bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The molecular diversity of hippocampal regions and strata at synaptic resolution revealed by integrated transcriptomic and proteomic profiling
Authors: Kaulich Eva , Waselenchuk Quinn , Fürst Nicole , Desch Kristina , Mosbacher Janus , Ciirdaeva Elena , Juengling Marcel , Tushev Georgi , Langer Julian , Schuman Erin M.
Published: August 2024

The molecular diversity of neurons and their synapses underlies the different responses and plasticity profiles that drive all neural circuits and behavior. While the extent of this diversity has been partially revealed by transcriptomic and proteomic profiling, combined studies of neuronal transcripts and proteins are limited. Here, we used microdissection of mouse hippocampal subregions and CA1 strata and fluorescence-activated synaptosome sorting (FASS) to characterize the transcripts and proteins from different hippocampal neurons and their compartments with synaptic resolution. Parallel RNA-seq and LC-MS/MS of microdissections identified over 15,000 mRNA transcripts and 10,000 proteins, revealing thousands with local enrichment such as classes of glutamate receptors and voltage-gated potassium channels, myelin-associated molecules, and adhesion molecules. Synaptosome analysis further identified specific enrichment of molecules from collagen, ribosome, solute carrier, and receptor families at different synapses formed along CA1 neurons. By integrating mRNA and protein data, we defined clusters of co-regulated molecules such as adhesion and neurofilament proteins and transporter mRNAs, and found subsets of mRNA-protein pairs with strong correlation and anti-correlation in their abundance variation. Our findings comprise a rich resource on the molecular landscape of the hippocampus and its synapses that is accessible atsyndive.org, and highlight the coordinated organization of transcripts and proteins between regions, neuronal compartments, and synapses.
Drug-induced differential culturability in diverse strains ofMycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: March Valerie F. A. , Maghradze Nino , Mchedlishvili Kakha , Avaliani Teona , Aspindzelashvili Rusudan , Avaliani Zaza , Kipiani Maia , Tukvadze Nestani , Jugheli Levan , Bouaouina Selim , Doetsch Anna , Goig Galo A. , Gagneux Sebastien , Borrell Sonia
Published: August 2024

Differential culturable bacteria grow in liquid culture medium but are unable to form colonies on solid medium. Differentially culturableMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) bacteria, have been found in tuberculosis (TB) patient sputa. We hypothesized that antibiotic treatment can induce differential culturability in Mtb. We investigated the effect of exposure to TB drugs on Mtb culturability using clinical samples from an ongoing TB patient cohort and by conducting severalin vitroexperiments with a diverse set of Mtb strains. In patients, serial sputa were more likely to generate Mtb-positive cultures in liquid as opposed to solid medium, with this liquid culture bias extending up to 5 months post diagnosis. Experimentally, there was a disparity between bacterial time to positivity (TTP) and colony forming units (CFUs) when Mtb was exposed to isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF) alone or in combination. Cultures recovered from RIF treatment yielded more CFUs on agar plates, but INH-treated cultures had a faster TTP in liquid. Follow up experiments using a fluorescently labelled laboratory strain of Mtb revealed that CFUs overestimated killing by INH treatment. Here we provide evidence in Mtb that drug exposure affects culturability on solid medium, which has implications for treatment monitoring and drug-pathogen interaction studies.
An enhanced Eco1 retron editor enables precision genome engineering in human cells from a single-copy integrated lentivirus
Authors: Cattle Matthew A , Aguado Lauren C , Sze Samantha , Wang Dylan Yueyang , Papagiannakopoulos Thales , Smith Susan , Rice Charles M , Schneider William Matthew , Poirier John T
Published: August 2024

Retrons are a retroelement class found in diverse prokaryotes that can be adapted to augment CRISPR-Cas9 genome engineering technology to efficiently rewrite short stretches of genetic information in bacteria and yeast; however, efficiency in human cells has been limited by unknown factors. We identified non-coding RNA (ncRNA) instability and impaired Cas9 activity as major contributors to poor retron editor efficiency. We re-engineered the Eco1 ncRNA to incorporate an exoribonuclease-resistant RNA pseudoknot from the Zika virus 3' UTR and devised an RNA processing strategy using Csy4 ribonuclease to liberate the sgRNA and ncRNA. These modifications yielded a ncRNA with 5'- and 3'-end protection and an sgRNA with minimal 5' extension. This strategy increased steady-state ncRNA levels and rescued Cas9 activity leading to enhanced efficiency of the Eco1 retron editor in human cells. The enhanced Eco1 retron editor enabled the insertion of missense mutations in human cells from a single integrated lentivirus, thereby ensuring genotype-phenotype linkage over multiple cell divisions. This work reveals a previously unappreciated role for ncRNA stability in retron editor efficiency in human cells. Here we present an enhanced Eco1 retron editor that enables efficient introduction of missense mutations in human cells from a single heritable genome copy.
Structures of TASK-1 and TASK-3 K2P channels provide insight into their gating and dysfunction in disease
Authors: Hall Peter-Rory , Jouen-Tachoire Thibault , Schewe Marcus , Proks Peter , Baukrowitz Thomas , Carpenter Elisabeth P. , Newstead Simon , Rödström Karin E.J. , Tucker Stephen J
Published: August 2024

TASK-1 and TASK-3 are pH-sensitive Two-Pore Domain (K2P/KCNK) K+channels. Their functional roles make them promising targets for the treatment of multiple disorders including sleep apnea, pain and atrial fibrillation. Rare genetic mutations in these channels are also associated with neurodevelopmental and hypertensive disorders. A recent crystal structure of TASK-1 revealed a lower ‘X-gate’ that is a hotspot for missense gain-of-function mutations associated with DDSA (Developmental Delay with Sleep Apnea). However, the structural basis for gating in TASK channels and how they sense extracellular pH to regulate gating have not been fully elucidated. Here, we resolve structures for both the human TASK-1 and TASK-3 channels by cryoEM, as well as for a recurrent TASK-3 variant (G236R) associated withKCNK9Imprinting Syndrome (formerly referred to as Birk-Barel Syndrome). Combined with functional studies of the X-gating mechanism, these structures not only provide evidence for how a highly-conserved gating mechanism becomes defective in disease, but also provide further insight into the pathway of conformational changes that underlie the pH-dependent inhibition of TASK channel activity.
PDK-1/S6K and mTORC1 bypass systemic growth restrictions to promote regeneration
Authors: Maya Ananthakrishnan Vijayakumar , Nogay Liyne , Heckmann Lara , Grass Isabelle , Kierdorf Katrin , Büscher Jörg , Classen Anne-Kathrin
Published: August 2024

Tissue damage and inflammation trigger systemic signals that induce catabolic breakdown and nutrient release in distant organs, a process well-characterized in the context of tumor cachexia. While mechanisms allowing tumors to circumvent these systemic growth restrictions are known, the physiological processes that overcome inflammation-induced growth restrictions to support tissue repair and regeneration remain largely unexplored. In our study, we use a model of tissue inflammation and regeneration in developingDrosophilaimaginal discs to dissect the key metabolic and signaling adaptations that help tissue overcome systemic growth restrictions. Our findings reveal a unique metabolic strategy used by rapidly proliferating cells in the regenerating domain. Instead of relying on the conventional Insulin-PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, these cells utilize a JAK/STAT-PDK1-S6K axis. This adaptation facilitates sustained protein synthesis and cellular growth despite the systemic catabolism associated with low insulin signaling. Specifically, we find that catabolic breakdown of the fat body is driven by the insulin-binding factor Impl2, which is expressed at the site of inflammatory damage. Notably, regenerative proliferation is also supported by mTORC1 activity and is associated with the upregulation of amino acid transporters in proliferating cells of the regenerating domain. These amino acid transporters align with a specific amino acid metabolite signature in the hemolymph, revealing a specialized metabolic program that meets the demands of fast-proliferating cells. Our work provides insight into how regenerating tissues rewire signaling pathways and adapt their metabolic growth to coordinate tissue repair with a conserved systemic nutrient provision response. These findings have important implications for understanding human diseases such as chronic wounds and cancer.
Circadian clock disruption and growth of kidney cysts in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Jamadar Abeda , Ward Christopher J. , Remadevi Viji , Varghese Meekha M , Pabla Navjot S , Gumz Michelle L. , Rao Reena
Published: August 2024

Background

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is caused by mutations in thePKD1andPKD2genes, and often progresses to kidney failure. ADPKD progression is not uniform among patients, suggesting that factors secondary to thePKD1/2gene mutation could regulate the rate of disease progression. Here we tested the effect of circadian clock disruption on ADPKD progression. Circadian rhythms are regulated by cell-autonomous circadian clocks composed of clock proteins. BMAL1 is a core constituent of the circadian clock.

Methods

To disrupt the circadian clock, we deletedBmal1gene in the renal collecting ducts of thePkd1RC/RC(RC/RC) mouse model of ADPKD (RC/RC;Bmal1f/f;Pkhd1cre, called DKO mice), and inPkd1knockout mouse inner medullary collecting duct cells (Pkd1Bmal1KO mIMCD3 cells). Only male mice were used.

Results

Human nephrectomy ADPKD kidneys andPkd1KO mIMCD3 cells showed reducedBmal1gene expression compared to normal controls. When compared to RC/RC kidneys, DKO kidneys showed significantly altered clock gene expression, increased cyst growth, cell proliferation, apoptosis and fibrosis. DKO kidneys also showed increased lipogenesis and cholesterol synthesis-related gene expression, and increased tissue triglyceride levels compared to RC/RC kidneys. Similarly,in vitro, Pkd1Bmal1KO cells showed altered clock genes, increased lipogenesis and cholesterol synthesis-related genes, and reduced fatty-acid oxidation-related gene expression compared toPkd1KOcells. ThePkd1Bmal1KO cells showed increased cell proliferation compared toPkd1KOcells, which was rescued by pharmacological inhibition of lipogenesis.

Conclusion

Renal collecting duct specificBmal1gene deletion disrupts the circadian clock and triggers accelerated ADPKD progression by altering lipid metabolism-related gene expression.

Key points

Lack of BMAL1, a circadian clock protein in renal collecting ducts disrupted the clock and increased cyst growth and fibrosis in an ADPKD mouse model.

BMAL1 gene deletion increased cell proliferation by increasing lipogenesis in kidney cells.

Thus, circadian clock disruption could be a risk factor for accelerated disease progression in patients with ADPKD.
Image Correlation Spectroscopy is a Robust Tool to Quantify Cellular DNA Damage Response
Authors: Gopal Angelica A. , Fernandez Bianca , Wiseman Paul W. , Dubach J. Matthew
Published: August 2024

The DNA Damage response (DDR) is both essential and highly complex. Evaluating the DDR is a critical aspect of cell biology. Counting DNA damage foci is one of the most common approaches to study the DDR. Yet, quantification of protein foci suffers from experimental limitations, subjectivity of analysis and is restricted to a handful of the hundreds of DDR proteins. Here we apply image correlation spectroscopy (ICS) to quantify the local clustering at sites of DNA damage directly. We found that ICS outperformed foci counting of traditional DDR markers and enabled quantification of other markers without the complex labeling procedures that are otherwise required. ICS analysis also provided insight into DDR protein recruitment that was previously undetectable. Further expansion incorporating analysis to cell cycle classification demonstrates a rapid, non-biased approach to fully study the DNA damage response within cells. ICS analysis presents an objective, quantitative image analysis technique to study the DNA damage response in unaltered cells that we expect will significantly enhance quantitative DNA damage response research.
The transcription factor Chronophage/BCL11A/B promotes intestinal stem cell proliferation and endocrine differentiation
Authors: King Emer Aisling , Jacobsen Eleanor , Woolner Nicholas , de Navascués Joaquín , Marshall Owen J , Korzelius Jerome
Published: August 2024

Tissue-resident Adult Stem Cells (ASCs) need to continuously adapt their rate of division and differentiation based on their tissue environment. However, the gene regulatory networks that govern these decisions in ASCs and how they respond to challenges such as infection are often not fully understood. We identify a novel role for the transcription factor (TF) Chronophage (Cph) in ISC proliferation and entero-endocrine (EE) cell differentiation. Cph is a Z2H2 zinc TF orthologous to mammalian BCL11A/B that are involved in regulating adult stem cell fate in various contexts. We show here that Cph is expressed in ISCs and EEs in theDrosophilaintestine. Increased levels of Cph correlates with increased ISC proliferation and EE differentiation.cphloss-of-function leads to impaired ISC proliferation. Cph levels are elevated during tumourigenesis as well as in ageing and infection conditions. Knockdown of Cph in a Notch-mutant tumour model reduces tumour size and incidence and extends lifespan. Mechanistically, Cph overexpression leads to an increase in enteroendocrine (EE) cells and DamID DNA-binding and qRT-PCR analysis reveals that Cph directly regulates the levels of key EE regulatory genes such as Prospero (pros) and Phyllopod (phyl). In addition, Cph directly regulates core cell cycle regulators such as E2F1 as well as the TF Nerfin-1 that controls ISC proliferation and maintenance. Together, these data support a role for Cph in finetuning the balance between differentiation and proliferation during entero-endocrine differentiation.
Empirical fits to inclusive electron-carbon scattering data obtained by deep-learning methods
Authors: Kowal Beata E. , Graczyk Krzysztof M. , Ankowski Artur M. , Banerjee Rwik Dharmapal , Prasad Hemant , Sobczyk Jan T.
Published: August 2024

Employing the neural network framework, we obtain empirical fits to the electron-scattering cross sections for carbon over a broad kinematic region, extending from the quasielastic peak through resonance excitation to the onset of deep-inelastic scattering. We consider two different methods of obtaining such model-independent parametrizations and the corresponding uncertainties: based on the bootstrap approach and the Monte Carlo dropout approach. In our analysis, the χ2 defines the loss function, including point-to-point and normalization uncertainties for each independent set of measurements. Our statistical approaches lead to fits of comparable quality and similar uncertainties of the order of 7%. To test these models, we compare their predictions to test datasets excluded from the training process and theoretical predictions obtained within the spectral function approach. The predictions of both models agree with experimental measurements and theoretical calculations. We also perform a comparison to a dataset lying beyond the covered kinematic region, and find that the bootstrap approach shows better interpolation and extrapolation abilities than the one based on the dropout algorithm.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dimensional reduction gauge and effective dimensional reduction in four-dimensional Yang-Mills theory
Authors: Tohme Kei , Suganuma Hideo
Published: August 2024

Motivated by one-dimensional color-electric flux-tube formation in four-dimensional (4D) QCD, we investigate a possibility of effective dimensional reduction in the 4D Yang-Mills (YM) theory. We propose a new gauge fixing of “dimensional reduction (DR) gauge” defined so as to minimize RDR≡∫d4sTr[Ax2(s)+Ay2(s)], which has a residual gauge symmetry for the gauge function Ω(t,z) like 2D QCD on the t−z plane. We investigate effective dimensional reduction in the DR gauge using SU(3) quenched lattice QCD at

β

=

6.0

. The amplitude of Ax(s) and Ay(s) are found to be strongly suppressed in the DR gauge. We consider “tz-projection” of Ax,y(s)→0 for the gauge configuration generated in the DR gauge, in a similar sense to Abelian projection in the maximally Abelian gauge. By the tz-projection in the DR gauge, the interquark potential is not changed, and At(s) and Az(s) play a dominant role in quark confinement. In the DR gauge, we calculate a spatial correlation ⟨TrA⊥(s)A⊥(s+ra⊥)⟩(⊥=x,y) and estimate the spatial mass of A⊥(s)(⊥=x,y) as M≃1.7  GeV. It is conjectured that this large mass makes A⊥(s) inactive and realizes the dominance of At(s) and Az(s) in infrared region in the DR gauge. We also calculate the spatial correlation of two temporal link-variables and find that the correlation decreases as exp(−mr) with m≃0.6  GeV. Using a crude approximation, the 4D YM theory is reduced into an ensemble of 2D YM systems with the coupling of g2D=gm.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Neutrino phenomenology in the modular
S3
seesaw model
Authors: Behera Mitesh Kumar , Ittisamai Pawin , Pongkitivanichkul Chakrit , Uttayarat Patipan
Published: August 2024

We have studied neutrino phenomenology in the supersymmetric type-I seesaw model endowed with the Γ2≃S3 modular symmetry. We have identified different realizations of the S3 modular symmetry, referred to as models A, B, C, and D. The four models are compatible with neutrino mass being inverted ordering (IO). Moreover, models A, B, and D can also accommodate normal ordering (NO) neutrino masses. We identify parameter space for each model compatible with neutrino oscillation at the 2−σ level. We then proceed to study the neutrino phenomenology of each model. We find that the lightest neutrino mass can be as light as 0.64 meV in the case of NO in model A and 50 meV in the case of IO in model D. The smallest effective electron neutrino mass attainable in our analysis is 8.8 meV in the case of NO (model A) and 50 meV for IO (model D). Finally, we note that the effective Majorana mass can be as small as 0.33 meV in the case of NO (model A) and 22 meV for IO (model D).

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Exploring the viability of a pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone boson as ultralight dark matter in a mass range relevant for strong gravity applications
Authors: Morais António P. , Oliveira Vinícius , Onofre António , Pasechnik Roman , Santos Rui
Published: August 2024

We study a simple extension of the Standard Model featuring a dark sector with an ultralight pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone boson as a dark matter candidate. We focus on the mass range O(10−20–10−10)  eV, relevant for strong gravity applications, and explore its production and evolution in the early Universe. The model is formulated in such a way that dark matter does not couple directly to photons or other Standard Model particles avoiding some of the most stringent cosmological bounds related to axionlike particles. In this work, two different scenarios are considered depending on whether dark matter is produced in a preinflationary or postinflationary regime. We also discuss the effect from emergent topological defects such as cosmic strings and domain walls and estimate the spectrum of stochastic gravitational waves produced by their decay, enabling us to test the model at current and future gravitational-wave experiments.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Instantons in
ϕ4
theories: Transseries, virial theorems, and numerical aspects
Authors: Giorgini Ludovico T. , Jentschura Ulrich D. , Malatesta Enrico M. , Rizzo Tommaso , Zinn-Justin Jean
Published: August 2024

We discuss numerical aspects of instantons in two- and three-dimensional ϕ4 theories with an internal O(N) symmetry group, the so-called N-vector model. By combining asymptotic transseries expansions for large arguments with convergence acceleration techniques, we obtain high-precision values for certain integrals of the instanton that naturally occur in loop corrections around instanton configurations. Knowledge of these numerical properties is necessary in order to evaluate corrections to the large-order factorial growth of perturbation theory in ϕ4 theories. The results contribute to the understanding of the mathematical structures underlying the instanton configurations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
New mass window for primordial black holes as dark matter from the memory burden effect
Authors: Alexandre Ana , Dvali Gia , Koutsangelas Emmanouil
Published: August 2024

The mass ranges allowed for primordial black holes (PBHs) to constitute all of dark matter (DM) are broadly constrained. However, these constraints rely on the standard semiclassical approximation which assumes that the evaporation process is self-similar. Quantum effects such as memory burden take the evaporation process out of the semiclassical regime latest by the time the black hole loses half of its mass. What happens beyond this time is currently not known. However, theoretical evidence based on prototype models indicates that the evaporation slows down, thereby extending the lifetime of a black hole. This modifies the mass ranges constrained, in particular, by big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) and cosmic microwave background spectral distortions. We show that previous constraints are largely relaxed when the PBH lifetime is extended, making it possible for PBHs to constitute all of DM in previously excluded mass ranges. In particular, this is the case for PBHs lighter than 109  g that enter the memory burden stage before BBN and are still present today as DM.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Chern-Simons gravity and
PT
symmetry
Authors: Mavromatos N. E. , Sarkar Sarben
Published: August 2024

This paper considers the possibility that, starting from a relativistic Hermitian quantum field theory in the ultraviolet (UV) regime, and applying a nonperturbative renormalization-group (RG) flow, we arrive at a situation where there are infrared (IR) singularities in the RG flow of couplings. The latter can be resolved by assuming that the theory can have a phase described by a related non-Hermitian PT-symmetric modification in the IR. The UV-to-IR (Hermitian-to-PT-symmetric) transition can occur in a single renormalization-group flow of the pertinent couplings, as demonstrated in concrete examples. When embedded in a gravitational setting such a transition can lead to a repulsive gravity phase. If there is a RG flow to a repulsive PT -symmetric gravity, then this would be an alternative to dark energy. The discussion here is presented in the context of a string-inspired Chern-Simons gravitational effective action, which involves a pseudoscalar (axionlike) field coupled to Abelian gauge fields and gravity; it may also hold more generally in gravity with torsion. The validity of such a scenario in realistic theories might alleviate the need for de Sitter phases in the current epoch of cosmological evolution, thus avoiding their associated conceptual and technical complications.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Muonium state exchange dynamics in
n
-type GaAs
Authors: Yokoyama K. , Lord J. S. , Mengyan P. W. , Goeks M. R. , Lichti R. L.
Published: August 2024

Muonium (Mu), a pseudoisotope of hydrogen with a positively charged muon in place of the proton, takes the form Mu+,0,− (like isolated hydrogen, i.e., H+,0,−) in semiconductors. The specifics of the charge state depend on the local electronic environment of the host. After initial muon implantation, generated Mu centers interact with free charge carriers and electronic spins, transition between sites, and form a dynamic network of state exchange. We identified the model of Mu dynamics in n-type GaAs using the density matrix simulation method and photoexcited muon spin spectroscopy technique. Fitting to the dark and illuminated μSR data provided transition rates between Mu states, revealing the underlying mechanisms at play between the Mu centers (cf. isolated H) and the host. Deduced capture/scattering cross sections of the Mu states reflected the microscopic dynamics of Mu. Illumination studies enabled us to measure interactions between Mu and minority carriers, which would be unavailable in dark measurements without heating. The methodology developed in this study may be applied to other semiconductor systems for a deeper understanding of the Mu state exchange dynamics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Quantum dynamical Hamiltonian Monte Carlo
Authors: Lockwood Owen , Weiss Peter , Aronshtein Filip , Verdon Guillaume
Published: August 2024

One of the open challenges in quantum computing is to find meaningful and practical methods to leverage quantum computation to accelerate classical machine-learning workflows. A ubiquitous problem in machine-learning workflows is sampling from probability distributions that we only have access to via their log probability. To this end, we extend the well-known Hamiltonian Monte Carlo (HMC) method for Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling to leverage quantum computation in a hybrid manner as a proposal function. Our new algorithm, Quantum Dynamical Hamiltonian Monte Carlo (QD-HMC), replaces the classical symplectic integration proposal step with simulations of quantum-coherent continuous-space dynamics on digital or analog quantum computers. We show that QD-HMC maintains key characteristics of HMC, such as maintaining the detailed balanced condition with momentum inversion, while also having the potential for polynomial speedups over its classical counterpart in certain scenarios. As sampling is a core subroutine in many forms of probabilistic inference, and MCMC in continuously parametrized spaces covers a large class of potential applications, this work widens the areas of applicability of quantum devices.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Quantum state over time is unique
Authors: Lie Seok Hyung , Ng Nelly H. Y.
Published: August 2024

The conventional framework of quantum theory treats space and time in vastly different ways by representing temporal correlations via quantum channels and spatial correlations via multipartite quantum states—an imbalance absent in classical probability theory. Since Leifer and Spekkens [] called for a causally neutral formulation of quantum theory in their seminal work, numerous attempts have been made to rectify this asymmetry by proposing a dynamical description of a quantum system encapsulated by a static , without a definite consensus on which one is most appropriate. In this paper, we propose sets of operationally motivated axioms for quantum states over time alternative to the ones proposed by Fullwood and Parzygnat [], which we show is unable to induce a unique quantum state over time. Our proposed axioms are better suited to describe quantum states over any spacetime regions beyond two points. Through this reformulation, we prove that the Fullwood-Parzygnat state over time uniquely satisfies all these operational axioms, unifying the bipartite spacetime correlations of quantum systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Pinaverium bromide
Authors: Rousselin Yoann , Clavel Alexandre
Published: August 2024

The structure of pinaverium bromide (systematic name: 4-[(2-bromo-4,5-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl]-4-{2-[2-(6,6-dimethyl-2-bicyclo[3.1.1]heptanyl)ethoxy]ethyl}morpholin-4-ium bromide; C26H41Br2NO4), was determined at 110 K. It has monoclinic (P21) symmetry. It is of interest with respect to its anti-inflammatory properties. The asymmetric unit contains two independent molecules, one of which exhibits disorder of the bicyclo terminal group (occupancy factors: 0.78 and 0.22).
Implications of crop yield distributions for multiperil crop insurance rating in Ghana: a lasso model application
Authors: Addey Kwame Asiam , Jatoe John Baptist D.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to examine crop yield predictions and their implications on MPCI in Ghana. Farmers in developing countries struggle with their ability to deal with agricultural risks. Providing aid for farmers and their households remains instrumental in combatting poverty in Africa. Several studies have shown that correctly understanding and implementing risk management strategies will help in the poverty alleviation agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines the importance of crop yield distributions in Ghana and its implication on multiperil crop insurance (MPCI) rating using the Lasso regression model. A Bonferroni test was employed to test the independence of crop yields across the regions while the Kruskal-Wallis H test was conducted to examine statistical differences in mean yields of crops across the ten regions. The Bayesian information criteria and k-fold cross-validation methods are used to select an appropriate Lasso regression model for the prediction of crop yields. The study focuses on the variability of the threshold yields across regions based on the chosen model.

Findings

It is revealed that threshold yields differ significantly across the regions in the country. This implies that the payment of claims will not be evenly distributed across the regions, and hence regional disparities need to be considered when pricing MPCI products. In other words, policymakers may choose to assign respective weights across regions based on their threshold yields.

Research limitations/implications

The primary limitation is the unavailability of regional climate data which could have helped in a better explanation of the variation across the regions.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine the implications of regional crop yield variations on multiperil crop insurance rating in Ghana.
Exploring the impact of family, school and society on the perception and reputation of vocational training in Pakistan:a statistical analysis
Authors: Rehman Nadia , Huang Xiao , Sarwar Uzma , Fatima Hani , Maqbool Samra
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) plays a crucial role in the socioeconomic development of a country. Still, it is often stigmatized as a secondary choice in the Global South. This study explored the interrelationships and impacts of factors such as family, school, and society on the perception and reputation of TEVTA.

Design/methodology/approach

By employing quantitative methods, the analysis focused on how family, society, and school support influence these perceptions and reputations within TEVTA programs. Social Cognitive Theory is the theoretical underpinning of this study, in which 350 students from 13 TEVTA institutes participated by filling out questionnaires. The data was analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and IBM SPSS 28.

Findings

This study indicates that family and societal influences significantly shape students' perceptions, confirming their pivotal role in enhancing the reputation of these programs. School support also emerged as a critical factor, significantly impacting students' perceptions but not directly influencing the programs' reputation. The analysis underscores the importance of understanding the sociocultural context to develop effective strategies for the TEVTA sector in Pakistan. This clear understanding is essential for developing effective strategies to improve the reputation of TEVTA programs in this setting. Moreover, this research offers policy suggestions to make vocational education more attractive and accessible to diverse students, ultimately contributing to the country's socioeconomic development.

Originality/value

This study applied Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) to explore how individual thoughts, environmental influences (such as family, school, and society), and behaviors interact within the context of TEVTA programs. This approach fills gaps in current research and offers a clearer understanding of what affects TEVTA's perception and reputation.
Exploring students’ learning from home under a health emergency: the experiences of undergraduate students and postgraduate students
Authors: Lau Yui-yip , Vyas Lina , Rawat Stuti
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic led to the rise of online learning in Hong Kong. Online learning was identified as the only solution to meet students’ learning needs in the higher education sector during this chaotic period. This research aims to explore students’ perceptions of online teaching and learning from home under a health emergency via a comparison of undergraduate and postgraduate students’ experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 174 postgraduate students and 286 undergraduate students in various universities and colleges in Hong Kong were surveyed in this study.

Findings

The results show that postgraduate students generally gave more positive feedback on individual and environmental prerequisites, alongside pedagogical and institutional support, and were more motivated in online classes as compared to undergraduate students. Undergraduate students considered the shift to online education in light of the COVID-19 pandemic to be timely and rated their level of discipline with respect to online learning higher than did postgraduate students.

Originality/value

This study enables educators to better understand the first-hand experiences of students across different levels of study in Hong Kong, as well as to examine the possibility of establishing online education as a more prevalent mode of study in the future. The COVID-19 pandemic has educated us on the significance of being well-prepared to ensure quality education continues when emergencies and disturbances arise.
Heat transfer characteristics of printed circuit heat exchangers under mechanical vibrations
Authors: Ding Zhengqiang , Xu Li , Zhang Yiping
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of mechanical vibration on the heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of semicircular channel printed circuit heat exchangers (PCHEs), while also establishing correlations between vibration parameters and thermal performance.

Design/methodology/approach

By combining experimental and numerical simulation methods, the heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop characteristics of supercritical carbon dioxide (S-CO2) in a semicircular channel with a diameter of 2 mm under vibration conditions were studied. Reinforce the research by conducting computational fluid dynamics studies using ANSYS Fluent 22.0, the experimental results were compared with the numerical simulation results to verify the accuracy of the numerical method.

Findings

The use of vibration has the potential to attenuate the degradation of wall heat transfer caused by buoyancy-induced PCHEs on the upward-facing surface. The heat transfer enhancement (HTE) was maximized by an increase of 18.2%, while the pressure drop enhancement (PDE) was elevated by over 25-fold. The capacity to enhance the heat exchange between S-CO2 and channel walls through increasing vibration intensity is limited, indicating maximum effectiveness in improving thermal performance.

Originality/value

Conducting heat transfer experiments on PCHEs with mechanical vibration enhancement and verifying the accuracy of the vibration numerical model. The relation based on the dimensionless factor is derived. To provide theoretical support for using vibration to enhance the heat transfer capability of PCHEs.
Technology use and employee well-being among teachers during Covid-19: moderating effects of school support and detachment from work
Authors: Nuutinen Sanna , Bordi Laura
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study examined whether job and personal resources could buffer the negative effects of technostrain and information and communication technology (ICT) availability demands on employee well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected among Finnish comprehensive school teachers (n = 323) between December 2020 and February 2021 through an online questionnaire. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were employed to analyse the main and moderating effects.

Findings

The results indicated that technostrain was positively associated with burnout and negatively associated with work engagement. These associations were stronger than those of ICT availability demands. The moderated regression analyses revealed that psychological detachment buffered the negative effects of technostrain on cynicism and a sense of inadequacy. School support acted as a moderator by buffering the negative impact of technostrain on emotional exhaustion and cynicism. Furthermore, school support was found to be an important job resource in terms of boosting work engagement when ICT availability demands were high.

Originality/value

This study provides insights into the role of resources in buffering possible burdening effects of technology on teacher well-being when adopting online teaching in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The inside-out dynamics of supply chain integration: the interplay of information technology integration with and by suppliers
Authors: Ruzo-Sanmartín Emilio , Abousamra Alaa Abdelaziz , Otero-Neira Carmen , Svensson Göran
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This research examines how to enhance financial performance (FP) through the interplay between information technology and their suppliers in the supply chain. On this, the research objective is to assess the role of integration with suppliers (IWS) and integration by suppliers (IBS) in the interface between integrated information technology (IIT) and FP in the supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical model was designed, and hypotheses were tested with structural equation modelling and qualitative data from a survey of 205 multi-industry companies from Egypt.

Findings

The findings indicate that IIT has a positive significant relationship with financial performance, in this case, partially mediated jointly by IWS and IBS.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by establishing a measurement approach for the proposed duality of supplier integration. A crucial implication of this duality is the requirement of IWS and IBS to enhance the effect of IIT on FP in supply chain partnerships and the fact revealed in our research that IWS precedes IBS in supply chains.
Stability indicators, child welfare provisioning and trajectory into university for care-experienced youth
Authors: O’Kane Michelle , Bird Connie M. , Marshall Sheila , Quinn Ashley , Charles Grant
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Children and youth who enter the care system have lower educational outcomes and university participation rates than their peers. This study aims to understand trend exceptions by examining the background of care-experienced undergraduates attending a research-intensive university in Canada.

Design/methodology/approach

Informed by social affordance theory, this study examined the presence of four indicators of stability (home, household occupants, school and legal status) during participants’ final three years of secondary education. Care-experienced undergraduates (N = 30) completed an online questionnaire. Associations between stability indicators, child welfare involvement in the final year of high school, educational outcomes and routes into higher education were analysed.

Findings

Stability across three to four indicators was experienced by 40% of participants, while 47% reported changes across three to four indicators. Only 20% had a change of school as compared to 47%–60% for other indicators. During their final year of high school, 73% of participants were supported by the child welfare system, with 50% being supported via a support program specifically for 16- to 18-year-olds. Stability scores were significantly lower for this latter subgroup compared to those who spent time in foster or group care and those who did not receive child welfare support during the final year of high school. Ninety percent of participants graduated from high school, 67% with the grades required to attend university. Three trajectories into undergraduate study were identified but could not be predicted using regression models.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on what has supported progression into a research-intensive university for care-experienced young adults and highlights the role of support programs for 16- to 18-year-olds.
Mindfulness and the theory of planned behavior: explaining entrepreneurial intentions of refugees in Uganda
Authors: Baluku Martin Mabunda
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Does trait mindfulness enhance refugees' potential to engage in entrepreneurial activities? Entrepreneurship is increasingly used for the socioeconomic integration of refugees and as an approach to attaining refugees' self-reliance. This study aims to explore the effects of trait mindfulness on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) antecedent variables and, consequently, refugees' entrepreneurial and implementation intentions in a low-income context.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses data collected from 398 refugees from three settlements in Uganda. Participants completed a survey questionnaire related to the constructs in the TPB model (attitudes, subjective norm [SN], perceived behavioral control [PBC] and entrepreneurial intentions), trait mindfulness and intention to implement their entrepreneurial intentions. The paper uses serial mediation analysis conducted in PROCESS Macro.

Findings

As predicted, trait mindfulness was positively associated with the constructs in the TPB model and implementation intention. The three antecedent variables in the TPB model and entrepreneurial intentions mediated the association between trait mindfulness and implementation intention. In addition, the double mediation paths involving the TPB antecedent constructs and entrepreneurial intention were significant except for the path via SN and entrepreneurial intentions.

Originality/value

The paper provides insights for integrating trait mindfulness and the TPB model to predict refugees' entrepreneurial intentions and behavior. The study has explored the usefulness of trait mindfulness to the constructs in the TPB model, suggesting that mindfulness interventions can strengthen entrepreneurial attitudes, SN and PBC, consequently boosting entrepreneurial intentions and the likelihood of acting on one’s entrepreneurial intentions.
An innovative model of access and triage to reduce waiting in an outpatient epilepsy clinic: a process evaluation
Authors: Lewis Annie K. , Taylor Nicholas F. , Carney Patrick W. , Harding Katherine E.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Interventions that improve timely access to outpatient health services are essential in managing demand. This process evaluation aimed to describe the implementation, mechanism of impact and context of an intervention to reduce waiting for first appointments in an outpatient epilepsy clinic.

Design/methodology/approach

The UK Medical Research Council framework was used as the theoretical basis for a process evaluation alongside an intervention trial. The intervention, Specific Timely Appointments for Triage (STAT), is a data-driven approach that combines a one-off backlog reduction strategy with methods to balance supply and demand. A mixed methods process evaluation synthesised routinely collected quantitative and qualitative data, which were mapped to the domains of implementation, mechanisms of impact and contextual elements.

Findings

The principles of the STAT model were implemented as intended without adaptation. The STAT model reached all patients referred, including long waiters and was likely generalisable to other medical outpatient clinics. Mechanisms of impact were increased clinic capacity and elimination of unwanted variation. Contextual elements included the complexity of healthcare systems and the two-tier triage practice that contributes to prolonged waiting for patients classified as non-urgent.

Originality/value

This process evaluation shows how a data-driven strategy was applied in a medical outpatient setting to manage demand. Improving patient flow by reducing waiting in non-urgent, outpatient care is a complex problem. Understanding how and why interventions work is important for improved timeliness of care, and sustainability of public health services.
Research progress on the evaluation mechanism of scientific research teams in the digital economy era
Authors: He Yi , Li Feiyu , Liu Xincan
Published: August 2024

Purpose

In today’s digital economy, it is very important to cultivate digital professionals with advanced interdisciplinary skills. The purpose of this paper is that universities play a vital role in this effort, and research teams need to use the synergistic effect of various educational methods to improve the quality and efficiency of personnel training. For these teams, a powerful evaluation mechanism is very important to improve their innovation ability and the overall level of talents they cultivate. The policy of “selecting the best through public bidding” not only meets the multi-dimensional evaluation needs of contemporary research, but also conforms to the current atmosphere of evaluating scientific and technological talents.

Design/methodology/approach

Nonetheless, since its adoption, several challenges have emerged, including flawed project management systems, a mismatch between listed needs and actual core technological needs and a low rate of conversion of scientific achievements into practical outcomes. These issues are often traced back to overly simplistic evaluation methods for research teams. This paper reviews the literature on the “Open Bidding for Selecting the Best Candidates” policy and related evaluation mechanisms for research teams, identifying methodological shortcomings, a gap in exploring team collaboration and an oversight in team selection criteria.

Findings

It proposes a theoretical framework for the evaluation and selection mechanisms of research teams under the “Open Bidding for Selecting the Best Candidates” model, offering a solid foundation for further in-depth studies in this area.

Originality/value

Research progress on the Evaluation Mechanism of Scientific Research Teams in the Digital Economy Era from the Perspective of “Open Bidding for Selecting the Best Candidates.”
Influence of academic leadership on organizational commitment of faculty members in private sector universities: mediating role of work engagement
Authors: Yaseen Umer , Idrees Rana Nadir , Shakil Muhammad Haseeb , Haider Sayyed Zaman , Khalil Junaid
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of academic leadership on the organizational commitment of faculty members in private universities in Punjab. Work engagement was examined as a mediator, and co-worker support was considered as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a quantitative, cross-sectional approach with convenience sampling. Regression and correlation analyses were used for hypothesis testing. Social exchange theory guided the exploration of academic leadership’s impact on faculty members’ organizational commitment.

Findings

Results of the current study indicated a positive and significant effect of academic leadership on organizational commitment. Work engagement was identified as a partial mediator in this relationship. However, co-worker support was found to be an insignificant moderator, indicating no substantial influence on the relationship between academic leadership and work engagement among faculty members in private-sector universities.

Originality/value

The similarity of the paper is less than 18%.