bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leveraging Illumina iSeq100 for Whole Genome Sequencing ofSalmonella Typhi: a practical approach for resource-limited setting
Authors: Katuwal Nishan , Naga Shiva Ram , Shrestha Aastha , Shahi Sabin Bikram , Tamrakar Dipesh , Shrestha Rajeev 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBacterial whole genome sequencing helps to improve our understanding of epidemiology and pathogenesis of bacterial infections and allows comprehensive investigation on virulence, evolution and resistance mechanisms. Nepal, in recent times, has seen some increase in sequencing capabilities but faces numerous hurdles for optimum utilization. However, these hurdles can be alleviated with use of Illumina iSeq100. Therefore, this study aimed at performing whole genome sequencing of bacteria isolated utilizing the iSeq100 platform.For this study, 6 bankedSalmonella entericaserovar Typhi bacterial isolates were selected. These isolates were extracted for DNA, confirmed by qPCR and then, their libraries were prepared. The libaries were checked and loaded in Illumina iSeq100 at loading concentration of 200pM. The consensus was generated from the raw genomic data by reference-based assembly, mapping onto S. Typhi CT18. These consensus genomes and coverage parameters were compared to data from using HiSeq and NextSeq. The raw reads were also evaluated using pathogenwatch (v22.3.8) to observe for genotype, mutations and resistance genes.The coverage parameters (coverage width and depth) of the genomes from this study were compared to same genomes sequenced using Illumina HiSeq and NextSeq. The average coverage width (96.81%) and depth (63.75x) of genomes sequenced in iSeq100 were comparable to that of HiSeq (width: 98.72% and depth: 69.87x). When the genomes sequenced were compared, the genotypes detected, number of SNPs and genetic determinants of AMR genes were identical.The data from bacterial whole genome sequencing using the Illumina iSeq100 is equally informative when compared to other high-end sequencers. Therefore, the primary goal of this study is to advocate for optimum utlisation of iSeq100 while still ensuring a high standard of quality. This optimum utilization would create capacity to fill critical surveillance gaps.
Neural geometry efficiently representing abstract form of value and modality in the primate basal ganglia
Authors: Hwang Seong-Hwan , Lee Ji-Woo , Kim Sung-Phil , Kim Hyoung F. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBasal ganglia process diverse values from various modalities using limited resources, necessitating efficient processing. This involves converging tactile and visual information within bimodal value-coding neurons, ensuring efficient processing with limited number of neurons. However, convergence at the single neuron level may compromise modality-specific information, raising the question: Does efficient processing inevitably degrade information quality? We investigated the representational geometry in the putamen of macaque monkeys trained to learn values from tactile and visual inputs. Here, we demonstrated that the population representation of bimodal value-coding neurons in the putamen preserved both value and modality information, and these representations were shared to efficiently maintain quality. Notably, these representations were generalized across identical modalities and values, resulting in an efficient low-dimensional representation. Furthermore, a faster transformation to a generalized value representation within neural geometry reflected greater confidence in value-guided choice behavior—this correlation not observed in conventional decoding. Our results suggest that bimodal value-coding neurons play a key role in balancing efficiency and information fidelity, facilitating cognitive states required for confident decision-making.
Bridging the gap between the connectome and whole-brain activity inC. elegans
Authors: Creamer Matthew S. , Leifer Andrew M. , Pillow Jonathan W. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractA fundamental goal of neuroscience is to understand how anatomy determines the functional properties of the nervous system. However, previous work has failed to show how the functional connections between neurons are derived from the connectome in the nematodeC. elegans, raising questions about whether anatomy is informative of signaling1-3. Here, we address this problem using a connectome-constrained dynamical model of the brain, which we fit to whole-brain recordings of neural activity during optogenetic perturbation of single neurons2. This dynamical model, which contains non-zero weights only between anatomically connected neurons, captured causal interactions between all pairs of neurons 92% as well as the reproducibility of the perturbation data itself. This included interactions between anatomically unconnected neurons, which the model accounted for in terms of signal propagation over multiple neurons. Strikingly, alternative models fit using a shuffled connectome achieved much lower performance. Finally, we found that adding connections beyond those in the connectome did not improve the model’s ability to capture causal interactions. Our model thus provides the strongest link yet between the connectivity of theC. elegansnervous system and its causal interactions and provides a blueprint for exploring the link between structure and function in other organisms.
Kardar-Parisi-Zhang fluctuations in the synchronization dynamics of limit-cycle oscillators
Authors: Gutiérrez Ricardo , Cuerno Rodolfo 
Published: September 2024

The time-dependent process whereby one-dimensional systems of self-sustained oscillators synchronize is shown to display scale invariance in space and time, akin to that found in the dynamics of equilibrium critical phenomena. Remarkably, the process is largely independent of system details, sharing with a class of nonequilibrium surface kinetic roughening the universal scaling behavior of the Kardar-Parisi-Zhang equation with columnar noise, and featuring phase fluctuations that follow a Tracy-Widom probability distribution. This is revealed by a numerical exploration of rings of Stuart-Landau oscillators (the universal representation of an oscillating system close to a Hopf bifurcation) and rings of van der Pol oscillators, both paradigmatically supporting self-sustained oscillations. The critical behavior is very well-defined for limit-cycle oscillations near bifurcation, and still dominates comparatively far from it. In particular, the Tracy-Widom fluctuation distribution seems to be an extremely robust feature of the synchronization process. The nonequilibrium criticality here described appears to transcend the details of the coupled dynamical systems that synchronize, making plausible its experimental observation.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Maintenance satellite modular docking mechanism design for on orbit servicing to nanosatellites
Authors: Toklu Melih 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
As a result of space debris problem, it is necessary to deorbit uncontrollable satellites or repair them to extend mission duration to avoid sending a new satellite. The purpose of this paper is to develop a docking mechanism that can be easily customized for different missions, providing on-orbit servicing for nanosatellites.

Design/methodology/approach
This research outlines a system and mechanism design for the docking phase of on-orbit servicing to nanosatellites. The umbrella-inspired mechanism is designed with utmost simplicity to minimize the likelihood of failure. CAD, structural analyse and mechanism analyse tools are used for designing and analysing the system. To ensure that the design attains the desired durability, numerous iterations are conducted. A three-dimensional (3D)-printed prototype is generated for mechanism verification in laboratory conditions.

Findings
The aimed mechanism is generated successfully. A 3D-printed prototype is assembled to verify the mechanism. Also, an equation for customis the presented design is generated for different mission requirements in the future.

Practical implications
The usage of the proposed design can help increase the lifespan of satellites.

Originality/value
The primary innovation in this study is the development of a docking mechanism featuring a movable platform to provide servicing for nanosatellites in orbit. The mechanism presented can be displaced without initiating the unfolding process. This provides a customizable coupling distance for different mission requirements. Therefore, the presented mechanism can serve both different types of satellites and more than one satellite on-orbit with a cost-effective design. Also, the presented design can be easily customized to enable adaptation for the different mission requirements in the future.
Impact of national health insurance enrolment on farm investments in Sub-Saharan Africa: empirical evidence from Ghana
Authors: Asiedu Edward , Sowah Dorcas , Karimu Amin 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThe study aims to explore the impact of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) enrolment on farm investments in a developing country setting. We classify farm investments into (1) soil and land investments and (2) hired adult labour.Design/methodology/approachThis study used data on 5,883 farm households from the sixth round of the Ghana Living Standard Surveys (GLSS), which is nationally represented data at the household level. The data also includes a Labour Force Survey module. The sample frame was divided into a primary and secondary sampling unit, with interviews taking place in 1,200 enumeration areas (EAs). The estimation of impacts was carried out using ordinary least squares (OLS) estimations and addressed endogeneity concerns using propensity score matching (PSM) and instrumental variable (IV) estimators.FindingsThe study finds a strong positive association between the NHIS enrolment status of farm households and investments in agricultural land and soil health improvement. Precisely, farm households who are enroled in the health insurance system tend to invest about 32% more in soil and land improvement activities and 30% more in hired farm labour than households who are not enroled in NHIS.Practical implicationsThe overall evidence from our study suggests that instead of high investments in fertilizer and other input subsidy programmes in Africa, sustainable smallholder agricultural investments can be achieved if concerns and issues of farmers’ health coverage are adequately addressed.Originality/valueThis is one of the first papers that have explored the impact of NHIS in developing countries on farm investments.
A decade of providing legal defence support for coca leaf cases in Spain
Authors: Sánchez Avilés Constanza , Bouso José Carlos 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
In the past decade, there has been an increase in the number of people facing criminal proceedings related to the traditional use of the coca leaf in Spain. The profile of the defendants, in general, is similar: a migrant person, coming from a country where the traditional and cultural use of the coca leaf is widespread and legal, with few resources and contacts in Spain, and with little knowledge of the criminal justice system. The penalty requests they face are disproportionate, taking into account that they usually involve small quantities of leaves, intended for personal and traditional use. For a decade, the NGO International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Service (ICEERS) has offered support to the legal defence of people facing charges for the traditional use of the coca leaf. This paper aims to offer a general overview and analysis of this work, within the framework of which the authors have deployed various arguments for the defence: the historical error represented by the international (and national) prohibition of the coca leaf, the frictions with the rights of migrants, as well as the questioning of the toxicological analysis methods that accompany the opening of these procedures.

Design/methodology/approach
This work is based on the analysis of the information contained in ICEERS’ database and the rulings of both the first instance courts and the Supreme Court. It includes, among other issues, the characteristics of these cases and some trends that the authors have identified. Based on this, some recommendations are offered for better political and judicial management of this social phenomenon.

Findings
The efforts by the authors have made possible the considerable reduction of some sentences, as well as greater understanding by justice system operators about the phenomenon of coca leaf traditional uses beyond native contexts. However, it is necessary to complement this work with a more political and international strategy within the debates on drug policy reform. Along with a review of the scientific evidence by the WHO, which adjusts the international control of coca leaf to the reality of the knowledge currently available, greater dialogue with affected communities and the involvement of governments of the countries of origin of the defendants are essential. This could be achieved through the involvement of the consulates or representatives of these communities in Spain, as well as by opening a space in the bilateral agendas. Finally, there is an urgent need for recognition by the international community that the traditional uses of psychoactive plants are no longer limited to certain geographies or populations, but are part of the collective knowledge of an interconnected world.

Originality/value
This paper is based on the authors’ own experience of more than ten years accompanying the defence of these type of cases.
The social contract theory meets cybersecurity: systematic literature review
Authors: Kleiner Jan 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of social contract theory (SCT) utilization in cybersecurity literature, elucidating the current state of research, identifying major applications and themes and highlighting gaps, particularly in empirical studies, and the integration of emerging technologies. The study also maps the contractual parties and governance tools discussed in SCT and cyberspace interactions.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a systematic literature review to investigate the application of SCT within the cybersecurity domain. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative and qualitative content analysis with the Grounded Theory strategy, over 30,000 documents were initially screened. The final data set comprised 873 peer-reviewed papers from multiple databases. MAXQDA software facilitated coding and thematic analysis to identify key SCT applications, governance tools and research gaps.

Findings
The review revealed the following: emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain are sparsely researched within the SCT-cyberspace intersection, yet they offer solutions to various SCT-related issues; empirical studies are underrepresented, with theoretical explorations dominating the discourse; there is a notable gap in integrating emerging technologies such as AI within SCT frameworks; governance tools discussed are varied, including economic incentives, regulatory measures and informational strategies.

Originality/value
This study synthesizes SCT applications in cybersecurity, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature and potential for richer theoretical integration. By systematically mapping the literature, it identifies crucial gaps and offers a foundation for future empirical and theoretical research. The findings emphasize the importance of considering traditional SCT themes and contemporary technological contexts, contributing to the development of more robust frameworks for cyberspace governance.
Action research in LSCM since 2010 – the emergence of design science
Authors: Näslund Dag 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this study is the review of current status of action research (AR) and design science (DS) in logistics and supply chain management (SCM) and to compare AR and DS.Design/methodology/approachThe paper’s approach comprises the literature review of AR and DS articles.FindingsFirst, not much has changed in terms of number of published AR articles, despite frequent calls for more relevant research. One explanation is the academic system. Second, there is an increased focus on theory, which from a positive perspective is a sign of our field maturing, yet the academic system and current editorial philosophies may also contribute to this development. Third, DS is emerging as a potential replacement of AR.Research limitations/implicationsThe study provides suggestion for both authors and editors when it comes to the increased focus on theory. Comparing AR and DS, the two approaches are similar. However, while the increased focus on theory is reflected in DS, it also seems to be an inferior approach for ill-defined change-focused problems, requiring in-depth, collaborative, data-rich, longitudinal studies.Originality/valueThis paper is the first article that reviews and compares AR and DS in LSCM.
The phenomenon of China’s carbon accounting policies and practices
Authors: Li Shuwen , Zakaria Zarina 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
This study aims to explore China’s carbon accounting policies and practices to enhance its carbon accounting and trading practices and achieve carbon neutrality.

Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts a phenomenological methodology to explore carbon accounting by setting the scope of the phenomenon, establishing research methods, conducting interviews with 30 participants from 14 emitting entities and four accounting firms and establishing methods for data analysis. Five themes were identified using a five-step coding method.

Findings
The results show no uniformity in the accounting treatment of carbon trading; however, common characteristics exist, and they have generally adopted simplified and conservative accounting methods under China’s emission trading scheme. Their common characteristics are that the granted allowances are not recognised as assets by most emitting entities, emissions allowance assets are measured using the historical cost method, most emitting entities only conduct accounting when there are actual cash flows or outflows with regard to carbon emissions allowance trading, and only a few emitting entities disclose carbon trading information in their financial statements or corporate social responsibility reports.

Originality/value
This study highlights accountants’ crucial role in carbon activities by guiding emitting entities’ low-carbon initiatives and culture and transforming managers’ mindsets. It also introduces the China Accounting Standards Committee-based accounting methods for allowances and obligations, aiding carbon disclosure quality and sustainability. These findings also inform the carbon accounting standards that may enhance corporate accountability and address climate change.
Connectedness of global energy markets with global agricultural, natural resources, and socially responsible investments using extended GFI
Authors: Shahid Muhammad Naeem 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
The study aims to investigate the risk transmission from COVID-19 to global agriculture, energy, natural resources/mining and environmentally/socially responsible investments. Additionally, it explores the connectedness of global energy indices with global agriculture, natural resources/mining and environmentally/socially responsible investments. The study develops a new COVID-19-based Global Fear Index (GFI) to achieve the objectives, thus contributing to the prevailing literature.

Design/methodology/approach
The data of Global indices are selected from January 2020 to December 2021. The study uses multivariate BEKK-GARCH and TVP-VAR models to explore COVID-19 risk transmission and connectedness between global indices.

Findings
Significant shock and volatility transmissions from COVID-19 to all global indices are observed. Results show that global agriculture, natural resource/mining markets and environmentally and socially responsible investments are safe havens during COVID-19. Furthermore, these global investment choices are barely connected with global energy indices.

Practical implications
Portfolio managers and investors should invest in global indices to gauge the risk-adjusted return during the pandemic and upcoming health-related risks. Investors in energy sectors are advised to diversify the risk by adding safe-haven assets to their portfolios.

Social implications
The findings shed light on the importance of environmentally and socially responsible investments as a separate asset class where ecologically friendly and socially sentimental investors could invest in diversifying the risk of their portfolios.

Originality/value
The paper offers valuable insights to policymakers and investors regarding asset pricing, risk management and financial market stability during pandemic-type emergencies.
The effect of personality type, audit firm size and age on the professional judgment of Iraqi auditors
Authors: Moradi Mahdi , Salehi Mahdi , Mahdi Balah Salah Faleeh 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the factors affecting the professional judgment of auditors in Iraq (personality type, audit firm size and age).

Design/methodology/approach
The statistical population includes 1,750 participants, and the sample size was determined to be 309 participants using Cochran’s sampling formula. The required data has been collected through a questionnaire. Regression factor analysis, Kolmogorov–Smirnov, t and Friedman(f) tests were used to analyze the variables and examine their relationships.

Findings
The results show a significant relationship between neuroticism, extroversion, flexibility, agreeableness and conscientiousness and auditors’ professional judgment. No relationship was observed between the size of the auditing firm and professional judgment. The results also showed a significant relationship between seniority and auditors’ professional judgment.

Originality/value
This study will help increase the knowledge of investors and regulators, providing information to researchers and those interested in auditors’ professional judgment. It can also be a starting point for research in this field. This research investigates the auditor characteristics, including personality traits of auditors, audit firms’ size and age and their impact on auditors’ professional judgment.