bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of a male-targeted digital decision support application aimed at increasing linkage to HIV care among men: Findings from the HITS cluster randomized clinical trial in rural South Africa
Authors: Kim Hae-Young , Inghels Maxime , Mathenjwa Thulile , Shahmanesh Maryam , Seeley Janet , Matthews Phillippa , Wyke Sally , McGrath Nuala , Adeagbo Oluwafemi , Gareta Dickman , Yapa H. Manisha , Zuma Thembelihle , Dobra Adrian , Blandford Ann , Bärnighausen Till , Tanser Frank 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionLinkage to HIV care remains suboptimal among men. We investigated the effectiveness of a male-targeted HIV-specific decision support app, Empowering People through Informed Choices for HIV (EPIC-HIV), on increasing linkage to HIV care among men in rural South Africa.MethodsHome-Based Intervention to Test and Start (HITS) was a multi-component cluster-randomized controlled trial among 45 communities in uMkhanyakude, KwaZulu-Natal. The development of EPIC-HIV was guided by self-determination theory and human-centered intervention design to increase intrinsic motivation to seek HIV testing and care among men. EPIC-HIV was offered in two stages: EPIC-HIV 1 at the time of home-based HIV counseling and testing (HBHCT), and EPIC-HIV 2 at 1 month after positive HIV diagnosis. Sixteen communities were randomly assigned to the arms to receive EPIC-HIV, and 29 communities to the arms without EPIC-HIV. Among all eligible men, we compared linkage to care (initiation or resumption of antiretroviral therapy after >3 months of care interruption) at local clinics within 1 year of a home visit, which was ascertained from individual clinical records. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed using modified Poisson regression with adjustment for receiving another intervention (i.e., financial incentives) and clustering at the community level. We also conducted a satisfaction survey for EPIC-HIV 2.ResultsAmong all 13,894 eligible men (i.e., ≥15 years and resident in the 45 communities), 20.7% received HBHCT, resulting in 122 HIV-positive tests. Among these, 54 men linked to care within 1 year after HBHCT. Additionally, of the 13,765 eligible participants who did not receive HBHCT or received HIV-negative results, 301 men linked to care within 1 year. Overall, only 13 men received EPIC-HIV 2. The proportion of linkage to care did not differ in the arms assigned to EPIC-HIV compared to those without EPIC-HIV (adjusted risk ratio=1.05; 95% CI:0.86-1.29). All 13 men who used EPIC-HIV 2 reported the app was acceptable, user-friendly, and useful for getting information on HIV testing and treatment.ConclusionReach was low although acceptability and usability of the app was very high among those who engaged with it. Enhanced digital support applications could form part of interventions to increase knowledge of HIV treatment for men.Clinical Trial Number:ClinicalTrials.gov#NCT03757104
Biosurfer for systematic tracking of regulatory mechanisms leading to protein isoform diversity
Authors: Murali Mayank , Saquing Jamie , Lu Senbao , Gao Ziyang , Jordan Ben , Wakefield Zachary Peters , Fiszbein Ana , Cooper David R. , Castaldi Peter J. , Korkin Dmitry , Sheynkman Gloria 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTLong-read RNA sequencing has shed light on transcriptomic complexity, but questions remain about the functionality of downstream protein products. We introduce Biosurfer, a computational approach for comparing protein isoforms, while systematically tracking the transcriptional, splicing, and translational variations that underlie differences in the sequences of the protein products. Using Biosurfer, we analyzed the differences in 32,799 pairs of GENCODE annotated protein isoforms, finding a majority (70%) of variable N-termini are due to the alternative transcription start sites, while only 9% arise from 5’ UTR alternative splicing. Biosurfer’s detailed tracking of nucleotide-to-residue relationships helped reveal an uncommonly tracked source of single amino acid residue changes arising from the codon splits at junctions. For 17% of internal sequence changes, such split codon patterns lead to single residue differences, termed “ragged codons”. Of variable C-termini, 72% involve splice- or intron retention-induced reading frameshifts. We found an unusual pattern of reading frame changes, in which the first frameshift is closely followed by a distinct second frameshift that restores the original frame, which we term a “snapback” frameshift. We analyzed long read RNA-seq-predicted proteome of a human cell line and found similar trends as compared to our GENCODE analysis, with the exception of a higher proportion of isoforms predicted to undergo nonsense-mediated decay. Biosurfer’s comprehensive characterization of long-read RNA-seq datasets should accelerate insights of the functional role of protein isoforms, providing mechanistic explanation of the origins of the proteomic diversity driven by the alternative splicing. Biosurfer is available as a Python package athttps://github.com/sheynkman-lab/biosurfer.
RESiLIENT (Resilience Enhancement with Smartphone in LIving ENvironmenTs) Trial: The Statistical Analysis Plan
Authors: Noma Hisashi , Furukawa Toshi A. , Tajika Aran , Sakata Masatsugu , Luo Yan , Toyomoto Rie , Horikoshi Masaru , Akechi Tatsuo , Kawakami Norito , Nakayama Takeo , Kondo Naoki , Fukuma Shingo , Christensen Helen , Kessler Ronald C. , Cuijpers Pim , Wason James 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTThis document gives a statistical analysis plan of the acute intervention effects of the RESiLIENT (Resilience Enhancement with Smartphone in LIving ENvironmenTs) trial, designed as a master protocol including four 2×2 factorial trials to elucidate specific efficacies of five cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) skills (cognitive restructuring, behavioural activation, problem-solving, assertion training, and behavior therapy for insomnia) using the internet CBT program. This trial was registered within the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry in Japan (UMIN000047124). The study protocol has previously been published (BMJ Open 2023;13:e067850).
The Diversified Astrocyte Developmental Programs are Modulated by Primary Ciliary Signaling
Authors: Wang Lizheng , Guo Qianqian , Acharya Sandesh , Zheng Xiao , Huynh Vanessa , Whitmore Brandon , Yimit Askar , Malhotra Mehr , Chatterji Siddharth , Rosin Nicole , Labit Elodie , Chipak Colten , Gorzo Kelsea , Haidey Jordan , Elliott David , Ram Tina , Zhang Qingrun , Kuipers Hedwich , Gordon Grant , Biernaskie Jeff , Guo Jiami 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAstrocyte diversity is greatly influenced by local environmental modulation. Here, we report that the vast majority of brain astrocytes across the entire brain possess a singular primary cilium, a specialized signaling antenna localized to cell soma. Comparative single-cell transcriptomics reveals that primary cilia mediate canonical Shh signaling to modulate astrocyte subtype-specific core features in synaptic regulation, intracellular transport, energy and metabolism. Independent of canonical Shh signaling, primary cilia are important regulators for astrocyte morphology and intracellular signaling balance. Dendritic spine analysis and transcriptomics reveal that perturbation of astrocytic cilia leads to disruption of neuronal development and global intercellular connectomes in the brain. Ultimately, mice with primary ciliary deficient astrocytes show behavioral deficits in sensorimotor function, sociability, learning and memory. Our results uncover a critical role for primary cilia in transmitting local cues that drive the region-specific diversification of astrocytes within the developing brain.
Usability test and implications of an activity allocation mapping in complex organizations: perceptions about a software by emergency room agents
Authors: Pereira Lucas Melchiori , Ornstein Sheila Walbe 
Published: March 2024

PurposeProperly allocating an organization's activities within a building is vital to reducing the relational complexity arising from process–environment interactions. Multiple relationships are mapped, and certain interferences are only identified after these have been processed. The method/software employed for this task is Mapping Activity Environment Allocation (MAEA). However, data input and interpretation of results depend on the usability conditions of the organization's agents. This paper presents MAEA's usability test results.Design/methodology/approachTest sessions and interviews were carried out with seven agents registered at a University Hospital. Participants were instructed to think aloud during its use, and immediately afterward, responded to semi-structured interviews. Test sessions were audio recorded and screen captured.FindingsParticipants found the software easy to use and pointed out valuable implications for professional and academic use. In addition to relationship, priority and parallelism data, customized visualizations were created, including organizational charts, flowcharts and activity flow routes on the floor plan.Practical implicationsMAEA's simplicity allows non-designers to conduct evidence-based assessments and decisions. It allows designers to test their proposals during the programming and outline proposal stages.Social implicationsA more detailed definition of design requirements from the beginning increases the conditions to successfully achieve project goals.Originality/valueThe ability to map the allocation of activity-spaces in the pre-design phase of building architecture allows for early identification of interactions, aiding in the development of more robust project requirements during programming.
Factors influencing behavioural intention to avail omnichannel service among Gen Y consumers
Authors: Mishra Ruchi , Singh Rajesh Kumar , Paul Justin 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the factors influencing the behavioural intention of Gen Y consumers to avail omnichannel service and to identify the relative influence of predictors in explaining the behavioural intention of Gen Y consumers to use omnichannel service.Design/methodology/approachData collected through surveys from 287 Gen Y consumers has been analysed through structural equation modelling to examine direct and mediated relationships between the constructs influencing behavioural intention to use omnichannel service.FindingsFindings indicate that perceived ease of use, social influence, perceived trust, and personal innovativeness positively affect behavioural intention to use omnichannel service, with the result accounting for 48% of the variance. We also demonstrate that perceived value and perceived ease of use mediate the association between personal innovativeness and behavioural intention to use omnichannel service.Research limitations/implicationsThe study provides valuable insights into adopting technology-based offerings for Gen Y customers. The presented model can be extended for analysing consumers' behavioural intentions by considering additional variables, such as consumer personality traits and diverse cultural settings. The study may help managers and policymakers formulate a consumer-focussed strategy to win over modern retail consumers.Originality/valueThis study explores the behavioural intention of Gen Y consumers in availing omnichannel services. Further, the study contributes to the technology acceptance model (TAM), unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) or UTAUT2 theories that may need to be extended in the omnichannel shopping context.
Using simulations in project management education – impact on awareness and ability to navigate projects in a sustainable way
Authors: Ingason Helgi Thor , Eskerod Pernille 
Published: March 2024

PurposeExisting literature points out that conventional educational modes are not sufficiently motivational for students. Concurrently, the contemporary society requires awareness of sustainability within project management. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the use of simulations in project management education can positively impact students’ awareness of sustainability and enhance their ability to navigate projects in a sustainable way.Design/methodology/approachExperiment where 26 experienced professionals with different backgrounds engaged in three extensive project management simulations with sustainable aspects and participated in pre- and post-assessments.FindingsOur research shows that simulations have a high potential for enhancing learning on project management with sustainable aspects. We conclude that simulations can significantly contribute to enhancing student awareness of sustainability. This is through directly confronting them with three areas in which sustainability impacts project management, that is the management of environmental, social, and economic aspects; through handling opportunities, complexities, and adaptability; and by assuming responsibility for sustainable development in the simulation case.Practical implicationsWe have shown that simulations – as a part of project management education – are highly likely to augment students' capacity to navigate their projects in a sustainable way.Originality/valueThis paper offers results of an empirical study on simulations as a means to create awareness of ability to navigate projects in a sustainable way. The paper provides extensive qualitative statements from participants, and thereby gives the reader insights into the raw data leading to insightful conclusions for the field of project management education.
Web intelligence-enhanced unmanned aerial vehicle target search model based on reinforcement learning for cooperative tasks
Authors: Gao Mingke , Zhang Zhenyu , Zhang Jinyuan , Tang Shihao , Zhang Han , Pang Tao 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
Because of the various advantages of reinforcement learning (RL) mentioned above, this study uses RL to train unmanned aerial vehicles to perform two tasks: target search and cooperative obstacle avoidance.

Design/methodology/approach
This study draws inspiration from the recurrent state-space model and recurrent models (RPM) to propose a simpler yet highly effective model called the unmanned aerial vehicles prediction model (UAVPM). The main objective is to assist in training the UAV representation model with a recurrent neural network, using the soft actor-critic algorithm.

Findings
This study proposes a generalized actor-critic framework consisting of three modules: representation, policy and value. This architecture serves as the foundation for training UAVPM. This study proposes the UAVPM, which is designed to aid in training the recurrent representation using the transition model, reward recovery model and observation recovery model. Unlike traditional approaches reliant solely on reward signals, RPM incorporates temporal information. In addition, it allows the inclusion of extra knowledge or information from virtual training environments. This study designs UAV target search and UAV cooperative obstacle avoidance tasks. The algorithm outperforms baselines in these two environments.

Originality/value
It is important to note that UAVPM does not play a role in the inference phase. This means that the representation model and policy remain independent of UAVPM. Consequently, this study can introduce additional “cheating” information from virtual training environments to guide the UAV representation without concerns about its real-world existence. By leveraging historical information more effectively, this study enhances UAVs’ decision-making abilities, thus improving the performance of both tasks at hand.
Beyond tribal politics for e-participation and development: social media influence on Nigeria's 2023 presidential general election
Authors: Morah Doris Ngozi , Nwafor Oluchukwu Augustina 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThe study investigates factors like media, tribal, religious and party politics' influence on Nigerias’ 2023 presidential election choice. It confirms dominant social media platforms and examines their influence on election polls, e-participation and political candidate choice. The main objectives of this study are to: investigate if tribal, religious and party politics affect the respondent’s choice of a presidential candidate, ascertain the respondent's most used social media platform for political engagement and determine how social media platforms influenced the election polls during the 2023 Nigerian presidential election.Design/methodology/approachA sample size of 384 registered voters was used to survey three states in Southeast Nigeria hinged on the technological acceptance model, the instrumentalist theory of ethnicity and the theory of reasoned action.FindingsThe study found that tribal politics did not influence political candidates during the 2023 Nigerian presidential election. However, religious and party politics influenced their choices as well as X (Twitter), found as the most used and most influential social media platform vital for enhancing participatory democracy and informing people at real-time.Research limitations/implicationsThe researchers experienced challenges such as ensuring that the respondents filled the questions appropriately to reduce the number of void questionnaires and a funding problem since they had yet to receive any grant to enhance the study.Originality/valueThe study commends improved Internet connectivity and accessibility among the citizens for increased political engagement on social media. It also recommends that the Nigerian government enforce the rule of law in politics to enable diverse tribes and religions to experience democratic e-participation and development without marginalisation or subjugation by incumbent power. The findings affirm that social media is apt in political communication during the 2023 presidential elections in Nigeria. The study is a contribution to knowledge, timely and original.
SMED 4.0: a development of single minute exchange of die in the era of Industry 4.0 technologies to improve sustainability
Authors: Khakpour Rouhollah , Ebrahimi Ahmad , Seyed-Hosseini Seyed-Mohammad 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThis paper recommends a method entitled “SMED 4.0” as a development of conventional single minute exchange of die (SMED) to avoid defect occurrence during production and improve sustainability, besides reducing setup time.Design/methodology/approachThe method builds upon an extensive literature review and in-depth explorative research in SMED and zero defect manufacturing (ZDM). SMED 4.0 incorporates an evolutionary stage that employs predict-prevent strategies using Industry 4.0 technologies including the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning (ML) algorithms.FindingsIt presents the applicability of the proposed approach in (1) identifying the triple bottom line (TBL) criteria, which are affected by defects; (2) predicting the time of defect occurrence if any; (3) preventing defective products by performing online setting on machines during production as needed; (4) maintaining the desired quality of the product during the production and (5) improving TBL sustainability in manufacturing processes.Originality/valueThe extended view of SMED 4.0 in this research, as well as its analytical approach, helps practitioners develop their SMED approaches in a more holistic way. The practical application of SMED 4.0 is illustrated by implementing it in a real-life manufacturing case.
Analysis on the development of chemically-improved soil in railway engineering
Authors: Chen Feng , Wang Zhongjin , Zhang Dong , Zeng Shuai 
Published: March 2024

PurposeExplore the development trend of chemically-improved soil in railway engineering.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the technical standards home and abroad were analyzed. Laboratory test, field test and monitoring were carried out.FindingsThe performance design system of the chemically-improved soil should be established.Originality/valueOn the basis of the performance design, the test methods and standards for various properties of chemically-improved soil should be established to evaluate the improvement effect and control the engineering quality.
Hotter drought and trade‐off between fast and slow growth strategies as major drivers of tree‐ring growth variability of global conifers
Authors: Wang Xuemei , Wang Xiangping 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Temporal growth variability is an important indicator of ecosystem function under climate change. However, we still lack a unified understanding of how climate conditions, climate change (trends and variability), nitrogen (N) deposition, functional traits and stand factors together affect radial growth variability.

Using global conifer tree‐ring records (123 species from 1780 sites) during 1970–2010 to calculate growth variability, we assessed how abiotic and stand factors affect growth variability directly and indirectly via functional traits with boosted regression tree and structural equation models, and examined the differences among continents (North America, Asia and Europe).

We found: (a) growth variability was mainly affected by warm‐induced drought and increased at lower latitudes. Climate warming in winter could decrease growth variability, but this effect is by far not enough to offset the threat of hotter drought; (b) there existed a trade‐off between fast‐ and slow‐growing (drought tolerance) strategies for global conifer species, and abiotic and stand factors affected growth variability via functional traits. Contrary to common conjecture, species with higher drought tolerance revealed higher growth variability due to their occupation of more xeric sites, and may also because higher investment in drought tolerance leads to less investment remaining for growth; (c) older trees revealed higher growth variability due to their more conservative growth strategy, while at large scales, taller trees showed lower growth variability due to occupying more productive sites; and (d) moderate N deposition could reduce growth variability by leading conifers to adopt a more fast‐growing strategy (e.g. in Asia), but long‐term and excessive N deposition led to increased growth variability (e.g. in North America and Europe).

Synthesis. Our results suggest that coniferous forests in water‐limited regions should be more vulnerable to hotter drought, and the ‘fast–slow’ growth strategies may be key in regulating the effects of various abiotic and stand factors on ecosystem stability. Moreover, future hotter drought and N deposition will severely threaten conifer growth, especially for old trees and conifers at lower latitudes.