bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide DNA methylation markers associated with metabolic liver cancer
Authors: Antwi Samuel O. , Siaw Ampem Darko Jnr. , Armasu Sebastian M. , Frank Jacob A. , Yan Irene K. , Ahmed Fowsiyo Y. , Izquierdo-Sanchez Laura , Boix Loreto , Rojas Angela , Banales Jesus M. , Reig Maria , Stål Per , Gómez Manuel Romero , Wangensteen Kirk J. , Singal Amit G. , Roberts Lewis R. , Patel Tushar
Published: November 2024

Background and Aims

Metabolic liver disease is the fastest rising cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide, but the underlying molecular processes that drive HCC development in the setting of metabolic perturbations are unclear. We investigated the role of aberrant DNA methylation in metabolic HCC development in a multicenter international study.

Methods

We used a case-control design, frequency-matched on age, sex, and study site. Genome-wide profiling of peripheral blood leukocyte DNA was performed using the 850k EPIC array. Cell type proportions were estimated from the methylation data. The study samples were split 80% and 20% for training and validation. Differential methylation analysis was performed with adjustment for cell type, and we generated area under the receiver-operating curves (ROC-AUC).

Results

We enrolled 272 metabolic HCC patients and 316 control patients with metabolic liver disease from six sites. Fifty-five differentially methylated CpGs were identified; 33 hypermethylated and 22 hypomethylated in cases versus controls. The panel of 55 CpGs discriminated between cases and controls with AUC=0.79 (95%CI=0.71-0.87), sensitivity=0.77 (95%CI=0.66-0.89), and specificity=0.74 (95%CI=0.64-0.85). The 55-CpG classifier panel performed better than a base model that comprised age, sex, race, and diabetes mellitus (AUC=0.65, 95%CI=0.55-0.75, sensitivity=0.62 (95%CI=0.49-0.75) and specificity=0.64 (95%CI=0.52-0.75). A multifactorial model that combined the 55 CpGs with age, sex, race, and diabetes, yielded AUC=0.78 (95%CI=0.70-0.86), sensitivity=0.81 (95%CI=0.71-0.92), and specificity=0.67 (95%CI=0.55-0.78).

Conclusions

A panel of 55 blood leukocyte DNA methylation markers differentiates patients with metabolic HCC from control patients with benign metabolic liver disease, with a slightly higher sensitivity when combined with demographic and clinical information.
Co-designed and co-delivered place-based community interventions to reduce inequity in early initiation of antenatal care: Findings from the cluster randomised controlled Community REACH trial
Authors: Harden Angela , Wiggins Meg , Sweeny Lorna , Sawtell Mary , Salisbury Cathryn , Hamborg Thomas , Eldridge Sandra , Greenberg Lauren , Hunter Rachael , Bordea Ekaterina , McCourt Christine , Hatherall Bethan , Renton Adrian , Findlay Gail , Ajayi Ruth , Durham Ceri , Adeyemo Adewale , Harvey Belinda , Mondeh Kade , Vanlessen Logan
Published: November 2024

Background: Early initiation of antenatal care provides timely screening, advice and support. Inequities in early care initiation exist in high income countries, but there is scant evidence on effective interventions. The Community REACH trial aimed to assess the effectiveness of co-produced place-based interventions to strengthen community support for early care initiation. Methods: Matched-pair cluster randomised trial in socially disadvantaged and ethnically diverse areas in England. Electoral wards with low rates of early care initiation were matched and randomly allocated to intervention or control (usual care) (n=10 pairs). Following a three month co-design phase, community organisations and volunteers in intervention sites conducted targeted outreach activities over six months. The primary outcome was initiation of antenatal care by the 12th completed week of pregnancy. Results: There was no evidence of a difference in the primary outcome (OR 1.07(0.89; 1.28)). There were also no statistically significant differences in rates of emergency caesarean, pre-term birth, low birth weight, smoking, or breastfeeding. There was a higher rate of care initiation by 10 weeks and fewer antenatal admissions in the intervention arm during the intervention period although differences were not sustained after it finished. Conclusion: This rigorous evaluation found limited impact of short-term place-based interventions to strengthen community support for early initiation of antenatal care. Future initiatives may benefit from embedding in integrated health and care structures to ensure sufficient time and resources for mobilisation of community assets and focusing on smaller hyper-local neighbourhoods. Actions to tackle wider structural and organisational barriers are also needed.
Research on female breast and gynaecologic cancers in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a scoping review
Authors: Kalay Anifa , Madiata Eric , Lebwaze Bienvenu , Donzo Médard , Botomwito John , Tshiabo Delly , Ntambwe Mireille L.
Published: November 2024

Background

In the last decades, the incidence of female breast and gynecologic cancers has been increasing in sub-Saharan African countries including in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Although DRC has taken some steps in addressing cancer issues, cancer control is not yet efficiently organized. The DRC national strategy for the fight against cervical and female breast cancers stresses that research conducted on female breast and cervical cancers in DRC is not leveraged to support the Ministry of Health. There is a clear and urgent need to identify the type and extend of research conducted in DRC about female breast cancer and cervical cancers to inform the operational cancer research agenda in DRC. Thus, the purpose of this scoping review is to describe current research and identify research gaps related to research on female breast and gynaecologic cancers in DRC

Methods

A scoping review was conducted through search of several electronic databases. We included peer-reviewed articles and grey literature resources reporting primary or secondary studies about female breast cancer or gynaecologic cancers in DRC.

Results

A total of 448 articles were retrieved. After screening, 32 articles were retained for review. Twenty-one articles pertained to cervical cancer, 12 to female breast cancer and 2 to vulva cancer. Five articles focused on several cancer types. There was no article retrieved for the other gynaecologic cancers (uterine, Fallopian tube and ovarian cancers). Most of the studies (60%) used a cross-sectional design. The studies were conducted in six provinces.

Conclusion

This scoping review has demonstrated significant gaps in female breast and gynaecologic cancer research in DRC. The review’s findings support the need for further research in all areas of the continuum of cancer care, the establishment of a clear and adapted research agenda, advocacy and providers’ capacity development.
Investigating the Impact of Social Determinants of Health on Diagnostic Delays and Access to Antifibrotic Treatment in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Li Rui , Lu Qiuhao , Wen Andrew , Wang Jinlian , Fu Sunyang , Ruan Xiaoyang , Wang Liwei , Liu Hongfang
Published: November 2024

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a rare disease that is challenging to diagnose. Patients with IPF often spend years awaiting a diagnosis after the onset of initial respiratory symptoms, and only a small percentage receive antifibrotic treatment. In this study, we examine the associations between social determinants of health (SDoH) and two critical factors: time to IPF diagnosis following the onset of initial respiratory symptoms, and whether the patient receives antifibrotic treatment. To approximate individual SDoH characteristics, we extract demographic-specific averages from zip code-level data using the American Community Survey (via the U.S. Census Bureau API). Two classification models are constructed, including logistic regression and XGBoost classification. The results indicate that for time-to-diagnosis, the top three SDoH factors are education, gender, and insurance coverage. Patients with higher education levels and better insurance are more likely to receive a quicker diagnosis, with males having an advantage over females. For antifibrotic treatment, the top three SDoH factors are insurance, gender, and race. Patients with better insurance coverage are more likely to receive antifibrotic treatment, with males and White patients having an advantage over females and patients of other ethnicities. This research may help address disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of IPF related to socioeconomic status.
Ultrafast elastocapillary fans control agile maneuvering in ripple bugs and robots
Authors: Ortega-Jimenez Victor M. , Kim Dongjin , Kumar Sunny , Kim Changhwan , Koh Je-Sung , Bhamla Saad
Published: November 2024

Millimeter-sized ripple bugs in the genusRhagoveliaexhibit exceptional agility and rapid maneuvers in fast, unsteady streams, comparable to animal fliers. Their remarkable interfacial transit and turning skills stem from a specialized fan structure on their middle legs. While researchers have suggested active fan actuation, the role of capillary forces and unique microstructure in self-spreading remains unclear. We reveal thatRhagovelia’sfans possess a flat-ribbon architecture with directional stiffness, enabling ultrafast elastocapillary morphing for passive actuation in under 10 ms, independent of muscle control, while producing high-thrust momentum through unsteady vortical wakes. These self-morphing fans allowRhagoveliato execute ∼90 ° turns at a rate of ∼4200 °/s, in ∼50 ms, with speeds reaching ∼120 BL/s – on par with the fastest recorded turns in animal fliers like fruit flies. Inspired by these, we develop an ultralight, ultrafast elastocapillary robotic fan (∼1 mg, ∼100 ms opening/closing time) and integrate it into an insect-scaled robot (Rhagobot, ∼0.2 g). The engineered fans passively balance surface tension and water drag through stiffness anisotropy, enabling the robot to achieve high agility with speeds up to ∼2 BL/s and turning rates of 206 °/sec. Experiments with both insects and robots, with and without fans, show that a self-spreading passive fan significantly improves thrust, braking, and turning – key factors for controlled, high-speed maneuvers. This elastocapillary innovation enables ripple bugs to survive and thrive in turbulent streams and offers new insights for agile aquatic robotics.
Anti-HIV-1 B cell antigen receptor signaling and structure
Authors: Thakur Bhishem , Alam Jahangir , Cronin Kenneth , Patel Parth , Anasti Kara , Kane Advaiti Pai , Hossain Alamgir , Do Hung , Mansouri Katayoun , Spence Taylor N. , Edwards Robert J. , Janowska Katarzyna , Lella Muralikrishna , Cook Aaron , Saunders Kevin , Gnanakaran Sandrasegaram , Haynes Barton F. , Acharya Priyamvada , Alam S. Munir
Published: November 2024

The B cell antigen receptor (BCR) complex, comprised of antigen recognition and signaling components, functions in initiating B cell activation. While structural studies have described BCR domain organization, gaps remain in our understanding of its antigen binding domain (Fab, fragment antigen-binding) disposition, and how antigen binding is sensed to initiate signaling. Here, we report antigen affinity and signaling of the immunoglobulin (Ig) class IgM and IgG BCRs and define conformational states of full-length BCRs of two human broadly neutralizing antibodies, the glycan-specific, heavy chain domain-swapped, I-shaped 2G12, and a canonical Y-shaped antibody, CH31, that recognizes the CD4-binding site on the HIV-1 Envelope protein (Env). The BCRs adopted the shapes (I or Y) of their respective soluble antibodies, and both Ig class of BCRs of the same specificity bound Env trimers with similar affinities. We observed antigen-valenc y dependent differential signaling by the 2G12 IgM and IgG BCRs with trimeric Envs. Cryo-electron microscopy of the 2G12 IgG and CH31 IgM BCRs revealed varied Fab orientations. Structural comparisons revealed hinge points and regions of flexibility in the BCRs suggesting a highly dynamic structure of the BCR complex. Taken together, our results provide an integrated understanding of BCR structure, conformation, antigen recognition and signaling, and provide the basis for understanding antigen induced BCR signal transmission.

One Sentence Summary

Cryo-electron microscopy structures of full-length B cell antigen receptor complex provide a novel dynamic BCR model and a basis for understanding antigen binding induced signal transmission.
Steroid receptor-assisted loading modulates transcriptional responses in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Hiltunen Johannes , Helminen Laura , Aaltonen Niina , Launonen Kaisa-Mari , Laakso Hanna , Malinen Marjo , Niskanen Einari A. , Palvimo Jorma J. , Paakinaho Ville
Published: November 2024

Steroid receptors are involved in a wide array of crosstalk mechanisms that regulate diverse biological processes, with significant implications in diseases, particularly in cancers. In prostate cancer, indirect crosstalk between androgen receptor (AR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is well-documented, where GR replaces antiandrogen-inactivated AR becoming the disease driver. However, the existence and impact of direct chromatin crosstalk between AR and GR in prostate cancer have remained elusive. Our genome-wide investigations reveal that AR activation significantly expands GR chromatin binding. Mechanistically, AR induces remodeling of closed chromatin sites, facilitating GR binding to inaccessible sites. Importantly, coactivation of AR and GR results in distinct transcriptional responses at both the cell population and single-cell levels. Intriguingly, pathways affected by these transcriptional changes are generally associated with improved patient survival. Thus, the direct crosstalk between AR and GR yields markedly different outcomes from the known role of GR in circumventing AR blockade by antiandrogens.
Exploring methanogenic archaea and their thermal responses in the glacier-fed stream sediments of Rongbuk River Basin, Mt. Everest
Authors: Ma Wei , Lin Miao , Shen Peihua , Chi Hongfei , Zhang Weizhen , Zhu Jingyi , Tian Shaoyi , Liu Pengfei
Published: November 2024

Glacier-fed streams (GFS) are emergent sources of greenhouse gas methane, and methanogenic archaea in sediments contribute largely to stream methane emissions. However, little is known about the methanogenic communities in GFS sediments and their key environmental driving factors. This study analyzed stream sediments from the Rongbuk River basin on Mount Everest for methanogenic communities and their temperature responses through anaerobic microcosm incubations at 5°C and 15°C. Diverse methanogens were identified, including acetoclastic, hydrogenotrophic, and methylotrophic types. Substantial methane and CO2production were detected across altitudes and increased significantly at 15°C, with both methane and CO2production rate negatively correlated with altitude. While temperature sensitivity of CO2production but not CH4showed a negative altitude correlation. Methanogens increased substantially over long-term incubation, dominating the archaeal community. At 15°C, the relative abundance of several methanogenic groups was strongly correlated with altitude, with positive correlations observed forMethanomassiliicoccaceaeandMethanoregulaceae, and negative correlations forMethanocellaceaeandMethanotrichaceae, respectively. Besides altitude, factors like phosphorus, C-to-N ratio, and pH also affected methanogenic structure, methane and CO2production, and temperature sensitivities. This study offers new insights into methanogens and methane production in GFS sediments, improving our understanding of GFS carbon cycling and its potential responses to climate change.
A hierarchical multiscale model of forward and backward alpha-band traveling waves in the visual system
Authors: Schwenk Jakob C. B. , Alamia Andrea
Published: November 2024

Recent studies have shown that low-frequency oscillations in the cortex are often organized as traveling waves. The dynamical properties of these waves, that span different scales, have been linked to both sensory processing and cognitive functions. In EEG recordings, alpha-band (∼10Hz) traveling waves propagate predominantly in both directions of the occipital-frontal axis, with forward waves being most prominent during visual processing, while backward waves dominate at rest and during sensory suppression. While a previous study has proposed a functional model to explain their generation and propagation, a multi-scale, biologically plausible implementation is still lacking. Here, we present a multi-scale network model with mean-field dynamics that, building on known interlaminar and cortico-cortical projections, reproduces the dynamics of alpha-band traveling waves observed in EEG recordings. We show that scalp-level forward and backward waves can arise from two distinct sub-networks that are connected in infragranular layers at each area. At rest, the network generates spontaneous backward waves and switches to a forward state upon bottom-up sensory stimulation, reproducing the dynamics we observed in EEG recordings in healthy participants.. We then expand our model to a cortico-thalamic network with a parallel feedforward pathway through the pulvinar. Our results show that this pathway biases the cortical dynamics to the forward state and that high pulvinar engagement leads to spontaneous forward waves without external input. This result is in line with previous studies suggesting a key role for the pulvinar in directing information flow in the cortex, and provide a computational basis to investigate the role of the pulvinar in cortical dynamics. In summary, our model provides a biologically plausible architecture for modeling the dynamics of macroscale traveling waves. Importantly, our study bridges the gap between distinct scales by connecting laminar mean-field activity to spatial patterns at the scalp level, providing a biologically grounded and comprehensive view of the generation and propagation of alpha-band traveling waves.
Time is of the essence: effectiveness of dairy farm control of H5N1 is limited by fast spread
Authors: DeWitt Michael E , Bellotti Brinkley Raynor , Kortessis Nicholas
Published: November 2024

The emergence and growth of highly pathogenic avian influenza(HPAI) A(H5N1) in dairy cows poses a growing threat for both the food supply and onward zoonosis to humans. Despite ongoing surveillance and control measures recommended by animal and public health authorities to limit viral spread, new herds continue to report infections. We show here that the continued spread between farms could be explained by the rapid pace of pathogen spread reported within farms, which greatly limits the potential effectiveness of these recommendations. Under reasonable surveillance strategies, we show that the time farms have to mobilize interventions is extremely limited, as few as a couple days and typically less than a week. Our findings suggest that passive surveillance measures, such as detection of H5N1 via weekly bulk milk testing, comes too late such that most infections have already occurred. For current interventions to be valuable, more sensitive and extensive surveillance is needed and an emphasis should be placed on biosecurity practices rather than reactive practices.
Alternative cGAS signaling promotes herpes simplex encephalitis
Authors: Shmuel-Galia Liraz , Jiang Zhaozhao , Stine Laurel , Cahill Sara , Ng Sze-Ling , Wilson Ruth , Kandasamy Richard Kumaran , Kurt-Jones Evelyn A. , Ramanjulu Joshi M. , Bertin John , Kasparcova Viera , Pesiridis G. Scott , Fitzgerald Katherine A. , Humphries Fiachra
Published: November 2024

During infection, foreign DNA is sensed by cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) leading to the production of cGAMP, STING-dependent type I interferon and proinflammatory cytokine expression, and autophagy. To prevent a response to self-DNA, cGAS activity is tightly regulated. Dysregulation of cGAS underpins interferonopathies, such as Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, as well as Lupus and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease. Thus, cGAS and its product cGAMP are therapeutic targets. However, if cGAS functions independently of cGAMP signaling is undefined. Here, we identified an alternative signaling pathway that cGAS engages independent of cGAMP synthesis. We demonstrate that alternative cGAS signaling promotes hyperexpression of CXCL1 and enhanced neutrophil recruitment that facilitates viral dissemination during herpes simplex encephalitis. Our study is the first report of an alternative cGAS response independent of cGAMP highlighting a previously uncharacterized scaffold function for cGAS.
A novel class of allosteric glucosylceramidase beta 1 correctors that reduce cellular stress and enhance lysosomal function
Authors: Fregno Ilaria , Pérez-Carmona Natalia , Rudinskiy Mikhail , Soldà Tatiana , Bergmann Timothy J. , Ruano Ana , Delgado Aida , Cubero Elena , Bellotto Manolo , García-Collazo Ana María , Molinari Maurizio
Published: November 2024

Mutations in glucosylceramidase beta 1 (GCase) disrupt the protein’s conformational maturation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and hinder its transport to the lysosome. The intralysosomal accumulation of glucocerebrosides, which are substrates of the GCase enzyme, impairs lysosomal function and is linked to Gaucher disease (GD). GCase mutations also increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Dementia with Lewy Bodies. We used Site-directed Enzyme Enhancement Therapy (SEE-Tx®) technology to design two structurally targeted allosteric regulators (STARs) of GCase. Administration of GT-02287 and GT-02329 to cultured GD patient-derived primary human fibroblasts enhances folding and protects the two most common disease-causing GCase variants, GCaseAsn370Serand GCaseLeu444Pro, from proteasomal degradation. Mechanistically, these treatments facilitate the lysosomal delivery of enzymatically active forms of mutant GCase, leading to improved lysosomal function and reduced cellular stress in GD patient-derived fibroblasts. The findings suggest that the allosteric pharmacologic regulators GT-02287 and GT-02329 hold promise for further development as potential therapeutic agents for GCase-related disorders, including GD, PD and Dementia with Lewy Bodies.
Identification of Novel Modulators of the ALT Pathway Through a Native FISH-Based Optical Screen
Authors: Azeroglu Benura , Khurana Simran , Wang Shih-Chun , Tricola Gianna M. , Sharma Shalu , Jubelin Camille , Cortolezzis Ylenia , Pegoraro Gianluca , Miller Kyle M. , Stracker Travis H. , Lazzerini Denchi Eros
Published: November 2024

A significant portion of human cancers utilize a recombination-based pathway, Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT), to extend telomeres. To gain further insights into this pathway, we developed a high-throughput imaging-based screen named TAILS (Telomeric ALTIn situLocalization Screen), to identify genes that either promote or inhibit ALT activity. Screening over 1000 genes implicated in DNA transactions, TAILS revealed both well-established and novel ALT modulators. We have identified new factors that promote ALT, such as the nucleosome-remodeling factor CHD4 and the chromatin reader SGF29, as well as factors that suppress ALT, including the RNA helicases DDX39A/B, the replication factor TIMELESS, and components of the chromatin assembly factor CAF1. Our data indicate that defects in histone deposition significantly contribute to ALT-associated phenotypes. Based on these findings, we demonstrate that pharmacological treatments can be employed to either exacerbate or suppress ALT-associated phenotypes.
STABIX: Summary statistic-based GWAS indexing and compression
Authors: Schneider Kristen , Walker Simon , Gignoux Chris , Layer Ryan
Published: November 2024

Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) are widely used to investigate the role of genetics in disease traits, but the resulting file sizes from these studies are large, posing barriers to efficient storage, sharing, and querying. This issue is especially important for biobanks like the UK Biobank that publish GWAS for thousands of traits, increasing the volume of data that must be effectively managed. Current compression and query methods reduce file sizes and allow for quick genomic position-based queries but do not provide utility for quickly finding loci based on their summary statistics. For example, finding all SNVs in a particular p-value range would require decompressing and scanning the whole file. We propose a new tool, STABIX, which introduces summary-statistic-based queries and improves upon the standard bgzip compression and tabix query tool in both compression ratio and decompression speed. When applied to ten GWAS files from PanUKBB, STABIX created smaller compressed data and indices than tabix for all files, where bgzip and tbi files were an average of 1.2 times the size of STABIX compressed files and indexes. In the same ten files, STABIX per gene decompression was, on average 7x faster than tabix per gene decompression, and achieved faster per gene decompression times for over 99% of nearly 20,000 genes.
Membrane fusion reactions limited by defective SNARE zippering or stiff lipid fatty acyl composition have distinct requirements for Sec17, Sec18, and adenine nucleotide
Authors: Lopes Karina , Orr Amy , Wickner William
Published: November 2024

Intracellular membrane fusion is catalyzed by SNAREs, Rab GTPases, SM proteins, tethers, Sec18/NSF and Sec17/SNAP. Membrane fusion has been reconstituted with purified vacuolar proteins and lipids to address 3 salient questions: whether ATP hydrolysis by Sec18 affects its promotion of fusion, whether fusion promotion by Sec17 and Sec18 is only seen with mutant SNAREs or can also be seen with wild-type SNAREs, and whether Sec17 and Sec18 only promote fusion when they work together or whether they can each work separately. Fusion is driven by two engines, completion of SNARE zippering (which does not need Sec17/Sec18) and Sec17/Sec18-mediated fusion (needing SNAREs but not the energy from their complete zippering). Sec17 is required to rescue fusion that is blocked by incomplete zippering, though optimal rescue also needs the ATPase Sec18. ATP is an essential Sec18 ligand, but at limiting Sec17 levels Sec18 ATP hydrolysis also drives release of Sec17 without concomitanttrans-SNARE complex disassembly. At higher (physiological) Sec17 levels, or without ATP hydrolysis, fusion prevails over Sec17 release. Stiff 16:0, 18:1 fatty acyl chain lipids provide an alternative route to suppressing fusion, with entirely wild-type SNAREs and without impediment to zippering. In this case, Sec17 and Sec18 restore comparable fusion with either ATP or a nonhydrolyzable analog. Fusion blocked by impaired zippering can be restored by concentrated Sec17 alone (but not by Sec18), while fusion inhibited by stiff fatty acyl chains is partially restored by Sec18 alone (but not by Sec17). With distinct fusion impediments, Sec18 and Sec17 have both shared roles and independent roles in promoting fusion.

Significance

Sec17/SNAP and Sec18/NSF catalyzecis-SNARE complex disassembly through ATP hydrolysis, but also drive fusion itself without ATP hydrolysis. Fusion can be inhibited by either “stiff” fatty acyl chains while allowing full zippering of entirely wild-type SNAREs or by incomplete SNARE zippering. In either case, Sec17 and Sec18 restore full fusion, but with clear differences. With defective zippering, high levels of Sec17 can restore fusion without Sec18. With stiff fatty acyl chains, Sec18 alone can restore fusion but Sec17 alone will not. In both cases, Sec17 and Sec18 are more efficient together. SNARE-dependent membrane fusion thus relies on two energy sources, complete SNARE zippering and interactions with Sec17 and Sec18.
Redesigning quick commerce fresh and short food supply chains: circular economy strategies for sustainable last-mile operations
Authors: Chavhan Rahul , Dutta Pankaj
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Fresh and short food supply chains in grocery quick commerce (q-grocery FSFSCs), while valued for swift delivery, face challenges in sustainability, resource efficiency and scalability. This study aims to redesign the last mile of q-grocery FSFSCs by identifying and validating a framework of applicable circular economy (CE) practices. Furthermore, the study assesses the impact of these practices across various sustainability dimensions to understand their level of contribution to sustainable livelihoods and supply chain resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a multi-phase approach. First, an integrative literature review identifies CE practices and strategies. Second, a survey gathers data on the relationship between these practices and strategies and their impact on sustainability. Third, the framework is validated using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method in WarpPLS 8.0. Finally, k-means cluster analysis in Tableau 2019.4 groups CE practices based on their impact across five sustainability dimensions: environmental, economic, social, resource efficiency and scalability.

Findings

The study validates a framework and identifies high-impact CE practices, such as waste reduction, sustainable packaging, sustainable sourcing, route optimization, sustainable processes and customer convenience. Medium-impact practices include energy efficiency, sustainable fleet, resale and redistribution and information flow. Low-impact practices cover composting, reverse logistics and appropriate storage.

Research limitations/implications

The findings assist q-grocery companies to adopt CE practices and strategies that support sustainable livelihoods and strengthen supply chain resilience while offering policymakers guidance to promote circularity.

Originality/value

This study is unique in the exploration of the intersection of quick commerce, FSFSCs and CE principles, providing actionable insights for sustainability in the q-grocery industry.
Beyond blueprints: unveiling sustainable housing ambitions – a TAM and EMGB fusion among paraprofessionals in urban construction landscape
Authors: Sharmila Devi R. , Perumandla Swamy
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study explores the factors influencing the investment intentions of potential home buyers among paraprofessionals in sustainable housing within urban construction. By combining the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the extended model of goal-directed behavior (EMGB), the research seeks to understand how technological perceptions, personal motivations and behavioral intentions intersect to shape these investment decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative, cross-sectional and descriptive research design was employed in this study. The study surveyed 641 paraprofessionals as potential home buyers in various Indian cities using a multi-stage stratified sampling technique. It incorporated variables from the TAM and EMGB, modifying some aspects to include financial self-efficacy, hedonic motivation and anticipated regret, alongside adding location as a new factor to examine its impact. For data analysis, partial least squares structural equation modeling was utilized. The analysis focused on hypothesis testing to examine the relationships between the constructs of interest. Bootstrap t-values and effect sizes were used to assess these relationships’ significance and magnitude.

Findings

The study found that perceived usefulness and ease of use significantly enhance attitudes toward sustainable homes, while subjective norms have a minimal effect on such investments in India, emphasizing personal rather than societal influences. Financial self-efficacy, anticipated regret and hedonic motivation are key drivers, indicating that economic capacity and the pursuit of a satisfying lifestyle are crucial for investment intentions. Additionally, the importance of location is highlighted, with infrastructural aspects notably affecting sustainable housing appeal. These insights reveal unique dynamics in India’s sustainable housing sector, diverging from trends in developed countries.

Originality/value

The study lies in its unique fusion of the TAM and EMGB specifically tailored to the Indian urban construction context. It introduces financial self-efficacy, hedonic motivation and anticipated regret as novel variables within these frameworks, alongside emphasizing the significant role of location in sustainable housing decisions. This approach offers new insights into the psychological and socioeconomic factors driving sustainable housing investments in developing countries.
Cybersecurity awareness and fear of cyberattacks among online banking users in Malaysia
Authors: Vafaei-Zadeh Ali , Nikbin Davoud , Teoh Kit Yik , Hanifah Haniruzila
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Drawing on protection motivation theory (PMT), this study aims to explore the factors that enhance cybersecurity awareness among online banking users in Malaysia. More specifically, it investigates the influences of perceived vulnerability, perceived severity, technical knowledge, privacy intrusions and privacy awareness on perceived threats and then examines the effects of perceived threats, along with response efficacy and self-efficacy, on cybersecurity awareness, considering the moderating role of fear of cyberattacks.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey-based research approach was applied, and the hypotheses were tested using a sample of 324 respondents, employing partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The results show that perceived vulnerability, perceived severity, privacy intrusions and privacy awareness significantly influence perceived threats, while technical knowledge does not influence perceived threats. Furthermore, it was found that response efficacy and self-efficacy both enhance cybersecurity awareness, while perceived threats have no influence on it. Finally, our research confirmed the moderating role of fear of cyberattacks in the relationship between self-efficacy and cybersecurity awareness.

Practical implications

For individuals, the study highlights the significance of fear, privacy awareness and response efficacy in shaping cybersecurity perceptions, paving the way for enhanced and tailored awareness programs. Moreover, the understanding of relationships between perceived threats, response efficacy and self-efficacy empowers individuals to craft personalized risk mitigation strategies, fostering confidence in navigating the digital landscape. Businesses can leverage the insights for informed design of employee training programs and data-driven decision-making in cybersecurity investments. Government entities, recognizing the nuanced relationship between perceived threats and cybersecurity awareness, are encouraged to formulate context-specific policies and foster cross-sector collaboration for comprehensive cybersecurity initiatives.

Originality/value

This research extends PMT by incorporating additional antecedent variables – namely, technical knowledge, privacy intrusions and privacy awareness within the online banking context that have been overlooked thus far. Furthermore, it delves into the unique role of fear of cyberattack as a moderating variable, thereby enhancing our understanding of PMT.
Improved 3D laser point cloud reconstruction for autonomous mobile robot applications by using SVM-R technique
Authors: Singh Mandeep , Nagla K.S.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

In autonomous mobile robots, high-level accuracy and precision in 3D perception are required for object detection, shape estimation and obstacle distance measurement. However, the existing methods suffer from limitations like inaccurate point clouds, noise in sensor data and synchronization problems between 2D LiDAR and servomotor. These factors can lead to the wrong perception and also introduce noise during sensor registration. Thus, the purpose of this study is to address these limitations and enhance the perception in autonomous mobile robots.

Design/methodology/approach

A new sensor mounting structure is developed for 3D mapping by using a 2D LiDAR and servomotor. The proposed method uses a support vector machine regression (SVM-R) technique to optimize the waypoints of the servomotor for the point cloud reconstruction process and to obtain a highly accurate and detailed representation of the environment.

Findings

The study includes an analysis of the SVM-R model, including Linear, radial basis function (RBF) and Polynomial kernel. Results show that the Linear kernel performs better with the lowest 3.67 mean absolute error (MAE), 26.24 mean squared error (MSE) and 5.12 root mean squared error (RMSE) values than the RBF and Polynomial kernels. The 2D to 3D point cloud reconstruction shows that the proposed method with a new sensor mounting structure performs better in perception accuracy and achieves an error of 0.45% in measuring the height of the target objects whereas in previous techniques the error was very large.

Originality/value

The study shows the effectiveness of SVM-R in the 3D point cloud reconstruction process and exhibits remarkable performance for object height measurement. Further, the proposed technique is applicable for future advanced visual applications and has a superior performance over the other conventional methods.
Work engagement of hospital workers in times of pressure: do nonclinical hospital workers react differently from their well-studied clinical colleagues?
Authors: Penturij-Kloks Monique , Keijsers Carolina J.P.W. , Enting Manon , De Gans Simon T. , Kilroy Steven , Scheele Fedde , Joosen Margot
Published: November 2024

Purpose

While prevalence and value of nonclinical hospital workers, like quality or education professionals, increase, their work engagement is understudied. Work engagement of nonclinical and clinical hospital workers is critical considering the pressure of major challenges in healthcare. The pandemic was a natural experiment for this.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted an observational survey study among all nonclinical and clinical hospital workers of the Jeroen Bosch Hospital, the Netherlands. In an employee satisfaction survey, we measured work engagement under acute pressure (just after the first COVID-19 wave in July 2020) and chronic pressure (within the second COVID-19 wave in November 2020) and to what extent psychological demands and co-worker support were related to work engagement.

Findings

For all hospital staff, “average” levels of work engagement were found under acute (response rate 53.9%, mean 3.94(0.81)) and chronic pressure (response rate 34.0%, mean 3.88(0.95)). Under acute pressure, nonclinical hospital workers scored lower on the subcategory dedication than clinical workers (mean 4.28(1.05) vs mean 4.45(0.99), p < 0.001). Under chronic pressure, no differences were found. For both nonclinical and clinical hospital workers, co-worker support was positively related to overall work engagement (beta 0.309 and 0.372). Psychological demands were positively related to work engagement for nonclinical hospital workers (beta 0.130), whereas in clinical hospital workers, psychological demands were negatively related to vigor (beta −0.082).

Practical implications

Hospitals face times of pressure. Fostering co-worker support under pressure may be vital for hospital management.

Originality/value

Work engagement of nonclinical hospital workers is understudied.
Malignancies in patients with psoriasis during and after biological therapy: A single‐center experience
Authors: Sakai Hiroyuki , Minami‐Hori Masako , Kuwahara Shiro
Published: November 2024

Over a 14‐year period from 2010 to 2023, we treated 86 psoriasis patients with various biological agents at Asahikawa City Hospital, and 12 malignancies occurred in 11 of the patients. The numbers of malignancies by organ were as follows: four urogenital, three hematological, two gastrointestinal, one breast, one thyroid, and one lung. In two patients without cancer‐related symptoms, elevated serum Krebs von den Lungen‐6 levels led to the detection of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma or thyroid cancer, and they did not have interstitial lung disease. Dermatologists should be aware of the increased incidence of malignancy in patients with psoriasis requiring treatment with biologics.
1,8‐Dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) melanin provides unequal protection to black fungi Knufia petricola and Cryomyces antarcticus from UV‐B radiation
Authors: Catanzaro Ilaria , Gorbushina Anna A. , Onofri Silvano , Schumacher Julia
Published: November 2024

Black fungi on rock surfaces endure a spectrum of abiotic stresses, including UV radiation. Their ability to tolerate extreme conditions is attributed to the convergent evolution of adaptive traits, primarily highly melanized cell walls. However, studies on fungal melanins have not provided univocal results on their photoprotective functions. Here, we investigated whether the black fungi Knufia petricola and Cryomyces antarcticus only use DHN melanin or may employ alternative mechanisms to counteract UV‐induced damage. For this, melanized wild types and non‐melanized Δpks1 mutants were exposed to different doses of UV‐B (312 nm) followed by incubation in constant darkness or in light–dark cycles to allow light‐dependent DNA repair by photolyases (photoreactivation). C. antarcticus could tolerate higher UV‐B doses but was sensitive to white light, whereas K. petricola showed the opposite trend. DHN melanin provided UV‐B protection in C. antarcticus, whereas the same pigment or even carotenoids proved ineffective in K. petricola. Both fungi demonstrated functional photoreactivation in agreement with the presence of photolyase‐encoding genes. Our findings reveal that although the adaptive trait of DHN melanization commonly occurs across black fungi, it is not equally functional and that there are species‐specific adaptations towards either UV‐induced lesion avoidance or repair strategies.
Political corruption and cost stickiness: Evidence from China
Authors: Quan Xiaofeng , Dai Narisa Tianjing , Guo Chenhao
Published: November 2024

This study investigated the effect of local corruption on the cost behaviour of publicly traded firms in China over the period from 2007 to 2017. Our findings show that firms situated in regions with higher corruption levels tend to exhibit greater cost stickiness, primarily driven by managerial empire‐building incentives and rent‐seeking behaviours. This effect is particularly pronounced in firms subject to greater government intervention, weaker internal controls, fewer political connections, and less market competition. Furthermore, this corruption‐induced cost behaviour is found to negatively impact firm value. The results underscore the critical role of institutional environments, particularly corruption, in shaping corporate cost management strategies. This study provides valuable insights into how corruption influences economic outcomes for firms and offers guidance for managers, regulators, and investors to address these challenges and optimise cost management practices.
Forest management affects the functional traits of birds and mammals differently
Authors: Dri G.F. , Hunter M.L. , Rolek B.W. , Evans B.E. , Mortelliti A.
Published: November 2024

Forest management is an important component of global change as more than half of the world's forests are managed for human use. Although the effect of forest management on taxonomic diversity is well‐studied, we do not fully understand its impact on functional diversity. Understanding this is important to better predict how ecosystem processes will respond to global change scenarios and to implement efficient conservation actions. We conducted two large‐scale (~81 800 km2) research projects over 4 years in temperate forests of the northeastern USA to investigate how the functional structure of bird and mammal communities are affected by forest disturbance. We surveyed 85 bird species distributed in 115 sites using point counts, and 14 mammal species across 197 sites using camera traps. For each species, we selected functional traits that summarize key features of their biology, and for each site, we collected data on the level of forest disturbance based on forest loss events. We found that functional richness increased with forest disturbance for mammals but not for birds. Our results also showed that niche breadth (diet), morphological (body mass and wing length), and physiological (litter size) factors were the main determinants of the functional structure of both groups. These findings emphasize the complexity of making predictions about responses to forest management given the heavy dependence on the context and taxa studied. Overall we observed a limited response of functional diversity to forest management, which might indicate that the environmental changes generated by forest management in this region are less extreme than deforestation or conversion of natural forest to plantations of exotic species. Nonetheless, our results underscore the importance of investigating the effects of forestry on individual traits to develop strategies for managing for ecosystem functions.
Development of a novel parent‐report measure of food allergy impact
Authors: Proctor K. B. , Estrem H. H. , Park J. , Wenzell M. L. , Ravindran M. , Sharp W. G. , Scahill L. , Vickery B. P.
Published: November 2024

Aim

The aim of this study was to develop an outcome measure for caregivers of children with food allergy.

Methods

A community‐informed measure development process was utilised to generate a novel parent‐reported outcome tool for caregivers of children with food allergy. We conducted focus groups with parents and caregivers of food‐allergic (n = 18) children, following which a team of coders identified themes and generated an initial set of candidate items. These items were reviewed by content‐area experts (n = 10) using content validity indices. We then conducted a series of cognitive interviews with parents of children with food allergy (n = 12) validating the instrument draft.

Results

We describe the results of these development steps as well as future steps to produce the final, validated form of the measure. The resultant 91‐item measure is intended for parents of children ages two to 12 years.

Conclusion

This measure fills a unique need in the field by leveraging key stakeholders' perspectives to develop and subsequently validate a novel parent‐reported measure of parent and family food allergy impacts of children ages two to 12 years old.
Misaligned hope and conviction in health care
Authors: Clarke Steve , Oakley Justin , Pugh Jonathan , Wilkinson Dominic
Published: November 2024

It is often said that it is important for patients to possess hope that their treatment will be successful. We agree, but a widely appealed to type of hope—hope based on conviction (religious or otherwise), renders this assertion problematic. If conviction‐based hope influences patient decisions to undergo medical procedures, then questions are raised about the scope of patient autonomy. Libertarians permit patients to make decisions to undergo medical procedures on the basis of any considerations, including conviction‐based hopes, on grounds of respect for freedom of choice. Rational interventionists want to restrict choices made on the basis of conviction‐based hope on the grounds that choices based on hope incorporate irrationality of a sort incompatible with autonomous decision‐making. In this article, we navigate a middle path between these extremes, arguing that patient decision‐making based on conviction‐based hope ought to be acceptable and permitted in health care when it conforms to norms of practical rationality. These norms allow patients some room to make decisions to consent to undergo medical procedures informed by conviction‐based hope.