bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inconsistent Rebound of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in Connecticut following the Initial Phase of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic
Authors: Perniciaro Stephanie , Weinberger Daniel M. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) decreased during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and rebounded inconsistently over 2 years, with occasional returns to pre-pandemic levels followed by subsequent declines. We evaluated several explanations including changes in rates of viral infections that could interact with pneumococcus and changes in blood culture practices.
Assessment of the school environment for risk factors for tungiasis in nine counties of Kenya: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Elson Lynne , Kamau Christopher , Koech Sammy , Muthama Christopher , Gachomba George , Sinoti Erastus , Chondo Elwyn , Mburu Eliud , Wakio Miriam , Lore Jimmy , Maia Marta , Adetifa Ifedayo , Orindi Benedict , Bejon Phillip , Fillinger Ulrike 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundTungiasis is a neglected tropical skin disease mostly affecting children under 15 years, the elderly and disabled people in the most resource poor populations in Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa. While most transmission seems to occur at home inside houses, we aimed to identify factors in the school environment that may put children at increased risk of infection.MethodsAs part of a cross-sectional school-based prevalence survey of 21,466 pupils in nine counties of Kenya, observations of school infrastructure were made and the headteacher interviewed in each of 196 schools. In a subset of 97 schools, detailed observations of 322 classrooms were made and 117 teachers interviewed. Mixed effect logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with tungiasis infection in pupils.ResultsWe found a higher odds of tungiasis infection for pupils in schools where more than 400 pupils were enrolled (aOR 2.24, 95% CI 1.12−4.50, p=0.023), where clean water was not always available (aOR 2.28, 95% CI 1.13−4.60, p=0.021); and if the school buildings were in a bad structural condition (aOR 2.15, 95% CI 1.00−4.62, p=0.050). Of the 5,102 pupils in 97 schools, 99% studied in a classroom with a concrete floor and those with a lot of loose soil or sand on top of the concrete floor had a six times higher odds of infection than those on a clean concrete floor (aOR 6.52, 95% CI 1.61−26.35, p=0.008). Only 45% of (head)teachers in affected schools knew they had infected pupils in their school or grade. Those who did, were aware of the impact it was having on the pupils and yet only three of 76 affected schools had conducted a tungiasis intervention activity within the last year.ConclusionMost schools do not pose a risk of tungiasis for pupils, instead the home environment is the main risk. However, where school buildings are not well maintained and water not always available a multisectoral approach to control tungiasis is needed involving the Department of Health as well as the school management and the Department of Education.
Multi-omics analysis in mouse primary cortical neurons reveals complex positive and negative biological interactions between constituent compounds in Centella asiatica
Authors: Chamberlin Steve , Zweig Jonathan A , Neff Cody J , Marney Luke , Choi Jaewoo , Yang Liping , Maier Claudia S , Soumyanath Amala , McWeeney Shannon , Gray Nora E 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundA water extract of the Ayurvedic plantCentella asiatica(CAW) improves cognitive function in mouse models of aging and Alzheimer’s disease, and affects dendritic arborization, mitochondrial activity and oxidative stress in mouse primary neurons. Triterpenes (TT) and caffeoylquinic acids (CQA) are constituents associated with these bioactivities of CAW although little is known about how interactions between these compounds contribute to the plant’s therapeutic benefit.MethodsMouse primary cortical neurons were treated with CAW, or equivalent concentrations of four TT combined, eight CQA combined, or these twelve compounds combined (TTCQA). Treatment effects on the cell transcriptome (18,491 genes) and metabolome (192 metabolites) relative to vehicle control were evaluated using RNAseq and metabolomic analyses respectively.ResultsExtensive differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were seen with all treatments, as well as evidence of interactions between compounds. Notably many DEGs seen with TT treatment were not observed in the TTCQA condition, possibly suggesting CQA reduced the effects of TT. Moreover, additional gene activity seen with CAW as compared to TTCQA indicate the presence of additional compounds in CAW that further modulate TTCQA interactions. Weighted Gene Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA) identified 4 gene co-expression modules altered by treatments that were associated with extracellular matrix organization, fatty acid metabolism, cellular response to stress and stimuli, and immune function. Compound interaction patterns were seen at the eigengene level in these modules. Interestingly, in metabolomics analysis, the TTCQA treatment saw the highest number of changes in individual metabolites (20), followed by CQA (15), then TT (8) and finally CAW (3). WGCNA analysis found two metabolomics modules with significant eigenmetabolite differences for TT and CQA, and possible compound interactions at this level.ConclusionsFour gene expression modules and two metabolite modules were altered by the four types of treatments applied. This methodology demonstrated the existence of both negative and positive interactions between TT, CQA and additional compounds found in CAW on the transcriptome and metabolome of mouse primary cortical neurons.
KLF7-Regulated ITGA2 as a Therapeutic Target for Inhibiting Oral Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Qi Xin , Zhou Jiang , Wang Pan , Li Yunyan , Li Haoran , Miao Yuwen , Ma XiaoQing , Luo Xiayan , Zhang Zhiling , He Yanling , shen Wenyi , Zhao Wenquan , Cui Rutao , Li Cang , Zhu Huiyong , Lyu Jiong 
Published: November 2024

AbstractCancer stem cells (CSCs) play crucial roles in tumor metastasis, therapy resistance, and immune evasion. Identifying and understanding the factors that regulate the stemness of tumor cells presents promising opportunities for developing effective therapeutic strategies. In this study on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), we confirmed the key role of KLF7 in maintaining the stemness of OSCC. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing and dual-luciferase assays, we identified ITGA2, a membrane receptor, as a key downstream gene regulated by KLF7 in the maintenance of stemness. Tumor sphere formation assays, flow cytometry analyses, and in vivo limiting dilution tumorigenicity evaluations demonstrated that knocking down ITGA2 significantly impaired stemness. When bound to its ECM ligand, type I collagen, ITGA2 activates several stemness-related pathways, including PI3K-AKT, MAPK, and Hippo. TC-I 15, which inhibits the ITGA2–collagen interaction, showed a synergistic anti-tumor effect when combined with cisplatin in bothin vitroand xenograft models. In summary, we reveal that the KLF7/ITGA2 axis is a crucial modulator of stemness in OSCC. Our findings suggest that ITGA2 is a promising therapeutic target, offering a novel anti-CSC strategy.Highlights1) KLF7 as a key molecule in maintaining oral cancer stemness.2) ITGA2as a key downstream gene regulated by KLF7 in the maintenance of stemness.3) ITGA2 interacts with extracellular matrix type I collagen, activating stemness-related pathways and promoting YAP1 nuclear translocation to sustain OCSCs.4) ITGA2 as a novel anti-CSC target, providing a new strategy to overcome OSCC drug resistance.
Structural basis of gap-filling DNA synthesis in the nucleosome by DNA Polymerase β
Authors: Weaver Tyler M. , Ryan Benjamin J. , Thompson Spencer H. , Hussen Adil S. , Spencer Jonah J. , Xu Zhen , Schnicker Nicholas J. , Freudenthal Bret D. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractSingle-strand breaks (SSBs) are one of the most prevalent forms of DNA damage found in the chromatinized genome and are repaired by direct single-strand break repair (SSBR) or base excision repair (BER). DNA polymerase beta (Pol β) is the primary enzyme responsible for processing the 1-nt gap intermediate in chromatin during SSBR and BER. However, the mechanism used by Pol β to process a 1-nt gap in the context of the nucleosome and chromatin remains poorly understood. Here, we use biochemical assays and cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to determine the kinetic and structural basis of gap-filling DNA synthesis in the nucleosome by Pol β. Kinetic analysis identified that gap-filling DNA synthesis in the nucleosome by Pol β is position-dependent, where solvent exposed 1-nt gaps are processed more efficiently than histone-occluded 1-nt gaps. A series of cryo-EM structures of Pol β bound to a solvent-exposed 1-nt gap in the nucleosome reveal a global DNA sculpting mechanism for 1-nt gap recognition, which is mediated by sequential engagement of the Pol β lyase domain and polymerase domain. Finally, cryo-EM structures of Pol β bound to 1-nt gaps at two additional positions in the nucleosomal DNA define the structural basis for position-dependent nucleotide insertion in the nucleosome. This work establishes the mechanism used by Pol β for processing 1-nt gaps in the nucleosome during SSBR and BER, providing fundamental insight into DNA repair in chromatin.
Compaction behavior of coarse-grained soil under various vibration frequencies: a DEM study
Authors: Ismail Abubakar Sadiq , Nie Zhihong , Ahmad Abdulaziz , Ali Shamshad , Lai Rengui 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThis paper investigates the vibration compaction mechanism and evaluates the impact of vibration frequencies on the stability of coarse-grained soil, aiming to optimize the subgrade filling process.Design/methodology/approachThis study examines the vibratory compaction behavior of coarse-grained soils through indoor vibration tests and discrete element simulations. Focusing on angular gravel (breccias) of varying sizes, the simulations were calibrated using parameters such as Young’s modulus, restitution and friction coefficients. The analysis highlights how particle shape influences compaction, revealing mesoscopic mechanisms that drive macroscopic compaction outcomes.FindingsThis study investigates the influence of vibration frequency on the compaction behavior of coarse-grained soils using discrete element simulation. By analyzing particle contact and motion, the mesoscopic mechanisms driving compaction are explored. The study establishes a positive linear correlation between contact force anisotropy (Cv) and deformation, demonstrating that higher anisotropy leads to greater structural disruption. Additionally, the increase in sliding contact percentage (SCP) at higher frequencies indicates instability in the skeletal structure, driven by uneven contact force distribution. These findings reveal how frequency-induced stress concentration affects the stability and deformation of the soil skeleton.Originality/valueThis research explores the effect of various vibration frequencies on the compaction behavior of coarse-grained soils, examining microscopic interactions to reveal their impact on soil stability and deformation.
Physics-informed and graph neural networks for enhanced inverse analysis
Authors: Di Lorenzo Daniele , Champaney Victor , Ghnatios Chady , Cueto Elias , Chinesta Francisco 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThis paper presents an original approach for learning models, partially known, of particular interest when performing source identification or structural health monitoring. The proposed procedures employ some amount of knowledge on the system under scrutiny as well as a limited amount of data efficiently assimilated.Design/methodology/approachTwo different formulations are explored. The first, based on the use of informed neural networks, leverages data collected at specific locations and times to determine the unknown source term of a parabolic partial differential equation. The second procedure, more challenging, involves learning the unknown model from a single measured field history, enabling the localization of a region where material properties differ.FindingsBoth procedures assume some kind of sparsity, either in the source distribution or in the region where physical properties differ. This paper proposed two different neural approaches able to learn models in order to perform efficient inverse analyses.Originality/valueTwo original methodologies are explored to identify hidden property that can be recovered with the right usage of data. Both methodologies are based on neural network architecture.
Do public-private partnerships (PPPs) promote the sustainable development of infrastructure (SDI)? Evidence from China
Authors: Ren Feiwu , Huang Yi , Xia Zihan , Xu Xiangyun , Li Xin , Chi Jiangtao , Li Jiaying , Wang Yanwei , Song Jinbo 
Published: November 2024

PurposeTo address challenges such as inadequate funding and inefficiency in public infrastructure construction, PPPs have gained significant global traction. This study aims to comprehensively assess the impacts and mechanisms of PPPs on the SDI and to provide rational policy recommendations based on the findings.Design/methodology/approachWe collated a dataset from 30 Chinese provinces covering the years 2005–2020 as our research sample. The study’s hypotheses are tested using a double fixed-effects model, a chained mediated-effects model and a multidimensional heterogeneity analysis.FindingsOur findings indicate that PPPs have a facilitating effect on SDI in general. This boost usually lags behind policy implementation and is cyclical in the time dimension. In the spatial dimension, PPPs contribute significantly to SDI in the eastern and western regions, but not in the central region. From the perspective of the dynamics of economic, social and industrial development, PPPs in economically backward areas are difficult to promote SDI, promote it the most in economically medium regions and are slightly less in economically developed regions than in medium regions. This promotion effect has an inverted U-shaped relationship with social development and diminishes with industrial structure upgrading. Finally, due to the negative relationship between PPPs and social development and between social development and SDI, PPPs are shown to contribute to SDI and are identified as critical paths. However, PPPs suppress SDI by inhibiting economic and industrial development.Originality/valueThis study makes three novel contributions to the existing body of knowledge: (1) we innovatively introduce the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the field of infrastructure research, offering fresh perspectives on SDI enhancement; (2) revealing the mechanisms by which PPPs affect SDI through the three dimensions of economic, social and industrial development enabling policymakers to better understand and optimize resource allocation and improve planning, design and management of PPP projects for sustainable infrastructure and (3) we assess the spatiotemporal variances of PPPs’ effects on SDI and the diversity across regions at different social, economic and industrial structures developmental stages, offering critical insights to global decision-makers to devise tailored policy measures.
Implementing assessment protocols in compulsory school for students with intellectual disabilities: challenges and opportunities for teachers educating students with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Klefbeck Kamilla 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThis study investigates the impact of integrating structured assessment protocols within the Japanese lesson study (JLS) framework in Swedish Compulsory School for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (CSSID). The purpose is to explore whether such integration can enhance teachers’ professional certainty in assessing and supporting students with intellectual disability (ID), aligning educational practices with inclusive legislative mandates.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilized structured assessment protocols during lesson study cycles, where teachers observed and discussed research lessons based on predefined learning objectives. Data were collected through questionnaires, assessment protocols and post-lesson discussions, then analyzed using narrative and descriptive statistical methods.FindingsThe integration of structured assessment protocols in lesson studies enhanced teachers’ focus and clarity in assessing and supporting students with ID, improving their perceptions of student engagement, interest and understanding. However, challenges in adapting the protocols to varied teaching contexts and student needs limited the overall impact on professional certainty.Practical implicationsThis study examines the adaptability of integrating lesson study with assessment protocols in special education settings. It demonstrates that structured assessment protocols used within the lesson study process provide a common focus on academic achievements for students with ID.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the field by demonstrating the potential of modifying traditional lesson study approaches to include structured assessment protocols, particularly in the context of special education. It highlights the need for ongoing professional development and sustainable assessment strategies that support the diverse learning needs of students with ID.
Why anti-corruption projects and programmes fail in some African countries: a case study of an anti-corruption project that drowned in corruption and the lessons learned
Authors: Hope Kempe Ronald 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
The pandemic of corruption in Africa reflects the more general climate of the lack of both ethical leadership and appropriate anti-corruption systems found throughout most of the continent. The purpose of this study is to examine the manner in which corruption was perpetrated in an anti-corruption project that was intended to produce outcomes to reduce and control said corruption, in a sub-Saharan Africa country, for sustained development outcomes, including progress in meeting the sustainable development goals.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on a field experience, and drawing on the active participant observation research methodology, buttressed by open-ended interviews, this work provides a qualitative analysis and assessment case study of corruption in the implementation process of the anti-corruption project.

Findings
It is shown that corruption remains a significant barrier to positive development outcomes, especially in those environments where certain social norms and collectivist behaviour are prominent. In such environments, special systems need to be in place for project implementation success even in cases where a project itself is designed to reduce and control that corruption. Key lessons learned include the imperatives of recruiting qualified and ethical personnel and the importance of country ownership, political will and persistent project monitoring including by the citizen beneficiaries of sustainable development projects.

Originality/value
The paper’s value is the insights it provides through the mapping of the key lessons learned for successful implementation of projects and systems to control corruption and improve ethical behaviour in Africa and beyond.
On the edge: a multilevel perspective on innovation complexities and dynamic attractors in the supply network
Authors: Malacina Iryna , Lintukangas Katrina 
Published: November 2024

PurposeIn innovation management, the complexity inherited in the supply network may be necessary for success. This study aims to holistically examine innovation complexities and system attractors within a hierarchically nested supply network and explore how they dynamically interact and influence adaptive innovation processes.Design/methodology/approachTaking a complexity theory perspective, we employed a methodological bricolage approach using a single case study with multiple embedded units of analysis – namely, a supply network encompassing 36 firms. We drew upon primary data obtained from 42 interviewees and rich secondary data, and we employed a temporal exponential random graph model to examine the micro-foundations of the evolution of the sampled supply network over a decade.FindingsThis study presents a comprehensive overview of the innovation complexities—relational, temporal, dynamic, operational and structural – and how they manifest within a supply network. It also identifies three systemic attractors – point, periodic and strange – and elucidates their relationships with the complexities and their impact on innovative supply network dynamics. The resulting conceptual framework and working propositions provide a detailed perspective on the complex interplay between balanced order and chaos and the potentially unbalanced innovation states within a supply network.Originality/valueThis research offers an in-depth perspective on the innovation complexities and dynamic attractors within a supply network from a holistic, multilevel perspective. It advances complexity theory and deepens the understanding of supply networks as complex adaptive systems.
The role of information flows in trust-based management
Authors: Norkin Svetlana , Johnsen Åge , Byström Katriina 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThis paper explores the role of work-related information flows in trust-based management in public sector organizations. Whereas the relationship that trust affects information sharing between employees as such is well known, the opposite relationship where information flows that facilitate access to and sharing of work-related information affect trust is less studied.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyses survey data from 481 employees at lower hierarchical levels in home care and schools in the City of Oslo four years after the City Council decided to implement trust-based management, using structural equation modelling (SEM).FindingsThe results from the path models indicate that work-related information flows mediate the impact of trust-based management, contribute to the development of trust in managers and increase employee autonomy.Practical implicationsA practical implication is that work-related information flows seem to be an important design variable in trust reforms. Organizations that plan to implement more trust-based management should therefore pay close attention to how changes in management systems and leadership practices impact work-related information flows.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the public management literature and research on trust reforms by identifying the role of work-related information flows as a mediator in trust-based management. The paper provides new insights into the relationship between information flows, trust and autonomy by combining perspectives from public management, information studies and organizational behaviour.