bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
BBSome-deficient cells activate intraciliary CDC42 to trigger actin-dependent ciliary ectocytosis
Authors: Prasai Avishek , Ivashchenko Olha , Maskova Kristyna , Cernohorska Marketa Schmidt , Stepanek Ondrej , Huranova Martina 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a pleiotropic ciliopathy caused by dysfunction of the BBSome, a cargo adaptor essential for export of transmembrane receptors from cilia. Although actin-dependent ectocytosis has been proposed as compensatory cellular process for defective cargo retrieval, the underlying molecular mechanism is poorly understood, particularly in the context of BBS pathology. In this study, we investigated how actin polymerization and ectocytosis are regulated within the cilium. Our findings reveal that ciliary CDC42, a RHO-family GTPase triggersin situactin polymerization, ciliary ectocytosis, and cilia shortening in BBSome-deficient cells. Furthermore, activation of the Sonic Hedgehog pathway further enhances CDC42 activity in BBSome-deficient cilia, but not in healthy cells. Inhibition of CDC42 decreased the frequency and duration of ciliary actin polymerization events and lead to the accumulation of the GPR161 receptor in bulges along the axoneme in BBSome-deficient cells during Sonic Hedgehog signaling. Overall, our study identifies CDC42 as a key trigger of ciliary ectocytosis. Moreover, the hyperactivated ciliary CDC42-actin-ectocytosis axis in BBSome-deficient cells results in cilia shortening and loss of ciliary material, potentially impacting disease severity.
Characterization of enhancer activity in early human neurodevelopment using Massively parallel reporter assay (MPRA) and forebrain organoids
Authors: Capauto Davide , Wang Yifan , Wu Feinan , Norton Scott , Mariani Jessica , Inoue Fumitaka , Crawford Gregory E. ,   The PsychENCODE Consortium, Ahituv Nadav , Abyzov Alexej , Vaccarino Flora M. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractRegulation of gene expression through enhancers is one of the major processes shaping the structure and function of the human brain during development. High-throughput assays have predicted thousands of enhancers involved in neurodevelopment, and confirming their activity through orthogonal functional assays is crucial. Here, we utilized Massively Parallel Reporter Assays (MPRAs) in stem cells and forebrain organoids to evaluate the activity of ∼7,000 gene-linked enhancers previously identified in human fetal tissues and brain organoids. We used a Gaussian mixture model to evaluate the contribution of background noise in the measured activity signal to confirm the activity of ∼35% of the tested enhancers, with most showing temporal-specific activity, suggesting their evolving role in neurodevelopment. The temporal specificity was further supported by the correlation of activity with gene expression. Our findings provide a valuable gene regulatory resource to the scientific community.Author summaryEnhancers are non-coding elements that play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression during brain development. Despite the availability of various techniques available to identify enhancers, their functional activity is relatively less understood, leaving a gap in our understanding of how enhancer behavior might regulate complex transitions of neurodevelopment. To address this, we utilized forebrain organoids, a 3D model system which closely mimics the complex cellular environment of the developing human brain, and employed Massively Parallel Reporter Assay (MPRA) to validate enhancer activity at various stages of forebrain differentiation, from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to neuronal progenitors and cortical neurons. Our study provides a comprehensive catalog of over 2,300 enhancers, showcasing their temporal activity profiles during early neuronal development and offering valuable insights into their likely biological functions. This research advances our understanding of enhancer dynamics in brain development and offers new avenues for further investigations in this field.
Examining the causal relationships among factors influencing SMEs' competitive advantage: a TISM-neutrosophic MICMAC approach
Authors: John William A. , Suresh M. , Subramanian Nagamani 
Published: August 2023

PurposeSmall and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a major source of employment and revenue growth in developing nations like India, but they also face challenges from resource shortages, shifting consumer demand and heightened competition. This research aims to discover the aspects that enhance SMEs' competitiveness and performance.Design/methodology/approachBy analyzing literature and consulting experts, 10 factors that boost a firm's competitiveness were identified. The total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) method was then used to determine their interaction and structural hierarchy. Neutrosophic-MICMAC analysis was employed to assess the driving-dependence power of each factor.FindingsThe study discovered that the factor, namely “entrepreneurial orientation,” was found to be a significant one. “Manufacturing strategy” was found to be extremely dependent on the remaining competitive advantage factors.Research limitations/implicationsThis SME-focused framework can be adopted by large businesses to enhance organizational performance by focusing on critical factors. The study depends on experts' judgment, which might be biased. Findings will assist SMEs in identifying significant factors influencing competitive advantage and relationships, increasing awareness of factors contributing to competitive edge.Practical implicationsThe results of the research may encourage SME sector managers and practitioners to prioritize the factors that contribute to a firm's competitive advantage.Originality/valueThe majority of research on SME competitive advantage focuses on individual aspects. To add to the body of knowledge on the subject, this study applies the TISM technique to Indian SMEs to identify the contextual interactions among factors that increase long-term competitiveness.
Customized shading solutions for complex building façades: the potential of an innovative cement-textile composite material through a performance-based generative design
Authors: Zani Andrea , Speroni Alberto , Mainini Andrea Giovanni , Zinzi Michele , Caldas Luisa , Poli Tiziana 
Published: August 2023

Purpose
The paper aims to investigate the comfort-related performances of an innovative solar shading solution based on a new composite patented material that consists of a cement-based matrix coupled with a stretchable three-dimensional textile. The paper’s aim is, through a performance-based generative design approach, to develop a high-performance static shading system able to guarantee adequate daylit spaces, a connection with the outdoors and a glare-free environment in the view of a holistic and occupant-centric daylight assessment.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper describes the design and simulation process of a complex static shading system for digital manufacturing purposes. Initially, the optical material properties were characterized to calibrate radiance-based simulations. The developed models were then implemented in a multi-objective genetic optimization algorithm to improve the shading geometries, and their performance was assessed and compared with traditional external louvres and overhangs.

Findings
The system developed demonstrates, for a reference office space located in Milan (Italy), the potential of increasing useful daylight illuminance by 35% with a reduced glare of up to 70%–80% while providing better uniformity and connection with the outdoors as a result of a topological optimization of the shape and position of the openings.

Originality/value
The paper presents the innovative nature of a new composite material that, coupled with the proposed performance-based optimization process, enables the fabrication of optimized shading/cladding surfaces with complex geometries whose formability does not require ad hoc formworks, making the process fast and economic.
Cyber-physical systems for facilities management: a Delphi study on the propelling measures
Authors: Ikuabe Matthew , Aigbavboa Clinton , Anumba Chimay , Oke Ayodeji Emmanuel 
Published: August 2023

Purpose
Through its advanced computational capabilities, cyber–physical systems (CPS) proffer solutions to some of the cultural challenges plaguing the effective delivery of facilities management (FM) mandates. This study aims to explore the drivers for the uptake of CPS for FM functions using a qualitative approach – the Delphi technique.

Design/methodology/approach
Using the Delphi technique, the study selected experts through a well-defined process entailing a pre-determined set of criteria. The experts gave their opinions in two iterations which were subjected to statistical analyses such as the measure of central tendency and interquartile deviation in ascertaining consensus among the experts and the Mann–Whitney U test in establishing if there is a difference in the opinions given by the experts.

Findings
The study’s findings show that six of the identified drivers of the uptake of CPS for FM were attributed to be of very high significance, while 12 were of high significance. Furthermore, it was revealed that there is no significant statistical difference in the opinions given by experts in professional practice and academia.

Practical implications
The study’s outcome provides the requisite insight into the propelling measures for the uptake of CPS for FM by organisations and, by extension, aiding digital transformation for effective FM delivery.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, evidence from the literature suggests that no study has showcased the drivers of the incorporation of CPS for FM. Hence, this study fills this gap in knowledge by unravelling the significant propelling measures of the integration of CPS for FM functions.
Site effect influence on the seismic vulnerability of unreinforced masonry buildings in low to moderate seismic urban areas in Algeria
Authors: Athmani Allaeddine , Ademovic Naida 
Published: August 2023

PurposeThis paper aims to develop preliminary damage scenarios for unreinforced masonry buildings located in low to moderate seismic hazard areas in Algeria, taking into account the specific site effects.Design/methodology/approachThree soil types were considered in this analysis according to the definition of the Algerian seismic code (RPA99/2003). Peak ground acceleration values were assigned to each soil type issued from a probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA). To highlight the effect of soil conditions on the seismic vulnerability analysis of masonry buildings, a site vulnerability increment is carried out, and the macroseismic Risk-UE method has been adopted and applied by developing two main seismic scenarios according to both return periods of the PSHA, 100 and 475 years, respectively.FindingsBased on the preliminary results of rock site condition, it can be outlined that the significant damage obtained for different earthquake scenarios discovered a substantial worldwide seismic risk to the building stock of the study area. Once the site effect is integrated into the analysis, more high values of vulnerability indexes and expected damages are obtained. Moreover, it can be concluded that soft soil (S3) is a little bit more influential than stiff soil (S2) on the final vulnerability index compared to (S1). However, the difference between the soil effect S2 and S3 on the vulnerability index can be neglected.Research limitations/implicationsResearchers are encouraged to test the mechanical approaches for more detailed outcomes of a specific building analysis.Practical implicationsThis research proves to the Algerian decision-makers that due to the site effects and the vulnerability of the masonry buildings, an urgent intervention program is required even for existing buildings located in low to moderate seismic hazard areas.Originality/valueSeveral seismic vulnerability types of research have been conducted in Algeria for the unreinforced masonry buildings in moderate to high seismic areas in which generally the soil effect is neglected. In this context, this research paper proves that due to the site effects and the vulnerability of the masonry buildings, special attention is required even for existing buildings located in low to moderate seismic hazard areas. With this conclusion, the requirement of taking into account the soli effect in the high seismic areas is even more pronounced and should be conducted.
New nutrients evaluation in Spirulina maxima growth for phycocyanin, carbohydrate, and biochar production
Authors: Marciano Lucas Ioran , Pedro Guilherme Arantes , dos Santos Wallyson Ribeiro , Tagliaferro Geronimo Virginio , Batista Fabio Rodolfo Miguel , Guimarães Daniela Helena Pelegrine 
Published: August 2023

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of light intensity and sources of carbon and nitrogen on the cultivation of Spirulina maxima.

Design/methodology/approach
Cultures were carried out in a modified Zarrouk medium using urea, sodium acetate and glycerol. A Taguchi experimental design was used to evaluate the effect on the production of biocompounds: productivities in biomass, carbohydrates, phycocyanin and biochar were analyzed.

Findings
Statistical data analysis revealed that light intensity and sodium acetate concentration were the most important factors, being significant in three of the four response variables studied. The highest productivities in biomass (46.94 mg.L−1.d−1), carbohydrates (6.11 mg.L−1.d−1), phycocyanin (3.62 mg.L−1.d−1) and biochar (22, 48 mg.L−1.d−1) were achieved in experiment 4 of the Taguchi matrix, highlighting as the ideal condition for the production of biomass, carbohydrates and phycocyanin.

Practical implications
Sodium acetate and urea can be considered, respectively, as potential sources of carbon and nitrogen to increase Spirulina maxima productivity. From the results, an optimized cultivation condition for the sustainable production of bioproducts was obtained.

Originality/value
This work focuses on the study of the influence of light intensity and the use of alternative sources of nitrogen and carbon on the growth of Spirulina maxima, as well as on the influence on the productivity of biomass and biocompounds. There are few studies in the literature focused on the phycocyanin production from microalgae, justifying the need to deepen the subject.
Mayo Clinic’s journey in transforming employee tuition assistance in response to labor challenges
Authors: Bormann Misun L. , Hahn Huh-Jung , Anderson Ashley R. , Fraser Cathy H. 
Published: August 2023

Research methodology
The information used in the case study was obtained from secondary sources, such as internal documents, reports, news, and organization websites. Three of the four authors played a hands-on role in the case.

Case overview/synopsis
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the global challenge of hiring and retaining health-care workers. To address its own challenges, Mayo Clinic decided to fundamentally transform its 30-year-old tuition assistance program: from a model centered on the premise that tuition assistance was an employee benefit for professional development purposes, to one that was more driven to meet the business needs of the employer by preparing internal talent for important roles throughout the institution. Herein, this case study first describes how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted health-care organizations like Mayo Clinic. Next, this study provides details on the original employee tuition assistance program, and then, focuses on the reasons for its need to be changed. Afterward, this study introduces the new tuition assistance programs. Finally, this study follows with examples of how both Mayo Clinic and its employees navigated through initial challenges, such as resistance to change and lack of engagement. In sum, this case study provides critical insight into designing workforce education programs that provide professional development for meeting the workforce needs of the organization.

Complexity academic level
This case can be used as teaching material in relevant undergraduate- and MBA-level courses, such as human resource management, human resource development and compensation and benefits. This case allows students to critically analyze workforce education programs (e.g. tuition assistance programs) and to plan how to strategically align those with the workforce needs of the organization.
Urbanisation impacts plumage colouration in a songbird across Europe: Evidence from a correlational, experimental and meta‐analytical approach
Authors: Salmón Pablo , López‐Idiáquez David , Capilla‐Lasheras Pablo , Pérez‐Tris Javier , Isaksson Caroline , Watson Hannah 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Urbanisation is accelerating across the globe, transforming landscapes, presenting organisms with novel challenges, shaping phenotypes and impacting fitness. Urban individuals are claimed to have duller carotenoid‐based colouration, compared to their non‐urban counterparts, the so‐called ‘urban dullness’ phenomenon. However, at the intraspecific level, this generalisation is surprisingly inconsistent and often based on comparisons of single urban/non‐urban populations or studies from a limited geographical area.

Here, we combine correlational, experimental and meta‐analytical data on a common songbird, the great tit Parus major, to investigate carotenoid‐based plumage colouration in urban and forest populations across Europe.

We find that, as predicted, urban individuals are paler than forest individuals, although there are large population‐specific differences in the magnitude of the urban‐forest contrast in colouration. Using one focal region (Malmö, Sweden), we reveal population‐specific processes behind plumage colouration differences, which are unlikely to be the result of genetic or early‐life conditions, but instead a consequence of environmental factors acting after fledging.

Finally, our meta‐analysis indicates that the urban dullness phenomenon is well established in the literature, for great tits, with consistent changes in carotenoid‐based plumage traits, particularly carotenoid chroma, in response to anthropogenic disturbances.

Overall, our results provide evidence for uniformity in the ‘urban dullness’ phenomenon but also highlight that the magnitude of the effect on colouration depends on local urban characteristics. Future long‐term replicated studies, covering a wider range of species and feeding guilds, will be essential to further our understanding of the eco‐evolutionary implications of this phenomenon.
Rotational grazing with cattle‐free zones supports the coexistence of cattle and wild herbivores in African rangelands
Authors: Herrik Ask Lykke , Mogensen Niels , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Buitenwerf Robert 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

African wildlife populations are declining at an alarming rate. To stop further population declines and restore ecosystems, more areas for wildlife are needed. Community‐based conservation with wildlife‐livestock coexistence in the vast rangelands of Africa presents a major opportunity. However, the efficacy of wildlife conservation in mixed land‐use areas remains an outstanding question. To assess the ecological outcomes of land‐sharing between regulated livestock herds and wildlife populations in African savannas, we test how rotational cattle grazing affects spatiotemporal dynamics of 15 large herbivore species in the Maasai Mara, Kenya.

First, we tested how wild herbivore distributions across the Greater Mara Ecosystem (the Mara, ~2600 km2) are related to cattle density and environmental variables using 584,561 observations of wild herbivores (ecosystem scale). In a second analysis, we tested how rotational cattle grazing affects wild herbivore distributions in a 300 km2 subsection of the Mara using 30,583 observations (landscape scale). Finally, we tested how functional traits of wild herbivores affect species‐level spatiotemporal responses to cattle grazing.

At the ecosystem scale, the presence of five wild herbivore species was positively correlated with cattle density, while cattle effects on wild herbivore abundances were species‐dependent with both increases and decreases. At the landscape scale, rotational cattle grazing strongly impacted the spatiotemporal habitat selection of wild herbivores, resulting in distinct lag periods with which different species are attracted to areas previously grazed by cattle. These lag periods were linked to functional traits, with body mass and herd size explaining 35% of the interspecific differences. Small to medium‐sized herbivores with large herds select areas recently grazed by cattle, whereas large species with large herd sizes and small species with small herd sizes avoid recently grazed areas.

Synthesis and applications: Our results revealed that the effect of cattle on wild herbivores varies considerably among species, suggesting that cattle‐wildlife interactions range from facilitation to competition. To maintain species that strongly avoid cattle, designated livestock‐free zones remain essential, also in rotational grazing systems. Rotational grazing systems with regulated livestock densities present an important opportunity to better manage wildlife‐livestock coexistence and thus improve wildlife conservation in African rangelands.
Grassland degradation affects the response of soil bacterial and plant but not fungal diversity to nitrogen addition
Authors: Wang Yufan , Zhang Hongjin , Yu Guomin , Dong Lizheng , Kang Jianyong , Wang Wei 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition poses serious threats to plant and soil microbial communities in natural grasslands, which can have consequences on ecosystem functioning. However, the effects of atmospheric N deposition can be modulated by grassland degradation, defined here as soil erosion, soil nutrient decline and loss of plant diversity, which has become a global threat to the functioning of these ecosystems. It remains poorly understood whether the responses of plant and soil microbial communities to N deposition vary with grassland degradation.

We conducted a 9‐year multilevel (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 g N m−2 year−1) N enrichment experiment at four sites in Inner Mongolia, China. We evaluated grassland degradation using a compound index (grassland degradation index) and classified grassland sites into four categories: non‐degraded, moderately, severely and extremely degraded grasslands. One site was selected for each category, and then three replicates were set up within each site. N was added in the form of urea.

We first observed that the response of soil bacterial diversity to N addition was stronger in degraded grasslands than in non‐degraded grasslands, whereas the response of soil fungal diversity was not affected by degradation. Meanwhile, N enrichment had a weaker impact on plant diversity in degraded grasslands compared to non‐degraded grasslands. The controlling factors that affected the responses of soil microbial diversity and community composition to N addition were inconsistent among grasslands with different degradation status. Soil pH was the main driver in non‐degraded grasslands, and plant community composition became an important driver in degraded grasslands.

Synthesis. Our findings highlighted that grassland degradation affected the response of bacterial and plant communities to N deposition and provided new information for the management and conservation of biodiversity in degraded grasslands.