bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Suboptimal phenotypic reliability impedes reproducible human neuroscience
Authors: Nikolaidis Aki , Chen Andrew A. , He Xiaoning , Shinohara Russell , Vogelstein Joshua , Milham Michael , Shou Haochang 
Published: July 2022

Summary ParagraphBiomarkers of behavior and psychiatric illness for cognitive and clinical neuroscience remain out of reach1–4. Suboptimal reliability of biological measurements, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), is increasingly cited as a primary culprit for discouragingly large sample size requirements and poor reproducibility of brain-based biomarker discovery1,5–7. In response, steps are being taken towards optimizing MRI reliability and increasing sample sizes8–11, though this will not be enough. Optimizing biological measurement reliability and increasing sample sizes are necessary but insufficient steps for biomarker discovery; this focus has overlooked the ‘other side of the equation’ - the reliability of clinical and cognitive assessments - which are often suboptimal or unassessed. Through a combination of simulation analysis and empirical studies using neuroimaging data, we demonstrate that the joint reliability of both biological and clinical/cognitive phenotypic measurements must be optimized in order to ensure biomarkers are reproducible and accurate. Even with best-case scenario high reliability neuroimaging measurements and large sample sizes, we show that suboptimal reliability of phenotypic data (i.e., clinical diagnosis, behavioral and cognitive measurements) will continue to impede meaningful biomarker discovery for the field. Improving reliability through development of novel assessments of phenotypic variation is needed, but it is not the sole solution. We emphasize the potential to improve the reliability of established phenotypic methods through aggregation across multiple raters and/or measurements12–15, which is becoming increasingly feasible with recent innovations in data acquisition (e.g., web- and smart-phone-based administration, ecological momentary assessment, burst sampling, wearable devices, multimodal recordings)16–20. We demonstrate that such aggregation can achieve better biomarker discovery for a fraction of the cost engendered by large-scale samples. Although the current study has been motivated by ongoing developments in neuroimaging, the prioritization of reliable phenotyping will revolutionize neurobiological and clinical endeavors that are focused on brain and behavior.
Synergistic activities of ethanolic extracts of Jatropha tanjorensis leaves in conventional management of rheumatoid arthritis in the ankles of Wistar Rats
Authors: Ozoemena Chiadikobi Lawrence , Egwuatu Ifeanyi Anthony , Abireh Ifeanacho Ezeteonu , Finbarrs-Bello Elizabeth , Ozor Ignatius Ikemefuna , Akpa Anthony Okechukwu 
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACTBackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common cause of chronic inflammatory joint disease. Plant extracts contain several bioactive factors which can re-establish the homeostasis of joints and joint cartilages.ObjectivesThis study aim to evaluate synergism of ethanolic extracts of Jatropha tanjorensis leaves with Ibuprofen and Sulfasalazine as an antirheumatic agent.Methodology25 adult male Wistar rats were subjected to different types of treatment (110 days); A: Positive control, B: Ibuprofen, Sulfasalazine and Low dose of extract, C: Ibuprofen, Sulfasalazine and Medium dose of extract, D: Ibuprofen, Sulfasalazine and High dose of extract, E: Normal control. Groups A-D were collagen-induced arthritic (CIA) models. One week before sacrifice, anterior-posterior and lateral diameters of both ankles, physical appearance and weight were assessed. After sacrifice, histological analysis of ankles using modified Mankin scoring system was done.ResultsGroups B, C and D had significant improvements in direct proportion to the dosages of J. tanjorensis extract administered. Increased doses slowed down the progression of cartilage destruction evidenced by prevention of joint swellings and preservation of chondrocytes and its histological features. Group A (positive control) exhibited cartilage destruction but no cartilage changes noted in group E (normal control).ConclusionWe demonstrated synergistic effects of J. tanjorensis with Ibuprofen and Sulfasalazine combination therapy on animal model of collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis. The evaluation of these effects were assessed by several means; physical appearance, assessment of weight, anterior-posterior and lateral diameters, and histological examination of both ankles of the animal that characterizes the originality of the study.SummaryWhat is already known on this topic – The current therapeutic regimen for RA has some disadvantageous side effects.What this study adds – An alternative to the conventional management of RA with lower side effects.How this study might affect research, practice or policy – There is need to standardize dosages of newer herbs identified to be therapeutic.
Novel metabolic role for CD47 in pancreatic β-cell insulin secretion and islet transplant outcomes
Authors: Ghimire Kedar , Kale Atharva , Li Jennifer , Julovi Sohel M. , O’Connell Philip , Grey Shane T. , Hawthorne Wayne J. , Gunton Jenny E. , Rogers Natasha M. 
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACTDiabetes is a global public health burden and is characterized clinically by a relative or absolute insulin deficiency. Therapeutic agents that stimulate and improve insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity are in high demand as diabetic treatment. CD47 is a cell surface glycoprotein implicated in multiple cellular functions, including recognition of self, angiogenesis, and nitric oxide signaling, however its role in the regulation of insulin secretion remains unknown. For the first time we demonstrate that CD47 receptor signaling inhibits insulin release from β-cells and that it can be pharmacologically exploited to boost insulin secretion. CD47 depletion stimulates insulin granule exocytosis via activation of the Rho GTPase Cdc42. CD47 deficiency improved glucose clearance and insulin sensitivity in mice. CD47 blockade enhanced islet transplantation efficiency and improved outcomes. Further, anti-CD47 antibody treatment delayed the onset of diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice and protected them from overt diabetes. Our findings identify CD47 as a previously unrecognized regulator of insulin secretion and its manipulation in β-cells offers a novel therapeutic opportunity for diabetes and islet transplantation by correcting insulin deficiency.One Sentence SummaryCD47 limits insulin secretion and islet transplant outcomes
Optimising diagnostic yield in highly penetrant genomic disease
Authors: Wright Caroline F. , Campbell Patrick , Eberhardt Ruth Y. , Aitken Stuart , Perrett Daniel , Brent Simon , Danecek Petr , Gardner Eugene J. , Chundru V. Kartik , Lindsay Sarah J. , Andrews Katrina , Hampstead Juliet , Kaplanis Joanna , Samocha Kaitlin E. , Middleton Anna , Foreman Julia , Hobson Rachel J. , Parker Michael J. , Martin Hilary C. , FitzPatrick David R. , Hurles Matthew E. , Firth Helen V. 
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACTBackgroundPediatric disorders include a range of highly genetically heterogeneous conditions that are amenable to genome-wide diagnostic approaches. Finding a molecular diagnosis is challenging but can have profound lifelong benefits.MethodsThe Deciphering Developmental Disorders (DDD) study recruited >33,500 individuals from families with severe, likely monogenic developmental disorders from 24 regional genetics services around the UK and Ireland. We collected detailed standardised phenotype data and performed whole-exome sequencing and microarray analysis to investigate novel genetic causes. We developed an augmented variant analysis and re-analysis pipeline to maximise sensitivity and specificity, and communicated candidate variants to clinical teams for validation and diagnostic interpretation. We performed multiple regression analyses to evaluate factors affecting the probability of being diagnosed.ResultsWe reported approximately one candidate variant per parent-offspring trio and 2.5 variants per singleton proband, including both sequence and structural variants. Using clinical and computational approaches to variant classification, we have achieved a diagnosis in at least 34% (4507 probands), of whom 67% have a pathogenicde novomutation. Being recruited as a parent-offspring trio had the largest impact on the chance of being diagnosed (OR=4.70). Probands who were extremely premature (OR=0.39), hadin uteroexposure to antiepileptic medications (OR=0.44), or whose mothers had diabetes (OR=0.52) were less likely to be diagnosed, as were those of African ancestry (OR=0.51).ConclusionsOptimising diagnosis and discovery in highly penetrant genomic disease depends upon ongoing and novel scientific analyses, ethical recruitment and feedback policies, and collaborative clinical-research partnerships.
Comparison of the building adaptability assessment models: a semi - systematic review
Authors: Unver Hasan , Alptekin Orkun , Kalkan Melike 
Published: July 2022

PurposeAdaptability studies in the literature include repetitive models and completely independent new model proposals. As a result of the evaluation of these studies, the lack of analysis studies based on a certain algorithm was determined. In this context, in this study, existing models are evaluated in order to contribute to future studies in the context of adaptability. This study is presented as a guide for new studies in the context of adaptability.Design/methodology/approachIn the study, first of all, the change of the concept of adaptability in the historical process was investigated by literature review from 1958 to the present. Then, a comparative analysis of the existing adaptability models used in architecture between the years 2007–2020 was made in the context of the main and sub-criteria obtained in the literature research.FindingsIn the study, the concept of adaptability, the definition of building adaptability and the analysis of adaptability models were examined and findings were obtained under three main headings. The definition of adaptability takes place in the literature on a multidisciplinary scale. In the definition of adaptability, it should cover not only structural but also functional, economic, technological and performance-oriented strategies applied to structures. Although the theories examined within the scope of building adaptability are seen as a guide for future studies, they should be supported by examples that can be applied in a global context. In the study, 7 adaptability models determined by a semi-systematic literature review were analyzed. The matrices of the models based on the adaptability sub-criteria are discussed in the context of scenario, physical life, openness, physical use, barriers and obsolescence. The data obtained is a guide for the models to be used in the future within the scope of adaptability.Originality/valueThis study presents a semi-systematic analysis of the studies in the literature on the adaptability of structures. In this context, the study serves as a guide for adaptability models to be designed in the future.
Factors affecting readiness to diffuse blended learning in Pakistani higher education institutions
Authors: Chen Xiyu , Khaskheli Asadullah , Raza Syed Ali , Hakim Faiza , Khan Komal Akram 
Published: July 2022

PurposeCombining an online and traditional mode of learning is a significant challenge for third world countries. To face this challenge, educational institutions around the world adopted the strategies of blended learning (BL). This research aims to determine the factors affecting readiness to diffuse BL in Pakistani higher education institutions.Design/methodology/approach“Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM)” was used based on a suitable sample of 228 participants in Karachi, Pakistan.FindingsThe results reveal that resource support, management strategies (MSs) and technology infrastructure (TI) are positively and significantly associated with readiness to diffuse BL. However, institutional structure (IS) and ethical consideration (EC) have a positive but insignificant link with readiness to diffuse BL.Originality/valueThe research is reasonably required as research in the Karachi Pakistani context is scarce. Additionally, this study analyses the possibility of modern skills and techniques to diffuse BL in higher education in Pakistan.
A competitiveness measurement system of Brazilian start-ups
Authors: Silva Júnior Claudio Roberto , Siluk Julio Cezar Mairesse , Neuenfeldt Júnior Alvaro , Francescatto Matheus , Michelin Cláudiade 
Published: July 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a competitiveness measurement system for start-ups considering multiple critical success factors.Design/methodology/approachThe methodological approach uses concepts from key performance indicators (KPIs) and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) based on the fuzzy AHP (FAHP) methodology to weight the criteria related to fundamental points of view (FPVs) and critical success factors (CSFs).FindingsData collection was performed with 21 specialists and 28 start-ups, which returned the weights and performance of CSFs and FPVs related to the start-ups’ competitiveness. The results show only one start-up had a highly competitive global performance. In addition, all start-ups showed low competitiveness related to industry 4.0 technologies.Originality/valueThe article collaborates with existing research as a starting point for discussions on the subject, considering that previous research did not address the measurement of the start-ups’ competitiveness level through multiple factors, as developed in this article. In addition, we provide decision-makers and other stakeholders in the start-up ecosystem with a robust measurement system to assess business competitiveness and diagnose the company’s situation.
Improving problem-solving skills through technology assisted collaborative learning in a first year engineering mathematics course
Authors: D. Anitha , D. Kavitha 
Published: July 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this research study is to explore simple collaborative technique for teaching mathematics and thus improving the problem solving skills of the students. Better pedagogic activities are required to motivate the students to perceive mathematics as a subject that stimulates problem-solving skills required for engineers.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a research study on the application of technology-supported collaborative learning in improving the problem-solving skills of first-year engineering students in a mathematics course. The experiment was conducted in a mathematics course “Engineering Calculus” with 286 first-year engineering students in two groups: experimental group (N = 60) and controlled group (N = 226). The academic performance of the students was measured and analyzed with statistical techniques.

Findings
From the results obtained, it was found that the academic performance of the experimental group was better than the controlled group. Also, interest shown by the students in the topic that dealt with collaborative learning was more than in other topics taught using conventional teaching methods.

Research limitations/implications
The teachers are required to find effective pedagogical activities to improve the problem-solving skills in mathematics. The research work proposes a collaborative method in mathematics for attaining higher cognitive level in an entry level engineering course. The limitation of this study lies in group formation techniques and the grading policy which deals only with individual assessment scores.

Practical implications
Practice of collaborative learning is made easy with simple technology. A clear strategy for the conduct of collaborative learning sessions has been presented. The solutions recommended are practically feasible and does not require any special infrastructure or specific training.

Social implications
Using technology in mathematics teaching may not be very easy for all teachers. Especially, for an undergraduate engineering fresher, mathematics may not be a very easy task. This work shall bridge the gap with simple technology-assisted collaborative learning. The teachers need not spend too much time and effort in learning technology for mathematics teaching. The effect of this learning is significant in terms of the performance and satisfaction evaluation.

Originality/value
This work presents a systematic implementation of collaborative learning that shall result in improved problem-solving skills and engaging learning sessions. The statistical analysis methods and the visualization of obtained results shall help in understanding the implications of the presented work. Practice of collaborative learning is made easy with simple technology. The solutions recommended are practically feasible and does not require any special infrastructure or specific training.
Modeling the strategies to accelerate the natural gas business market growth in a developing country
Authors: Rawat Atul , Garg Chandra Prakash 
Published: July 2022

Purpose
Rising energy demand and the quest for achieving climate change targets have been pushing emerging markets like India to bolster the natural gas share in their energy mix. The country has set an aggressive target of increasing natural gas share in the energy mix to 15% by 2030. The purpose of this study is to acknowledge the need for adopting and developing strategies for natural gas business market development to ensure a reliable supply at an affordable price. Hence, this study explores the natural gas market business development strategies and assesses them through cause/effect analysis.

Design/methodology/approach
This study proposed an integrated framework based on the Grey concept and Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) technique to assess and determine the interdependence among the natural gas business market development strategies by cause-and-effect group analysis. The application of Grey theory reduced the uncertainty and subjectivity involved in the decision-making process. Later, sensitivity analysis is also performed to check the robustness of the framework.

Findings
The natural gas business market development strategies are identified through a systematic literature search and contributions from industry experts. The findings of this study highlight the importance of developing pipeline and storage infrastructure facilities, ensuring supply security through long-term imports and overseas investment, implementing free-market-based pricing, simplification and standardization of regulatory processes at state and national levels, etc., for the development of the natural gas market development in India.

Research limitations/implications
This study acknowledges the natural gas market development strategies and evaluated them into cause-and-effect groups which are limited to Indian context. All evaluations in the Grey-based DEMATEL method were made in this study based on the decision team inputs which limits the generalization to other geographies. Moreover, the opinions of the experts can be subjective and differ. The selection of the experts is done through non-probability sampling process.

Practical implications
This study could support the government and decision-makers in formulating the appropriate strategies to develop the domestic natural gas market. The cause-and-effect relationships are helpful for the companies, management, government, regulators and other stakeholders to understand the criticality of the causal strategies that must be implemented for developing the favorable natural gas business market scenario.

Originality/value
This study explores and evaluates the strategies that successfully bolster the natural gas business demand in India using Grey-based DEMATEL framework. By focusing on those critical strategies, relevant stakeholders would ensure a reliable natural gas supply at affordable prices.
Corporate venturing strategy of emerging market multinational enterprises
Authors: Ohara Frank , Mefford Robert Neil 
Published: July 2022

Purpose
This study aims to examine the corporate venturing strategy of successful emerging market multinational enterprises and discern commonalities and useful tactics for other firms attempting to follow in their footsteps. Understanding the corporate venturing strategies used by these successful firms may be instructive for other firms whether from emerging markets or developed countries.

Design/methodology/approach
We selected 11 multinationals in emerging markets for this study, from a variety of industries in China, India, Brazil, Mexico, Taiwan and South Korea. Success here is defined as rapid international expansion, increased revenue and greater innovation capacity. These firms have become globally competitive against established companies from the developed countries.

Findings
Some commonality in corporate venturing strategy has been found along with factors that have contributed to this use being effective. They may provide some worthwhile examples for other firms, both in developing and developed countries.

Originality/value
The contributions of this research are to add to the understanding of how some multinationals from developing countries have been able to rapidly build up their capabilities to become successful global competitors through their corporate venturing strategy.
Effect of direct aging and annealing on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AlSi10Mg fabricated by selective laser melting
Authors: Xiao Haifeng , Zhang Changchun , Zhu Haihong 
Published: July 2022

Purpose
This paper aims to systematically investigate the effect of the heat treatment process parameters on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the selective laser melting (SLM) AlSi10Mg alloy.

Design/methodology/approach
The samples with very low porosity were fabricated with optimized processing parameters on a self-developed SLM system. The heat treatment of using the temperature of 170°C∼400°C and the holding time of 0.5∼12 h was studied, and the evolution of the microstructure and mechanical properties of AlSi10Mg alloy under direct aging and annealing was investigated and obtained.

Findings
After annealing above 300°C for 1 h, the dendrite Si in the sample occurs spheroidization, and the molten pool contour becomes blurred or even disappeared completely, but low-temperature heat treatment does not change the morphology and size of grains significantly. Except for holding at 200°C for 1 h, all other heat treatment processes cause the tensile and yield strengths of SLM AlSi10Mg alloys to decrease and the elongation to increase. When the annealing temperature is higher than 200°C, the higher the temperature and the longer the holding time, the more obvious this effect is.

Originality/value
The correlation between the mechanical properties and microstructure of SLM AlSi10Mg alloy under different conditions was obtained. According to the characteristics of SLM forming, the direct aging and annealing process are mainly studied, which provided new information for the heat treatment of SLM AlSi10Mg alloy and promoted the engineering application of SLM AlSi10Mg alloy.