bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Employing Steered MD simulations for Effective Virtual Screening: Active Pharmacophore Search by Dynamic Corrections to target MKK3-MYC Interactions
Authors: Ulug Muhammet Eren , Ikram Saima , Sayyah Ehsan , Durdağı Serdar
Published: July 2024

The intricate relationship between mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MKK3) and MYC proto-oncogene protein (MYC) activation holds deep implications for the progression of cancer, particularly in the context of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Despite significant progress, the challenge of discovering effective MYC-targeted drugs persists, demanding innovative approaches to control MYC-dependent malignancies. A promising avenue in this pursuit involves disrupting the protein-protein interactions (PPIs) between MKK3 and MYC. The significance of this interaction is emphasized by the activation of MYC by MKK3 in diverse cell types, presenting a novel perspective for therapeutic interventions in MYC-driven pathways. In the current study, a novelin silicostrategy to screen small molecule libraries that target the MKK3-MYC interaction was conducted. Dynamic structure-based pharmacophore models were developed and utilized for screening the small molecule libraries, enabling the identification of compounds exhibiting favorable alignment with the defined pharmacophore features. Subsequently, physics-based simulations approaches were conducted on these selected hit molecules. Steered molecular dynamics (sMD) simulations were utilized to assess the correlation between the necessary forces to dissociate candidate hit ligands from the binding pocket and their corresponding average binding free energies (MM/GBSA). Comparative analysis of the average binding free energies of the identified hits obtained from the small molecule libraries represent that the identified compounds have promising predicted binding affinities compared to the reference molecule SGI-1027. Therefore, these findings may signify a crucial advancement in our ability to control MYC activation in cancer.
Primary auditory thalamus relays directly to cortical layer 1 interneurons
Authors: Vattino Lucas G. , MacGregor Cathryn P. , Liu Christine Junhui , Sweeney Carolyn G. , Takesian Anne E.
Published: July 2024

Inhibitory interneurons within cortical layer 1 (L1-INs) integrate inputs from diverse brain regions to modulate sensory processing and plasticity, but the sensory inputs that recruit these interneurons have not been identified. Here we used monosynaptic retrograde tracing and whole-cell electrophysiology to characterize the thalamic inputs onto two major subpopulations of L1-INs in the mouse auditory cortex. We find that the vast majority of auditory thalamic inputs to these L1-INs unexpectedly arise from the ventral subdivision of the medial geniculate body (MGBv), the tonotopically-organized primary auditory thalamus. Moreover, these interneurons receive robust functional monosynaptic MGBv inputs that are comparable to those recorded in the L4 excitatory pyramidal neurons. Our findings identify a direct pathway from the primary auditory thalamus to the L1-INs, suggesting that these interneurons are uniquely positioned to integrate thalamic inputs conveying precise sensory information with top-down inputs carrying information about brain states and learned associations.
The Raf/LIN-45 C-terminal distal tail segment negatively regulates signaling inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Townley Robert A. , Stacy Kennedy S. , Cheraghi Fatemeh , de la Cova Claire C.
Published: July 2024

Raf protein kinases act as Ras-GTP sensing components of the ERK signal transduction pathway in animal cells, influencing cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. In humans, somatic and germline mutations in the genesBRAFandRAF1are associated with malignancies and developmental disorders. Recent studies shed light on the structure of activated Raf, a heterotetramer consisting of Raf and 14-3-3 dimers, and raised the possibility that a Raf C-terminal distal tail segment (DTS) regulates activation. We investigated the role of the DTS using theCaenorhabditis elegans,which has a single Raf ortholog termedlin-45. We discovered that truncations removing the DTS strongly enhancedlin-45(S312A), a weak gain-of-function allele equivalent toRAF1mutations found in patients with Noonan Syndrome. We generated mutations to test three elements of the LIN-45 DTS, which we termed the active site binding sequence (ASBS), the KTP motif, and the aromatic cluster. In the context oflin-45(S312A),mutation of either the ASBS, KTP motif, or aromatic cluster enhanced activity. We used AlphaFold to predict DTS protein interactions for LIN-45, fly Raf, and human BRAF, within the activated heterotetramer complex. We propose distinct functions for the LIN-45 DTS elements: i) the ASBS binds the kinase active site as an inhibitor, ii) phosphorylation of the KTP motif modulates DTS-kinase domain interaction, and iii) the aromatic cluster anchors the DTS in an inhibitory conformation. This work establishes that the Raf/LIN-45 DTS negatively regulates signaling inC. elegansand provides a model for its function in other Raf proteins.
Circulating Micro-RNAs in Patients with Hypophosphatasia Results of the first micro-RNA analysis in HPP
Authors: Haschka Judith , Messner Zora , Feurstein Julia , Hadzimuratovic Benjamin , Zwerina Jochen , Diendorfer Andreas B. , Pultar Marianne , Hackl Matthias , Kuzma Martin , Payer Juraj , Resch Heinrich , Kocijan Roland
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Adult hypophosphatasia (HPP) patients present with diffuse heterogenous symptoms often mimicking rheumatological diseases or osteoporosis and therefore accompanied by delayed diagnosis. The aim of this study was to identify circulating miRNAs in adult HPP patients and to identify potential associations with clinical patients’ characteristics.

Methods

We utilized untargeted miRNA biomarker discovery by small RNA-sequencing to investigate cell-free miRNA profiles in 24 adult HPP patients (pathogenic variant of theALPLgene, HPP-related clinical symptoms and repeatedly low ALP) and 24 healthy controls.

Results

Patients and CTRL were comparable in age (47.9±14.2 vs. 45.9±8.8y, p=0.980) and sex (55.5% vs. 47.8% females, p=1.000). In total, 91% of patients reported musculoskeletal pain, 41% diffuse neurological symptoms and 64% history of fractures. In total, 84 miRNAs were significantly differently expressed between HPP and CTRLs in next generation sequencing (NGS) analysis(p<0.05). Of these, 14 miRNAs were selected (selection criteria: p<0.05, tissue specificity index >0.7, log2FC >+0.8 or < −0.8) for validation using RT-qPCR, which verified 6 of 14 selected miRNAs (p<0.05; miR-122-3p, miR-140-5p, miR-143-3p, miR-155-5p, miR-451a, miR-92a-3p). Target prediction and enrichment analysis identified associations with the musculoskeletal system and the central nervous system. In total, 37 miRNAs correlated with ALP levels, but only three miRNAs with PLP (pyridoxal-5’- phosphate).

Conclusions

These findings highlight a profound involvement of multiple organ systems and the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers for the effect of HPP on various systems.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial to Assess the Effects of Lactoferrin at Two Doses vs. Active Control on Immunological and Safety Parameters in Healthy Adults
Authors: Peterson Ross D. , Guarneiri Liana L. , Adams Caryn G. , Wilcox Meredith L. , Clark Anthony J. , Rudemiller Nathan P. , Maki Kevin C. , Malinczak Carrie-Anne
Published: July 2024

Background

Recombinant human lactoferrin (rhLF) is of commercial interest for support of the immune system and iron homeostasis but is not currently available as a food ingredient.

Objective

The objective was to evaluate the immunogenicity/alloimmunization potential of Helaina rhLF (effera™) fromK. phaffiiover a 28-day period compared to bovine LF (bLF). It was hypothesized that rhLF would have an equal or lower immunogenic potential compared to bLF, which is permitted for use in conventional foods and infant formula in the EU and US.

Methods

Study 1 was a randomized, double-blind, parallel arm, controlled trial where 66 healthy adults were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 groups: high-dose rhLF (3.4 g/d), low-dose rhLF (0.34 g/d), or bLF (3.4 g/d) (clinicaltrials.gov:NCT06012669). Participants completed a 28-day (Day 28) supplementation period followed by a 28-day washout period (Day 56) and an additional 28-day follow-up period (Day 84). Study 2 was a 12-week observational study with no intervention that enrolled 24 healthy adults. In both studies, fasting blood was obtained on Days 0, 28, 56, and 84 for analysis of anti-bLF and anti-hLF antibody levels as the primary endpoint as well as other secondary safety endpoints including complete blood count, iron biomarkers, and metabolic panel.

Results

In Study 1, the change from baseline to Day 56 in serum anti-bLF antibodies in the bLF group (least squares geometric mean and 95% confidence interval for the post/pre ratio: 3.01; 2.08, 4.35) was greater than the changes in serum anti-hLF antibodies in the low-dose rhLF (1.07; 0.77, 1.49; P<0.001) and high-dose rhLF (1.02; 0.62, 1.70; P<0.001) groups. In Study 2, the post/pre ratio at Day 56 in serum anti-hLF and anti-bLF antibodies were 1.00 (0.93, 1.08) and 1.01 (0.94, 1.09), respectively, confirming no change in anti-hLF antibodies in Study 1 or Study 2. Changes in all safety outcomes in Study 1 were similar between groups and within normal ranges.

Conclusion

These results support the safety and tolerability of efferaTMas a food ingredient at an intake level up to 3.4 g/d in healthy adults.
Trends in non-daily cigarette smoking in England, 2006-2024
Authors: Jackson Sarah E , Brown Jamie , Shahab Lion , Cox Sharon
Published: July 2024

Background: Cigarette smoking is incredibly harmful, even for people who do not smoke every day. This study aimed to estimate trends in non-daily smoking in England between 2006 and 2024, how these differed across population subgroups, and to explore changes in the profile of non-daily smokers in terms of their sociodemographic and smoking characteristics and vaping and alcohol consumption. Methods: Data were collected monthly between November-2006 and April-2024 as part of a nationally-representative, repeat cross-sectional survey of adults (≥18y; n=353,711). We used logistic regression to estimate associations between survey wave and non-daily smoking and used descriptive statistics to characterise the profile of non-daily smokers across 3-year periods. Results: The proportion of cigarette smokers who smoked non-daily was relatively stable between November-2006 and November-2013, at an average of 10.5% [10.1-10.9%], then increased to 27.2% [26.0-28.4%] (4.0% [3.7-4.2%] of adults) by April-2024. This increase was particularly pronounced among younger adults (e.g., reaching 52.8%, 20.4%, and 14.4% of 18-, 45-, and 65-year-old cigarette smokers by April-2024) and those who vape (reaching 34.2% vs. 23.1% among non-vapers). Over time, there were reductions in non-daily smokers' mean weekly cigarette consumption (from 34.3 in 2006-09 to 21.1 in 2021-24), urges to smoke (e.g., the proportion reporting no urges increased from 29.2% to 38.0%), and motivation to stop smoking (e.g., the proportion highly motivated to quit within the next three months decreased from 30.8% to 21.0%). Conclusions: An increasing proportion of adults in England who smoke cigarettes do not smoke every day, particularly younger adults. Although non-daily smokers report smoking fewer cigarettes and weaker urges to smoke than they used to, which may make it easier for them to stop smoking, they appear to be decreasingly motivated to quit.
Fair and Accessible Parkinson’s Disease Screening using a Machine Learning-Powered Web Platform: Research Protocol and Preliminary Results
Authors: Washington Peter
Published: July 2024

Digital technologies offer unprecedented opportunities to screen for conditions like Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in a scalable and accessible manner. With the widespread adoption of smartphones and computers, the general public is constantly interacting with digital interfaces, leaving behind a wealth of data that can be harnessed for health screening. Keystroke dynamics, touchscreen interactions, and other digital footprints have emerged as potential indicators of PD. By analyzing patterns in keyboard typing, touchscreen gestures, and other digital indicators, it is now possible to detect subtle motor impairments associated with PD. We propose to further develop, refine, and validate a baseline predictive model for Parkinson’s disease (PD) based on keystroke and touchscreen measurements which we have developed and tested on participants in Hawaii. Through extensive experimentation, the project aims to determine the optimal combination of features that yield the highest sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing participants with and without PD while algorithmically reducing disparities in performance across race and socioeconomic status. A central challenge of this research will be ensuring fairness by mitigating biases caused by differences in laptop and desktop screen dimensions, mouse responsiveness, and other configurations. These differences are likely to vary by socioeconomic status, requiring a thorough analysis of these disparities and employment of algorithmic fairness techniques to mitigate the underlying problem. Additionally, we will conduct human-centered design sessions to understand how to create such screening tools in a manner that is sensitive to Indigenous data sovereignty. Our findings will underscore the potential of leveraging technology-measured limb movement data as a reliable and accessible method for early detection of PD. This research holds promise for screening individuals who may potentially be affected by PD earlier in an accessible and scalable manner, thus reducing socioeconomic health disparities related to early screening and diagnosis.
A Lightweight, End-to-End Explainable, and Generalized attention-based graph neural network to Classify Autism Spectrum Disorder using Meta-Connectivity
Authors: Bhavna Km , Ghosh Niniva , Banerjee Romi , Roy Dipanjan
Published: July 2024

1

Recent technological advancement in Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) have been extensively used to diagnose brain disorders such as autism (ASD), which is associated with deficits in social communication, interaction, and restricted/repetitive behaviors. However, the existing machine-learning/deep-learning (ML/DL) models suffer from low accuracy and explainability due to their internal architecture and feature extraction techniques, which also predominantly focus on node-centric features. As a result, performance is moderate on unseen data due to ignorance of edge-centric features. Here, we argue that meaningful features and information can be extracted by focusing on meta connectivity between large-scale brain networks which is an edge-centric higher order dynamic correlation in time. In the current study, we have proposed a novel explainable and generalized node-edge connectivity-based graph attention neural network(Ex-NEGAT) model to classify ASD subjects from neuro-typicals (TD) on unseen data using a node edge-centric feature set for the first time and predicted their symptom severity scores. We used ABIDE (I and II) dataset with a large sample size (Total no. of samples = 1500). The framework employs meta-connectivity derived from Theory-of-Mind (ToM), Default-mode Network (DMN), Central executive (CEN), and Salience network (SN) that measure the dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) as a flow across morphing connectivity configurations. To generalize the Ex-NEGAT model, we trained the proposed model on ABIDE I(No. of samples =840) and performed testing on the ABIDE II(no. of samples =660) dataset and achieved 88% accuracy with an F1-score of 0.89. Additionally, we identified symptom severity scores for each individual subjects using their meta-connectivity links between relevant brain networks and passing that to Connectome-based Prediction Modelling (CPM) pipeline to identify the specific large-scale brain networks whose edge connectivity contributed positively and negatively to the prediction. Our approach accurately predicted ADOS-Total, ADOS-Social, ADOS-Communication, ADOS-Module, ADOS-STEREO, and FIQ scores.
Northern peatland microbial networks exhibit resilience to warming and acquire electron acceptor from soil organic matter
Authors: Duchesneau Katherine , Aldeguer Riquelme Borja , Petro Caitlin , Makke Ghiwa , Green Madison , Tfaily Malak , Wilson Rachel , Roth Spencer W. , Johnston Eric R. , Kluber Laurel A. , Schadt Christopher W. , Chanton Jeffrey P. , Hanson Paul J. , Tringe Susannah , Eloe-Fadrosh Emily , Del Rio Tijana , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T. , Kostka Joel E.
Published: July 2024

The microbial networks that regulate belowground carbon turnover and respond to climate change drivers in peatlands are poorly understood. Here, we leverage a whole ecosystem warming experiment to elucidate the key processes of terminal carbon decomposition and community responses to temperature rise. Our dataset of 697 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) extends from surface (10 cm) to 2 m deep into the peat column, with only 3.7% of genomes overlapping with other well-studied peatlands. Unexpectedly, community composition has yet to show a significant response to warming after 3 years, suggesting that metabolically diverse soil microbial networks are resilient to climate change. Surprisingly, the dominant methanogens showed the potential for both acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. Nonetheless, the predominant pathways for anaerobic carbon decomposition include sulfate/sulfite reduction, denitrification, and acetogenesis, rather than methanogenesis based on gene abundances. Multi-omics data suggest that organic matter cleavage provides terminal electron acceptors, whichtogether with methanogen metabolic flexibility, may explain peat microbiome resilience to warming.
Mutations in the riboflavin biosynthesis pathway confer resistance to furazolidone and abolish the synergistic interaction between furazolidone and vancomycin inEscherichia coli
Authors: Wykes Hannah , Le Vuong Van Hung , Rakonjac Jasna
Published: July 2024

Antibiotic combinations are a promising strategy to counteract the global problem of increasing antibiotic resistance. We have previously demonstrated furazolidone-vancomycin synergy against Gram-negative pathogens. Here, we selectedEscherichia coliprogeny for growth on the furazolidone-vancomycin combination to which the parent was sensitive. We show that selected clones were associated with increased resistance to neither, only one of, or both furazolidone and vancomycin, but in all cases were associated with a decrease in furazolidone-vancomycin synergy. Among a variety of gene mutations identified in this screen, we investigated the mechanism behind the most frequently arising mutations, those in the riboflavin biosynthesis genesribBandribE, and found them to act predominantly through decreasing the activity of the NfsA and NfsB nitroreductases, which have FMN (flavin mononucleotide) or FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide) as a prosthetic group. We further show that theribB/ribEmutants isolated in our screen are riboflavin semi-auxotrophs. Riboflavin supplementation restored the normal growth of theribB/ribEmutants but not the furazolidone sensitivity.
A protocol to assess antipsychotics prescribing and physical health monitoring in children and young people: a cohort study using primary care data from QResearch
Authors: Vinogradova Yana , Jack Ruth H , Prasad Vibhore , Coupland Carol , Morriss Richard , Hollis Chris
Published: July 2024

Antipsychotic medicines are prescribed to children and young people (CYP) with mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, behavioural disorders, autism spectrum disorder and tics. The physical side effects of these medicines require monitoring, and this responsibility can be transferred to primary care. This study will describe the trends in antipsychotic prescribing in CYP, identify the mental health conditions, symptoms and comorbidities associated with the prescriptions, and determine the extent of physical health monitoring in primary care both for CYP prescribed antipsychotics and those with mental health conditions without antipsychotic prescriptions. The study will use data from QResearch, a large, anonymised, UK primary care electronic health record database. Records will be linked to secondary care data from hospital episode statistics and socioeconomic deprivation information. People aged 5 to 17 years, who are registered with GPs in England contributing to QResearch between 1 January 2006 and 31 July 2021 will be included. Incidence and prevalence rates will be calculated over the study period, and Poisson regression will be used to estimate incidence rate ratios. Results from this study will identify where improvements to clinical practice or to treatment guidelines may be needed.
MSPTDfast: An Efficient Photoplethysmography Beat Detection Algorithm
Authors: Charlton Peter H , Mant Jonathan , Kyriacou Panicos A
Published: July 2024

Beat detection is a key step in the analysis of photo-plethysmogram (PPG) signals. The ‘MSPTD’ algorithm was recently identified as one of the most accurate beat detection algorithms, but its current open-source implementation is substantially more computationally expensive than other leading algorithms such as ‘qppgfast’. The aim of this work was to develop a more efficient, open-source implementation of the ‘MSPTD’ algorithm. Five potential improvements were identified to increase efficiency. Each potential improvement was evaluated in turn, and an optimal algorithm configuration named ‘MSPTDfast’ was developed which incorporated all of the improvements found to reduce algorithm execution time whilst not substantially reducing the accuracy of beat detection. Performance was assessed using data collected from young adults during a lunchbreak in the PPG-DaLiA dataset. The data consisted of wrist PPG signals acquired using an Empatica E4 device, alongside simultaneous ECG signals from which reference heartbeat timings were obtained. ‘MSPTDfast’ was found to be substantially more efficient than ‘MSPTD’ (a reduction in execution time of 72.3%), with minimal difference in beat detection accuracy (F1-score 87.8% vs. 87.7%). In addition, the performance of ‘MSPTDfast’ was much closer to that of the state-of-the-art ‘qppgfast’ algorithm than the ‘MSPTD’ algorithm, with a comparable F1-score (87.4% vs. 87.7%), and an execution time which was only 19.2% longer than that of ‘qppgfast’ (vs. 330.8% longer for ‘MSPTD’). In conclusion, ‘MSPTD-fast’ is an efficient and accurate open-source PPG beat detection algorithm with a substantially faster execution time than ‘MSPTD’. It is available under the permissive MIT licence.
Integrating Physiotherapy into Primary Care Models: A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Saddy Nathaniel , Aboosally Aamir , Aslanidis Jordan , Beilin Anthony , da Silva Schezar Jessica , Miller Jordan , Tawiah Andrews K
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Physiotherapists (PTs) working in primary care settings within an interprofessional team can lead to favourable health outcomes and decreased burden on the healthcare system. Although PT models of care are important to primary care delivery, there is a lack of knowledge and evidence on the characteristics of these models of care, the differences and similarities between the models, and the barriers and facilitators to implementing these models. This scoping review protocol aims to fill this knowledge gap by synthesizing the evidence and characteristics of models of care that integrate physiotherapists within primary care teams, mapping the similarities and differences, and describing barriers and facilitators to implementing models of care that integrate physiotherapists within primary care teams.

Methods

The scoping review is based on the Joanne Briggs Institute (JBI) framework. It is reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRIMSA-ScR). A comprehensive search strategy will be used to find relevant papers in six databases: OVID MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus. Grey literature will be searched through OpenGrey, Theses Global, ProQuest Dissertation, and Google Scholar. Quantitative and qualitative study designs will be included, with two reviewers independently selecting each article on Covidence. Data will be extracted using a pre-piloted data extraction sheet and synthesized narratively to identify themes and patterns.

Discussion

This scoping review will synthesize the evidence on models of care that integrate physiotherapists within primary care teams. It will provide evidence to inform the implementation of these models of care and identify research gaps that need to be addressed.
Efficacy of a fixed-ratio combination of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist and basal insulin therapy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Ramalan Mansur A. , Maiyaki Musa Baba , Gezawa Ibrahim D , Uloko Andrew E
Published: July 2024

Background

Blood glucose control is a major goal of management demonstrated by many guidelines and results of clinical trials. Achieving good glycaemia is associated with reduction of the risks of cardiovascular disease. Glucagon like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are now important parts of many guidelines for the management of diabetes mellitus because of their cardiovascular benefit. Basal insulin in have now been combined with GLP-1 RAs in fixed ration combinations in single pens. We aim to conduct a meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized control clinical trials the evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists combined with basal insulin therapy in treating type 2 diabetes, using a fixed-ratio combination of the two.

Method and data analysis

It is anticipated that a systematic search of the literature will be conducted on the following electronic databases will be searched: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Google Scholar, and EMBASE. We plan to include only randomized control clinical trials on GLP 1RA, fixed ratio combination of basal insulin and GLP 1RA and basal insulins alone. A validated study design-specific critical appraisal tool will be used to assess the risk of bias in individual studies. The systematic review will be performed in accordance with the JBI guideline for prevalence and incidence review. The review will be reporting following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline.
Methods for Factors Affecting Behavioral Treatment in Veterans with Headache Attributable to Mild to Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Nabity Paul S. , Houle Timothy T. , Turner Dana P. , Young-McCaughan Stacey , McGeary Cindy A. , Pugh Mary Jo , McGeary Donald D.
Published: July 2024

Over 400,000 U.S. military personnel have been diagnosed with a mild or moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) since the year 2000. Posttraumatic headache (PTH) is one of the most common and bothersome sequela after a mild or moderate head injury. Persistent posttraumatic headache are headaches due to the head injury lasting longer than 3 months. About 40% of military personnel who develop PTH after a TBI have persistent PTH and about 20% have PTH lasting longer than a year after the original injury. Persistent PTH has a negative impact on daily activities, including work and social functioning.

There are no available guidelines for treating posttraumatic headache, and there is extraordinary variability in treatment practices as a result. The present study aims to identify predictive factors that account for heterogeneity in response to behavioral intervention for posttraumatic headache attributable to mild to moderate TBI. We intend to create a predictive model of PTH through the adoption of the Predictive Approaches to Treatment effect Heterogeneity Statement (PATH Statement). This rigorous, guided approach will be used to develop and validate a predictive model of psychosocial factors related to PTH treatment outcomes, thereby improving individualized treatment of PTH. This protocol provides an overview of the research design and methods for this study.
Jet transport coefficients by elastic and radiative scatterings in the strongly interacting quark-gluon plasma
Authors: Grishmanovskii Ilia , Soloveva Olga , Song Taesoo , Greiner Carsten , Bratkovskaya Elena
Published: July 2024

We extend the investigation of jet transport coefficients within the effective dynamical quasiparticle model (DQPM)—constructed to describe nonperturbative QCD phenomena of the strongly interacting quark-gluon plasma (sQGP) in line with the lattice QCD equation of state—by accounting for inelastic 2→3 reactions with gluon radiation in addition to the elastic scattering of partons. The elastic and inelastic reactions are calculated explicitly within leading-order Feynman diagrams with effective propagators and vertices from the DQPM by accounting for all channels and their interferences. We present the results for the jet transport coefficients such as the transverse momentum transfer squared q̂ per unit length as well as the energy loss dE/dx per unit length in the sQGP and investigate their dependence on the temperature T and momentum of the jet parton depending on the choice of the strong coupling constant αs in thermal, jet parton, and radiative vertices. For the latter, we consider different scenarios used in the literature and find a very strong dependence of q̂ and dE/dx on the choice of αs. Moreover, we explore the relation of q̂/T3 to the ratio of specific shear viscosity to entropy density η/s and show that the ratio T3/q̂ to

η

/

s

has a strong T dependence—especially when approaching Tc—on the choice of αs in scattering vertices.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Exact solutions of the simplified March model for organizational learning
Authors: Jo Hang-Hyun
Published: July 2024

March's celebrated agent-based simulation model for organizational learning [J. G. March, , 71 (1991)] has been extensively studied in recent decades. Yet the model has not been fully understood due to the lack of analytical solutions of the model. We simplify the March model to take an analytical approach using master equations. We then derive exact solutions for some of the simplest yet nontrivial cases, and perform numerical estimation of master equations for more complicated cases. Both analytical and numerical results are in good agreement with agent-based simulations. These results are also compared to those of the original March model. Our approach enables us to rigorously understand the results of the simplified model as well as the original model, to a large extent.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Field-configuring events and the failure to standardise accounting for carbon emissions
Authors: Giordano-Spring Sophie , Larrinaga Carlos , Rivière-Giordano Géraldine
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Since the withdrawal of IFRIC 3 in 2005, there has been a regulatory freeze in accounting for emission rights that contrasts with the international momentum of climate-related financial disclosures. This paper explores how different narratives and institutional dynamics explain the failure to produce guidance on accounting for emission rights.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper mobilises the notion of field-configuring events to examine a sequence of six events between 2003 and 2016, including four public consultations and two dialogues between standard setters. The paper presents a qualitative analysis of documents produced in this space that investigates how different practices and narratives configured the field's positions, agenda, and meaning systems.

Findings

Accounting for emission rights was gradually decoupled from climate change and carbon markets, relegated to the research pipeline, and forgotten. The obstacles that the IASB and EFRAG found in presenting themselves as central in the recurring events, the excess of representations, and the increasingly technical and abstract debates eroded the 2003 momentum for regulation, making the different initiatives to revitalise the project vulnerable and open to scrutiny. Lukes (2021) refers to nondecision-making to express that some issues are suffocated before they are expressed.

Originality/value

The regulation of accounting for emission rights, an area that has received scant attention in the literature, provides some insights into the different narrative mechanisms that, materialising in specific times and spaces, draw regulatory attention to particular accounting issues, which are problematised and, eventually, forgotten. This study also illustrates that identifying interests is problematic as actors shift from alternative positions over a long period. The case examined also raises some doubts about the previous effectiveness of international standard setters in dealing with matters of connectivity between the environment and finance, as is the case for accounting for emissions rights.
Visual attention differences toward football stadium’s naming rights: an eye tracking study
Authors: Lyu Dongye , Mañas-Viniegra Luis , Xu Ziyuan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Football stadiums, traditionally linked to local landmarks, now see a shift as corporate brands engage in naming rights through sponsorship. However, limited scholarly attention has focused on the perception of stadium toponyms. This research initiative aims to gauge attention garnered by football stadiums in Europe and China based on various naming rights options.

Design/methodology/approach

Commencing with a well-known European stadium: Allianz Arena (Munich) and new constructed stadium in China, the original naming rights have been proffered as stimuli, in comparison with two major technology brands as well as Coca-Cola, the historical sponsor of sport mega-events. A sample of 100 participants was analyzed using the eye-tracking technique to compare the perceptions of European and Chinese youth.

Findings

The conclusion drawn from the study is that for stadiums with a history of sponsorship, unedited versions of the pictures attract the most attention. Compared with technology brand, Coca-cola is the brand with the greatest ability to attract the attention of young people in both historical stadiums or new constructed stadium, acting as an impulse to the activation of the naming rights strategy due to its historical character as a sponsor of mega sporting events.

Originality/value

The research makes dual contributions, both theoretically and practically. It enhances comprehension of audience visual attention patterns in the context of football stadium naming rights sponsorship, employing cognitive attention theory to substantiate empirical evidence. Furthermore, it advances the existing literature on football stadium naming rights research. Additionally, it proposes an optimization tool to assess the effectiveness of naming rights sponsorships, offering valuable insights for companies and brands seeking to enhance their marketing strategies.
Blockchain adoption impact on real estate performance: the mediating role of real estate and blockchain transparency
Authors: Spiga Grazia , Ahmad Syed Zamberi , Yeoh William
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the factors that lead to the adoption of blockchain technology through payment transactions and how this not only affects real estate (RE) and blockchain transparency but also RE performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data gathered across RE firms in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were employed to test the model. The measurement model and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to test the items and the hypotheses illustrated in the proposed model.

Findings

Perceived financial benefits, competitive pressure and top manager support were demonstrated to successfully influence blockchain adoption (BA). Despite blockchain’s early stages of development, its impact on RE operations cannot be ignored and should be more objectively examined in order to gain a better understanding of it. UAE blockchain-based companies could be seen as having a competitive advantage that maximizes resource consumption.

Originality/value

This study introduces the positive influence of blockchain technology on RE payment transactions and may advance information on how blockchain technology has the potential to change the RE sector. The paper finds its significance in exploring how RE payment systems must change to remain competitive in the market amid emerging digitalization trends.
Design principles for patient flow improvement in care pathways: a paradox theory perspective
Authors: Vallandingham Logan Reed , De Boer Luitzen , Dreyer Heidi Carin
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The patient flow performance achievable by care pathways is constrained by competing flow and resource efficiency, which can negatively impact improvements. This paper probes the divergence between resource and flow efficiency and how care pathways can lead to improved patient flow. By framing the problem through the lens of paradox theory, a set of design principles is proposed to assist decision-makers in care pathway implementation. Implications are derived for research and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used conceptual research to develop design principles for care pathways based on a systematic review of relevant care pathway research. The initial search contained 515 unique articles, resulting in a final sample of 56 studies.

Findings

When applying care pathways, patient flow may be negatively affected in relation to the dimensions of bottlenecks, non-value-adding activities, and variability. However, the findings also indicate methods that can be applied to manage organizational paradoxes, which can contribute to more efficient patient flow along each of the three dimensions.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to care pathways and therefore could have missed relevant studies in similar fields, such as care coordination.

Practical implications

Health care managers, politicians, and IT developers can apply the proposed design principles when developing, implementing, and improving care pathways and supporting technologies.

Originality/value

While existing research has studied care pathways from a medical perspective, this is the first paper to the author’s knowledge that addresses care pathways directly by considering paradox theory and in light of the operations management literature.
Acceptance of artificial intelligence devices in banking services: moderation role of technology anxiety and risk aversion
Authors: Cintamür İsmail Gökhan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the acceptance of artificial intelligence devices (AIDs) by customers in banking service encounters using the Artificially Intelligent Device Use Acceptance (AIDUA) model and thus test the validity of the AIDUA model in the context of the banking sector as well as extending the AIDUA model by incorporating two moderator variables, namely technology anxiety and risk aversion by regarding the nature of banking services, which are considered highly risky and technology-intensive.

Design/methodology/approach

About 575 valid face-to-face self-administered surveys were gathered using convenience sampling among real bank customers in Turkey. The structural equation modelling was used to test hypotheses involving both direct and moderation effects.

Findings

The current study has demonstrated that the AIDUA model is valid and reliable for the acceptance of AIDs in banking service encounters by modifying it. The study results have shown that the acceptance process of AIDs for bank customers consists of three phases. Furthermore, the study’s findings have demonstrated that technology anxiety and risk aversion have adverse moderation effects on the relationship between performance expectancy and emotion as well as on the relationship between emotion and willingness to accept AIDs, respectively.

Originality/value

The current study validates the AIDUA model for the banking industry. In addition, the present study is unique compared to other studies conducted in the literature since it applies the AIDUA model to the setting of banking services for the first time by considering the potential effects of two moderators.
Dealing with adversity: innovation among small and medium-sized enterprises in developing economies
Authors: Edeh Jude , Nuhu Nuraddeen , Tajeddin Mahdi , Simba Amon
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries, particularly in the Sub-Saharan African region, find it hard to innovate due to severe resource constraints and high institutional voids. Given this, the paper examines three international strategic responses that small and medium-sized enterprises in Sub-Saharan Africa adopt to implement innovations in the face of weak institutional environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Using comprehensive data from the World Bank Enterprise Survey, the study applies the Instrumental Variable Probit approach to analyse a sample of 8,466 SMEs from eleven countries in the Sub-Saharan African region.

Findings

The empirical results show that foreign ownership negatively affects product and process innovation. Additionally, the results reveal that small and medium-sized enterprises that leverage exporting and international quality certifications are likely to implement innovations.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature by suggesting that small and medium-sized enterprises must exploit strategic alternatives to improve their innovation efforts when operating in a weak institutional environment. Thus, by exploring international strategic responses to institutional difficulties when implementing innovations, this paper goes beyond the prevailing research approach in developing countries that mainly emphasises the barriers to innovations.
Quality improvement of magnetron in Company T based on Six Sigma
Authors: Li An-Da , Zhang Yang , Zhang Min , Meng Fanduo
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to improve the magnetron quality in Company T by identifying the nonconforming defect, adjusting the factors affecting the leakage of the magnetron tube core, and determining the optimal parameter values of these factors.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study method is used to present the quality improvement of magnetron tube core. The define, measure, analyze, improve, and control framework is applied in the case study as well as several Six Sigma tools.

Findings

The results show that Ag–W thickness, Ag–W installation state and furnace entry interval are significant factors on the leakage of magnetron tube core, and the optimum settings for these factors are 0.055 mm, offset by 1 mm from the outer edge and 5 cm, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study is that it was carried out on a small number of production processes. The authors would like to analyze more case studies on the improvements of after-sales quality and supplier quality.

Practical implications

This research could be used in magnetron manufacturing process as a tool for managers and engineers to improve product quality, which can also be extended to similar manufacturing systems.

Originality/value

In this case study, the Six Sigma approach has been applied for the first time to solve magnetron manufacturing problems by improving the quality of magnetron production process. It can help the quality engineers be more familiar with the deployment of Six Sigma and effective tools.
Corporate social responsibility and gig worker commitment: empowerment and trust as mediators
Authors: Giang Thuy Giang Thi , Dung Luu Tien , Tien Huynh Thuy , Nhu Chung Tu Bao
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on gig workers’ commitment to online platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

The study’s sample consisted of 357 gig workers in Vietnam. The data was analysed using a partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The research findings suggested that the interaction between CSR and worker commitment with gig platforms has the mediating role of empowerment and trust.

Practical implications

The gig economy is an emerging form of employment relationship, in which gig workers’ commitments are usually to the platform rather than to a sole employer. This study suggests that gig platform owners should improve CSR perception to increase employee commitment and maintain their workforce to attract new users.

Originality/value

This study developed a new framework to explain the relationship between CSR and gig work commitment, and furthermore evaluated the effects of mediating mechanisms of empowerment and trust on gig worker commitment in the gig economy platform.
Understanding customer multi-interactions, trust, social support and voluntary performance in smart restaurants
Authors: Jiao Haoyue , Wong IpKin Anthony , Lin Zhiwei (CJ)
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The study aims to propose a triadic interaction model to assess the effect of customer–customer (C2C), employee–customer and robot–customer interactions on customer voluntary performance in the context of smart dining.

Design/methodology/approach

An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used. First, a quantitative study surveyed Foodom patrons to assess the impact of triadic interactions on customer voluntary performance. The mediating role of trust and social support and the moderating effect of the need to belong were also explored. A post hoc study (Study 2) analyzed online comments to validate and complement the survey findings.

Findings

While all interactions promote social support, the C2C interactions significantly correlate with customer trust. Moreover, customer voluntary performance is influenced by both customer trust and social support, while the need to belong remains as a moderator. Findings from Study 2 consolidate and enrich the relationships identified in Study 1.

Research limitations/implications

This research reveals that patrons in smart dining still value interactions with employees and other diners. It enriches the stream of work on interaction quality by illuminating how different types of interactions could co-create value for customers, subsequently fostering voluntary behavior in smart dining contexts.

Originality/value

This research explores how patrons perceive interactions with robots in smart hospitality, highlighting their impact on trust and social support. It also sheds light on how interactions among robots, employees and customers influence customer voluntary performance, emphasizing the role of the need to belong in moderating relationships in this setting.