bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term Outcome of Sound Localization with Baha® Attract System
Authors: Ye Ting , Guo Cuicui , Fu Xuewen , Xia Yin
Published: June 2023

Background:

Spatial hearing is a critical feature in daily life. However, there is quite a range in hearing loss patients regarding the effect of bone conduction device on localization performance.

Objectives:

To analyze the localization performance in patients with bilateral conductive or mixed hearing loss fitted with one Baha® Attract system.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective study included 12 patients who had followed up for more than one year. The parameters analyzed included (1) audiological results: sound field threshold, speech discrimination scores (SDSs), and sound localization test, and (2) functional results: scores for the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) and the Chinese translation of the Spatial Hearing Questionnaire (C-SHQ).

Results:

The audiological assessments showed a reduction of 28.5 dB in the mean sound field thresholds and improvements of 61.7% in the SDSs for disyllabic words. The root mean square error improved slightly with the Baha® Attract system. Patients showed promising results in the functional questionnaire assessments, with significant improvements in the SSQ and C-SHQ scores.

Conclusions:

Although most patients were not able to localize sound accurately after surgery, the change in the scores of the SSQ and C-SHQ indicated that the Baha® Attract system could improve spatial hearing.
Stair-Step Incision for Composite Grafts in Nasal Reconstruction
Authors: Tomioka Yoko , Okazaki Mutsumi , Kurita Masakazu , Fujisawa Kou , Matsutani Hitomi
Published: June 2023

Composite grafts are excellent options for treating external nasal deformities because they provide support and include the skin, which improves the delicate anatomy of the nose. However, they are constrained by size limits since the grafts rely on blood flow to the nasal bed. This is a critical issue when the recipient sites have scarring or degenerative diseases. A novel stair-step incision was made to produce a graft bed with a blood supply and to maximize the use of nonvascularized composite grafts. Instead of making a full-thickness defect through the skin envelope and lining, we placed individual incisions and connected them via a subcutaneous dissection. By dividing the defect into 2 layers, the graft bed was produced and the risk of fistula was reduced. From 2009 to 2020, we satisfactorily conducted 3 cases of nasal reconstruction with a stair-step incision followed by a composite tissue graft. One patient was a girl, and 2 were men. Their ages ranged from 11 to 44 years. The largest graft was 24 × 24 mm in size. No complications were observed. The stair-step incision method for nasal reconstruction can eliminate the limitations of composite grafts and maximize improvements through a simple procedure. This makes composite grafts safer in cases with poor vascularity, enables larger composite grafts to survive, and lowers the risk of fistula formation by avoiding full-thickness defects.
A Systematic Review of Idiopathic Secondary Stenosis Following Index Surgery for Craniosynostosis
Authors: Talwar Ankoor A. , Lazar Sabrina V. , Reategui Alvaro A. , Sun Alexander H. , Kameni Lionel H. , Lopez Joseph , Steinbacher Derek M.
Published: June 2023

Background:

Primary craniosynostosis is a congenital craniofacial disorder in which cranial sutures prematurely close. Iatrogenic secondary stenosis is abnormal cranial suture closure caused by surgical manipulation of the suture. In contrast, idiopathic secondary stenosis develops in a suture that did not undergo surgical manipulation. The objective of this systematic review was to consolidate and characterize the incidence, classification, and management of idiopathic secondary stenosis in the literature.

Methods:

Literature from PubMed, Web Of Science, and EMBASE from 1970 to March 2022 was reviewed. The following information was extracted for individual patients: incidence of idiopathic secondary stenosis, index primary craniosynostosis, primary surgical correction, presenting signs of secondary stenosis, management, and further complications.

Results:

Seventeen articles detailing 1181 patients were included. Ninety-one developed idiopathic secondary stenosis (7.7%). Only 3 of these patients were syndromic. The most common index craniosynostosis was sagittal synostosis (83.5%). The most common suture undergoing idiopathic secondary stenosis was the coronal suture (91.2%). Patients presented at a median age of 24 months. The most common presenting sign was a radiologic finding (85.7%), although some patients presented with headache or head deformity. Only 2 patients, both syndromic, had complications following surgical correction of secondary stenosis.

Conclusions:

Idiopathic secondary stenosis is a rare, long-term complication following index surgical repair of craniosynostosis. It can occur following any surgical technique. It most commonly affects the coronal suture but can affect any of the sutures, including pansynostosis. Surgical correction is curative in nonsyndromic patients.
Randomized controlled trial of surgical rib fixation to non-operative management in severe chest wall injury
Authors: Meyer David E. , Harvin John A. , Vincent Laura , Motley Kandice , Wandling Michael W. , Puzio Thaddeus J. , Moore Laura J. , Cotton Bryan A. , Wade Charles E. , Kao Lillian S.
Published: June 2023

Objective:

Compare the effectiveness of surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) to non-operative management in severe chest wall injury.

Summary Background Data:

SSRF has been shown to improve outcomes in patients with clinical flail chest and respiratory failure. However, the effect of SSRF outcomes in severe chest wall injuries without clinical flail chest is unknown.

Methods:

Randomized controlled trial comparing SSRF to non-operative management in severe chest wall injury, defined as: 1) a radiographic flail segment without clinical flail, or 2) ≥5 consecutive rib fractures, or 3) any rib fracture with bicortical displacement. Randomization was stratified by unit of admission as a proxy for injury severity. Primary outcome was hospital length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes included intensive care unit (ICU) LOS, ventilator days, opioid exposure, mortality, and the incidences of pneumonia and tracheostomy. Quality of life (QoL) at 1, 3, and 6 months was measured using the EQ-5D-5L survey.

Results:

84 patients were randomized in an intention-to-treat analysis (Usual Care=42, SSRF=42). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. The numbers of total fractures, displaced fractures, and segmental fractures per patient were also similar, as were the incidences of displaced fractures and radiographic flail segments. Hospital LOS was greater in the SSRF group. ICU LOS and ventilator days were similar. After adjusting for the stratification variable, hospital LOS remained greater in the SSRF group (RR 1.48, 95%CI 1.17-1.88). ICU LOS (RR 1.65, 95%CI 0.94-2.92) and ventilator days (RR 1.49, 95%CI 0.61-3.69) remained similar. Subgroup analysis showed that patients with displaced fractures were more likely to have LOS outcomes similar to their Usual Care counterparts. At 1 month, SSRF patients had greater impairment in the Mobility (3 [2-3] vs. 2 [1-2], P=0.012) and Self Care (2 [1-2] vs. 2 [2-3], P=0.034) dimensions of the EQ-5D-5L.

Conclusion:

In severe chest wall injury, even in the absence of clinical flail chest, the majority of patients still reported moderate to extreme pain and impairment of usual physical activity at one month. SSRF increased hospital LOS and did not provide any QoL benefit up to 6 months.
Sarbecoviruses of British horseshoe bats; sequence variation and epidemiology
Authors: Apaa Ternenge , Withers Amy J. , Staley Ceri , Blanchard Adam , Bennett Malcolm , Bremner-Harrison Samantha , Chadwick Elizabeth A. , Hailer Frank , Harrison Stephen W. R. , Loose Matthew , Mathews Fiona , Tarlinton Rachael
Published: June 2023

Horseshoe bats are the natural hosts of the Sarbecovirus subgenus that includes SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV- 2. Despite the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is still little known about the underlying epidemiology and virology of sarbecoviruses in their natural hosts, leaving large gaps in our pandemic preparedness. Here we describe the results of PCR testing for sarbecoviruses in the two horseshoe bat species (Rhinolophus hipposideros and R. ferrumequinum) present in Great Britain, collected in 2021–22 during the peak of COVID-19 pandemic. One hundred and ninety seven R. hipposideros samples from 33 roost sites and 277 R. ferrumequinum samples from 20 roost sites were tested. No coronaviruses were detected in any samples from R. ferrumequinum whereas 44 and 56 % of individual and pooled (respectively) faecal samples from R. hipposideros across multiple roost sites tested positive in a sarbecovirus-specific qPCR. Full genome sequences were generated from three of the positive samples (and partial genomes from two more) using Illumina RNAseq on unenriched samples. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the obtained sequences belong to the same monophyletic clade, with >95 % similarity to previously-reported European isolates from R. hipposideros. The sequences differed in the presence or absence of accessory genes ORF 7b, 9b and 10. All lacked the furin cleavage site of SARS-CoV-2 spike gene and are therefore unlikely to be infective for humans. These results demonstrate a lack, or at least low incidence, of SARS-CoV-2 spill over from humans to susceptible GB bats, and confirm that sarbecovirus infection is widespread in R. hipposideros. Despite frequently sharing roost sites with R. ferrumequinum, no evidence of cross-species transmission was found.
Association between vaccination rates and COVID-19 health outcomes in the United States: a population-level statistical analysis
Authors: Du Hongru , Saiyed Samee , Gardner Lauren M.
Published: June 2023

Population-level vaccine efficacy is a critical component of understanding COVID-19 risk, informing public health policy, and mitigating disease impacts. Unlike individual-level clinical trials, population-level analysis characterizes how well vaccines worked in the face of real-world challenges like emerging variants, differing mobility patterns, and policy changes. In this study, we analyze the association between time-dependent vaccination rates and COVID-19 health outcomes for 48 U.S. states. We primarily focus on case-hospitalization risk (CHR) as the outcome of interest, using it as a population-level proxy for disease burden on healthcare systems. Performing the analysis using Generalized Additive Models (GAMs) allowed us to incorporate real-world nonlinearities and control for critical dynamic (time-changing) and static (temporally constant) factors. Dynamic factors include testing rates, activity-related engagement levels in the population, underlying population immunity, and policy. Static factors incorporate comorbidities, social vulnerability, race, and state healthcare expenditures. We used SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance data to model the different COVID-19 variant-driven waves separately, and evaluate if there is a changing role of the potential drivers of health outcomes across waves. Our study revealed a strong and statistically significant negative association between vaccine uptake and COVID-19 CHR across each variant wave, with boosters providing additional protection during the Omicron wave. Higher underlying population immunity is shown to be associated with reduced COVID-19 CHR. Additionally, more stringent government policies are generally associated with decreased CHR. However, the impact of activity-related engagement levels on COVID-19 health outcomes varied across different waves. Regarding static variables, the social vulnerability index consistently exhibits positive associations with CHR, while Medicaid spending per person consistently shows a negative association. However, the impacts of other static factors vary in magnitude and significance across different waves. This study concludes that despite the emergence of new variants, vaccines remain highly correlated with reduced COVID-19 harm. Therefore, given the ongoing threat posed by COVID-19, vaccines remain a critical line of defense for protecting the public and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.
Heterogeneous treatment effects of intensive glycemic control on kidney microvascular outcomes in ACCORD
Authors: Charu Vivek , Liang Jane W. , Chertow Glenn M. , Li Zhuo Jun , Montez-Rath Maria E. , Geldsetzer Pascal , de Boer Ian H. , Tian Lu , Tamura Manjula Kurella
Published: June 2023

Objective

Clear criteria to individualize glycemic targets are lacking. In this post-hoc analysis of the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes trial (ACCORD), we evaluate whether the kidney failure risk equation (KFRE) can identify patients who disproportionately benefit from intensive glycemic control on kidney microvascular outcomes.

Research design and methods

We divided the ACCORD trial population in quartiles based on 5-year kidney failure risk using the KFRE. We estimated conditional treatment effects within each quartile and compared them to the average treatment effect in the trial. The treatment effects of interest were the 7-year restricted-mean-survival-time (RMST) differences between intensive and standard glycemic control arms on (1) time-to-first development of severely elevated albuminuria or kidney failure and (2) all-cause mortality.

Results

We found evidence that the effect of intensive glycemic control on kidney microvascular outcomes and all-cause mortality varies with baseline risk of kidney failure. Patients with elevated baseline risk of kidney failure benefitted the most from intensive glycemic control on kidney microvascular outcomes (7-year RMST difference of 115 v. 48 days in the entire trial population) However, this same patient group also experienced shorter times to death (7-year RMST difference of -57 v. -24 days).

Conclusions

We found evidence of heterogenous treatment effects of intensive glycemic control on kidney microvascular outcomes in ACCORD as a function of predicted baseline risk of kidney failure. Patients with higher kidney failure risk experienced the most pronounced benefits of treatment on kidney microvascular outcomes but also experienced the highest risk of all-cause mortality.
Imprecision nutrition? Duplicate meals result in unreliable individual glycemic responses measured by continuous glucose monitors across four dietary patterns in adults without diabetes
Authors: Hengist Aaron , Ong Jude Anthony , McNeel Katherine , Guo Juen , Hall Kevin D
Published: June 2023

Background

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are being used to characterize postprandial glycemic responses and thereby provide personalized dietary advice to minimize glycemic excursions. However, the efficacy of such advice depends on reliable CGM responses.

Objective

To explore within-subject variability of CGM responses to duplicate meals in an inpatient setting.

Methods

CGM data were collected in two controlled feeding studies (NCT03407053andNCT03878108) in 30 participants without diabetes capturing 1056 meal responses in duplicate ∼1 week apart from four dietary patterns. One study used two different CGMs (Abbott Freestyle Libre Pro and Dexcom G4 Platinum) whereas the other study used only Dexcom. We calculated the incremental area under the curve (iAUC) for each 2-h post-meal period and compared within-subject iAUCs using the same CGM for the duplicate meals using linear correlations, intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), Bland-Altman analyses, and compared individual variability of glycemic responses to duplicate meals versus different meals using standard deviations (SDs).

Results

There were weak to moderate positive linear correlations between within-subject iAUCs for duplicate meals (Abbott r=0.47, p<0.0001, Dexcom r=0.43, p<0.0001), with low within-participant reliability indicated by ICC (Abbott 0.31, Dexcom 0.14). Bland-Altman analyses indicated wide limits of agreement (Abbott -31.3 to 31.5 mg/dL, Dexcom -30.8 to 30.4 mg/dL) but no significant bias of mean iAUCs for duplicate meals (Abbott 0.1 mg/dL, Dexcom -0.2 mg/dL). Individual variability of glycemic responses to duplicate meals was similar to that of different meals evaluated each diet week for both Abbott (SDduplicate= 10.7 mg/dL, SDweek 1=12.4 mg/dL, SDweek 2=11.6 mg/dL,p=0.38) and Dexcom (SDduplicate= 11.1 mg/dL, SDweek 1= 11.5 mg/dL, SDweek 2=11.9 mg/dL,p=0.60).

Conclusions

Individual postprandial CGM responses to duplicate meals were unreliable in adults without diabetes. Personalized diet advice based on CGM measurements in adults without diabetes requires more reliable methods involving aggregated repeated measurements.

This secondary analysis contains data from two trials registered atclinicaltrials.gov(NCT03407053andNCT03878108).
Homeostatic Synaptic Plasticity of Miniature Excitatory Postsynaptic Currents in Mouse Cortical Cultures Requires Neuronal Rab3A
Authors: Koesters Andrew G. , Rich Mark M. , Engisch Kathrin L.
Published: June 2023

Following prolonged activity blockade, amplitudes of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) increase, a form of plasticity termed “homeostatic synaptic plasticity.” We previously showed that a presynaptic protein, the small GTPase Rab3A, is required for full expression of the increase in miniature endplate current amplitudes following prolonged blockade of action potential activity at the mouse neuromuscular junction in vivo (Wang et al., 2011), but it is unknown whether this form of Rab3A-dependent homeostatic plasticity shares any characteristics with central synapses. We show here that homeostatic synaptic plasticity of mEPSCs is impaired in mouse cortical neuron cultures prepared from Rab3A-/-and mutant mice expressing a single point mutation of Rab3A, Rab3A Earlybird mice. To determine if Rab3A is involved in the well-established homeostatic increase in postsynaptic AMPA-type receptors (AMPARs), we performed a series of experiments in which electrophysiological recordings of mEPSCs and confocal imaging of synaptic AMPAR immunofluorescence were assessed within the same cultures. We found that the increase in postsynaptic AMPAR levels was more variable than that of mEPSC amplitudes, suggesting other factors may contribute to the homeostatic increase in synaptic strength. Finally, we demonstrate that Rab3A is acting in neurons because only selective loss of Rab3A in neurons, not glia, disrupted the homeostatic increase in mEPSC amplitudes. This is the first demonstration that a protein thought to function presynaptically is required for homeostatic synaptic plasticity of quantal size.
The Role of Hypermutation and Collateral Sensitivity in Antimicrobial Resistance Diversity ofPseudomonas aeruginosaPopulations in Cystic Fibrosis Lung Infection
Authors: Vanderwoude Jelly , Azimi Sheyda , Read Timothy D. , Diggle Stephen P.
Published: June 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosais an opportunistic pathogen which causes chronic, drug-resistant lung infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. In this study, we explore the role of genomic diversification and evolutionary trade-offs in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) diversity withinP. aeruginosapopulations sourced from CF lung infections. We analyzed 300 clinical isolates from four CF patients (75 per patient), and found that genomic diversity is not a consistent indicator of phenotypic AMR diversity. Remarkably, some genetically less diverse populations showed AMR diversity comparable to those with significantly more genetic variation. We also observed that hypermutator strains frequently exhibited increased sensitivity to antimicrobials, contradicting expectations from their treatment histories. Investigating potential evolutionary trade-offs, we found no substantial evidence of collateral sensitivity among aminoglycoside, beta-lactam, or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, nor did we observe trade-offs between AMR and growth in conditions mimicking CF sputum. Our findings suggest that (i) genomic diversity is not a prerequisite for phenotypic AMR diversity; (ii) hypermutator populations may develop increased antimicrobial sensitivity under selection pressure; (iii) collateral sensitivity is not a prominent feature in CF strains, and (iv) resistance to a single antibiotic does not necessarily lead to significant fitness costs. These insights challenge prevailing assumptions about AMR evolution in chronic infections, emphasizing the complexity of bacterial adaptation during infection.

Importance

Upon infection in the cystic fibrosis (CF) lung,Pseudomonas aeruginosarapidly acquires genetic mutations, especially in genes involved in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), often resulting in diverse, treatment-resistant populations. However, the role of bacterial population diversity within the context of chronic infection is still poorly understood. In this study, we found that hypermutator strains ofP. aeruginosain the CF lung undergoing treatment with tobramycin evolved increased sensitivity to tobramycin relative to non-hypermutators within the same population. This finding suggests that antimicrobial treatment may only exert weak selection pressure onP. aeruginosapopulations in the CF lung. We further found no evidence for collateral sensitivity in these clinical populations, suggesting that collateral sensitivity may not be a robust, naturally occurring phenomenon for this microbe.

Preprint servers:This manuscript has been submitted as a preprint to bioRxiv
Wg/Wnt-signaling induced nuclear translocation of β-catenin is attenuated by a β-catenin peptide through its interaction with IFT-A in development and cancer cells
Authors: Vuong Linh T. , Mlodzik Marek
Published: June 2023

Wnt/Wingless (Wg) signaling is critical for many developmental patterning processes and linked to diseases, including cancer. Canonical Wnt-signaling is mediated by β-catenin, Armadillo/Arm inDrosophilatransducing signal activation to a nuclear response. The IFT-A/Kinesin-2 complex is required to promote the nuclear translocation of β-catenin/Arm. Here, we define a small conserved N-terminal Arm/β-catenin (Arm34–87) peptide, which binds IFT140, as a dominant interference tool to attenuate Wg/Wnt-signalingin vivo. Expression of Arm34–87is sufficient to antagonize endogenous Wnt/Wg-signaling activation resulting in marked reduction of Wg-signaling target gene expression. This effect is modulated by endogenous levels of Arm and IFT140, with the Arm34–87effect being enhanced or suppressed, respectively. Arm34–87thus inhibits Wg/Wnt-signaling by interfering with the nuclear translocation of endogenous Arm/β-catenin. Importantly, this mechanism is conserved in mammals with the equivalent β-catenin34–87peptide blocking nuclear translocation and pathway activation, including in cancer cells. Our work indicates that Wnt-signaling can be regulated by a defined N-terminal peptide of Arm/β-catenin, and thus this might serve as an entry point for potential therapeutic applications to attenuate Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
Convergence, plasticity, and tissue residence of regulatory T cell response via TCR repertoire prism
Authors: Nakonechnaya T.O. , Moltedo B. , Putintseva E.V. , Leyn S. , Bolotin D.A. , Britanova O.V. , Shugay M. , Chudakov D.M.
Published: June 2023

Suppressive function of regulatory T cells (Treg) is dependent on signaling of their antigen receptors triggered by cognate self, dietary or microbial antigens in the form of peptide-MHC class II complexes. However, it remains largely unknown whether distinct or shared repertoires of Treg TCRs are mobilized in response to different challenges in the same tissue or the same challenge in different tissues. Here we used a fixed TCRβ chain FoxP3-GFP mouse model to analyze conventional (eCD4) and regulatory (eTreg) effector TCRα repertoires in response to six distinct antigenic challenges to the lung and skin. This model showed highly “digital” repertoire behavior, allowing for easy-to-track challenge-specific TCRα CDR3 clusters. For both studied subsets, we observed challenge-specific clonal expansion yielding homologous TCRα clusters within and across animals and exposure sites, which were also reflected in the draining lymph nodes but not systemically. Some clusters were shared across cancer challenges, suggesting response to common tumor-associated antigens. For most challenges, eCD4 and eTreg clonal response did not overlap, indicating the distinct origin of the two cell subsets. At the same time, we observed such overlap at the sites of certain tumor challenges. The overlaps included dominant responding TCRα motif and characteristic iNKT TCRα, suggesting the tumor-induced eCD4-eTreg plasticity. Additionally, our TCRα repertoire analysis demonstrated that distinct antigenic specificities are characteristic for eTreg cells residing in particular lymphatic tissues, regardless of the challenge, revealing the homing-specific, antigen-specific resident Treg populations. Altogether, our study highlights both challenge-specific and tissue-specific responses of Treg cells associated with distinct clonal expansions.

Graphical abstract
Physical interactions triggerStreptomycesto prey on yeast using natural products and lytic enzymes
Authors: Yamada Keith , Koroleva Arina , Tirkkonen Heli , Siitonen Vilja , Laughlin Mitchell , Akhgari Amir , Mazurier Guillaume , Niemi Jarmo , Metsä-Ketelä Mikko
Published: June 2023

Microbial predators obtain energy from killing other living cells. In this study, we present compelling evidence demonstrating that widely distributedStreptomycessoil bacteria, typically not considered as predators, possess the ability to detect and prey onSaccharomyces cerevisiae. Using fluorescence microscopy, we observed that predation is initiated by physical contact betweenStreptomyces lavendulaeYAKB-15 and yeast cells. Comparative transcriptomics data indicated that the interaction triggered the production of numerous lytic enzymes to digest all major components of the yeast cell wall. The production of various glucanases, mannosidases and chitinases was confirmed by proteomics and enzymatic activity measurements. In order to destabilise the yeast cell membrane and assimilate yeast,Streptomyces lavendulaeYAKB-15 induced production of cell-associated antifungal polyenes, namely pentamycin and filipin III, and cholesterol oxidase ChoD. In response, yeast downregulated protein synthesis and attempted to enter a quiescence-like state. We show that yeast predation is a common phenomenon inStreptomyces, including well-characterized strains such asStreptomyces peucetiusATCC 27952, where the interaction led to production of 14-hydroxyisochainin. Finally, gene inactivation studies lead us to propose a multidirectional assault model harbouring numerous redundancies that are not dependant on any single individual factor. Our results provide insights into the ecological role ofStreptomycesand highlight the utilization of predation as a mechanism to elicit the production of bioactive natural products for drug discovery.

Significance Statement

Soil is a rich environment for microbes, where they compete for space and resources.Streptomycesbacteria are well-known for their ability to synthesize natural products, particularly antibiotics, that are used in chemical defense against competing microbes. Here we show thatStreptomycesare, in fact, predatory bacteria. Upon encountering yeast cells,Streptomycesinitiate the production of numerous enzymes that digest the cell wall of yeast. In addition, the interaction triggers the production of natural products that destabilize the yeast cell membrane. Collectively these actions lead to the death of yeast cells and release of cellular building blocks thatStreptomycescan use as nutrients. The work fundamentally shifts the paradigm of howStreptomycesare perceived within the soil microbiome ecosystem.
Learning predictive signals within a local recurrent circuit
Authors: Asabuki Toshitake , Gillon Colleen J. , Clopath Claudia
Published: June 2023

The predictive coding hypothesis proposes that top-down predictions are compared with incoming bottom-up sensory information, with prediction errors signaling the discrepancies between these inputs. While this hypothesis explains the presence of prediction errors, recent experimental studies suggest that prediction error signals can emerge within a local circuit, that is, from bottom-up sensory input alone. In this paper, we test whether local circuits alone can generate predictive signals by training a recurrent spiking network using local plasticity rules. Our network model replicates prediction errors resembling various experimental results, such as a biphasic pattern of prediction errors and context-specific representation of error signals. Our findings shed light on how synaptic plasticity can shape prediction errors and enables the acquisition and updating of an internal model of sensory input within a recurrent neural network.
Particle-size polydispersity analysis based on the unified exponential/power-law approach to small-angle scattering
Authors: Tomchuk Oleksandr V. , Kryshtal Oleksandr P. , Juszyńska-Gałązka Ewa , Zając Wojciech M.
Published: June 2023

Controlling particle dispersity is of huge importance for practical applications in nanoscience and technology. The analysis of small-angle scattering of X-rays and neutrons for strongly polydisperse particulate systems is considered from the point of view of describing the type of size distribution function without applying classical regularization approaches. This article presents the development of a method for determining the polydispersity parameters of nanoobjects, based on the analysis of the ratio of various moments of the size distribution function, which are proportional to different invariants of the scattering curve. The use of the unified exponential/power-law approximation to describe small-angle scattering data makes it possible to determine the type of distribution, the average size and the spread. The possibilities of the method were tested for several hydrosols of metallic nanoparticles.
Ex-post impact evaluation of PPP projects from multiple stakeholder perspectives: a toll road case
Authors: Oliveros-Romero Jose , Aibinu Ajibade A.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to develop an ex-post impact evaluation method for public-private partnership projects (PPP) that addresses one of its main difficulties: the multiplicity of perspectives and stakeholders that exist in these projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This study first developed a conceptual evaluation framework called ‘Project Success Evaluation Pyramid Model’ (PSEPM) that was designed using a Design Science approach. Second, an impact evaluation method was designed based on the PSEPM. This evaluation method was tested and refined using three PPP projects. This article presents the refined conceptual model PSEPM, the evaluation method and one of the three tests: the PPP toll road.

Findings

The impact evaluation method describes how to evaluate the impact of an existing mega project from the perspective of multiple stakeholders and isolate the impact of the procurement method. Its application in practice is demonstrated with a PPP toll road project in Chile, in which 11 stakeholders were identified. Issues such as city segregation, deficient business model, the relevance of infrastructure availability, and deficient service-fee strategy were identified in the project. The evaluation method provides a judgement about the use of the PPP procurement method and about the overall impact of the project, reconciling the stakeholder perspectives.

Originality/value

The use of this approach could give greater clarity and legitimacy to the discussion over the use of PPPs by evaluating existing projects beyond the use of traditional time and cost measurements. Its originality is the systematic recognition and identification of stakeholder motives, purposes, and judgements over a project.
Selecting EVM, ESM and EDM(t) for managing construction project schedule
Authors: Yang Jyh-Bin , Lai Tzu-Hua
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to review earned value management (EVM)-relative methods, including the original EVM, earned schedule method (ESM) and earned duration management (EDM(t)). This study then proposes a general implementation procedure and some basic principles for the selection of EVM-relative methods.

Design/methodology/approach

After completing an intensive literature review, this study conducts a case study to examine the forecasting performance of project duration using the EVM, ESM and EDM(t) methods.

Findings

When the project is expected to finish on time, ESM with a performance factor equal to 1 is the recommended method. EDM(t) would be the most reliable method during a project's entire lifetime if EDM(t) is expected to be delayed based on past experience.

Research limitations/implications

As this research conducts a case study with only one building construction project, the results might not hold true for all types of construction projects.

Practical implications

EVM, ESM and EDM(t) are simple and data-accessible methods. With the help of a general implementation procedure, applying all three methods would be better. The power of the three methods is definitely larger than that of choosing only one for complex construction projects.

Originality/value

Previous studies have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of EVM, ESM and EDM(t). This study amends the available outcomes. Thus, for schedulers or researchers interested in implementing EVM, ESM and EDM(t), this study can provide more constructive instructions.
Modeling critical success factors of lean six sigma in higher education institutions
Authors: Gastelum-Acosta Carlos , Limon-Romero Jorge , Baez-Lopez Yolanda , Tlapa Diego , García-Alcaraz Jorge Luis , Puente Cesar , Perez-Sanchez Armando
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the relationships among critical success factors (CSFs) for lean six sigma (LSS) implementation in higher education institutions (HEIs).

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive literature review was conducted to design the survey instrument, which the authors later administered in Mexican public HEIs to identify the existing relationships among the CSFs and their impact on the benefits obtained from implementing LSS projects. The data were empirically and statistically validated using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Additionally, the authors applied the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique on SPSS Amos to validate the nine hypotheses supporting the research.

Findings

The results suggest that the success of LSS projects in HEIs is highly bound to a serious commitment from top management and several interrelated factors.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations of the study are that the research is cross-sectional in nature and regional in focus. Namely, the data used to validate the structural model were gathered from a small representative subset of the study population – i.e. Mexican public HEIs – and at a specific point in time.

Practical implications

The results reported here represent a reference framework for HEIs worldwide that wish to continuously improve their processes through LSS improvement projects.

Originality/value

This study proposes a statistically validated model using the SEM technique that depicts the relationships among LSS CSFs in HEIs.
Industry 4.0 impacts on operational and green innovation performances with the mediation of green practices
Authors: Khan Muhammad Talha , Idrees Muhammad Dawood , Haider Yaseen
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate how green supply chain management (GSCM) practices mediate the effect of Industry 4.0 technologies on operational and green innovation performances.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore the study, data were collected from 225 different manufacturing industries in Pakistan. Gathered data were used to test the hypotheses using SmartPLS 3 software by using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings reveal that operational and green innovation performances are directly affected by the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies and GSCM practices. Furthermore, the GSCM practices positively affect operational and green innovation performances. The study also investigated that the GSCM practices partially mediate the effect of Industry 4.0 on operational and green innovation performances.

Research limitations/implications

This study has some limitations, the data of this study were majorly collected from large enterprises of Pakistani firms and related to the manufacturing sector only. So, there is a huge need for attention toward small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Very few researchers are focusing on SMEs, so future research can be on SMEs. It can be suggested that the relationship between digital technologies and green innovation performance can be tested through a quantitative procedure. Moreover, the effect of GSCM's aspects can be estimated on manageable execution.

Originality/value

Through the mediating relationship of GSCM practices, this research has made a unique contribution by investigating the influence of Industry 4.0 on operational and green innovation performances. To the author's knowledge, no research has been undertaken in this area.
Building mechanism of the initial trust motivation of owners toward contractors
Authors: Li Huimin , Liang Mengxuan , Han Han , Zhang Wenjuan
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to study the initial trust of the owner to the contractor, establish the initial trust mechanism, explore the factors that affect the initial trust of the owner to the contractor and analyze its influence mechanism. Based on this, it is easy for the owners and contractors to take targeted measures to improve the initial trust, which is conducive to the sustainable development of the project.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of reading a large amount of literature, this paper constructs the occurrence mechanism of the owner's initial trust to the contractor from the five factors of trust propensity, trust belief, trustee’s characteristics, institution-based trust, trust motivation and from the perspective of the owner using the structural equation model for questionnaire survey and empirical analysis.

Findings

The results of this paper show that the institution-based trust, the trustee’s characteristics and the trust belief of the trustor clearly have a positive effect on trust motivation, and the trustee’s characteristics have the most significant effect on the trust motivation. The influence of trust propensity on trust motivation was not significant.

Originality/value

This paper studies the occurrence mechanism of the owner's initial trust in the contractor, discusses its influencing factors and analyzes the influence of these factors on the initial trust, which enriches the theoretical system of initial trust research. The results of this study can help owners and contractors to develop targeted measures to build good initial trust.
Procurement physiognomies and creative accounting in Nigerian listed health care firms
Authors: Abbas Usman , Hassan Shehu Usman
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the influence of procurement physiognomies on the creative accounting (CA) of listed health-care firms in Nigeria from 2016 to 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used positivist paradigm. Annual reports and accounts, questionnaire and e-mails were used to obtained and extract quantitative data. The data were analyzed using OLS regression.

Findings

The study found that, procurement planning, e-procurement and procurement legislation compliance possessed negative weighty consequence on CA of quoted Nigerian health-care corporations while outsourcing, procurement staff competency and strategic supplier partnership possess positive substantial impact on the firms’ CA. The article concluded that procurement physiognomies play an important role in managing CA of health-care firms.

Research limitations/implications

This study findings are only applicable to listed health-care firms in Nigeria. It only used six procurement attributes. The research implication is that researchers are to use the findings in conducting further studies on procurement physiognomies and CA to help in coming up with ways of curbing irregularities in the organizations.

Practical implications

The health-care firms are to use the findings to come up with policies that ensure malpractices in procurement are curbed and CA is minimized to its barest level. Its societal implication is that the public is to use the findings in changing societal attitudes toward earnings manipulation.

Social implications

Its societal implication is that the public is to use the findings in changing societal attitudes toward earnings manipulation.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this article is the first to evaluate the influence of procurement physiognomies on CA in Nigerian-listed health-care companies. Many researchers neglect how procurement is used to carry out a lot of CA and this study focuses on a mechanism for curtailing corruption.
Longitudinal correlated changes of global and organization‐based self‐esteem at work
Authors: Filosa Lorenzo , Alessandri Guido
Published: June 2023

The role of different forms of self‐esteem (i.e., global vs. domain‐specific) at work and their longitudinal changes and associations have yet to be examined. Our aim is to analyze the pattern of longitudinal changes between global self‐esteem (GSE) and organization‐based self‐esteem (OBSE). We used three‐wave longitudinal data (N = 1616) of newcomers at the beginning of their career. Results from multivariate latent growth curve models revealed that OBSE and GSE decreased linearly. Their trajectories were positively correlated (rslopes = 0.52), suggesting positive longitudinal associations between changes in both forms of self‐esteem. Finally, OBSE and GSE trajectories differently predicted changes in job satisfaction, commitment, work engagement, and burnout. Findings support the importance of simultaneously considering both forms of self‐esteem at work.
A bird's‐eye view: Evaluating drone imagery for the detection and monitoring of endangered and invasive day geckos
Authors: Dubos Nicolas , Porcel Xavier , Roesch Markus A. , Claudin Juan , Pinel Romain , Probst Jean‐Michel , Deso Gregory
Published: June 2023

Species monitoring can be strongly limited by terrain accessibility, impeding our understanding of species ecology and thus challenging their conservation. This is particularly true for species living in the canopy, on cliffs or in dense vegetation. Remote sensing imagery may fill this gap by offering a cost‐effective monitoring approach allowing to improve species detection in inaccessible areas. We investigated the applicability of drone‐based monitoring for a Critically Endangered insular gecko (Phelsuma inexpectata) and two invasive alien gecko species representing a risk for the former (P. grandis and P. laticauda). We determined the approach distance before inducing behavioural response caused by the drone's presence. All three study species showed no escape behaviour to the drone's presence until very close distances (mean distance for P. inexpectata: 33.8 cm; P. grandis: 21.9 cm; P. laticauda: 26.4 cm). We then performed horizontal and vertical approaches with the drone, taking photos every meter starting at 10 m away from the canopy edge to determine an optimal distance for detection while ensuring species‐level identification. We examined a total of 328 photos. We found a bimodality in the number of detected geckos for two species, with different individuals recorded between short and intermediate distances. Therefore, we recommend taking photos at two distances of 2–2.5 and 5 m away from the canopy, ideally facing away from the sun and in low wind conditions. We encourage the application of our methodology for Phelsuma spp., but also for other species of similar size and ecology to improve detection in inaccessible areas.

Abstract in French is available with online material.
Plus difficile d'être élu dans une petite municipalité? Perceptions de la fonction élective par certains élus municipaux québécois
Authors: Breux Sandra , Parent Rodolphe
Published: June 2023

Au Québec, 75% des élu·e·s municipaux de la province exercent leurs mandats dans des municipalités de moins de 10 000 h. Si l'on sait que la taille démographique de la municipalité est susceptible d'influencer le parcours et le profil des élu·e·s municipaux et plus généralement la professionnalisation de la fonction élective, rares sont les écrits qui, à notre connaissance, documentent la fonction élective au sein des municipalités québécoises de moins de 10 000 h., en comparaison avec celle exercée dans des municipalités de plus grande taille. Cela est d'autant plus surprenant que le contexte institutionnel, politique et financier peut varier grandement selon la taille de la municipalité et est ainsi susceptible de venir colorer la fonction élective au quotidien. À partir de la réalisation d'entrevues semi‐dirigées auprès d'une trentaine d'élu·e·s, nous mettrons en évidence deux spécificités. D'une part, si à leurs yeux, la fonction élective est la même que celle occupée par leurs homologues d'une grande municipalité, ils et elles considèrent ne pas disposer des mêmes outils pour répondre aux besoins de leur fonction. D'autre part, les conditions d'exercice de la fonction sont différentes, influençant leur quotidien. Ces constats questionnent de façon générale le fonctionnement de ces municipalités de taille modeste.
Establishing a multidisciplinary specialist centre for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders—Lessons learned from a model project in Germany
Authors: Weinmann Tobias , Ordenewitz Lisa K. , Schlüter Julia A. , Jung Jessica , Kerber Katharina , Finkeldey Lukas , Heinen Florian , Landgraf Mirjam N.
Published: June 2023

Background

Inadequate coordination between relevant professionals hampers the provision of appropriate care for individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Integrated, multidisciplinary care is thus urgently required. Hence, we aimed at establishing the first university‐bound, interdisciplinary specialist centre for FASD in Germany, systematically collecting data on its utilisation and evaluation by attendees.

Methods

After our centre started to provide consultation and support services in July 2019 until May 2021, we collected 233 questionnaires on the centre's utilisation (including attendees' sociodemographic characteristics and the topics on which they requested consultation, e.g., general information about FASD, consultation on therapy options, and educational consultation). Ninety‐four of 136 individuals who received consultation at our centre submitted an evaluation questionnaire that recorded attendees' satisfaction with the support they had received (e.g., the extent to which the consultation met their needs).

Results

Of 233 participants who completed the utilisation questionnaire, 81.8% were female, and 56.7% were aged 40 to 60 years. Moreover, 42% were foster parents, while 38% were professionals. Most attendees had questions on FASD in general as well as on a specific child or adolescent with FASD. Almost three quarters of the attendees requested consultation on adequate therapies for FASD patients, while 64% had questions on parenting issues. The overall quality of the consultation was rated very well.

Discussion

Our service was used by both caregivers and professionals who reported numerous and complex concerns and needs. Professionally sound and multidisciplinary services are viable instruments to meet those needs, bearing the potential for quick and notable relief among individuals affected. We propose further advancement of networking and coordination between care providers, the expansion of multidisciplinary services, and securing early diagnosis and consistency of care as relevant steps to even better support children and adolescents with FASD and their families in the future.