bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Transcriptomic Appreciation of Childhood Meningococcal and Polymicrobial Sepsis from a Pro-inflammatory and Trajectorial Perspective, a Role for VEGF-A and VEGF-B Modulation?
Authors: Rashid Asrar , Brusletto Berit S. , Al-Obeidat Feras , Toufiq Mohammed , Benakatti Govind , Brierley Joe , Malik Zainab A. , Hussain Zain , Alkhazaimi Hoda , Sharief Javed , Kadwa Raziya , Sarpal Amrita , Chaussabe Damien , Malik Rayaz A , Quraishi Nasir , Khilnani Praveen , Zaki Syed A. , Nadeem Rashid , Shaikh Guftar , Al-Dubai Ahmed , Hafez Wael , Hussain Amir 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT
This study investigated the temporal dynamics of childhood sepsis by analyzing gene expression (GE) changes associated with pro-inflammatory processes. Five datasets, including four meningococcal sepsis shock (MSS) datasets (two temporal and two longitudinal) and one polymicrobial sepsis dataset, were selected to track temporal changes in gene expression. Hierarchical clustering revealed three temporal phases: early, intermediate, and late, providing a framework for understanding sepsis progression. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) plots supported the identification of gene expression trajectories. Differential gene analysis highlighted consistent up-regulation of VEGF-A and NFKB1, genes involved in inflammation, across the sepsis datasets. NFKB1 gene expression also showed temporal changes in the MSS datasets. In the post-mortem dataset comparing MSS cases to controls, VEGF-A was up-regulated and VEGF-B down-regulated. Renal tissue exhibited higher VEGF-A expression compared to other tissues. Similar VEGF-A upregulation and VEGF-B downregulation patterns were observed in the cross-sectional MSS datasets and the polymicrobial sepsis dataset. Hexagonal plots confirmed VEGFR-VEGFR2 signaling pathway enrichment in the MSS cross-sectional studies. The polymicrobial sepsis dataset also showed enrichment of the VEGF pathway in septic shock day three and sepsis day three samples compared to controls. These findings provide insights into the dynamic nature of sepsis from a transcriptomic perspective, suggesting potential implications for biomarker development. Future research should focus on larger-scale temporal transcriptomic studies with appropriate control groups and validate the identified gene combination as a potential biomarker panel for sepsis.
altAFplotter: a web app for reliable UPD detection in NGS diagnostics
Authors: Radtke Maximilian , Moch Johanna , Hentschel Julia , Schumann Isabell 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe detection of uniparental disomies (the inheritance of both chromosome homologues from a single parent, UPDs) is not part of most standard or commercial NGS-pipelines in human genetics and thus a common gap in NGS diagnostics. To address this we developed a tool for UPD-detection based on panel, exome or whole genome sequencing data which is easy to use and publicly available. Detection of UPDs and delineation of different UPD types is achieved by combining two approaches: detection of runs of homozygosity and their extent per chromosome and investigation of variant inheritance and the ratios of uniparentally inherited variants per chromosome. Both metrics have been carefully tuned with a large set of positive and negative controls to allow reliable and sensitive detection of UPDs. We provide a web tool that can be easily accessed and used to enable geneticists to perform a sensitive UPD-detection analysis based on exome, panel and whole genome sequencing data (.vcf-files) on the fly.
Antiviral efficacy of the SARS-CoV-2 XBB breakthrough infection sera against Omicron subvariants including EG.5
Authors: Kaku Yu , Kosugi Yusuke , Uriu Keiya , Ito Jumpei , Kuramochi Jin , Sadamasu Kenji , Yoshimura Kazuhisa , Asakura Hiroyuki , Nagashima Mami ,   The Genotype to Phenotype Japan (G2P-Japan) Consortium, Sato Kei 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAs of July 2023, EG.5.1 (a.k.a. XBB.1.9.2.5.1), a XBB subvariant bearing the S:Q52H and S:F456L substitutions, alongside the S:F486P substitution (Figure S1A), has rapidly spread in some countries. On July 19, 2023, the WHO classified EG.5 as a variant under monitoring. First, we showed that EG.5.1 exhibits a higher effective reproduction number compared with XBB.1.5, XBB.1.16, and its parental lineage (XBB.1.9.2), suggesting that EG.5.1 will spread globally and outcompete these XBB subvariants in the near future. We then addressed whether EG.5.1 evades from the antiviral effect of the humoral immunity induced by breakthrough infection (BTI) of XBB subvariants and performed a neutralization assay using XBB BTI sera. However, the 50% neutralization titer (NT50) of XBB BTI sera against EG.5.1 was comparable to those against XBB.1.5/1.9.2 and XBB.1.16. Moreover, the sensitivity of EG.5.1 to convalescent sera of XBB.1- and XBB.1.5-infected hamsters was similar to those of XBB.1.5/1.9 and XBB.1.16. These results suggest that the increased Re of EG.5.1 is attributed to neither increased infectivity nor immune evasion from XBB BTI, and the emergence and spread of EG.5 is driven by the other pressures. We previously demonstrated that Omicron BTI cannot efficiently induce antiviral humoral immunity against the variant infected. In fact, the NT50s of the BTI sera of Omicron BA.1, BA.2, and BA.5 against the variant infected were 3.0-, 2.2-, and 3.4-fold lower than that against the ancestral B.1.1 variant, respectively. However, strikingly, we found that the NT50 of the BTI sera of XBB1.5/1.9 and XBB.1.16 against the variant infected were 8.7- and 8.3-fold lower than that against the B.1.1 variant. These results suggest that XBB BTI cannot efficiently induce antiviral humoral immunity against XBB subvariants.
Topology optimization and parameter optimization hybridized by mesh smoothing for IPMSM design
Authors: Sun Zhen , Sato Takahiro , Watanabe Kota 
Published: August 2023

Purpose
Topology optimization (TO) methods have shown their unique advantage in the innovative design of electric machines. However, when introducing the TO method to the rotor design of interior permanent magnet (PM) synchronous machines (IPMSMs), the layout parameters of the magnet cannot be synchronously optimized with the topology of the air barrier; the full design potential, thus, cannot be unlocked. The purpose of this paper is to develop a novel method in which the layout parameters PMs and the topology of air barriers can be optimized simultaneously for aiding the innovative design of IPMSMs.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a simultaneous TO and parameter optimization (PO) method that is applicable to the innovative design of IPMSMs. In this method, the mesh deformation technique is introduced to make it possible to make a connection between the TO and PO, and the multimodal optimization problem can thereby be solved more efficiently because good topological features are inherited during iterative optimization.

Findings
The numerical results of two case studies show that the proposed method can find better Pareto fronts than the traditional TO method within comparable time-consuming. As the optimal design result, novel rotor structures with better torque profiles and higher reluctance torque are respectively found.

Originality/value
A method that can simultaneously optimize the topology and parameter variables for the design of IPMSMs is proposed. The numerical results show that the proposed method is useful and practical for the conceptual and innovative design of IPMSMs because it can automatically explore optimal rotor structures from the full design space without relying on the experience and knowledge of the engineer.
Does bullying among students hamper their well-being? Roles of helplessness and psychological capital
Authors: Kuriakose Vijay , Bishwas Sumant Kumar , Mohandas Nimmi P. 
Published: August 2023

PurposeAnchoring on the Conservation of Resource Theory (Hobfoll, 1989), the study aims to examine the relationship between student bullying, helplessness and student well-being. Further, the study also examines the mediating role of helplessness and the conditional role of students' psychological capital in the model.Design/methodology/approachDrawing responses from 397 students in the business management program in various B Schools in India, the hypothesized relationships were tested using IBM SPSS version 23 and AMOS 23, and moderation was checked with Hayes Process Macros.FindingsThe results revealed that bullying among students poses a severe threat to their well-being. Further, the study found that bullying increases feelings of helplessness, and such feelings impair well-being. The study also found a significant moderating effect of psychological capital in the relationship between feelings of helplessness and student well-being.Research limitations/implicationsThe study findings provide students and educational administrators valuable insights into how student bullying deteriorates their well-being and how it can be tackled effectively using their psychological capital.Originality/valueThe study made a unique attempt to understand the effect of student bullying on their well-being. The study also provides valuable understanding about the roles of helplessness and psychological capital in the model, which will enrich the theory and practice alike.
Impact of problem-solving skills and attributional retraining intervention on conduct disorder among junior male students at public secondary school in Nigeria: a non-randomized control study
Authors: Awhangansi Sewanu , Lewis Michael , Karim Khalid , Abdulmalik Jibril , Archard Philip , Okewole Adeniran , O'Reilly Michelle 
Published: August 2023

Purpose
This paper aims to report a non-randomized control study undertaken to investigate prevalence and correlates of conduct disorder among male secondary education students in South-West Nigeria and to assess the impact of a problem-solving skills and attributional retraining (PSSAR) intervention with this population.

Design/methodology/approach
In total, 787 male students from two schools were screened for conduct disorder. All participants who met criteria for the disorder were allocated to either treatment (n = 55) or control (n = 47) groups. Outcome measures comprised the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ; teacher and student versions) and the teacher rating of students’ aggressive behaviors.

Findings
Of the sample, 13% were found to present with difficulties that met criteria for conduct disorder. The presence of these difficulties correlated with several demographic variables, including parental conflict and alcohol use. A statistically significant reduction in mean scores was observed for the treatment group in the student rating of the SDQ emotional subscale and total difficulties scores. Teacher ratings were less consistent in that conduct problems, prosocial behavior and total difficulties increased following the intervention, whereas peer problems and aggressive behavior were reported by teachers to reduce. No statistically significant change was found in the outcome measures for the control group.

Practical implications
In resource-constrained settings, school-based interventions are an important means through which treatment gaps in child and adolescent mental health can be addressed.

Originality/value
In resource-constrained settings, school-based interventions are an important means through which treatment gaps in child and adolescent mental health can be addressed. This study’s findings offer some preliminary support for the PSSAR intervention for conduct disorder in this context and indicate areas for further research.
An integrated multisectoral and multidisciplinary community of practice collaboration to enhance child wellbeing in South Africa
Authors: Haffejee Sadiyya , Mbowa Sonia , Patel Leila 
Published: August 2023

PurposeThere is a growing call both globally and nationally for integrated multisectoral and multidisciplinary systems of care to be implemented for children's needs in the foundation stages of their growth to be met. Extant literature shows that historical, structural, epidemiological, political and social factors create many adversities for South African children both in the short and in the long term. South Africa's fragmented and weak service delivery compounds the situation. In this paper, the authors describe the lessons learnt from a multisectoral and multidisciplinary community of practice established to strengthen social systems to ensure child wellbeing outcomes.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative research design was used, drawing on data collected over a two-year period. Data included meeting minutes, focus group discussions, and email communications between project partners. Focus group discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data was analysed thematically.FindingsFindings show that having a shared goal, establishing supportive, mutually beneficial relationships and contributing to services that enhance child wellbeing outcomes enabled the community of practice, while differing organizational mandates and heavy workloads constrained the partnership.Research limitations/implicationsThe study shows the effectiveness of a Community of Practice (CoP) in integrating services across sectors for children's well-being and promoting collaborative learning and intersectoral work. However, this success also depends on the presence of strong leadership and efficient coordination.Limitation: Despite its benefits, the CoP model presents challenges, including securing active participation and buy-in from stakeholders, managing time and resource constraints, and dealing with issues in the existing service delivery system. Questions about long-term sustainability and the practicalities of scaling and institutionalizing the model need to be addressed.Originality/valueThrough this paper, the authors contribute to a nascent area of research in the Global South, critically reflecting on the lessons the authors learnt from implementing an integrated community of practice approach to strengthen social sector systems toward the enhancement of children's wellbeing.
Do personal values influence research self-efficacy among academics in public universities in Tanzania?
Authors: Ndiango Sinyati , Jaffu Richard , Kumburu Neema P. 
Published: August 2023

PurposeThe study aims to investigate how personal values (PVS) influence research self-efficacy (RSE) among academics in public universities in Tanzania.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional design was utilized by the study to gather data once through structured questionnaires administered to 247 academic staff from four public universities in Tanzania.FindingsGenerally, the results show that PVS positively and significantly influence RSE in universities. Specifically, OPC has β value of 0.284 and p < 0.001, SEFN has β = 0.352 and p < 0.001 and CONS has a β = 0.198 and p = 0.003.Practical implicationsUniversity management should include PVS as among the criteria for recruitment of academic staff, as it determines their confidence in engaging in research.Originality/valueThe findings of this study broaden the applicability of Schwartz human values theory in Tanzania’s universities. Moreover, by carrying out empirical research on the influence of PVS on RSE in developing context such as Tanzania, the study contributes to the body of literature on PVS and RSE.
Cost of capital and firm performance of ESG companies: what can we infer from COVID-19 pandemic?
Authors: Tanjung Miranda 
Published: August 2023

Purpose
Studies on sustainable finance examine how it is interrelated with economic, social, governance and environmental issues. Using financial data on publicly traded firms in Indonesia, this study aims to explore the interplay between the cost of capital, firm performance and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses firm-level data sets of publicly listed firms from 2012 to 2021. The regression analysis reported in the study includes the Driscoll–Kraay estimator, propensity score matching model and fixed-effects regression.

Findings
The study revealed three significant findings. First, on average, non-environmental, social and governance (ESG) companies’ cost of capital is lower than that of ESG firms. Second, ROE in ESG enterprises is significantly impacted by capital costs. Third, the cost of capital has a negative impact on the market value (Tobin’s q) of non-ESG firms. The study specifically shows that after accounting for the pandemic, ESG firms did not benefit during the troubled COVID-19 crisis after controlling for the pandemic dummy years of 2020 and 2021. These results indicate that the adoption of green or sustainable finance is still in its infancy and that the sector requires more time to establish an enabling environment.

Research limitations/implications
This study benefits from capital structure and ESG theories. It supports the argument that the debt utilization ratio is still relevant to a company’s value because it affects its financial performance. Moreover, adopting ESG principles helps businesses survive crises. Thus, the analysis confirms the superiority of ESG-based firms.

Practical implications
This study draws two conclusions. First, the results could be a reference for academics and practitioners to understand the effect of pandemic-related crises on a firm’s capital structure and performance. In terms of survival during a crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, this study demonstrates how firms with strong ESG may perform differently than those without ESG. Second, this study supports the need for an empirical study and examination of the development of sustainable finance in the country while considering setbacks.

Social implications
The results should be of interest to policymakers who focus on the ESG market and academics conducting ESG-related research on emerging markets.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature by establishing empirical evidence on the relationship between the cost of capital and firm performance of ESG- and non-ESG-rated enterprises in the Indonesian setting while controlling for the impact of the pandemic.
Reframing physical activity in sport development: managing Active Partnerships' strategic responses to policy change
Authors: Beacom Aaron , Ziakas Vassilios , Trendafilova Sylvia 
Published: August 2023

PurposeThis paper examines the role of senior personnel within Active Partnerships as the personnel seek to strategically manage UK policy developments. This paper explores how Active Partnerships engage with the policy process within an environment characterized by systemic structural changes, mounting fiscal challenges, political uncertainty and a succession of public health concerns.Design/methodology/approachUsing the Multiple-Streams Framework (MSF), a case study approach was adopted, focusing on the perspectives of senior personnel. Semi-structured interviews with individuals involved in the management and operation of five Active Partnerships across the South of England and one national stakeholder that works closely with Active Partnerships were conducted. Data were collected during the period following Andy Reed's review of the operation of Active Partnerships. The interviews were complemented by documentary analysis.FindingsFindings illustrate that while senior practitioners within Active Partnerships often behave in line with Lipsky's notion of street-level bureaucrats, by maximizing collective leverage, advocating priorities and providing a voice for local partners, the senior practitioners adopt behaviors more akin to policy entrepreneurs. In this sense, they seek to influence the policy process at critical junctures in order to promote preferred outcomes and protect sectoral interests.Originality/valueThis study has explored the relationship between strategic management and the policy process in the context of the rapidly changing policy domain that frames the work of regional sports organizations known as Active Partnerships. The conceptual frame of the investigation is the concept of “policy entrepreneurship”, which seeks to articulate how individuals and collectives engage in the policy process, in order to secure outcomes conducive to their objectives. This, in turn, provides a sense of context for the contemporary challenges associated with the management of sport and physical activity (PA).
Prescribed fire selects for a pyrophilous soil sub‐community in a northern California mixed conifer forest
Authors: Fischer Monika S. , Patel Neem J. , de Lorimier Phillip J. , Traxler Matthew F. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPrescribed fire is a critical strategy for mitigating the effects of catastrophic wildfires. While the above‐ground response to fire has been well‐documented, fewer studies have addressed the effect of prescribed fire on soil microorganisms. To understand how soil microbial communities respond to prescribed fire, we sampled four plots at a high temporal resolution (two burned, two controls), for 17 months, in a mixed conifer forest in northern California, USA. Using amplicon sequencing, we found that prescribed fire significantly altered both fungal and bacterial community structure. We found that most differentially abundant fungal taxa had a positive fold‐change, while differentially abundant bacterial taxa generally had a negative fold‐change. We tested the null hypothesis that these communities assembled due to neutral processes (i.e., drift and/or dispersal), finding that >90% of taxa fit this neutral prediction. However, a dynamic sub‐community composed of burn‐associated indicator taxa that were positively differentially abundant was enriched for non‐neutral amplicon sequence variants, suggesting assembly via deterministic processes. In synthesizing these results, we identified 15 pyrophilous taxa with a significant and positive response to prescribed burns. Together, these results lay the foundation for building a process‐driven understanding of microbial community assembly in the context of the classical disturbance regime of fire.
Out of Site, Out of Mind? The Role of the Government‐Appointed Corporate Monitor
Authors: GALLO LINDSEY A. , LYNCH KENDALL V. , TOMY RIMMY E. 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACTWe study the role of a relatively new type of external firm monitor, an on‐site government‐appointed Corporate Monitor, and assess whether such appointments reduce firms' propensity to violate laws. Using a sample of deferred and nonprosecution agreements, we first document the determinants of Monitor appointment. We find firms that voluntarily disclose wrongdoing and have more independent directors are less likely to have Corporate Monitors, whereas those with more severe infractions, mandated board changes, and increased cooperation requirements are more likely to have Monitors. We find such appointments are associated with an 18%–25% reduction in violations while the Monitor is on site, however, the effect does not persist after the Monitorship ends. Using a semisupervised machine learning method to measure changes in firms' ethics and compliance norms, we find that the reduction in violations is associated with changes in ethics and compliance that also do not persist. Finally, we document that firms under Monitorship experience a persistent reduction in innovation, highlighting a previously unexplored cost of these interventions. Overall, our results suggest that, although Corporate Monitors on site are associated with fewer violations, firms revert to previous levels of violations following Monitors' departure.