought that the brand could be resuscitated. This case provides a valuable under-the-hood look at how the Buick team, over time, progresses through a series of marketing improvements all anchored on an evolved strategy. Specifically, Buick introduced a shift in brand strategy behind an evolved brand essence statement (i.e., brand positioning), improved product lineup, new-to-the-world innovation, enhanced dealership service, and more compelling advertising. The results led to a record number of product awards, significantly improved advertising measures, improved service ratings, and better business results.

Despite significant improvement across multiple dimensions of the business, Buick still trailed key competitors on one of the most important measures Buick tracked—the brand momentum rating—suggesting that there was still more work needed to complete the brand turnaround. The case introduces Molly Peck, the new marketing director on Buick, who is wondering what more, if anything, Buick should do. The material allows for instruction around marketing strategy and the process of converting it into implementation through the use of a creative brief.
Analyzing consumer perceptions and adoption intentions of central bank digital currency: a case of the digital rupee
Authors: Ogunmola Gabriel A. , Das Ujjwal
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to comprehensively analyze the factors influencing the adoption intentions of the digital rupee, a digital currency, among users in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the study examines the relationships between cognitive beliefs (perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived trust, perceived self-efficacy, perceived cost and awareness), affective belief (attitude) and adoption intention of the digital rupee. The study uses a structured questionnaire to collect primary data from 1,707 respondents, which are then analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results indicate that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use significantly impact users' attitudes toward the digital rupee, as well as their adoption intentions. The findings further reveal that perceived trust, perceived self-efficacy, and awareness positively influence attitude and adoption intention. On the other hand, perceived cost exhibits a negative effect on attitude and adoption intention. These results provide empirical evidence on the factors that shape users' attitudes and intentions toward adopting the digital rupee.

Research limitations/implications

The research methodology used in this study ensures rigorous data collection and analysis. The structured questionnaire enabled the collection of detailed information from a large sample of respondents, allowing for robust statistical analysis. The utilization of structural equation modeling facilitated the examination of complex relationships among variables, enhancing the reliability and validity of the findings.

Practical implications

The study's findings offer practical guidance for policymakers, financial institutions and researchers in shaping digital currency regulatory frameworks, tailored financial services and further exploration of adoption dynamics.

Social implications

The research has social implications by potentially influencing the way individuals and communities in India engage with digital currencies, impacting financial inclusion and digital economic participation.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the understanding of the adoption of digital currencies in India and provides valuable insights for policymakers, financial institutions and researchers in the field of digital finance and technology adoption.
Luxury hotel technology trends: a multigenerational analysis
Authors: Cain Lisa Nicole , Mistry Trishna G. , Douglas Shenee , Rahman Imran , Moreo Andrew
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the importance and performance of customer-facing technologies in luxury hotels. The study also assessed differences between and within the four generations in the importance-performance analysis (IPA).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using a Qualtrics panel of recent luxury hotel customers in the USA belonging to all four generations. The cross-generational IPA was conducted using t-tests and (ANAOVA).

Findings

The IPA matrix concentrated most technology items in either low importance – low performance or high importance – high performance quadrants. One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences between generations on the importance ratings of all technology items except wireless charging power solutions and on the performance ratings of all technology items. Furthermore, post hoc tests indicated that millennials rated luxury technology most favorably among the four cohorts, followed by generations Z, X and Baby Boomers. In addition, significant differences between the importance and performance of many technology items within each generational cohort were observed. Overall, Wi-Fi was unanimously ranked across generations as the most important technology among luxury guests, but it was the only one that scored lower in performance than importance.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study contribute to hospitality scholarship in two primary ways: the importance and performance of technology and generational differences. The results advance the understanding of the impact of generational factors on customer-facing technological adoptions in the luxury hotel sector.

Practical implications

Technologies that are pervasive in the home also become vital offerings for hotels. The more pervasive technology, the more a luxury hotel must work to ensure that it performs at optimal levels. Additionally, which technologies are most important to targeted generations are provided so practitioners may budget for their implementation.

Originality/value

This research is a pivotal step forward in unraveling the intricate interplay between generational factors and technological evaluations, providing a foundation for future research and practical applications in a rapidly evolving technological landscape in the hospitality industry.
Events and urban space: a challenging relationship?
Authors: Richards Greg
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to consider the relationship between urban events and urban public space, asking whether cities have enough space for events and whether events have enough space in cities.

Design/methodology/approach

Policy analysis surrounding events and festivals in the Netherlands is used to understand the dynamics of urban events, supported by content analysis of policy documents. A vignette of event space struggles in Amsterdam illustrates the contradictions of the event/space relationship.

Findings

The research identifies a policy shift in the Netherlands towards urban events from expansive, festivalisation strategies to defensive, NIMBYist policies. It exposes contradictions between protecting space as a living resource and the exploitation of space for regenerative purposes. Three future scenarios for urban events are outlined: conflict and competition, growth and harmony and digitalisation and virtualisation.

Practical implications

Develops scenarios for the future relationship between events and urban space.

Originality/value

Provides an analysis of the recursive spatial implications of the growth of the events sector for cities and the growth of cities for events.
Documentation practices of hypogea churches of Ethiopia: the case of Lay Gayint Woreda, South Gondar
Authors: Ebabey Tsegaye , Italemahu Tesfaye Zeleke
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to document the hypogea churches in Lay Gayint Woreda, South Gondar, to provide information for future tourism development practices and serve as insurance against loss of value due to unmanaged deteriorative factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The study followed a descriptive research design with qualitative research approach. Data were collected through field observations, interviews and written sources examination.

Findings

The study explored the lesser-known hypogea churches, which have significant tourist attraction values, including environmental, historical and architectural significance. However, the use of these potential cultural resources for tourism development is not yet attempted, and their conservation status is found to be critical. This documentation work is significant both for the sake of future tourism development plans and as insurance against looming cultural losses.

Research limitations/implications

This study did not record the ancient treasures of the churches because of the current political instabilities that hindered the access of data. However, it has implication for the need of an extensive documentation activity to trace the cultural resources in the remote areas of the country for future tourism development and conservation practices.

Originality/value

This paper documented the remote hypogea churches not only for the purpose of future tourism development plan but also as an insurance of their values against unmanaged destructive factors.
Hospitality in healthcare: the impacts of utilitarian and hedonic value perceptions on behavioral intentions in the context of medical hotels
Authors: Chaulagain Suja
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Applying the value-attitude-behavior (VAB) model, this study investigated how perceived utilitarian and hedonic values (i.e. novelty and emotion) affect individuals' attitudes toward medical hotels and how these attitudes, in turn, influence their intentions to stay at medical hotels. The current study also explored the moderating impact of overall health status on the relationships between perceived utilitarian, novelty and emotional values and attitudes toward medical hotels.

Design/methodology/approach

The data collected from 351 individuals who spent a night in a hospital to undergo medical treatment was used in conducting structural equation modeling to evaluate the research model and test the study hypotheses.

Findings

The study results revealed that perceived utilitarian, novelty and emotional values exerted a positive influence on individuals’ attitudes toward medical hotels, consequently enhancing their intention to stay. Additionally, significant moderating impacts of overall health status on the associations between perceived utilitarian, novelty and emotional values and attitudes toward medical hotels were observed.

Practical implications

The study findings provide useful guidance for professionals, such as operators, marketers and managers in medical hotels. These insights can improve operational and marketing strategies, benefiting both the industry and healthcare accommodation seekers.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to empirically assess a theoretical model that explored the influence of individuals' value perceptions within the realm of medical hotel establishments.
When the victims fight back: the influence of workplace ostracism on employee knowledge sabotage behavior
Authors: Tan Zhihong , Yuan Ling , Wang Junli , Wan Qunchao
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the negative interpersonal antecedents, emotional mediators and boundary conditions of knowledge sabotage behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected data from 275 Chinese employees using convenience sampling and snowball sampling across three stages. Subsequently, the authors used both hierarchical regression and bootstrap methods to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The results confirmed that workplace ostracism has positive effects on employee knowledge sabotage behavior both directly and via employee anger. In addition, the authors found that employee bottom-line mentality (BLM) moderates not only the direct effect of workplace ostracism on employee anger but also the indirect effect of employee anger in this context. Employee conscientiousness moderates only the direct effect of workplace ostracism on employee anger and does not moderate the indirect effect.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study not only explores the influence of workplace ostracism on employee knowledge sabotage behavior for the first time but also elucidates the underlying emotional mechanisms (anger) and boundary conditions (employee BLM and conscientiousness) by which workplace ostracism influences employee knowledge sabotage behavior, thus deepening the understanding of how knowledge sabotage emerges in organizations.
Factors influencing customers’ intention to adopt e-banking: a TAM and cybercrime perspective using structural equation modelling
Authors: Kaulu Byrne , Kaulu Goodwell , Chilongo Pearson
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study assesses the factors influencing customers’ intention to adopt e-banking in the context of the technology acceptance model and the moderation role of cybercrime.

Design/methodology/approach

The variables in the study are measured using a five-point Likert scale with measures adopted from existing literature. The independent variables are perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and security and privacy. These are postulated to be moderated by the perceived risk of cybercrime and to influence e-banking adoption intentions. A quantitative approach is used. Primary data are collected from a sample of 209 randomly selected bank customers. The study uses a two-step (measurement model and structural model) approach to data analysis.

Findings

The key findings in this study are that perceived risk of cybercrime strengthens the positive relationship between perceived ease of use and e-banking adoption intentions but dampens or weakens the positive relationship between perceived usefulness and customers’ e-banking adoption intentions. The study makes several recommendations to inform scholarship, policy and practice.

Originality/value

Unlike existing literature, the study makes a unique contribution by including perceived risk of cybercrime as a moderating variable of theoretical significance in the relationship between adoption of e-banking and its determinants.
Enhancing the functional properties and performance of paper via cellulose nanocrystals and funori loaded onto ZnO NPs
Authors: Mahmoud Salwa Moustafa Amer , Hamdy Tarek , Fares Mohamed , Ayman Wissam , Muhamed Shrouk , Abdel Khaliq Aya , Salah Lilian
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the ability of traditional biopolymers, such as funori or the nanoscale form of cellulose nanocrystals, to consolidate fragile paper and preserve it for as long as possible.

Design/methodology/approach

Degraded papers dating back two centuries were separated into paper samples for consolidation processes. Funori – a marine spleen – was used as a traditional consolidation material and a mixture with ZnO NPs compared with modern materials, such as cellulose nanocrystals. The samples were aged for 25 years, examinations and analyses were performed using scanning electron microscopy and color change was assessed using the CIELAB system, X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.

Findings

According to the results, using traditional materials to consolidate damage, such as funori, after aging resulted in glossiness on the surface, a color change and increased water content and oxidation. Furthermore, samples treated with a mixture of ZnO NPs and funori revealed that the mixture improved the sample properties and increased the degree of crystallization. Cellulose nanocrystals improved the surface, filled gaps, formed bridges between the fibers and acted as a protector from aging effects.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the ability of nanomaterials to enhance the properties of materials as additives and treat the paper manuscripts from weaknesses.
Ocean ecosystem services: modeling a factor development process to create sustainable value for decisions
Authors: Figueiredo Ronnie , Cabral Pedro
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to model a process for moving toward sustainable ecosystem service decisions in a Coastal Biodiversity and discuss the directions of the process for decision-makers to apply in ocean ecosystem services.

Design/methodology/approach

After the development of theoretical approaches to understand their prospects for the future development of ecosystem services, the authors worked on a process for developing factors for sustainable decision-making. It uses the Delphi method to develop all the factors supported by six dimensions in two specific moments: deductive-inductive and inductive-deductive.

Findings

This process of modeling the factors expands the possibility of adaptive governance to make prior and subsequent decisions using factors related to dimensions, stakeholders and benefits, risks, opportunities and costs.

Research limitations/implications

Considering the limitations, future studies could use another database to widen the view in terms of the studies, factors, dimensions and other additional information to maintain the evolution of this process in ocean ecosystem services decision-making. Another limitation arose in the number of projects and experts defining the factors. This may prevent the opportunity to have more impact in terms of future decisions if more sources are used in the market. In addition, time and the access to experts during this modeling process demonstrate a limitation, as does the time for feedback.

Practical implications

This set of factors developed for adaptive governance decision-making can be applied to develop a prior alignment of stakeholder interests with sustainable practices.

Social implications

This set of factors developed with the intervention of experts reinforces the importance of sustainable collective decisions on ocean ecosystem services. This is a joint approach with participants in the NextOcean project, sponsored by the European Commissions (EC)’s Horizon 2020 program. An Earth Observation-based Consortia aims to create sustainable value for Space, Land and Oceans.

Originality/value

This modeling process generated dimensions and factors to support adaptive governance stakeholders in making sustainable decisions in a coastal biodiversity zone.
Editorial: Are glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists the functional cure for patients with metabolic dysfunction‐associated cirrhosis?
Authors: Dajti Elton , Rodrigues Susana G.
Published: April 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Elsaid et al paper. To view this article, visithttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17925
A 4‐gene prognostic index for enhancing acute myeloid leukaemia survival prediction
Authors: Ortiz Rojas Cesar Alexander , Pereira‐Martins Diego Antonio , Bellido More Candy Christie , Sternadt Dominique , Weinhäuser Isabel , Hilberink Jacobien R. , Coelho‐Silva Juan Luiz , Thomé Carolina Hassibe , Ferreira Germano Aguiar , Ammatuna Emanuele , Huls Gerwin , Valk Peter J. , Schuringa Jan Jacob , Rego Eduardo Magalhães
Published: April 2024

Despite advancements in utilizing genetic markers to enhance acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) outcome prediction, significant disease heterogeneity persists, hindering clinical management. To refine survival predictions, we assessed the transcriptome of non‐acute promyelocytic leukaemia chemotherapy‐treated AML patients from five cohorts (n = 975). This led to the identification of a 4‐gene prognostic index (4‐PI) comprising CYP2E1, DHCR7, IL2RA and SQLE. The 4‐PI effectively stratified patients into risk categories, with the high 4‐PI group exhibiting TP53 mutations and cholesterol biosynthesis signatures. Single‐cell RNA sequencing revealed enrichment for leukaemia stem cell signatures in high 4‐PI cells. Validation across three cohorts (n = 671), including one with childhood AML, demonstrated the reproducibility and clinical utility of the 4‐PI, even using cost‐effective techniques like real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Comparative analysis with 56 established prognostic indexes revealed the superior performance of the 4‐PI, highlighting its potential to enhance AML risk stratification. Finally, the 4‐PI demonstrated to be potential marker to reclassified patients from the intermediate ELN2017 category to the adverse category. In conclusion, the 4‐PI emerges as a robust and straightforward prognostic tool to improve survival prediction in AML patients.
SENS: Part‐Aware Sketch‐based Implicit Neural Shape Modeling
Authors: Binninger Alexandre , Hertz Amir , Sorkine‐Hornung Olga , Cohen‐Or Daniel , Giryes Raja
Published: April 2024

We present SENS, a novel method for generating and editing 3D models from hand‐drawn sketches, including those of abstract nature. Our method allows users to quickly and easily sketch a shape, and then maps the sketch into the latent space of a part‐aware neural implicit shape architecture. SENS analyzes the sketch and encodes its parts into ViT patch encoding, subsequently feeding them into a transformer decoder that converts them to shape embeddings suitable for editing 3D neural implicit shapes. SENS provides intuitive sketch‐based generation and editing, and also succeeds in capturing the intent of the user's sketch to generate a variety of novel and expressive 3D shapes, even from abstract and imprecise sketches. Additionally, SENS supports refinement via part reconstruction, allowing for nuanced adjustments and artifact removal. It also offers part‐based modeling capabilities, enabling the combination of features from multiple sketches to create more complex and customized 3D shapes. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our model compared to the state‐of‐the‐art using objective metric evaluation criteria and a user study, both indicating strong performance on sketches with a medium level of abstraction. Furthermore, we showcase our method's intuitive sketch‐based shape editing capabilities, and validate it through a usability study.
Threonine dehydrogenase regulates neutrophil homeostasis but not H3K4me3 levels in zebrafish
Authors: Li Ning‐Zhe , Wang Zi‐Xuan , Zhang Fan , Feng Chang‐Zhou , Chen Yi , Liu Dian‐Jia , Chen Shu‐Bei , Jin Yi , Zhang Yuan‐Liang , Xie Yin‐Yin , Huang Qiu‐Hua , Wang Lan , Li Bing , Sun Xiao‐Jian
Published: April 2024

l‐threonine dehydrogenase (Tdh) is an enzyme that links threonine metabolism to epigenetic modifications and mitochondria biogenesis. In vitro studies show that it is critical for the regulation of trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3) levels and cell fate determination of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). However, whether Tdh regulates a developmental process in vivo and, if it does, whether it also primarily regulates H3K4me3 levels in this process as it does in mESCs, remains elusive. Here, we revealed that, in zebrafish hematopoiesis, tdh is preferentially expressed in neutrophils. Knockout of tdh causes a decrease in neutrophil number and slightly suppresses their acute injury‐induced migration, but, unlike the mESCs, the level of H3K4me3 is not evidently reduced in neutrophils sorted from the kidney marrow of adult tdh‐null zebrafish. These phenotypes are dependent on the enzymatic activity of Tdh. Importantly, a soluble supplement of nutrients that are able to fuel the acetyl‐CoA pool, such as pyruvate, glucose and branched‐chain amino acids, is sufficient to rescue the reduction in neutrophils caused by tdh deletion. In summary, our study presents evidence for the functional requirement of Tdh‐mediated threonine metabolism in a developmental process in vivo. It also provides an animal model for investigating the nutritional regulation of myelopoiesis and immune response, as well as a useful tool for high‐throughput drug/nutrition screening.
Reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Arabic version of HIT‐6 questionnaire in patients with migraine indicated for preventive therapy: A multi‐center study
Authors: Hussein Mona , Hassan Amr , Nada Mona A. F. , Mohammed Zeinab , Abdel Ghaffar Nawal F. , Kedah Hanaa , Fathy Wael , Magdy Rehab
Published: April 2024

Background

The Headache Impact Test (HIT‐6) is an important patient‐reported outcome measure (PROM) in migraine prevention trials.

Objectives

This study aimed to (i) assess the reliability and validity of the Arabic version of HIT‐6 in Arabic‐speaking patients experiencing migraine, and (ii) evaluate the responsiveness of HIT‐6 following migraine preventive therapy.

Methods

In this prospective study, patients with migraine (n = 145) were requested to fill out a headache diary, the Arabic version of HIT‐6, and Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) at two time points (baseline and 3 months after initiation of prophylactic treatment). Some respondents (n = 73) were requested to fill out HIT‐6 again 1 week from the baseline for test–retest reliability. The intensity of migraine headache attacks was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). An anchor‐based method was used to establish the minimal important change (MIC) value and responsiveness of HIT‐6.

Results

The total scores of HIT‐6 were significantly correlated to a fair degree with MIDAS (r = 0.41), as well as VAS (r = 0.53), and monthly migraine days (r = 0.38) at the baseline while at the follow‐up (after 3 months), the correlations were of moderate degree with MIDAS scores (r = 0.62) and monthly migraine days (r = 0.60; convergent validity). Reliability estimates of the Arabic HIT‐6 were excellent (Cronbach's α = 0.91 at baseline and 0.89 at follow‐up). The average measure interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) value for the test–retest reliability was 0.96 (95% confidence interval = 0.94–0.98, p < 0.001). The HIT‐6 total score is sensitive to change, being significantly reduced after prophylactic treatment compared to before (effect size = 1.5, standardized response mean = 1.3). A reduction from baseline of 4.5 on HIT‐6 showed the highest responsiveness to predict improvement with an area under the curve equal to 0.66, sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 45%, and significance at 0.021. Changes in the HIT‐6 total score were positively correlated with changes in monthly migraine days (r = 0.40) and VAS scores (r = 0.69) but not with changes in the score of MIDAS (r = 0.07).

Conclusion

The Arabic version of HIT‐6 is valid, reliable, and sensitive to detect clinical changes following migraine prophylactic treatment with a MIC of 4.5 points.
Leukotriene receptor antagonists as adjuvant therapy of antihistamines in chronic urticaria: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ribeiro Gonçalves Ocílio , Ribeiro Vitor E. A. , Galvão Maria T. L. , Silva Raquel Oliveira de Sousa , Sobral Milene V. S. , Kojima Giovana S. A. , Freitas João L. R. , Soares Victor G. , de Azevedo Benjamim B. , Baima de Melo Caroline
Published: April 2024

Certain guidelines recommend a second‐generation H1‐antihistamine (AH) as first‐line treatment for patients with chronic urticaria (CU). However, some patients show insufficient response to a standard dose of this therapy and might benefit from adding leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTA). Therefore, we aimed to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis comparing LTA plus antihistamines with antihistamines alone. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis, searching PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central for randomized clinical trial (RCT) data comparing LTA plus AH treatment to AH alone in patients with CU. Statistical analysis was performed using R Studio 4.3.2. Heterogeneity was assessed with I2 statistics. Three studies comprising 234 patients with urticaria were included. The mean age was 37.23 years in the leukotriene antagonist + antihistamines (LTA + AH) group and 39.14 years in the antihistamines (AH) group. Follow‐up ranged from 2 to 18 months between studies. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of TSS level (SMD: −74.82; 95% CI: −222.66 to 73.02; P = 0.32; I2 = 98%), neither in terms of pruritus (MD: −0.07; 95% CI: −0.42 to 0.28; P = 0.70; I2 = 74%). After sensitivity analysis, with the systematic exclusion of each study from the grouped estimates, the result for TSS level did not change. These findings suggest that leukotriene receptor antagonists with antihistamines do not have better outcomes than antihistamines alone regarding TSS and pruritus in patients with CU.
Maxwell–Wagner effect and second harmonic generation in gradient structures
Authors: Scherbak Sergey , Reshetov Ilya , Zhurikhina Valentina , Lipovskii Andrey
Published: April 2024

For the first time, we have registered, studied, and modeled the Maxwell–Wagner effect in structures with a smooth gradient of charge carriers’ mobility. The Maxwell–Wagner charge, formed after applying a DC voltage to the gradient structure at room temperature, is distributed over the entire region of the gradient. The experiments were performed with slides of a soda‐lime glass subjected to sodium‐to‐potassium ion exchange, where the ions concentration gradient provides gradient of conductivity while dielectric permittivity stays the same. The electric field generated by the Maxwell–Wagner charge is concentrated in potassium‐enriched less conductive regions of the slide and is sufficiently high to induce the second order optical nonlinearity in the initially isotropic glass. The effect causes over 100‐fold increase in a second harmonic signal relative to the signal from the surface of a virgin glass. This phenomenon in graded‐concentration structures is perspective for characterizing interfacial charges, geometry of the gradient regions, and spatial distribution of electrical conductivity in micro‐ and optoelectronic semiconductor structures.
In situ study of microstructural evolution of borosilicate glass–sulfate mixture at high temperatures
Authors: Lian Qihui , Yao Ying , Jiang Feng , Fu Yinjiao , Luo Xin , Wu Lang
Published: April 2024

Microstructural evolution of borosilicate glass–sulfate (BaSO4 or Na2SO4) mixture was observed in situ using a high‐temperature confocal scanning laser microscope. The phase compositions and sulfate retention of the mixture at different temperatures were also examined. The results indicate that for the glass–BaSO4 sample (abbreviated as BS), the borosilicate glass begins to melt at about 900°C, and the triangular BaSO4 crystals grow obviously between 900°C and 1100°C. At temperatures above 1100°C, the BaSO4 crystals gradually melt and decompose. For the glass–Na2SO4 sample (abbreviated as NS), strip‐shaped BaSO4 crystals begin to form at about 820°C after the borosilicate glass melting, and then gradually melt with further increasing temperature. When the temperature increases to 1000°C, the upper layer of the NS sample possesses Na2SO4, LiNaSO4, and BaSO4 phases, while the lower layer possesses an amorphous phase. Moreover, the SO3 retention in the BS sample remains almost unchanged with temperature increases from 900°C to 1100°C, and then decreases with further increasing temperature. The SO3 retention retained in the NS sample decreases rapidly at temperatures above 900°C. These findings can provide a guidance for vitrifying sulfur‐rich high‐level liquid waste.
On tariff elimination, trade harmonization, and household well‐being: A study of the GST rollout in India
Authors: Nilakantan Rahul , Yamalakonda Siddhartha , Morgan Tyler R. , Goldsby Thomas J. , Rao Shashank
Published: April 2024

The transformative research agenda encourages the pursuit of questions emphasizing societal welfare and well‐being outcomes rather than (just) focusing on narrow, incremental business‐related outcomes. This paper addresses that premise by examining those households at the social and economic bottom of the pyramid (BOP) that are intended to benefit most from the removal of trade barriers. The removal of these barriers should enable supply chains to yield commercial and welfare efficiency in terms of economic surpluses. The Goods and Services Tax legislation implemented in India in 2017 sought to do just that, serving as the experimental testbed for our investigation. Yet, as our analysis of more than 50,000 unique households in the Consumer Pyramids Household Survey data indicates, those at the social and geographic BOP see less benefit than others from the same policy intervention. This runs counter to the intended consequences of such policies. We employ a middle‐range theorizing approach grounded in the Theory of Customs Unions to inform and substantiate our hypotheses, which are tested using a stochastic frontier analysis and truncated regression. The results hold implications for policymakers and organizations seeking to elevate the efficacy of supply chains orchestrated by and serving BOP populations.
“I am not a good enough parent”: The experience of self‐stigma in parents of children with mental illness in China
Authors: Zhang Xi , Wu Meiliyang , Zeng Tieying , Cai Chunfeng
Published: April 2024

Problem

Self‐stigma in parents of children with mental illness is an area easily overlooked by mental health providers. Many studies have shown that self‐stigma in parents may result in social interaction avoidance, lower self‐esteem, increased psychological pressure, and so on. However, a comprehensive picture of how parents of children with mental illness in China experience self‐stigma is lacking.

Methods

Individual semistructured face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with 20 parents from China during their child's psychiatric hospitalization. We followed the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist.

Findings

Four main themes were identified that captured the experience of self‐stigma in parents of children with mental illness: (1) losing face and fear, (2) internalizing affiliate stigma, (3) feeling of self‐blame and self‐doubt, and (4) keeping oneself away from society.

Conclusions

These findings explain how Chinese parents of children with mental illness experience self‐stigma. To better effect the treatment and rehabilitation of children with mental illness, it is necessary to recognize this self‐stigma in parents and take action to improve their mental health.