bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BiATNovo: An Attention-based Bidirectional De Novo Sequencing Framework for Data-Independent-Acquisition Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Yang Shu , Wu Siyu , Li Binyang , Liu Yuxiaomei , Li Fangzheng , Qi Jiaxing , Wang Qunying , Liang Xiaohui , Guo Tiannan , Luan Zhongzhi
Published: May 2023

De novo sequencing from tandem mass spectra (MS/MS) data is a key technique for identifying novel peptides. In theory, the Data-Independent Acquisition (DIA) method can fragment all precursor ions in an unbiased and non-targeted fashion. However, each spectrum contains fragments from multiple precursor ions, and the unclear relationship between these ions and their fragments poses a significant challenge to the accuracy of de novo sequencing algorithms. Here we present BiATNovo, an attention-based bidirectional de novo peptide sequencing framework. BiATNovo comprises a bidirectional attention-based model and a bidirectional fusion-reranking post-processing module, which enables efficient capture of relationships between tandem mass spectra, fragment ions, and peptide patterns, while also expanding the candidate set to select the optimal sequence. This framework improves peptide prediction accuracy, particularly for long peptide sequences, and mitigates the imbalance where the initial amino acids are predicted more accurately than the last ones. Evaluation results demonstrate that BiATNovo outperforms existing algorithms, including DeepNovo-DIA and PepNet, in both peptid-level and amino acid-level. Furthermore, when extended to DDA datasets, BiATNovo achieves comparable performance to state-of-the-art models.
Diversity of spider families parasitized by fungal pathogens: a global review
Authors: Nyffeler Martin , Hywel-Jones Nigel
Published: May 2023

In this paper the findings of a global literature and social media survey of spider mycoses are presented. Our survey revealed that spider mycoses occur in the geographic belt between latitude 78°N and 52°S, and that more than 40 out of the known 135 spider families (ca. 30%) are attacked by fungal pathogens. Jumping spiders (Salticidae), cellar spiders (Pholcidae), and sheet-web spiders (Linyphiidae) are the families most frequently reported to be attacked by fungal pathogens (combined >40% of all reported cases). Ninety-two percent of the infections of spiders can be attributed to pathogens in the order Hypocreales (phylum Ascomycota), and almost exclusively the families Cordycipitaceae and Ophiocordycipitaceae. Within the Hypocreales, the asexually reproductive genusGibellulais an historically species-rich and widespread genus of specific spider-pathogenic fungi. For ca. 70 species of spider-pathogenic fungi their hosts could be identified at least to family level. The data presented here reaffirm the findings of previous studies that spider-pathogenic fungi are most common and widespread in tropical and subtropical forested areas, with free-living cursorial hunters – dominated by Salticidae – being the most frequently infected. Cursorial hunters (especially Salticidae) and subterranean cellar spiders (Pholcidae) are the most frequently fungus-infected spiders in North America, whereas web-weavers (especially Linyphiidae and Pholcidae) are the most common spider hosts in Europe. Our survey implies that spider-pathogenic fungi are an important mortality factor for spiders which has hitherto been underestimated.
Distribution and dynamics of chromatin states in theC. elegansgerm line
Authors: Mazzetto Mariateresa , Gonzalez Lauren E. , Sanchez Nancy , Reinke Valerie
Published: May 2023

Chromatin organization in theC. elegansgerm line is tightly regulated and critical for germ cell differentiation. While certain germline epigenetic regulatory mechanisms have been identified, how they influence chromatin structure and ultimately gene expression remain unclear, in part because most genomic studies have focused on data collected from whole worms. We therefore analyzed publicly available histone modification and chromatin accessibility data from isolated undifferentiated germ nuclei to define chromatin states. We then correlated these states with overall transcript abundance, spatio-temporal expression patterns, and the function of small RNA pathways. Because the essential role of the germ line is to transmit genetic information to the next generation and establish gene expression in the early embryo, we compared epigenetic and transcriptomic profiles from undifferentiated germ cells, oocytes, and embryos to define the epigenetic changes during this developmental transition. The active histone modification H3K4me3 exhibits particularly dynamic remodeling as germ cells differentiate into oocytes. Our results highlight the dynamism of the chromatin landscape in germ cells, and provide a resource for future investigation into epigenetic regulatory mechanisms.
Effectiveness of drugs for COVID-19 inpatients in Japanese medical claim data as average treatment effects with inverse probability weighted regression adjustment: Retrospective observational study
Authors: Mitsushima Shingo , Horiguchi Hiromasa , Taniguchi Kiyosu
Published: May 2023

Background

Prior studies have indicated that drugs against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) such as antiviral drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid and antibody cocktails are expected to prevent severe COVID-19outcomes and death.

Object

We analyzed medical claim data in Japan to assess the effectiveness of drugs againstCOVID-19.

Method

We applied an average treatment effect model with inverse probability weighted regression adjustment, to the Medical Information Analysis Databank managed by National Hospital Organization in Japan. The outcome was death during hospitalization. Subjects were all inpatients, inpatients with oxygen therapy, and inpatients with respiratory ventilators, by three age classes: all ages, 65 years old or older, and younger than 65 years old. Data on physical characteristics, underlying diseases, administered drugs, the proportion of mutated strains, and vaccine coverage were used as explanatory variables for logistic regression.

Result

Estimated results indicated that only an antibody cocktails (sotrovimab, casirivimab and imdevimab) raised the probability of saving life, even though these drugs were administered in few cases. On the other hand, other drugs might raise the probability of death.

Discussion

Results indicated that only antibody cocktails was effective to save life using an average treatment effect model with inverse probability weighted regression adjustment. No other drugs such as remdesivir, dexamethasone, baricitinib and tocilizumab were found to be effective to save life, even in the pseudo-situation of random assignment.
Genetic Factors Associated with Suicidal Behaviors and Alcohol Use Disorders in an American Indian Population
Authors: Peng Qian , Gilder David A. , Bernert Rebecca , Karriker-Jaffe Katherine J. , Ehlers Cindy L.
Published: May 2023

American Indians (AI) demonstrate the highest rates of both suicidal behaviors (SB) and alcohol use disorders (AUD) among all ethnic groups in the US. Rates of suicide and AUD vary substantially between tribal groups and across different geographical regions, underscoring a need to delineate more specific risk and resilience factors. Using data from over 740 AI living within eight contiguous reservations, we assessed genetic risk factors for SB by investigating: (1) possible genetic overlap with AUD, and (2) impacts of rare and low frequency genomic variants. Suicidal behaviors included lifetime history of suicidal thoughts and acts, including verified suicide deaths, scored using a ranking variable for the SB phenotype (range 0-4). We identified five loci significantly associated with SB and AUD, two of which are intergenic and three intronic on genesAACSP1,ANK1, andFBXO11. Nonsynonymous rare mutations in four genes includingSERPINF1(PEDF),ZNF30,CD34, andSLC5A9, and non-intronic rare mutations in genesOPRD1,HSD17B3and one lincRNA were significantly associated with SB. One identified pathway related to hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) regulation, whose 83 nonsynonymous rare variants on 10 genes were significantly linked to SB as well. Four additional genes, and two pathways related to vasopressin-regulated water metabolism and cellular hexose transport, also were strongly associated with SB. This study represents the first investigation of genetic factors for SB in an American Indian population that has high risk for suicide. Our study suggests that bivariate association analysis between comorbid disorders can increase statistical power; and rare variant analysis in a high-risk population enabled by whole-genome sequencing has the potential to identify novel genetic factors. Although such findings may be population specific, rare functional mutations relating to PEDF and HIF regulation align with past reports and suggest a biological mechanism for suicide risk and a potential therapeutic target for intervention.
Mutations in tau protein promote aggregation by favoring extended conformations
Authors: Pounot Kevin , Piersson Clara , Goring Andrew , Weik Martin , Han Songi , Fichou Yann
Published: May 2023

Amyloid aggregation of the intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) tau is involved in several diseases, called tauopathies. Mutations in the gene encoding tau are responsible for a class of inherited tauopathies called frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17Q (FTDP-17). These mutations are thought to trigger FTDP-17 by favoring the formation of tau amyloid fibrils. This work aims at deciphering the mechanisms through which the diseases-associated single point mutations promote amyloid formation. We combined biochemical characterization and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to study six different FTDP-17 derived mutations. We found that the mutations promote aggregation to different degrees and can modulate tau conformational ensembles, intermolecular interactions and liquid-liquid phase separation propensity. In particular, we found a good correlation between the aggregation lag time of the mutants and their radius of gyration. We show that mutations disfavor intramolecular protein interactions which in turn favor extended conformations and promote amyloid aggregation. This work proposes a new connection between the structural features of tau monomers and their propensity to aggregate, providing a novel assay to evaluate aggregation propensity of tau variants.
Edge Time Series Components of Functional Connectivity and Cognitive Function in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Chumin Evgeny J. , Cutts Sarah A. , Risacher Shannon L. , Apostolova Liana G. , Farlow Martin R. , McDonald Brenna C. , Wu Yu-Chien , Betzel Richard , Saykin Andrew J. , Sporns Olaf
Published: May 2023

Understanding the interrelationships of brain function as measured by resting-state magnetic resonance imaging and neuropsychological/behavioral measures in Alzheimer’s disease is key for advancement of neuroimaging analysis methods in clinical research. The edge time-series framework recently developed in the field of network neuroscience, in combination with other network science methods, allows for investigations of brain-behavior relationships that are not possible with conventional functional connectivity methods. Data from the Indiana Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center sample (53 cognitively normal control, 47 subjective cognitive decline, 32 mild cognitive impairment, and 20 Alzheimer’s disease participants) were used to investigate relationships between functional connectivity components, each derived from a subset of time points based on co-fluctuation of regional signals, and measures of domain-specific neuropsychological functions. Multiple relationships were identified with the component approach that were not found with conventional functional connectivity. These involved attentional, limbic, frontoparietal, and default mode systems and their interactions, which were shown to couple with cognitive, executive, language, and attention neuropsychological domains. Additionally, overlapping results were obtained with two different statistical strategies (network contingency correlation analysis and network-based statistics correlation). Results demonstrate that connectivity components derived from edge time-series based on co-fluctuation reveal disease-relevant relationships not observed with conventional static functional connectivity.
Integration of a deep learning basal cell carcinoma detection and tumor mapping algorithm into the Mohs micrographic surgery workflow and effects on clinical staffing: a simulated, retrospective study
Authors: Chacko Rachael , Davis Matthew J. , Levy Joshua , LeBoeuf Matthew
Published: May 2023

Background

Staffing shortages and inadequate healthcare access have driven the development of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled tools in medicine. Accuracy of these algorithms has been extensively investigated, but research on downstream effects of AI integration into the clinical workflow is lacking.

Objective

We aim to analyze how integration of a basal cell carcinoma detection and tumor mapping algorithm in a Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) unit may impact waiting times in the surgical pathology laboratory and on the floor.

Methods

Time spent on each task and slide, staff, and histotechnician waiting times were analyzed over a 20 day period in a MMS unit. A simulated AI workflow was created and the time differences between the real and simulated workflows were compared.

Results

Simulated addition of the algorithm led to improvements of 64% in slide waiting time (1:03:39 per case), 36% in staff waiting time (59:09 per case), and 25% in histotechnician waiting time (25:27 per case).

Limitations

A single MMS unit was analyzed and AI integration was performed retrospectively, rather than in real time.

Conclusions

AI integration results in significantly reduced slide, staff, and histotechnician waiting time, which enables increased productivity and a streamlined clinical workflow.

Capsule summary

The accuracy of artificial intelligence algorithms has been well established. This study addresses the impact of implementation of such an algorithm into a real-world clinical workflow.

Results indicate the potential for increased efficiency and productivity with use of artificial intelligence in Mohs micrographic surgery.
Ex-LactobacillusStrains with Intrinsic Propensity to Stabilize Pickering Oil-in-Water Emulsions
Authors: Muhammed Musemma Kedir , Jiang Xiaoyi , Shekarforoush Elhamalsadat , Whitehead Kathryn , Vogensen Finn K. , Risbo Jens , Arneborg Nils
Published: May 2023

Knowledge of surface characteristics is a major step in the evaluation of bacterial cells for potential use as Pickering emulsion stabilizers. Here, the cell surface characteristics of 31 strains of the ex-Lactobacillusgenus were studied with the aim of evaluating their intrinsic abilities to serve as Pickering stabilizers of oil-in-water emulsions. About 77.42% of the tested strains demonstrated relatively highly negative zeta potential (-43.76 mV ≤ zeta potential ≤ -19.23 mV), while ∼58% of the strains demonstrated high cell surface hydrophobicity (microbial adhesion to hexadecane or MATH ≥ 30%). By combining these findings, four different cell surface features were defined (I, II, II and IV). Strains mainly demonstrated the type I surface feature (∼45%), with most expressing strongly negative zeta potential and high surface hydrophobicity (zeta potential < -15 mV and MATH ≥ 30%, respectively). It appeared that the abundance of negative charge on the surfaces of ex-Lactobacilluscells positively influences surface hydrophobicity. Assessment of intrinsic Pickering stabilization potential using 12 selected strains indicated that four strains showed profound droplet size stability. At least one strain was observed to have natural propensity to form relativley compact and small emulsion droplets (63±3 µm), leading to enhanced firmness and storage stability of the Pickering emulsions.
Diving efficiency at depth and pre-breeding foraging effort increase with haemoglobin levels in gentoo penguins
Authors: McComb-Turbitt Sarah P. , Crossin Glenn T. , Tierney Megan , Brickle Paul , Trathan Philip , Williams Tony D. , Auger-Méthé Marie
Published: May 2023

Individual differences in oxygen storage and carrying capacity have been associated with fitness-related traits and, for air-breathing aquatic animals, to diving ability and foraging success. In winter, many seabirds must replenish the energy reserves they have depleted during the breeding period. Thus, winter foraging efficiency can influence their upcoming breeding behaviour. Using gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua), we investigate (1) if inter-individual variation in diving efficiency (proportion of time spent at the bottom) is associated with indices of oxygen storage and carrying capacity (haemoglobin, haematocrit, body mass), and (2) if measures of pre-breeding foraging effort (mean trip duration, total time at sea, and vertical distance travelled) are associated with these oxygen indices and breeding status. Haemoglobin was positively correlated with diving efficiency, particularly for deeper dives, and only penguins with high haemoglobin levels frequently dove at depth ≥ 140 m. Such differences could affect resource access. However, potentially because reaching deep offshore waters requires travelling more than foraging nearshore, vertical distance travelled pre-breeding increased with haemoglobin levels. The relationship with haematocrit was non-linear, suggesting that commonly-used analyses may be inappropriate for this index. We found that early-laying penguins spent less time at sea prior to nesting than non-breeding penguins, suggesting that more efficient foragers lay earlier. Given that diving efficiency at depth is linked to aerobic capacity, anthropogenic activities taking place in either nearshore or offshore waters (e.g., shallow water fisheries, offshore oil rigs) may have differing impacts on individuals. Further understanding these links could help the conservation of diving species.
Evolution of semi-Kantian preferences in two-player assortative interactions with complete and incomplete information and plasticity
Authors: Alger Ingela , Lehmann Laurent
Published: May 2023

We model the evolution of preferences guiding behavior in pairwise interactions in group-structured populations. The model uses long-term evolution theory to examine different interaction scenarios, including conditional preference expression upon recognition of the partner’s type. We apply the model to the evolution of semi-Kantian preferences at the fitness level, which combine self-interest and a Kantian interest evaluating own behavior in terms of consequences for own fitness if the partner also adopted this behavior. We seek the convergence stable and uninvadable value of the Kantian coefficient, i.e., the weight attached to the Kantian interest, a quantitative trait varying between zero and one. We consider three scenarios: (a) incomplete information; (b) complete information and incomplete plasticity; and (c) complete information and complete plasticity, where individuals not only recognize the type of their interaction partner (complete information), but also conditionally express the Kantian coefficient upon it (complete plasticity). For (a), the Kantian coefficient generally evolves to equal the coefficient of neutral relatedness between interacting individuals; for (b), it evolves to a value that depends on demographic and interaction assumptions, while for (c) there are generally multiple uninvadable types, including the type whereby an individual is a pure Kantian when interacting with individuals of the same type and applies the Kantian coefficient that is uninvadable under complete information with zero relatedness when interacting with a different typed individual. Overall, our model connects several concepts for analysing the evolution of behavior rules for strategic interactions that have been emphasized in different and sometimes isolated literatures.
Is there a sicker sex? Dose relationships modify male-female differences in infection prevalence
Authors: Butterworth Nathan J. , Heffernan Lindsey , Hall Matthew D.
Published: May 2023

Throughout the animal kingdom there are striking differences in the propensity of one sex or the other to become infected. However, attempts to generalise when we should expect males or females to emerge as the sicker sex have proven challenging. We argue that this is because our current understanding of sex differences in susceptibility is inherently limited, as most inferences have come from field studies (where exposure dose is difficult to quantify), or by measuring infection ratesin vitroat a limited range of pathogen doses. Without considering how susceptibility changes across a range of pathogen doses (i.e., the dose-susceptibility relationship), we have likely underestimated the scope in which sex differences can arise, reducing our capacity to accurately characterise the ‘sicker’ sex. Here, to expand our scope, we use theDaphnia magniaandPasteuria ramosasystem to measure infection prevalence across a fifteen thousandfold change in pathogen dose and quantify male and female differences through formal models of environmental transmission. Through this, we reveal that the expression of sex differences in susceptibility is entirely dose-dependent, with males more susceptible at low doses, and females more susceptible at high doses. The scope for male-female differences to emerge is therefore much greater than previously expected – extending to differences in absolute resistance, per-propagule infectivity risks, and the dose-specific behaviour of pathogens. Crucially, none of these components in isolation could define the sicker sex. If we wish to understand the broader patterns underlying whether males or females are the sicker sex, there is a need to apply this expanded scope across the animal kingdom. This will help us understand when and why a sicker sex emerges, and the implications for diseases in nature – where sex ratios and pathogen densities vary drastically.
Does a probiotic (L. reuteri) lozenge taken twice daily over 3–4 weeks reduce probing pocket depth in patients with chronic periodontitis after 3 months? A systematic review of clinical trials (Preprint)
Authors: Mickenautsch Steffen , Rupf Stefan , Yengopal Veerasamy
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Chronic periodontitis is a slow-progressing, multifactorial inflammatory disease of the periodontium that may lead to its destruction, which is detectable as increasing probing pocket depth (PPD), subsequent tooth mobility and tooth loss. The purpose of this systematic review was to update and appraise the current trial evidence to the question: Does probiotic (L. reuteri) lozenge taken twice daily over 3–4 weeks reduce PPD in patients with chronic periodontitis after 3 months?

Methods and analysis

Reference checks of previous systematic review and trial reports on the topic were conducted. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) were searched. All selected trial reports were independently appraised by two reviewers, using the CQS-2B trial appraisal tool. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random effect model with the inverse variance method, stratified according to CQS-2B corroboration levels (C1–C4). The I2-test with 95% confidence interval was used to establish whether any statistical heterogeneity exists between datasets.

Results

Seven trials were included for appraisal and analysis. None complied with all appraisal criteria and thus were rated with an overall 0-score (high bias risk). Meta-analysis results at the lower C3-level (MD -0.64, 95% CI: -1.09 to -0.18) were found as being at risk of overestimating the true probiotic effect.

Conclusion

The clinical evidence identified in this systematic review is at high risk of representing an overestimation of the true therapeutic effect due to systematic error. The results of large randomised control trials are needed before any clinically relevant answer to the review question can be made.
N6-methyladenosine demethylase FTO serves as an indicator for predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response in individuals with gastric cancer
Authors: Jia Shiheng , Zhou Heng , Cao Lanxin , Sun Cheng , Yu Xue , Li Yanshu , Li Kai
Published: May 2023

Background

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation is the most common chemical decoration in mammalian RNAs which exerts vital effects on numerous cellular processes. Recently, m6A regulators have been validated to participate in promoting immune evasion and act as prognostic factors in various cancers. Nevertheless, the predictive abilities of m6A regulators for the prognosis and immunotherapy response in gastric cancer (GC) remain indistinct.

Methods

Herein, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) database, The Human Protein Atlas (HPA), and a clinical GC cohort were applied for differential expression analysis, correlation analysis, survival analysis, and hazard model construction. Consensus clustering analysis was performed to authenticate the PD-L1 (CD274) expression, stemness features, immune cell infiltration, and tumor microenvironment (TME) in GC individuals. Furthermore, protein-protein interaction, immunotherapy response prediction, and drug susceptibility prediction were performed, respectively. Additionally, tissue microarray (TMA), immunohistochemical staining, western blot assay, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry assay were adopted to evaluate the protein expression, the prognostic value, and the influence of FTO on GC malignant phenotypes as well as the expression of PD-L1.

Results

In agreement with the majority of m6A regulators, FTO was overexpressed and predicted poor prognosis in GC. Based on consensus clustering analysis, two independent subgroups (G1/G2) were identified. Notably, FTO was upregulated in the G1 subgroup. Meanwhile, the infiltration level of CD8+ T cells was strikingly decreased while the stemness features were enhanced in the G1 subgroup. More importantly, FTO was negatively correlated with microsatellite instability (MSI) and tumor mutation burden (TMB). Furthermore, immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) response prediction indicated that patients with upregulated FTO showed high tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) scores. Subsequently, FTO was confirmed to be related to multiple immune checkpoints, particularly PD-L1. Specifically, FTO was dramatically upregulated in GC cell lines and clinical cancer samples. Functional experiments illustrated that FTO acted as an oncogene to facilitate malignant phenotypes. Notably, PD-L1 was remarkably downregulated after RNA interference-mediated knockdown of FTO.

Conclusion

FTO can aggravate GC malignant phenotypes. More importantly, it could be utilized to predict the long-term prognosis and the immunotherapy response in GC individuals. However, larger trials should be performed to verify the prediction accuracy.
Syntheses, crystal structures and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 2-(benzylsulfanyl)-5-[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]-1,3,4-oxadiazole and 2-[(2-chloro-6-fluorobenzyl)sulfanyl]-5-[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]-1,3,4-oxadiazole
Authors: Okmanov Rasul Ya. , Ziyaev Abdukhakim A. , Abdukarimov Azimboy Sh. , Toshmurodov Turdibek T. , Kholikov Tursunali S.
Published: May 2023

The title compounds were synthesized by alkylation of 5-[(4-dimethylamino)phenyl]-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thiol with benzyl chloride or 2-chloro-6-fluorobenzyl chloride in the presence of potassium carbonate. The yields of 2-(benzylsulfanyl)-5-[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]-1,3,4-oxadiazole, C17H17N3OS (I), and 2-[(2-chloro-6-fluorobenzyl)sulfanyl]-5-[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]-1,3,4-oxadiazole, C17H15ClFN3OS (II), were 96 and 92%, respectively. In the crystal structures of (I) and (II), C–H...π interactions are observed between neighboring molecules. Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that H...H and H...C/C...H interactions make the most important contributions to the crystal packing.
1-Benzyl-3-[(4-methoxyphenyl)imino]indolin-2-one
Authors: Odedokun Omobola A. , Ikotun Adebomi A. , Ajaelu Chijioke J. , Bhuvanesh Nattamai
Published: May 2023

The title compound, C22H18N2O2, is a Schiff base obtained by condensing p-arnisidine (4-methoxyaniline) with N-benzylisatin (1-benzyl-1H-indole-2,3-dione), which crystallizes in the triclinic P\overline{1} space group. The benzyl and phenyl rings subtend dihedral angles of 76.08 (7) and 60.70 (6)°, respectively, with the isatin group. The imino C=N double bond exists in an E conformation.
Integration of innovative work behavior through transformational leadership in the Saudi healthcare sector: a systematic review
Authors: Alshahrani Ibraheem
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This systematic review aims to examine integrating innovative work behavior through transformational leadership in the Saudi healthcare sector. A thorough literature research was carried out to address this problem.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 50 papers reporting research on innovative work behavior, healthcare organizational performance and transformational leadership were included in the review.

Findings

As employees are motivated and developed, their innovative work behaviors are boosted, which improves organizational performance. It can be concluded that innovative work behavior and transformational leadership are correlated. The capacity of a healthcare company to create and execute benefits to the employees may assure service delivery efficiency in employees' performance.

Practical implications

This systematic review will allow contemporary advancements, efficient health status monitoring and reliable solutions that aid optimal, equal and effective treatment in Saudi’s healthcare industry.

Originality/value

In an innovative workplace, workers may pitch fresh ideas to their management. Hence, employees see their employer as more transformational.
Defining the characteristics of an effective psychological therapist for people with intellectual disability and mental health problems: a Q-sort study
Authors: Clarke Charlotte , Beail Nigel , Kellett Stephen
Published: May 2023

Purpose

There is little consensus regarding what constitutes an effective therapist when working with adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) who have a mental health problem. This study aims to explore whether clusters of clinical psychologists (CPs) could be differentiated with regards to beliefs as to what defines an effective therapist for adults with ID experiencing psychological distress and seeking treatment.

Design/methodology/approach

Four interviews with CPs and an associated thematic analysis created the 49-item Q-set. These items were then sorted into a forced quasi-normal distribution by N = 27 CPs via an online Q-sorting task.

Findings

Three participant clusters were identified in the principal components analysis that accounted for 49% of the variance. These clusters were labelled the creative collaborator, the reflective expert and the system integrator.

Research limitations/implications

Differences exist regarding beliefs as to what the psychotherapeutic approaches effective therapists working with ID and comorbid mental health problems should take. These differences approximated to preferred psychological therapy models. This study is critiqued to enable future research on this topic to progress.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore what constitutes an effective psychological therapist for people who have ID.
Big data analytics-enabled dynamic capabilities and firm performance: examining the roles of marketing ambidexterity and environmental dynamism
Authors: Saeed Munazza , Adiguzel Zafer , Shafique Imran , Kalyar Masood Nawaz , Abrudan Denisa Bogdana
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Drawing from dynamic capability (DC) theory, this study aims to investigate how big data analytics (BDA)-enabled dynamic capabilities (DCs) prompt firm performance. This study proposes that BDA-enabled DCs lead firms toward simultaneous exploration and exploitation of new knowledge about markets and products (i.e. marketing ambidexterity) which in turn improves firms' market and financial performance. This study also examines if environmental dynamism strengthens the aforementioned relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses survey questionnaire and data were collected in the form of two heterogeneous samples from Turkey and Pakistan. Partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Results reveal that BDA-enabled DCs positively affect both dimensions of marketing ambidexterity (exploration and exploitation). Marketing exploration and exploitation have positive effects on firms' market and financial performance. Results also demonstrate that environmental dynamism moderates the link between BDA-enabled DCs and firms' marketing exploitation. The moderating effect for BDA-enabled DCs and firms' marketing exploration was not consistent across both samples.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the literature of BDA and marketing ambidexterity in the light of DC theory in a way that when and how the marketing ambidexterity, derived from BDA-enabled DCs, has a positive impact on firm performance. Moreover, findings imply that the development and enhancement of BDA-enabled DCs facilitate firms to calibrate marketing exploitation and exploration to seek new knowledge about markets and products and using such knowledge to achieve superior performance.

Originality/value

The novelty of present study is development of dynamic capabilities-based framework which sheds light on the role of big data for sensing, seizing and (re)configuring firms' resources to develop marketing ambidextrous capabilities in order to stay successful. From methodological perspective, this study uses two heterogeneous samples to assess robustness of results for ensuring greater generalizability and theoretical resonance.
Neutral-point-clamped inverter based synchronous reluctance motor drive for solar pump application
Authors: V. Rajini , M. Jassem , V.S. Nagarajan , Galla N.V. Sai Sreeya , Rb Jeyapradha
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Industrial drives require appropriate control systems for reliable and efficient performance. With synchronous reluctance machines (SynRMs) slowly replacing the most commonly used induction, switched reluctance and permanent magnet machines, it is essential that the drive and its control be properly selected for enhanced performance. But the major drawback of synchronous reluctance motor is the presence of high torque ripple as its design is characterized by large number of variables. The solutions to reduce torque ripple include design modifications, choice of proper power electronic inverter and PWM strategy. But little has been explored about the power electronic inverters suited for synchronous reluctance motor drive to minimize torque ripple inherently by obtaining a more sinusoidal voltage. The purpose of this paper is to elaborate on the potential multilevel inverter topologies applicable to SynRM drives used in solar pumping applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The most significant field-oriented control using maximum torque per ampere algorithm for maximizing the torque production is used for the control of SynRM. Simulation results carried out using Matlab/Simulink are presented to justify the choice of inverter and its control technique for SynRM.

Findings

The five-level inverter drive gives lesser core or iron losses in the SynRMin comparison to the three- and two-level inverters due to lower Id current ripple. The five-level inverter reduces the torque ripple of the SynRM significantly in comparison to the three- and two-level inverter fed SynRM drives. The phase disposition-PWM control method used for the inverter shows the least total harmonic distortion (THD) levels in output voltage compared with the other level shifted PWM techniques.

Originality/value

Among the available topologies, a fitting topology is proposed for use for the SynRM drive to have minimal THD, minimal current and torque ripple. Additionally, this paper presents various modulation techniques available for the selected drive system and reports on a suitable technique based on minimal THD of output voltage and hence minimal torque ripple.
The determinants of inward FDI in India in the 2000s
Authors: Wagner Chris , Delios Andrew
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Unlike the traditional growth model of emerging markets after economic liberalization, India’s inward foreign direct investment (FDI) surged paralleling its strong economic growth in the 2000s, despite the failure to establish a strong secondary sector. This creates an opportunity to deepen the conceptual and contextual understanding of the pivotal mechanisms that impel foreign multinational enterprises to invest into India and provides a natural setting to better understand the nature of its institutional, political and economic environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop a theory contextualized to Indian inward FDI patterns for the 2000–2017 period. The theoretical framework expands upon received investment motives, with explicit consideration given to the idiosyncrasies of developments in India’s recent macro and socioeconomic environment. The authors test the hypotheses using panel data from 134 countries that invested in India, using a Hausman–Taylor estimation.

Findings

The authors find that India’s transition toward a knowledge economy attracts asset augmenting rather than asset exploiting FDI. Investors appear to target long-term investments by gaining access to India’s digital capabilities, R&D, and growing talent base with a high degree of specialization within analytics, biotechnology, engineering, or pharmaceuticals. Foreign investors do not seem to be notably deterred by infrastructural challenges nor by legal and regulatory restrictions.

Originality/value

By providing a new perspective on India’s atheoretical economic development and FDI environment, this study offers a distinct point of comparison with regard to established hypotheses within the extant literature on FDI into emerging markets. Rethinking contemporary investment motive theory by introducing an adapted conceptual framework provides further opportunity to inform the understanding of firm strategies in similar environments.
The emergence of a values-based premium private label brand reputation within a multiple-tier brand portfolio
Authors: Arantola Noora , Juntunen Mari
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to increase the understanding of the emergence of a values-based (VB) premium private label (PL) brand reputation within a multiple-tier PL brand portfolio in retailing.

Design/methodology/approach

By building on the research on PLs, brand image, brand reputation and consumer values, this study creates a conceptual foundation for the emergence of VB PL brand reputation within a multiple-tier brand portfolio among consumers and examines the emergence of such reputation empirically using interpretive exploratory qualitative laddering interviews in the context of fast-moving consumer goods.

Findings

The findings of this study illustrate that the VB reputations of the premium PL product brand and the PL brand store intertwine, ultimately relating to two terminal values: pleasure and doing good. These reputations differ remarkably from the VB reputations of the economy PL brand and the umbrella brand of the retail chain (not doing good and financial security).

Research limitations/implications

This study explains the emergence of VB brand reputation within a multiple-tier brand portfolio and introduces the use of the laddering technique in such research.

Practical implications

This study reminds brand managers to carefully design the relevant brand strategy for brands and their relationships under a brand umbrella.

Originality/value

Although much is known about PL brands and brand reputation, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study might be the first to increase the understanding of how a VB premium PL brand reputation emerges and accumulates from brand images within a multiple-tier brand portfolio.
Incorporating cultural content into English language learning through collaborative podcast series project
Authors: Ferdiansyah Sandi , Humairoh Mega Fariziah Nur , Royani Ahmad , Marsitoh Rani Shintya
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This brief report demonstrates how collaborative podcast series project to teach cultural content in English language classroom is design and implemented. This paper aims not only to facilitate speaking practice but also to build students’ cultural awareness, exercise creativity, promote critical thinking and foster learning collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

This classroom observation study involved 78 students majoring English education department in a state Islamic university in East Java, Indonesia. The pedagogical intervention which facilitates this project includes extensive reading and viewing of local culture materials, interview practice project and collective reflections. After completing the project, students wrote collective reflective accounts, submitted their podcast links and followed focus group interview.

Findings

From the data analysis, it can be seen that incorporating local culture into English language learning can enhance student learning engagement, cultural awareness and tolerance, and collective reflective practice.

Originality/value

The finding of the study contributes to practical implications addressed to teachers and teacher educators in designing and implementing technology mediated cultural learning.
The effect of audit inspections on audit fees
Authors: Hay David , Rainsbury Elizabeth , Van Dyk Debbie
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the cost of the introduction of independent audit inspections in New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is conducted using audit fee data from New Zealand and examines the overall impact of the reforms on the cost imposed on auditees.

Findings

The findings show that there was no general increase in audit fees but a significant increase in audit fees for small listed companies compared to audit fees for unlisted companies and large listed companies.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this study suggest that the introduction of independent inspections led to increased costs for some clients, particularly smaller listed companies, and that audit firms were able to pass on these costs to their clients. These results have important implications for policymakers and auditors alike.

Originality/value

This study provides new insights into the cost of the introduction of independent audit inspections, which have been the subject of ongoing criticisms and recommendations for improvement.
Composition and temporal variation in the diet of intermediate horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus affinis, relative to insect abundance in a tropical rainforest environment of Southeast Asia
Authors: Mohamed Mansour Saad Abulqasim , Sah Shahrul Anuar Mohd , Elias Nurul‐Ain
Published: May 2023

Dietary studies on insectivorous bat species in Southeast Asia are relatively few. We studied diet of the intermediate horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus affinis, and the temporal variations in prey resource use. We also measured prey availability in order to explore whether this species is a generalist or specialist feeder. A total of 665 fecal samples were collected from 133 captured individuals from January to December 2019 in a tropical rainforest of Penang Island (Malaysia). A descriptive analysis of samples revealed a total of eight insect prey orders. The main taxon was Coleoptera (Percent Volume >50%), followed by Isoptera, Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera and Diptera, respectively (5–15%). Neuroptera and Psocoptera were occasionally found in the samples (each <1%). This result exhibits a degree of dietary specialization on coleopterans although the diet composition was flexible and significantly varied over time (among months and within nights). Based on light trapping, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera and Diptera were frequent insects in the study area, while Isoptera was seasonally abundant. The correlation between variation in the diet and light trap for each prey taxon was mostly not statistically significant, suggesting that R. affinis do not consume prey in proportion to abundance and alternatively may discriminate between prey items when foraging and take prey in rank order. Given this, we further investigated the heavy consumption of absolute abundance of Coleoptera (high‐ranking prey in diet). As a result, coleopterans were included in the diet regardless of the abundance of other prey showing a pattern of dietary specialization.
Microbial decontamination assisted by ultrasound‐based processing technologies in food and model systems: A review
Authors: Beitia Enrique , Gkogka Elissavet , Chanos Panagiotis , Hertel Christian , Heinz Volker , Valdramidis Vasilis , Aganovic Kemal
Published: May 2023

Ultrasound (US) technology is recognized as one of the emerging technologies that arise from the current trends for improving nutritional and organoleptic properties while providing food safety. However, when applying the US alone, higher power and longer treatment times than conventional thermal treatments are needed to achieve a comparable level of microbial inactivation. This results in risks, damaging food products’ composition, structure, or sensory properties, and can lead to higher processing costs. Therefore, the US has often been investigated in combination with other approaches, like heating at mild temperatures and/or treatments at elevated pressure, use of antimicrobial substances, or other emerging technologies (e.g., high‐pressure processing, pulsed electric fields, nonthermal plasma, or microwaves). A combination of US with different approaches has been reported to be less energy and time consuming. This manuscript aims to provide a broad review of the microbial inactivation efficacy of US technology in different food matrices and model systems. In particular, emphasis is given to the US in combination with the two most industrially viable physical processes, that is, heating at mild temperatures and/or treatments at elevated pressure, resulting in techniques known as thermosonication, manosonication, and manothermosonication. The available literature is reviewed, and critically discussed, and potential research gaps are identified. Additionally, discussions on the US's inactivation mechanisms and lethal effects are included. Finally, mathematical modeling approaches of microbial inactivation kinetics due to US‐based processing technologies are also outlined. Overall, this review focuses only on the uses of the US and its combinations with other processes relevant to microbial food decontamination.