scholarly journals Empowering Virus Sequences Research through Conceptual Modeling

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Bernasconi ◽  
Arif Cankoglu ◽  
Pietro Pinoli ◽  
Stefano Ceri
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Conceptual Modeling ◽  
Sequencing Project ◽  
Human Genomes ◽  
Virus Complex ◽  
Genetic Mechanisms ◽  
Virus Sequence ◽  
Host Genetic ◽  
Viral Sequences

AbstractThe pandemic outbreak of the coronavirus disease has attracted attention towards the genetic mechanisms of viruses. We hereby present the Viral Conceptual Model (VCM), centered on the virus sequence and described from four perspectives: biological (virus type and hosts/sample), analytical (annotations and variants), organizational (sequencing project) and technical (experimental technology).VCM is inspired by GCM, our previously developed Genomic Conceptual Model, but it introduces many novel concepts, as viral sequences significantly differ from human genomes. When applied to SARS-CoV2 virus, complex conceptual queries upon VCM are able to replicate the search results of recent articles, hence demonstrating huge potential in supporting virology research.In addition to VCM, we also illustrate the data dictionary for patient’s phenotype used by the COVID-19 Host Genetic Initiative. Our effort is part of a broad vision: availability of conceptual models for both human genomics and viruses will provide important opportunities for research, especially if interconnected by the same human being, playing the role of virus host as well as provider of genomic and phenotype information.

scholarly journals Computational search of hybrid human/ SARS-CoV-2 dsRNA reveals unique viral sequences that diverge from other coronavirus strains

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claude Pasquier ◽  
Alain Robichon
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Observation ◽  
Rna Viruses ◽  
Ubiquitin Protein Ligase ◽  
Accessory Function ◽  
Human Genomes ◽  
Human Genes ◽  
Computational Search ◽  
A Subunit ◽  
Viral Sequences

AbstractThe role of the RNAi/Dicer/Ago system to degrade RNA viruses has been elusive in mammals, which prompted authors to think that interferon (IFN) synthesis is essential in this clade relegating the RNAi defense strategy against viral infection as accessory function. We explore the theoretical possibilities that RNAi triggered by SARS-CoV-2 might degrade some host transcripts in the opposite direction although this hypothesis seems counter intuitive. SARS-CoV-2 genome was therefore computational searched for exact intra pairing within the viral RNA and also hybrid exact pairing with human transcriptome over a minimum 20 bases length. Minimal segments of 20 bases length of SARS-CoV-2 RNA were found based on the theoretical matching with existing complementary strands in the human host transcriptome. Few human genes potentially annealing with SARS-CoV-2 RNA, among them mitochondrial deubiquitinase USP30, a subunit of ubiquitin protein ligase complex FBXO21 along with two long coding RNAs were retrieved. The hypothesis that viral originated RNAi might mediate degradation of messengers of the host transcriptome was corroborated by clinical observation and phylogenetic comparative analysis indicating a strong specificity of these hybrid pairing sequences for both SARS-CoV-2 and human genomes.

scholarly journals Osteoarthritis: Insights Offered by the Study of Bone Mass Genetics

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-122
Author(s):  
A. Hartley ◽  
C. L. Gregson ◽  
L. Paternoster ◽  
J. H. Tobias
Keyword(s):  
Bone Mass ◽  
Causal Effect ◽  
Mendelian Randomisation ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
High Bone Mass ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
High Bone ◽  
Genetic Mechanisms ◽  
Additional Support

Abstract Purpose of Review This paper reviews how bone genetics has contributed to our understanding of the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. As well as identifying specific genetic mechanisms involved in osteoporosis which also contribute to osteoarthritis, we review whether bone mineral density (BMD) plays a causal role in OA development. Recent Findings We examined whether those genetically predisposed to elevated BMD are at increased risk of developing OA, using our high bone mass (HBM) cohort. HBM individuals were found to have a greater prevalence of OA compared with family controls and greater development of radiographic features of OA over 8 years, with predominantly osteophytic OA. Initial Mendelian randomisation analysis provided additional support for a causal effect of increased BMD on increased OA risk. In contrast, more recent investigation estimates this relationship to be bi-directional. However, both these findings could be explained instead by shared biological pathways. Summary Pathways which contribute to BMD appear to play an important role in OA development, likely reflecting shared common mechanisms as opposed to a causal effect of raised BMD on OA. Studies in HBM individuals suggest this reflects an important role of mechanisms involved in bone formation in OA development; however further work is required to establish whether the same applies to more common forms of OA within the general population.

scholarly journals NRAMP1 Polymorphism and Viral Factors in Sardinian Multiple Sclerosis Patients

2008 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 491-494 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Gazouli ◽  
Leonardo Sechi ◽  
Daniela Paccagnini ◽  
Stefano Sotgiu ◽  
Giannina Arru ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Autoimmune Disease ◽  
Promoter Region ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Jc Virus ◽  
Allelic Variation ◽  
Sardinian Population ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Patients ◽  
Viral Sequences

Background:Multiple sclerosis (MS) is believed to be an autoimmune disease occurring in genetically predisposed individuals after an appropriate environmental exposure such as viral infections. Recent studies suggest a significant association between MS and the functional 5’-(GT)n polymorphism in the promoter region of the NRAMP1 gene. In the present study we aimed to evaluate the contribution of the allelic variation in the NRAMP1 promoter to MS susceptibility and to study the role of viral infection in relation to specific NRAMP1 genotypes, in a Sardinian cohort.Methods:Sixty MS patients and 66 healthy individuals were genotyped, and screened for the presence of Epstein-bar virus (EBV) and JC virus (JCV) sequences.Results:Consistent with previous autoimmune disease studies, allele 3 at the functional 5’(GT)n promoter region repeat polymorphism, was significantly overrepresented among MS patients when compared to controls (p=0.02). The EBV and JCV sequences were detected in 8/60 (13.33%) and in 4/60 (6.66%) of MS patients respectively and in 5/66 (7.57%) and in 0/66 of controls.Conclusion:The allelic variation in the NRAMP1 promoter may contribute to MS susceptibility in the Sardinian population. The viral sequences were not confined to a specific NRAMP1 genotype.

It’s just not fair: exploring the effects of firm customization on unfairness perceptions, trust and loyalty

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 484-497 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bang Nguyen ◽  
Philipp “Phil” Klaus ◽  
Lyndon Simkin
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Customer Loyalty ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Perceived Fairness ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Negative Perceptions ◽  
Loyalty Intentions ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Development And Validation

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to (a) develop a conceptual framework exploring the relationships between perceived negative firm customization, unfairness perceptions, and customer loyalty intentions, and (b) investigate the moderating effects of trust in these relationships. The study explores how customizing offers to match customers’ individual needs and how treating customers differentially provoke unfairness perceptions among those not being considered most important. While the literature discusses unfairness perceptions of pricing, promotion, and service, less is known about unfairness in customization practices. Design/methodology/approach – Using a survey approach, 443 completed questionnaires we collected. Following validation of our item measures, a hierarchical linear regression analysis was conducted to test the conceptual model and hypothesized linkages between our constructs. Findings – The results demonstrate that customers’ negative perceptions of customization increase their unfairness perceptions. Unfairness perceptions drastically reduce customer loyalty intentions with trust acting as a significant moderator. Trust increases loyalty intentions even when unfairness perceptions are present. Our findings provide a foundation for understanding how firms may improve their perceived fairness. This increase in perceived fairness creates positive attributions, reduces negative customer experience perceptions and increases loyalty intentions. Originality/value – Key contribution is the development and validation of a conceptual model explaining the linkages between firm customization and unfairness perceptions, firm customization and customer loyalty intentions and the moderating role of trust between these relationships. This study extends the understanding of how customization practices impact unfairness perceptions and, subsequently, influence consumers’ perceptions, intentions and behavior.

scholarly journals Exploring the role of anticipated emotions in product adoption and usage

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 300-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debora Bettiga ◽  
Lucio Lamberti
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Consumer Products ◽  
Product Adoption ◽  
Radical Product ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Product Decision ◽  
Anticipated Emotions

Purpose This study aims to explore the role of positive and negative anticipated emotions on adoption and continued usage of consumer products. The components of value eliciting anticipated emotions are investigated as well. Design/methodology/approach The conceptual model proposed is tested in two empirical studies, one focussing on functional and hedonic products and one on incremental and radical product innovations. Data are collected through online surveys on consumers and are analysed using structural equation modelling. Findings Results confirm the ability of anticipated emotions to influence product decision-making process. Moreover, anticipated emotions mediate the influence of value perceptions on product attitude. Findings show that these relationships vary greatly between initial adoption and further usage of the product. Practical implications Findings from this study may help marketers in the development of the right brand strategies and communication campaigns, aimed at building emotional connections with the consumer which prompt product adoption and usage. Originality/value Anticipated emotions, the predictions about the emotional consequences of a behaviour, have been acknowledged as strong drivers of consumer choices. Despite that, the role of anticipated emotions in product decision-making has not been explored yet. The present research, by means of a novel conceptual model, uncovers the role of anticipated emotions in both product adoption and continued usage decisions and depicts the components of value arousing such anticipated emotions.

The role of the arts and humanities in human flourishing: A conceptual model

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 215-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louis Tay ◽  
James O. Pawelski ◽  
Melissa G. Keith
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Human Flourishing ◽  
Arts And Humanities ◽  
The Arts

Higher Education: The Role of Universities Research Structure

2021 ◽  
pp. 171-179
Author(s):  
Nader Gholi Ghorchian ◽  
Shahrooz Farjad ◽  
Ali Taghipour Zahir
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Analysis Technique ◽  
Tehran Province ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Research Structure

As higher education plays a pivotal role in the economic well-being of modern societies, universities today are faced with increasing pressure in order to improve their accountability and performance. They have to redesign the research structure to achieve the set objectives. The present survey aimed at studying the factors and related indicators that affect the effectiveness of the research structure of the universities. The sample included 274 faculty members who were selected through stratified random method at 8 branches of Islamic Azad University in Tehran province (Iran). Research questions were: a) What key Factors influence the Effectiveness of the universities’ research structure? and b) What conceptual model can be designed? Finally, in this study using a questionnaire and factor analysis technique, eight factors were identified and ranked which contribute towards the effectiveness of research structure in universities . Finally, a conceptual model has been proposed for the universities to strengthen their research structure.

‘Generic’ physical mechanisms of morphogenesis and pattern formation

Development ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 110 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.A. Newman ◽  
W.D. Comper
Keyword(s):  
Pattern Formation ◽  
Reaction Diffusion ◽  
Physical Mechanisms ◽  
Extracellular Matrix Components ◽  
Genetic Mechanisms ◽  
Chemical Waves ◽  
Phylogenetic Lineages ◽  
Living Tissues ◽  
Highly Evolved

The role of ‘generic’ physical mechanisms in morphogenesis and pattern formation of tissues is considered. Generic mechanisms are defined as those physical processes that are broadly applicable to living and non-living systems, such as adhesion, surface tension and gravitational effects, viscosity, phase separation, convection and reaction-diffusion coupling. They are contrasted with ‘genetic’ mechanisms, a term reserved for highly evolved, machine-like, biomolecular processes. Generic mechanisms acting upon living tissues are capable of giving rise to morphogenetic rearrangements of cytoplasmic, tissue and extracellular matrix components, sometimes leading to ‘microfingers’, and to chemical waves or stripes. We suggest that many morphogenetic and patterning effects are the inevitable outcome of recognized physical properties of tissues, and that generic physical mechanisms that act on these properties are complementary to, and interdependent with genetic mechanisms. We also suggest that major morphological reorganizations in phylogenetic lineages may arise by the action of generic physical mechanisms on developing embryos. Subsequent evolution of genetic mechanisms could stabilize and refine developmental outcomes originally guided by generic effects.

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