bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of Genome-Informed and Multigene-based qPCR and LAMP Assays for Accurate Detection ofDickeya solani: A Critical Quarantine Pathogen Threatening Potato Industry
Authors: Dobhal Shefali , Santillana Gem , Stulberg Michael J. , Arizala Dario , Alvarez Anne M. , Arif Mohammad 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTDickeya solani, one of the most aggressive pectinolytic phytopathogens, causes blackleg disease in potatoes, resulting in significant economic losses and adversely impacting one of the world’s most important food crops. The diagnostics methods are critical in monitoring the latent infection for international trade of potato seed-tubers and in implementation of control strategies. Our study employed a whole-genome comparative approach, identifying unique target gene loci (LysR and TetR family of transcriptional regulators gene regions), design loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and a multi-gene-based multiplex TaqMan qPCR assays for specific detection and differentiation ofD. solani. Both methods underwent meticulous validation with extensive inclusivity and exclusivity panels, exhibiting 100% accuracy and no false positives or negatives. The LAMP method demonstrated the detection limit of 100 fg and 1 CFU per reaction using pure genomic DNA and crude bacterial cell lysate, respectively. The qPCR detection limit was 1 pg, 100 fg and 10 fg with Quadplex, triplex and singleplex, respectively. None of the assay showed any inhibitory effect after adding host DNA (in qPCR) or crude lysate (in LAMP). The assays proved robust and reproducible in detecting the target pathogen in infected samples, with the LAMP assay being field-deployable due to its simplicity and rapid results acquisition within approximately 8.92 minutes. The reproducibility was confirmed by performing the assay in two independent laboratories. These developed assays offer a robust, rapid, and reliable solution for routine testing, with applications in phytosanitary inspection and epidemiological studies.IMPORTANCEDickeya solani, one of the most aggressive soft rots causing-bacteria and a quarantine pathogen, poses a severe threat to food security by causing substantial economic losses to potato industry. Accurate and timely detection of this bacteria is vital for monitoring latent infections, particularly for international trade of potato seed tubers, and for implementing effective control strategies. In this research we have developed a LAMP and a multi-gene-based multiplex TaqMan qPCR assays for specific detection ofD. solani. These assays, characterized by their precision, rapidity, and robustness, are crucial for distinguishingD. solanifrom related species. Offering unparalleled sensitivity and specificity, these assays are indispensable for phytosanitary inspection and epidemiological monitoring, providing a powerful tool for management of this threatening pathogen.
Asynchronous microexon splicing ofLSD1andPHF21Aduring neurodevelopment
Authors: Nagai Masayoshi , Porter Robert S. , Hughes Elizabeth , Saunders Thomas L. , Iwase Shigeki 
Published: March 2024

AbstractLSD1 histone H3K4 demethylase and its binding partner PHF21A, a reader protein for unmethylated H3K4, both undergo neuron-specific microexon splicing. The LSD1 neuronal microexon weakens H3K4 demethylation activity and can alter the substrate specificity to H3K9 or H4K20. Meanwhile, the PHF21A neuronal microexon interferes with nucleosome binding. However, the temporal expression patterns of LSD1 and PHF21A splicing isoforms during brain development remain unknown. In this work, we report that neuronal PHF21A isoform expression precedes neuronal LSD1 isoform expression during human neuron differentiation and mouse brain development. The asynchronous splicing events resulted in stepwise deactivation of the LSD1-PHF21A complex in reversing H3K4 methylation. We further show that the enzymatically inactive LSD1-PHF21A complex interacts with neuron-specific binding partners, including MYT1-family transcription factors and post-transcriptional mRNA processing proteins such as VIRMA. The interaction with the neuron-specific components, however, did not require the PHF21A microexon, indicating that the neuronal proteomic milieu, rather than the microexon-encoded PHF21A segment, is responsible for neuron-specific complex formation. These results indicate that the PHF21A microexon is dispensable for neuron-specific protein-protein interactions, yet the enzymatically inactive LSD1-PHF21A complex might have unique gene-regulatory roles in neurons.
Adaptive Optics in an Oblique Plane Microscope
Authors: McFadden Conor , Marin Zach , Chen Bingying , Daetwyler Stephan , Xiaoding Wang , Rajendran Divya , Dean Kevin M. , Fiolka Reto 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAdaptive optics (AO) can restore diffraction limited performance when imaging beyond superficial cell layersin vivoandin vitro, and as such is of interest for advanced 3D microscopy methods such as light-sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM). In a typical LSFM system, the illumination and detection paths are separate and subject to different optical aberrations. To achieve optimal microscope performance, it is necessary to sense and correct these aberrations in both light paths, resulting in a complex microscope system. Here, we show that in an oblique plane microscope (OPM), a type of LSFM with a single primary objective lens, the same deformable mirror can correct both the illumination and fluorescence detection. Besides reducing the complexity, we show that AO in OPM also restores the relative alignment of the light-sheet and focal plane, and that a projection imaging mode can stabilize and improve the wavefront correction in a sensorless AO format. We demonstrate OPM with AO on fluorescent nanospheres and by imaging the vasculature and cancer cells in zebrafish embryos embedded in a glass capillary, restoring diffraction limited resolution and improving the signal strength twofold.
Benchmarking lean construction conformance in Pakistan’s construction industry
Authors: Aslam Mughees , Baffoe-Twum Edmund , Malik Sohail 
Published: March 2024

PurposeLean construction (LC) is an innovative approach in the construction industry that has shown significant success in developed countries. Although LC has potential in the construction sector of Pakistan, it has not been extensively explored. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by identifying and predicting current lean practices and assessing the strengths and weaknesses of LC implementation in Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachUsing robust statistical methods to analyze 92 valid responses, the study reveals that approximately 54% of lean practices are currently in use in the construction industry of Pakistan, with a population mean ranging from 52.7% to 55.6%.FindingsSurprisingly, the research identifies instances where some construction firms in Pakistan are implementing LC practices, even though they have only a limited understanding of its underlying principles. Notably, certain subprinciples, such as visual management, top management commitment to change, employee training, process cycle time reduction and production optimization, are less integrated within the construction industry. Exploring the possibility of implementing LC, recommendations for strategies to implement LC in Pakistan are suggested, aligning with the conceptual model proposed by the researchers.Originality/valueThe novelty of this work offers insights that can serve as a comprehensive guide for developing nations. It provides a structured approach to assess and benchmark LC practices, which, in turn, can contribute to a more efficient and effective construction industry. Moreover, the strategies proposed in this research can aid developing countries in the efficient implementation of LC. This will have a positive implication for both economic and developmental outcomes.
Do not forget about me, do not forget about you. Usability of a mobile app for professional identity formation
Authors: Olivares-Olivares Silvia Lizett , Turrubiates Corolla Miriam Lizzeth , Nigenda Alvarez Juan Pablo , Mejía Gaviria Natalia , Lema-Velez Mariana , Villarreal Rodríguez Miguel Angel , Franco Ayala Luis Carlos , Trujillo Maza Elena María , Barriga Cosmelli Isabel , Puschel Illanes Klaus 
Published: March 2024

PurposeProfessional Identity Formation is the dynamic evolution to “think, act and feel” to become part of a professional community. This document presents the development and the study that aimed to assess the usability of a m-Learning Identity App (MLIA) focused on the formation of professional identity among undergraduate medical students.Design/methodology/approachMLIA development included four phases: Conceptual, prototype, pilot and implementation, before further deployment. The conceptual model was designed by eight faculty members from three Latin American universities. The prototype was developed and tested with stakeholders. The pilot was performed during 5 weeks before the implementation. Cross-sectional data collected during implementation from 138 medical students who completed a survey to assess the usability of MLIA are presented. During deployment, 977 posts were made on Professional Identity Formation, and examples of these posts are presented.FindingsThe prototype and pilot phases demanded improvements. The survey explored (1) Familiarity, (2) Perceived ease of use, (3) Perceived usefulness for Professional Identity Formation, (4) Satisfaction, (5) Intention to reuse (6) Digital aesthetics and (7) Safety. Results from the usability assessment suggest that students perceived MLIA as a secure space with positive aesthetics and ease of use.Research limitations/implicationsImportant limitations of the present study include, firstly, that it does not provide information on the effectiveness of the MLIA in shaping professional identity in medical students, it focuses exclusively on its development (conceptual model, prototype, pilot and implementation) and usability. Secondly, the study design did not consider a control group and, therefore, does not provide information on how the App compares with other strategies addressing self-reflection and sharing of meaningful experiences related to professional identity.Originality/valueMLIA introduces a different approach to education, simulating a secure, easy-to-use, social media with a friendly interface in a safe environment to share academic and motivational moments, transitioning from being to becoming a professional.
Class modality transition during COVID-19 pandemic: implications for unforeseen events
Authors: Wen Lei , Mi Danya , Moon Daehyun 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThis study aims to examine student perceptions regarding the mid-semester transition from face-to-face to online delivery in an accounting course during spring 2020.Design/methodology/approachDue to the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous universities and colleges worldwide transitioned from face-to-face instruction to online delivery during spring 2020. We find some evidence in line with prior literature that COVID-19 affected student learning experience from various aspects.FindingsThanks in part to effective teaching techniques implemented by the instructor during the transition, including online lecture videos recorded by the instructor, online class materials, early posting of answer keys, frequent communication through emails and bonus points for watching lecture videos, students still perceived their learning outcomes positively in general.Originality/valueThese teaching techniques can be used to enhance student learning experience and satisfaction during class modality transitions in unforeseen circumstances, for both hybrid and online business courses.
Does worrying about money motivate counterproductive work behavior? A time-lagged study
Authors: Abedini Mahsa , Schreurs Bert , Jawahar I.M. , Hamstra Melvyn R.W. 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThis research sought to examine the potential association between workers’ financial worry and counterproductive work behavior. Based on the basic psychological need theory, we propose that psychological need satisfaction explains this relationship and we position this volitional pathway as an alternative to a cognitive capacity pathway based on the cognitive load theory.Design/methodology/approachWe conducted a two-week interval-lagged survey study with three measurement points among 180 US workers. The mediation models were tested using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results support the conclusion that, while cognitive capacity could have an impact on counterproductive work behavior, its mediating effect is less strong than that of need satisfaction.Practical implicationsBased on the results, we recommend that organizations design their compensation and benefits system to shield employees from financial worries. At the same time, we advise offering the employees who do experience financial worries assistance in managing their budgets and offering other forms of financial coaching.Originality/valueThis study is innovative because we show that the negative effects of financial worry extend much further than initially thought and affect not only employees' cognition but also their motivation.
How do gender diversity and CEO profile impact dividend policy in banking? Evidence from Islamic and conventional banks
Authors: Sbai Hicham , Kahloul Ines , Grira Jocelyn 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the determinants of the dividend distribution policy in a banking setting.Design/methodology/approachUsing a sample of 48 Islamic banks and 94 conventional banks from 15 Islamic countries over a period spanning from 2012 to 2019, we document the effect of board gender diversity, executive director profile and governance mechanisms on dividend payment decisions. We also analyze the moderating effect of Islamic banks on the relationship between gender diversity and dividend policy.FindingsWe find new evidence on the role of women directors in determining dividend distribution policy and confirm the risk aversion hypothesis, hence contributing to the ongoing debate on gender diversity literature. Our results show that the moderating role of Islamic banks is effective only for small banks.Practical implicationsOur findings have practical implications for shareholders, managers and financial analysts as they suggest rationalizing dividend distribution strategies.Originality/valueOur study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on dividend policy, gender diversity and Islamic banks.
Investigation of electrolyte pressure effect on blisk blades during electrochemical machining
Authors: Aslan Muhammed Turan , Kanber Bahattin , Demirtas Hasan , Sungur Bilal 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this study is analysis of deformation and vibrations of turbine blades produced by high electrolyte pressure during electrochemical machining.Design/methodology/approachAn experimental setup was designed, experiments were conducted and the obtained results were compared with the finite element results. The deformations were measured according to various flow rates of electrolyte. In finite element calculations, the pressure distribution created by the electrolyte on the blade surface was obtained in the ANSYS® (A finite element analysis software) Fluent software and transferred to the static structural where the deformation analysis was carried out. Three different parameters were examined, namely blade thickness, blade material and electrolyte pressure on blade disk caused by mass flow rate. The deformation results were compared with the gap distances between cathode and anode.FindingsLarge deformations were obtained at the free end of the blade and the most curved part of it. The appropriate pressure values for the electrolyte to be used in the production of blisk blades were proposed numerically. It has been determined that high pressure applications are not suitable for gap distance lower than 0.5 mm.Originality/valueWhen the literature is examined, it is required that the high speed flow of the electrolyte is desired in order to remove the parts that are separated from the anode from the machining area during electrochemical machining. However, the electrolyte flowing at high speeds causes high pressure in the blisk blades, excessive deformation and vibration of the machined part, and as a result, contact of the anode with the cathode. This study provides important findings for smooth electro chemical machining at high electrolyte flows.
Effects of nanoparticle shape factor on radiative ternary hybrid nanofluid flow over a wedge in presence of induced magnetic field
Authors: Das Kalidas , Duari Pinaki Ranjan 
Published: March 2024

PurposeSeveral graphs, streamlines, isotherms and 3D plots are illustrated to enlighten the noteworthy fallouts of the investigation. Embedding flow factors for velocity, induced magnetic field and temperature have been determined using parametric analysis.Design/methodology/approachTernary hybrid nanofluids has outstanding hydrothermal performance compared to classical mono nanofluids and hybrid nanofluids owing to the presence of triple tiny metallic particles. Ternary hybrid nanofluids are considered as most promising candidates in solar energy, heat exchangers, electronics cooling, automotive cooling, nuclear reactors, automobile, aerospace, biomedical devices, food processing etc. In this work, a ternary hybrid nanofluid flow that contains metallic nanoparticles over a wedge under the prevalence of solar radiating heat, induced magnetic field and the shape factor of nanoparticles is considered. A ternary hybrid nanofluid is synthesized by dispersing iron oxide (Fe3O4), silver (Ag) and magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles in a water (H2O) base fluid. By employing similarity transformations, we can convert the governing equations into ordinary differential equations and then solve numerically by using the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg approach.FindingsThere is no fund for the research work.Social implicationsThis kind of study may be used to improve the performance of solar collectors, solar energy and solar cells.Originality/valueThis investigation unfolds the hydrothermal changes of radiative water-based Fe3O4-Ag-MgO-H2O ternary hybrid nanofluidic transport past a static and moving wedge in the presence of solar radiating heating and induced magnetic fields. The shape factor of nanoparticles has been considered in this study.
Creating vicious information cycle: trust, exposure and misperception in online and offline information dynamics during health crises
Authors: Lee Jiyoung , Choi Jihyang 
Published: March 2024

PurposeMisperceptions hinder our ability to effectively respond to health crises such as the COVID-19. We aimed to examine the dynamic influences between information exposure, information trust and misperceptions during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, we focused on the relative influence of exposure to COVID-19-related information via social media versus interpersonal offline communication.Design/methodology/approachThe current study conducted a two-wave national survey of US adults in May and June of 2020 with a two-week time interval. A professional polling firm recruited participants, and 911 and 679 respondents participated in the first and the second wave survey, respectively. To test proposed hypotheses, researchers conducted path analyses using AMOS 27.0.FindingsFindings show that individuals exposed to COVID-19-related information via social media are likely to hold increased misperceptions. In contrast, exposure to COVID-19-related information offline did not elicit any effects on misperceptions. The exposure to information on social media was positively associated with trust in that information, which, in turn, contributed to an increase in misperceptions. Furthermore, when examining the effects of misperception, it was found that misperceptions increased the likelihood of individuals being exposed to and having trust in COVID-19-related information on social media. The findings provide valuable insights into the role of social media as a platform where a detrimental cycle thrives, shaping the formation of misperceptions and cultivating a heightened dependence among individuals with elevated misperceptions.Originality/valueThe current study significantly extends the findings of prior research by examining the differential effects of social media and interpersonal communication offline on misperception and by revealing the intricate dynamics between information exposure and misperception by focusing on the role of trust. The findings emphasize the detrimental role of social media in generating a vicious information cycle. That said, seemingly superficial discussions about health crises within a social media environment rich in misinformation can contribute to fueling a self-reinforcing loop, making it challenging to effectively counteract misperceptions.
KidsTime: A multifamily prevention approach for parents with a mental illness and their children and relatives
Authors: Tapias E. , Vila‐Badia R. , Cárdenas M. , Ardévol I. , Lacasa F. , Ribalta T. , Pérez O. , Fuentes M. , Fumanal M. J. , Vidal M. , Saltó C. , García A. , Serrano C. , Ortiz E. , Grases N. ,   KidsTime Barcelona, Coromina M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA total of 32% of children whose parents have some mental health problems are estimated to be diagnosed with some mental disorder later in life. As a consequence, a need arises to offer preventive psychological interventions aimed at these children. The aims were to investigate whether there are significant changes before and after the KidsTime program. In total, 101 people participated in the program, and pre‐intervention and post‐intervention data on self‐stigma, self‐esteem, resilience, parenting practices and strength and difficulties of thirty‐three parents with mental illness were obtained. Significant pre‐post differences were found in the ‘expression of affection’ subscale of the parenting practices and in self‐stigma. In the group of parents with a mental illness, the KidsTime program showed improvement of parents' emotional support for their children and a reduction in their self‐stigma as well. Multi‐family interventions are key to improving self‐stigma and parenting skills, and this can lead to prevention of future mental health problems in their children.