The Distribution of Certain Combinatorial Arrays

I determine the distribution function of the binomial coefficients and the Narayana numbers. I then present results which provide numerical evidence for our theorems

Genomic insights and advanced machine learning: characterizing autism spectrum disorder biomarkers and genetic interactions

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by altered brain connectivity and function. In this study, we employed advanced bioinformatics and explainable AI to analyze gene expression associated with ASD, using data from five GEO datasets. Among 351 neurotypical controls and 358 individuals with autism, we identified 3,339 Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) with an adjusted p-value (≤ 0.05). A subsequent meta-analysis pinpointed 342 DEGs (adjusted p-value ≤ 0.001), including 19 upregulated and 10 down-regulated genes across all datasets. Shared genes, pathogenic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), chromosomal positions, and their impact on biological pathways were examined. We identified potential biomarkers (HOXB3, NR2F2, MAPK8IP3, PIGT, SEMA4D, and SSH1) through text mining, meriting further investigation. Additionally, ‎we shed light on the roles of RPS4Y1 and KDM5D genes in neurogenesis and neurodevelopment. Our analysis detected 1,286 SNPs linked to ASD-related conditions, of which 14 high-risk SNPs were located on chromosomes 10 and X. We highlighted potential missense SNPs associated with FGFR inhibitors, suggesting that it may serve as a promising biomarker for responsiveness to targeted therapies. Our explainable AI model identified the MID2 gene as a potential ASD biomarker. This research unveils vital genes and potential biomarkers, providing a foundation for novel gene discovery in complex diseases

Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Promotes Peri-Lesion Cell Proliferation and Functional Improvement after Cortical Contusion Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability globally. No drug treatments are available, so interest has turned to endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) as alternative strategies for treatment. We hypothesized that regulation of cell proliferation through modulation of the sonic hedgehog pathway, a key NSC regulatory pathway, could lead to functional improvement. We assessed sonic hedgehog (Shh) protein levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with TBI. Using the cortical contusion injury (CCI) model in rodents, we used pharmacological modulators of Shh signaling to assess cell proliferation within the injured cortex using the marker 5-Ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU); 50mg/mL. The phenotype of proliferating cells was determined and quantified. Motor function was assessed using the rotarod test. In patients with TBI there is a reduction of Shh protein in CSF compared with control patients. In rodents, following a severe CCI, quiescent cells become activated. Pharmacologically modulating the Shh signaling pathway leads to changes in the number of newly proliferating injury-induced cells. Upregulation of Shh signaling with Smoothened agonist (SAG) results in an increase of newly proliferating cells expressing glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), whereas the Shh signaling inhibitor cyclopamine leads to a reduction. Some cells expressed doublecortin (DCX) but did not mature into neurons. The SAG-induced increase in proliferation is associated with improved recovery of motor function. Localized restoration of Shh in the injured rodent brain, via increased Shh signaling, has the potential to sustain endogenous cell proliferation and the mitigation of TBI-induced motor deficits albeit without the neuronal differentiation

Recognising contributions to work in research collaboratives: Guidelines for standardising reporting of authorship in collaborative research

Background Trainee research collaboratives (TRCs) have been revolutionary changes to the delivery of high-quality, multicentre research. The aim of this study was to define common roles in the conduct of collaborative research, and map these to academic competencies as set out by General Medical Council (GMC) in the United Kingdom. This will support trainers and assessors when judging academic achievements of those involved in TRC projects, and supports trainees by providing guidance on how to fulfil their role in these studies. Methods A modified Delphi process was followed. Electronic discussion with key stakeholders was undertaken to identify and describe common roles. These were refined and mapped to GMC educational domains and International Committee of Medical Journal Editors authorship (ICJME) guidelines. The resulting roles and descriptions were presented to a face-to-face consensus meeting for voting. The agreed roles were then presented back to the electronic discussion group for approval. Results Electronic discussion generated six common roles. All of these were agreed in face-to-face meetings, where two further roles identified and described. All eight roles required skills that map to part of the academic requirements for surgical training in the UK. Discussion This paper presents a standardised framework for reporting authorship in collaborative group authored research publications. Linkage of collaborator roles to the ICMJE guidelines and GMC academic competency guidelines will facilitate incorporation into relevant training curricular and journal publication policies

Business Intelligence and Data Analytics as a Driver of Dynamic Capability Strategic Approach

Papers addressing the Dynamic Capability (DC) approach either support it as the best strategy or express its defects and impediments to implementation. However, this paper aims to promote the DC through the means of digital transformation from the angle of Business Intelligence and Data Analytics (BIDA). This article employs the logic of matching the essential components of the DC and BIDA to verify the extent of their conformity. A literature review methodology has been adopted since there are a considerable number of publications that focus on DC and BIDA. This paper posits that the main components of DC are sensing and exploring changes, seizing opportunities, and managing reconfiguration and transformation. Whereas, the features of knowledge discovery, decision support, predicting changes and risks are related to the BIDA. Additionally, this study found that the BIDA has a significant positive effect on the DC and helps to achieve a competitive advantage. By drawing the connection and demonstrating the impact of the essential elements of DC and BIDA, this article shows the vital framework of how the BIDA supports the DC. Finally, some limitations and gaps that provide suggestions for future research in this area are discussed

An Assessment of the Decision Making Units’ Efficiency in Service Systems (The Case of Cellular Telecom)

Most tools and models on performance and quality of service management are generic and do not solve the complex technical systems, which the most critical component on the network and where these tools should be applied. The objective of this research is to assess the cellular performance and Base Transceiver Station (BTS) efficiency by proposing a robust model that is derived from multiple Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) based on technical and financial aspects. The novelty of this research provides a comprehensive multidimensional model for tuning the BTS parameters, which can lead to developing a standard global mobile network KPI. The model measures the efficiency of BTSs and offers a reference set for inefficient BTSs. This creates guidelines for the network optimization engineers to improve inefficient BTSs by comparing their configurations with efficient BTSs to achieve a high level of network optimization. Thus, the analysis will help the decision makers focus on the right area and identify the most critical BTSs based on best practices

Evaluating the Selection of Cellular Business Using a Hierarchical Decision Model: The Case of Libya

With all of the changes and challenges in Libya, the country possesses many positive attributes for carefully targeted investment in several sectors and seeks to use the last updated technology to improve public service. The Libyan ministry of telecommunication is interested in long-term investment in the cellular telecom industry. Although the ministry and its national operators have sought to catch up to the fast growth of the technology and provide the best service to the customers, the sector needs some reforms. Therefore, to improve prospects for success, four options (privatization of the companies, licensing a new foreign operator, supporting existing operators, and joint venture) were identified and evaluated based on a multiple perspectives criteria and goals using a Hierarchical Decision Model (HDM) methodology. The judgments of Libyan experts in the telecom sector were used to validate and quantify the model. The final result shows the licensing of a new foreign operator is considered to be the best option in the case of Libya

Exploratory Strategic Roadmapping Framework for Big Data Privacy Issues

The applications of Big Data continue to expand, due to the many possibilities and unprecedented insights it offers to people, organizations, and communities. However, Big Data poses serious challenges as well, including challenges to the privacy and security of individuals and their data. This paper considers how to best address one concern related to Big Data: the social problems that the pervasiveness of data collection, analysis, and storage create with regard to individuals\u27 ability to control their own data. The paper uses Quality Function Deployment (QFD) and Technology Roadmapping analysis methods to assess the social problems, technologies, resources, and industries that are most relevant to data privacy, and what should be done to address it. The findings indicated that the healthcare industry is one of the most important industries to consider concerning data privacy because of the nature of the data generated through medical processes and technologies. Furthermore, it was found that enforcement mechanisms, specifically in the form of federal enforcement agencies, are the most effective approach to ensure compliance by actors. It was also realized that there are extenuating political circumstances and increased costs that make the implementation of those policies challenging in the United States

Dynamics of Competition and Strategy: A Literature Review of Strategic Management Models and Frameworks

This research reviews a comprehensive and somehow chronological literature in the models and frameworks of competition and strategy. Strategic management research is shaped around a core question that why some firms outperform others; several significant lines of work have emerged in the strategic management field since its infancy. These include industrial organization, the resource-based view and dynamic capabilities. Also, Competition essentially has been the focal point of scholars with diverse perspectives such as industrial economics and structural analysis, strategic groups, game theory, and competitive dynamics. In this research, we represent and summarize different perspectives of scholars in framing competition and strategy that is related to theory of the firm and differential firm performance; also, we show that there is a trend from static to dynamic frameworks of strategy and competition which have tried to find an answer to differential firm performance. Finally, we conclude by addressing the potential for utilizing new dynamic and systemic perspectives regarding theorizing dynamics of strategy and competition

An Assessment of the Decision-Making Units\u27 Efficiency in Service Systems

Most tools and models of performance and quality of service management are generic and do not solve complex technical systems. The critical components of the system need such tools to assess their efficiency to make a better decision about them. One of the primary objectives in the service systems is to improve the ability of efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of critical assets. One of the challenges with improving critical assets is the amount of major capital spending needed to upgrade a technology infrastructure with a high obsolescence rate. This along with usage and reliability issues, makes evaluating mobile cells to enhance the Quality of Services (QoS) more difficult. This research bridges engineering and management by using a robust and objective management tool for benchmarking mobile Base Transceiver Station\u27s (BTS) efficiency with the important radio Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for evaluating technical efficiency. The objective of this research is to assess the cellular performance and BTS efficiency by demonstrating a robust model that is derived from multiple KPIs based on technical and financial aspects. This novel research provides a comprehensive multidimensional model for tuning the BTS\u27s parameters, which can lead to developing a standard global mobile network KPI. The model measures the efficiency of BTSs and offers a reference set for inefficient BTSs to improve their efficiency. This creates tuning guidelines for the network optimization engineers to improve inefficient BTSs by comparing their configurations with efficient BTSs to achieve a high level of network optimization. Thus, the benchmarking classifies the BTSs into four categories using a performance matrix, and this analysis helps the decision-makers to focus on the right area, and to identify the most critical BTSs based on best practices. The first part of the research includes a literature review, highlights of the problem statement, research motivation, and the research focus. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is employed as the main methodology to build the evaluating model, and to identify a robust multi-dimensional benchmarking model using resources allocated as inputs and multi-outputs of KPIs. The expert judgments were also used to validate the model and the results. The second stage of the model uses the principles of the Boston Consulting group\u27s product portfolio matrix (BCG matrix) as a performance matrix approach to provide target-setting strategies. Also, the statistical and regression analyses are adopted to extract useful insights, which helps the implementation of the enhancements. The real data from a local mobile operator in North Africa is used as a case study. Besides the analysis and the assessment of the BTS\u27s efficiency, a set of recommendations is provided to improve the inefficient BTSs. Moreover, the set of references from the best practice point of view for the inefficient BTSs are defined. These results give network engineers specific suggestions to improve the inefficient BTSs based on tuning parameters of best practices for peers. Finally, the scope of further research is provided along with some opportunities to enhance the model for new technology and other aspects of application areas as well as the future steps to validate the results in a real network