bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Duality Analysis in a Symmetric Group and its Application to Random Tensor Network Models
Authors: Ohzeki Masayuki
Published: November 2024

The Ising model is the simplest model for describing many-body effects in classical statistical mechanics. A duality analysis leads to its critical point under several assumptions. The Ising model has $Z_2$-symmetry. The basis of duality analysis is a nontrivial relationship between low- and high-temperature expansions. However, discrete Fourier transformation automatically determines the hidden relationship. The duality analysis can naturally extend to systems with various degrees of freedom, $Z_q$ symmetry, and random spin systems. Furthermore, we obtained the duality relation in a series of permutation models in the present study by considering the symmetric group $S_q$ and its Fourier transformation. The permutation model in a symmetric group is closely related to random quantum circuits and random tensor network models, which are frequently discussed in quantum computing. It also relates to the holographic principle, a property of string theories and quantum gravity. We provide a systematic approach using duality analysis to examine the phase transition in these models.
Distributive cycles in the export-led growth model: On the macroeconomics of a pro-labor shift in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Grodzicki Maciej J , Możdżeń Michał
Published: November 2024

This article aims to reassess a stylized fact, increasingly well-established in the Comparative Political Economy scholarship, that Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) economies exhibit characteristics of the so-called export-led growth (ELG) model. We can confirm the ‘ELG in CEE’ hypothesis by developing and testing a Goodwinian distributive cycles’ macroeconomic model focused on the productivity–employment–wage share nexus. Moreover, our approach allows us to shed light on the apparent contradiction between ELG characteristics and the dynamic wage and employment growth experienced in the region after the global financial crisis (GFC) by exploring the possibility of a productivity-induced shift within the ELG model. We conclude that CEE countries experienced technical upgrading, which allows them to maintain export competitiveness despite a visible pro-labor shift in the income distribution.
Physiological and psychological stress reactivity in narcolepsy type 1
Authors: Vringer Marieke , Bijlenga Denise , Zhou Jingru , Meijer Onno C , Vinkers Christiaan H , Lammers Gert Jan , Fronczek Rolf
Published: November 2024

Study Objectives

Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) is a chronic sleep–wake disorder, characterized by a loss of hypocretin production. Unexpectedly, in postmortem tissue of people with NT1, there is a loss of corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) in the paraventricular nucleus. CRH is known as an activator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in response to stress. This activation results in the release of the stress hormones adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol. We hypothesize an altered physiological and psychological stress response in NT1.

Methods

Participants were people with NT1 (n = 14) and matched healthy controls (n = 12). The Trier Social Stress Test for Groups (TSST-G), a validated socially evaluated stress test in controlled settings, induced acute stress. We measured ACTH and cortisol levels in the blood before and at three timepoints after the TSST-G. We also measured subjective stress and heart rate levels.

Results

In both groups, acute stress led to increases in ACTH (p = .006), cortisol (p < .001), heart rate (p < .001), and subjective stress (p < .001). Subjectively, people with NT1 experienced more stress than controls (p < .001). No differences were found in heart rate, cortisol, and ACTH between people with NT1 and controls at any timepoint. Secondary analyses showed that men with NT1 had lower cortisol levels immediately after stress induction than men in the control group (p = .002).

Conclusions

People with NT1 show an increased subjective stress response, but no changes in their endocrine or cardiovascular stress reactivity. Further research is required to determine the impact of reduced CRH production and gender in NT1.
Nifedipine May Be an Inhibitor of Clozapine Metabolism, as Seen in 5 Patients: 2 from a US Double-Blind Study and 3 from a German TDM Study
Authors: Schoretsanitis Georgios , Haen Ekkehard , Verdoux Hélène , Paulzen Michael , de Leon Jose
Published: November 2024

Background:

Clozapine is the only licensed antipsychotic for treatment-refractory schizophrenia. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) refers to the measurement of clozapine concentration. Clozapine TDM can be used to optimize treatment, particularly by identifying pharmacokinetic interactions between clozapine and comedications.

Methods:

We identified 5 cases of patients with available clozapine concentrations who were concomitantly receiving nifedipine and clozapine. These cases were drawn from 2 independent datasets: 2 from a double-blind, randomized clinical trial in the United States and 3 from a German TDM naturalistic database. As an index of clozapine clearance, we used the trough-level concentration-to-dose (C/D) ratios to estimate the minimum therapeutic doses. To estimate dose-correction factors for nifedipine treatment, we included only clozapine concentrations at steady state. We divided the clozapine minimum therapeutic doses (MTD) from the on-condition by the off-nifedipine condition.

Results:

In 4 patients, the ratio of on/off nifedipine for MTD ranged between 0.58 and 0.82. Another patient had no data and had to be compared with published control data (female smoker of African ancestry), providing a correction factor of 0.52 after eliminating 5 concentrations contaminated by the development of obesity.

Conclusions:

In the absence of access to TDM, when prescribing nifedipine to clozapine-treated patients, we recommend reducing the daily dose of clozapine by one-third because of the weak inhibition of clozapine metabolism. With access to TDM, TDM should guide dosing as unusual patients may need larger dose reductions, as it is possible that in some patients, nifedipine may be a moderate inhibitor requiring halving clozapine dose. Further prospective studies are warranted.
Prevalence of Acinetobacter baumannii with multiple drug resistance isolated from patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia from 2010 to 2020 in the world: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Panahi Afra Hossein , Dehvan Fazel , Naleini Seyyed Nima , Rouhi Samaneh , Bechashk Seyyede Maryam , Darehbagh Ramyar Rahimi , Derakhshan Safoora , Jafarpour Hamed
Published: November 2024

Acinetobacter baumannii is a major cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The high resistance of this bacterium to antibiotics makes its control and treatment difficult. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) A. baumannii isolated from patients with VAP. Indexed articles in international databases on MDR A. baumannii isolated from patients with VAP were reviewed in a period from 2011 to 2020. Articles with full text in English were included and review articles, abstracts, and articles in languages other than English were excluded from the study. A random effect model using Meta R software, version 2.13 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used for data analysis. The final prevalence of A. baumannii isolated from patients with VAP in the above-mentioned period was 0.38 (95% CI: 0.26–0.52). Higher and lower prevalence rates were observed in Asia (0.43 (95% CI: 0.42−0.44)) and Africa (0.10 (95% CI: 0.07−0.12)), respectively. The overall prevalence rates of MDR, extensively drug-resistant (XDR), and pan drug-resistant bacteria (PDR) A. baumannii were reported as 0.71 (95% CI: 0.59−0.81), 0.73 (95% CI: 0.52−0.90), and 0.40 (95% CI: 0.28−0.52), respectively. The total prevalence of A. baumannii in males (0.57 (95% CI: 0.48−0.65)) was higher than the prevalence in females (0.35 (95% CI: 0.28−0.42)). VAP was directly related to different years, continents, drug resistance, and gender (P < 0.0001). VAP has particular importance in the intensive care unit (ICU) and having standards for infection control as well as proper use of antibiotics is essential for the prevention of MDR A. baumannii.
Evaluation of the effect of purified prolidase from Escherichia coli on some immunological aspects
Authors: Abdul Hussien Seror A. , Rasool Khetam H. , Zaki Neihaya H.
Published: November 2024

Escherichia coli prolidase play a role analogous to that of human prolidase – the breakdown of dipeptides stemming from protein catabolism – or an additional, regulatory role. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of purified prolidase on cancer cells and many immunological aspects. About 100 samples were collected from infant stool to isolate E. coli bacteria. Ion exchange and gel filtration chromatography were used in purification of prolidase enzyme with specific activity (2 U/ml) and (6.6 U/mg) protein. Molecular weight for prolidase from E. coli (MS12) found to be 20 kDa. Cytotoxicity effect of prolidase were determined and the IC50 to the MCF-7 was 65.1 μg/ml, while IC50 of WRL-68 was 148.3 μg/ml. In addition to that, prolidase at concentration of 200 μg/ml has showed significant effect on multiparameters (cell viability, nuclear intensity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), membrane permeability, and cytochrome C release). Caspase (8 and 9) and reactive oxygen species activity increased significantly by increasing prolidase concentration in MCF-7 cell line. Antioxidant activity of purified prolidase was demonstrated and DPPH-reducing activity rose as the concentration of the enzyme was increased. There was no significant change in white blood cell total and differential accounts after 14 days in comparison with control count when injected with different concentrations of the prolidase. Interleukin -1β, Interleukin- 8 and tumor necrotic factor- α levels were increased significantly with P value (0.001) in compared to control, depending on prolidase concentration. Phagocytic mechanism exhibited highest activity level (80%) when highest concentration (500 μg/ ml) of enzyme with G+ ve bacteria. The aim of the study was determine the effect of purified prolidase on cancer cells and many immunological aspects.
Potential Bladder Irritants and Overactive Bladder Symptoms: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ha Barbara , Seo Yoolim , Weaver Ashlee M. , Khan Fouzia Zahid Ali , Handa Victoria L.
Published: November 2024

Importance

Initial management for overactive bladder includes behavioral modification with avoidance of bladder irritants. However, in 2017, the International Consultation on Incontinence concluded that more research is needed to determine the precise role of these irritants in the treatment of overactive bladder.

Objectives

The objectives were to identify, evaluate, and summarize peer-reviewed literature examining associations between 6 potential bladder irritants as proposed by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (alcohol; spicy foods; chocolate; artificial sweeteners; caffeinated, carbonated, and citrus beverages; and high-acid foods such as citrus and tomatoes) and OAB symptoms.

Study Design

We performed a systematic literature search on MEDLINE, EMBASE, and SCOPUS. An adapted version of the patient-intervention-comparison-outcome framework was applied. The risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies—of Exposures assessment tool. The study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42023466251).

Results

We reviewed 51 unique articles exploring the effect of alcohol (n = 34); spicy foods (n = 1); chocolate (n = 3); artificial sweeteners (n = 5); caffeinated, carbonated, and citrus beverages (n = 27); and high-acid foods (n = 2). The considered outcomes included overactive bladder (n = 16), urgency incontinence (n = 19), urinary urgency (n = 15), frequency (n = 17), and nocturia (n = 17). Overall, observed associations were mixed and inconsistent. The risk of bias was moderate in 23 publications and low for the remaining publications.

Conclusions

This systematic review failed to identify consistent evidence of an association between any of these 6 potential bladder irritants and overactive bladder symptoms.
Pseudomonas huanghezhanensis sp. nov. and Pseudomonas fjordensis sp. nov., two novel species isolated from seawater of Arctic Kongsfjorden in the Ny-Ålesund area, Svalbard
Authors: Ge Hui-Yan , Hu Yong-Qiang , Zeng Yin-Xin , Wang Zuo-Qi , Han Wei , Hu Ting , Du Yu
Published: November 2024

Two Gram-stain-negative bacterial strains, BSw22131T and DMSP-1T, were isolated from seawater of Arctic Kongsfjorden in the Ny-Ålesund area, Svalbard. Strains BSw22131T and DMSP-1T were within the genus Pseudomonas and presented 98.1 and 99.8% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Pseudomonas piscicola P50T and Pseudomonas paracarnis V5/DAB/2/5T, respectively. However, the results of multilocus sequence analysis (concatenated 16S rRNA, gyrB, rpoB and rpoD gene sequences) and whole-genome sequence analysis indicated that BSw22131T and DMSP-1T were most closely related to Pseudomonas petrae P2653T and Pseudomonas lactis DSM 29167T, respectively. The genome G+C contents of strains BSw22131T and DMSP-1T were 58.2 and 60.0%, respectively. The two isolates presented digital DNA–DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values of less than 70 and 96%, respectively, with type strain genomes of their close relatives. BSw22131T contained summed feature 3 (C16 : 1
 ω6c/C16 : 1
 ω7c), C16 : 0 and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1
 ω6c/C18 : 1
 ω7c) as the major cellular fatty acids, whereas DMSP-1T contained an additional C17 : 0-cyclo as the major fatty acid. The major quinones of both strains were Q-9 (57.5–77.2%) and Q-8 (22.8–37.2%), and their major cellular polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. BSw22131T could be differentiated from its related species by positive ornithine decarboxylase, esterase (C8) and l-rhamnose and d-fructose-6-PO4 utilization, whereas DMSP-1T could be differentiated by positive acid phosphatase but negative p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid utilization. The two strains were negative for the reduction of nitrates but contained genes related to dimethylsulfoniopropionate catabolism. The results of the polyphasic taxonomy analysis revealed that strains BSw22131T and DMSP-1T represent two novel species of the genus Pseudomonas, for which the names Pseudomonas huanghezhanensis sp. nov. (type strain BSw22131T = CCTCC AB 2019135T = JCM 36635T = DSM 117336T) and Pseudomonas fjordensis sp. nov. (type strain DMSP-1T = CCTCC AB 2019124T = JCM 36636T = DSM 117337T) are proposed.
Heterostructural interface engineering for ultrawide-gap nitrides from first principles:
TaC
/
AlN
and
TaC
/
GaN
rocksalt-wurtzite interfaces
Authors: Mahatara Sharad , Lany Stephan
Published: November 2024

Epitaxial lattice matching is an important condition for the formation of coherent interfaces with low defect densities. However, lattice-matched substrates with the same crystal structure as the active layer are often not available, suggesting opportunities for utilizing heterostructural interfaces. For example, at high Al contents that are interesting for ultrawide-gap applications in power electronics, AlxGa1−xN semiconductor alloys in the (0001) orientation of the wurtzite (wz) structure become lattice-matched to (111)-oriented rocksalt (rs) TaC substrates. To predict the expected interface atomic structures under different synthesis conditions, we perform high-throughput density-functional-theory calculations, using an algorithm for systematic sampling of the possible stacking sequences of the atomic layers on the in-plane hexagonal lattice. The approach considers octahedral, tetrahedral, and prismatic coordination motifs, and is generally applicable for the modeling of commensurate rs/wz heterostructural interfaces. Our results provide guidance for synthesis control of substrate-film bonding and the polarity of ultrawide-gap AlxGa1−xN alloys on

Ta

C

substrates.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
The complexity of integrating global englishes (GE) in ELT: a case study of an English teacher’s investment and identity construction
Authors: Guo Lisha
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Although there is growing critical awareness in ELT around the rise of English as a global language, studies on teachers’ investment in critical pedagogy remain limited in mainstream ELT curricula, and the impact of such investment on teachers’ identities is not clear. To address this gap, with the inclusive paradigm of Global Englishes (GE), the paper presents a case study of an English teacher’s investment in GE at a middle school in China.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interview was conducted with the participant – May, focusing on her reported practices and her understanding of her roles during the investment in GE. The interview process was guided by an interview protocol which was designed based on related literature on GE, the theoretical framework, and the research context. A content analysis method was utilized to generate descriptive categories concerning participant’s identities and investment in GE.

Findings

Analysis of interview data reveals that through investment in GE, May not only constructed her identity as an English teacher, but also explored identities as a student inspirer, and a peer mentor. These identities exploration and construction were primarily driven by her increased cultural and social capital, despite facing challenges such as high-stakes test policies, native-speakerism ideology, institutional requirements, and limited resources.

Research limitations/implications

Future research incorporating triangulating data such as interviews, and classroom observations, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of English teachers’ identities, and investment in GE. Besides, the findings of this study are primarily from one teacher, they may not fully represent the broader population of English teachers in China.

Practical implications

The findings have several implications for English teaching and teacher education. First, elementary schools, the lower grades of middle schools (grades 7 and 8), or the after-school programs may have opportunities for teachers to integrate GE in teaching. Second, teacher education programs should be designed to provide more chances that enable student teachers to invest in their learning and teaching of GE. Third, proposals for incorporating GE practices in the classroom must adopt a critical perspective, so as to to expose, deconstruct, and reconstruct power dynamics that influence teachers’ investment in GE.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in its exploration of English teachers’ investment of GE in their teaching, and the impact of this investment on their identities as English teachers. By investigating these aspects, the study addresses the research gaps in English teachers’ practice of integration of GE in mainstream ELT curricula and provides insights on how to encourage English teachers to incorporate a GE-aware perspective in their teaching.
Wage and fiscal policy re-examined. An assessment of employment and productivity using Italian regional data
Authors: Deleidi Matteo , Romaniello Davide , Salvati Luigi , Tosi Francesca
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Traditional economic policy prescriptions proposed to address the Italian North-South divide mainly suggest that, in order to reduce unemployment and stimulate productivity, downwards wage flexibility should be guaranteed and the wage-setting model decentralised to sub-national labour markets. Contrarily, the Keynesian view suggests that higher wages and demand stimuli can engender positive effects on productivity and employment.

Design/methodology/approach

Applying panel structural VAR modelling to Italian regional data (1995–2019), we evaluate how wages and government expenditure impact productivity and employment dynamics.

Findings

We find that a rise in both government spending and real wages has long-lasting, positive effects on productivity and employment, even when considering centre-northern and southern regions separately.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this research provides new insights, particularly in the Italian context, by explicitly examining the effects of wage and fiscal policies on two significant macroeconomic variables—employment and productivity—using a novel and integrated approach. Additionally, our findings suggest that conventional policy recommendations warrant reconsideration.
Navigating through geopolitical risk: the role of supply chain concentration
Authors: Zhu Minghao , Miao Shucheng , Lam Hugo K.S. , Liang Chen , Yeung Andy C.L.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of geopolitical risk (GPR) on supply chain concentration (SCC) and the roles of operational capabilities and resources in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary longitudinal data from multiple sources is collected and combined to test for a direct impact of GPR on SCC. We further examine the moderating effects of firms’ operational capabilities and resources (i.e. firm resilience, operational slack and cash holding). Fixed-effect regression models are applied to test the hypotheses, followed by a series of robustness tests to check the consistency of the results.

Findings

Consistent with the tenets of resource dependence theory, our analysis reveals a significant negative impact of GPR on SCC. Moreover, we find that this adverse effect is attenuated for firms with higher levels of resilience, more operational slack and greater cash holdings. Further analysis suggests that maintaining a diversified supply chain base during heightened GPR is associated with a firm’s improved financial performance.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the supply chain management (SCM) literature by integrating GPR into the supply chain risk management framework. Additionally, it demonstrates the roles of diversification and operational resources in addressing GPR-induced challenges.
Strategic approaches for pharmaceutical distributors to create brand equity in the unorganized pharma retail industry in emerging economies
Authors: Ponnamma Divakaran Pradeep Kumar
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper investigates how stockist brand equity is created in the unorganized pharma retail sector in emerging markets despite the absence of any proactive brand-building efforts by distribution firms (stockists). In addition, this study also aims to unravel the sources of stockist brand equity.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from grounded theory, a qualitative research design using semi-structured interviews was conducted, and a theoretical saturation approach was used for this purpose. The retailer–stockist (business-to-business [B2B]) relationship in the Indian pharmaceutical market context was used as the study context.

Findings

The findings show that in the absence of any brand-building activities, stockists’ sales representatives play an important role in creating stockist brand awareness. In addition, word of mouth from other retailers also plays a minor role. Rational and emotional brand associations which are strong, favorable and unique are created 1) directly by the services provided by stockists, which includes product availability, deliverability, accuracy in billing and batch numbers, credit facilities and discounts, handling issues such as product expiry, and 2) indirectly by the services provided by stockists’ sales representatives which includes their frequency of visits, proactive customer orientation rather than sales orientation, fulfilling commitments and relationship with retailers. The strength of the retailer–stockist (B2B) relationship also depends on retailer-driven factors and other external factors discussed in this study.

Social implications

Strong stockist brand equity helps build trust and loyalty with pharmacies, ensuring a consistent and timely supply of medicinal products, which will benefit their end consumers or society.

Originality/value

This study identifies the antecedents determining the strength of the retailer–stockist (B2B) relationship, a precursor for establishing retailer-based stockist brand equity in the unorganized sector. This study also highlights the consequences of establishing strong retailer-based stockist brand equity.
Understanding impulse buying in interest-based e-commerce: the role of content creativity
Authors: Gong Mengmeng , Liu Haixin
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The popularisation of user-generated content has boosted the integration of social media with online retail, especially in the emerging context of interest-based e-commerce (IBEC). As the content brings new incentives for consumers’ impulsivity in consumption, it remains unclear understanding of the mechanism of impulse buying in IBEC from the current literature. This study aims to examine how content creativity encourages impulse buying intention though attitude, and whether the effect is moderated by consumers’ online shopping experience.

Design/methodology/approach

This study administered a two-wave online survey to a purposive sample of 286 consumers with shopping experience in Douyin. The hypotheses and a moderated-mediation effect were tested using structural equation modelling in Mplus8.3.

Findings

The empirical results revealed that content creativity, including dual dimensions of relevance and divergence, can drive positive attitude towards platforms through the direct effect of subjective norm and mediation effect through perceived usefulness, which induces an urge to buy impulsively. The mediation effect is further moderated by consumers’ online shopping experience in IBEC.

Originality/value

This study expands the stream of impulse buying research in retailing by proposing a context of IBEC and bringing empirical evidence of the relationship between content and consumers’ urge to buy. The study provides strategic insights for retailers to achieve marketing value by managing consumers’ impulse purchases in IBEC.
From attraction to monetization: How do knowledge influencers trigger users’ willingness to subscribe to knowledge products?
Authors: Chen Xiaoyu , Chua Alton Y.K.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study examines the phenomenon of “knowledge influencers,” individuals who convey expert information to non-expert audiences and attract users to subscribe to their self-created knowledge products. It seeks to address two research questions: (1) What are the antecedents that promote perceived attractiveness of knowledge influencers? and (2) How does perceived attractiveness of knowledge influencers affect users’ willingness to subscribe to knowledge products?

Design/methodology/approach

Guided by self-branding theory, which suggests that individuals strategically shape user perceptions and interactions to create an appealing image, the study employed a sequential mixed-methods approach. Qualitative interviews were conducted with knowledge influencers and their subscribers, followed by a quantitative survey of users with knowledge subscription experience to validate the findings.

Findings

Results suggested that knowledge influencers could enhance their attractiveness to users by promoting perceived professionalism, perceived familiarity, and perceived connectedness. Perceived attractiveness of knowledge influencers could directly affect users’ willingness to subscribe or indirectly through the role of users’ attachment to knowledge influencers.

Practical implications

By understanding the factors driving users’ subscription intentions, platform operators and influencers can refine their strategies to enhance user attachment and optimize monetization opportunities through personalized interactions and tailored content offerings.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by elucidating the relationship between perceived attractiveness and users’ subscription intentions, offering new insights into the dynamics of online knowledge consumption.
Expatriate employees’ reactions to psychological contract breach: an empirical test of affective events theory
Authors: Ababneh Khaldoun I. , Ababneh Raed , Al Waqfi Mohammed , Dedousis Evangelos
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study draws on affective events theory (AET) to propose and examine a sequential process in which expatriate employees’ perceptions of psychological contract (PC) breaches impact their emotions (feelings of violation), which in turn influence their attitudes and ultimately their behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

Expatriate employees (n = 228) working in the United Arab Emirates participated in an experiment with four employment scenarios created by manipulating transactional and relational PC promises. Participants, randomly assigned to each scenario, responded as if in a real job situation. Data analysis was performed using MANCOVA and structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

Employing an experimental design, the findings offer causal evidence that supervisors’ failure to fulfill employment promises adversely impacts expatriate employees’ perceptions of PC breaches, emotions, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, turnover intentions and performance. Consistent with the AET, the findings demonstrate that PC breaches impact expatriate employees’ emotions, which subsequently influence their attitudes and ultimately affect their behaviors.

Practical implications

The study provides recommendations for organizations and managers to improve relationships with expatriate employees and suggests actions to lessen the adverse effects of PC breaches.

Originality/value

To our knowledge, this is the first study that examined the sequential process suggested by the AET in the context of PC and expatriation, establishing that PC breaches impact expatriate employees’ emotions, which in turn affect their attitudes and ultimately their behaviors.
Born digitals entry mode choice from a target market institutional and digitalization perspective
Authors: Schmitz Felix Rainer , Parente Ronaldo
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The rise of digital technologies has led to the emergence of born digitals, which are firms distinguished by their digital business models and an early digitalization of their value chains. Despite the growing importance of these firms, their internationalization strategies, including the crucial choice of the most-suited foreign entry mode, have only been analyzed marginally by the extant literature. This paper aims to examine how born digitals select their entry mode and which context-specific modes are preferred.

Design/methodology/approach

By advancing the institutional entry mode approach of Meyer et al. (2009) with the digitalization conditions of the target market, the authors propose a theoretical entry mode framework for born digitals, in which the institutional market support and the digitalization degree simultaneously affect the entry mode decision.

Findings

The authors conclude with two main propositions, arguing that a joint venture and a digital entry are preferable under weak institutions and acquisitions and greenfield projects otherwise. Depending on a high digitalization degree, digital and greenfield entry modes are beneficial.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by creating an entry mode framework for born digitals and by introducing a digital entry mode.
Unraveling the Relationship Between High‐Performance Work Systems and Team Performance: The Contingent Role of Competitive Team Climate
Authors: Papalexandris Alexandros
Published: November 2024

This study develops a multilevel moderated mediation model to explore the relationship between high‐performance work systems (HPWS) and team performance. Adopting a dialectical view of the effects of HPWS, it posits a dual ‐positive and negative‐ path between HPWS and team performance, which is jointly mediated by group coordination and relationship conflict. Furthermore, it theorizes that a competitive team climate can significantly influence these relationships. The proposed research model was tested using multisource data from a sample of 503 team members and 125 team managers from 58 firms. The results revealed that HPWS are positively associated with both group coordination and relationship conflict, and that both these relationships are moderated by a competitive team climate. This study contributes to the strategic human resource management literature by revealing that HPWS can be associated with team performance through both positive and negative intermediary mechanisms, and that team climate constitutes an important boundary condition that can amplify and inhibit the effect of HPWS on team performance.
Targeting NAMPT‐OPA1 for treatment of senile osteoporosis
Authors: Bai Chao‐wen , Tian Bo , Zhang Ming‐chao , Qin Qin , Shi Xin , Yang Xi , Gao Xiang , Zhou Xiao‐zhong , Shan Hua‐jian , Bai Jin‐yu
Published: November 2024

Senescence of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) impairs their stemness and osteogenic differentiation, which is the principal cause of senile osteoporosis (SOP). Imbalances in nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) homeostasis have been linked to aging and various diseases. Herein, reduction of NAMPT and impaired osteogenesis were observed in BMSCs from aged human and mouse. Knockdown of Nampt in BMSCs promotes lipogenic differentiation and increases age‐related bone loss. Overexpression of Nampt ameliorates the senescence‐associated (SA) phenotypes in BMSCs derived from aged mice, as well as promoting osteogenic potential. Mechanistically, NAMPT inhibits BMSCs senescence by facilitating OPA1 expression, which is essential for mitochondrial dynamics. The defect of NAMPT reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, interfered with mitochondrial fusion，and increased SA protein and phenotypes. More importantly, we have confirmed that P7C3, the NAMPT activator, is a novel strategy for reducing SOP bone loss. P7C3 treatment significantly prevents BMSCs senescence by improving mitochondrial function through the NAMPT‐OPA1 signaling axis. Taken together, these results reveal that NAMPT is a regulator of BMSCs senescence and osteogenic differentiation. P7C3 is a novel molecule drug to prevent the pathological progression of SOP.
Diagnosis, visibility, and “Illnesses You Have to Fight to Get”
Authors: Sherman Melina
Published: November 2024

This essay uses the author's lived experience as a person with bipolar disorder to explore the meaning of living with an “illness you have to fight to get.” Drawing on her own life trajectory, as well as on the work of Joseph Dumit and many other scholars who have written about chronic illness, the author reviews the main characteristics that belong to chronic, invisibilized conditions and the implications such characteristics have for the people who experience illness. After reviewing five key traits, the essay dives deeper into the promises and pitfalls of being diagnosed with “illnesses you have to fight to get.” The essay ends with a call to action and ideas for how scholars, advocates, others can help empower and support the ongoing struggle of those who live with invisibilized chronic illnesses.
The last pink straw: Children's and parents' judgements about gender nonconformity
Authors: Schroeder Kingsley M. , Fulcher Megan
Published: November 2024

Gender nonconforming (GNC) boys often elicit negative reactions from peers and adults. However, it is unclear which aspects of nonconformity evoke negative social consequences. Are appearance characteristics, activity interests, or traits most impactful for peers' evaluations? Sixty‐seven 6‐ to 11‐year‐old children and their parents interacted with a magnetic paper doll of a GNC boy who was displayed with feminine appearance characteristics, activity interests, and traits. Participants were allowed to physically remove feminine attributes and/or add masculine and neutral attributes to help the GNC boy make friends with boys. Participants were (1) more likely to change appearance and activities and less likely to change traits and (2) more likely to remove feminine attributes than add masculine and neutral attributes. Interactions between attribute type and gender differed across parents and children. Results suggest that interventions to reduce discrimination towards GNC boys should focus on reducing prejudice towards appearance‐ and activity‐based nonconformity.
Clinical and neurophysiological aspects of peripheral neuropathy in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Papantoniou Michail , Stergiou Ioanna , Giannouli Stavroula , Bountziouka Chrysanthi , Kokotis Panagiotis
Published: November 2024

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous group of clonal disorders, manifesting multiple clinical autoimmune inflammatory phenomena, including rarely peripheral neuropathy. Twenty‐four patients diagnosed with MDS and 29 healthy subjects were enrolled in this prospective study in a 5‐year period. Every subject was assessed by symptoms questionnaire and clinical neurological examination followed by nerve conduction studies, quantitative sensory testing and skin biopsy. Peripheral neuropathy was diagnosed in 12 subjects (50%). Our study indicated that peripheral neuropathy involving large and small nerve fibres, with a symmetrical length‐dependent pattern, is not uncommon between patients with MDS.
Automated face recognition assists with low‐prevalence face identity mismatches but can bias users
Authors: Mueller Melina , Hancock Peter J. B. , Cunningham Emily K. , Watt Roger J. , Carragher Daniel , Bobak Anna K.
Published: November 2024

We present three experiments to study the effects of giving information about the decision of an automated face recognition (AFR) system to participants attempting to decide whether two face images show the same person. We make three contributions designed to make our results applicable to real‐word use: participants are given the true response of a highly accurate AFR system; the face set reflects the mixed ethnicity of the city of London from where participants are drawn; and there are only 10% of mismatches. Participants were equally accurate when given the similarity score of the AFR system or just the binary decision but shifted their bias towards match and were over‐confident on difficult pairs when given only binary information. No participants achieved the 100% accuracy of the AFR system, and they had only weak insight about their own performance.
Adrenal Crisis and Adrenal Insufficiency Admissions in Patients 30–59 Years: Contribution of Psychosocial Factors
Authors: Rushworth R. Louise , Falhammar Henrik , Torpy David J.
Published: November 2024

Background and Objective

Adrenal crises (AC) occur in middle aged adults with adrenal insufficiency (AI). Psychosocial difficulties may impede effective self‐management in some cases. This study aimed to investigate associations between psychosocial problems and hospital admissions for AI/AC in middle aged adults.

Design and Patients

Data on all hospitalisations among patients aged 30–59 years with a diagnosis of AI were extracted from a regional database for the years 2005–2020.

Measurements

Trends in hospitalisations and associations between admissions and comorbid psychosocial problems were assessed.

Results

Of the 3948 admissions for AI between 2005 and 2020, 63.4% were in women. Admissions increased by 91.4%, from 61.89 to 118.44/million (p < 0.0001), while AC admission rates increased by 176.5% (from 7.71 to 21.33/million, p=NS). Secondary AI (SAI) admissions rose by 133.0%, from 27.98/million to 65.20/million (p < 0.001). Admissions increased in women in each decade but only in males aged 50–59 years. Comorbid infection was identified in 28.1% of admissions and at least one comorbid contributory psychological problem was found in 25.6%. Males, patients with SAI and those not living in a domestic partnership had a higher combined psychosocial problem burden. Females admitted with at least one sign of an AC had significantly higher psychosocial problem scores than those with less severe presentations.

Conclusions

These results suggest that psychosocial factors may play a role in some admissions for AI/AC in adults aged between 30 and 59 years, possibly contributing to the otherwise unexplained rise in hospitalisations for AI.
THE ADVANCEMENT OF KNOWLEDGE NOW, OR THE HISTORY OF KNOWLEDGE AND THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
Authors: SISKIN CLIFFORD
Published: November 2024

What role should history play in the advancement of knowledge? Because it was so “hard,” so “unbelievably difficult … to get people to believe” in his Great Renewal, Francis Bacon thought a history of knowledge could provide evidence of advancement—a reason to “believe” and participate in his experiment. By indexing advancement, historians of knowledge could foster it. If Bacon were with us today, he would be happy to hear that the history of knowledge is a thriving enterprise. But upon reading our version, he would be dismayed to discover that advancement is nowhere to be found. It's the elephant in the room. That shouldn't surprise him or us—the great difficulty of The Great Renewal is that it always needs to be renewed—but this is a new kind of precarity. I call it friendly fire, because it's damage done not by those who wish to contain or undermine knowledge but by those whose purpose it is to produce and valorize it. Why, I ask in this article, is a volume that offers so much of value—Information: A Historical Companion—so unattuned to issues of advancement? Although occasioned by the current ubiquity of “information,” its focus is not on change—asking such questions as “why information?” and “why now?”—but on asserting the “belief” that “every age is an information age.” In a history built on that belief, change is relegated to subordinate clauses (“while recognizing changes over time”) and advancement isn't even on the table. I put it back on not by rejecting this companion but by providing a companion for it, one in which identifying and classifying change is the central task. I take two preparatory steps. First, I clarify how the concept of “culture” configures the agenda and the findings of Companion 1 while fencing out advancement. Second, I set the agenda for Companion 2 by specifying that the knowledge at stake in advancement is “explanatory knowledge.” I both address concerns about the notion of “progress” and provide a vocabulary for explanation highlighted by the concepts of “fit” and “reach.” Companion 2 then approaches the elephant from a number of angles, from a shift in information over four centuries from a matrix of currency to a matrix of possibility to the pacing of that change by a feature of the history of knowledge that I call the “sequence of surprise.” Since Bacon's highest hope for his history of knowledge was to make us better at advancing it, I conclude with a speculative turn to information's future, from Alan Turing's first use of the word “information” in its modern sense to a rethinking—through the history of knowledge—of the “hallucination” issue in our new forms of generative AI.
In Vitro Wear of Human Enamel Against Monolithic Zirconia After Staining, Glazing and Polishing Treatments
Authors: Fiorin Lívia , Oliveira Paulo Eduardo Barros Souza , Poole Stephanie Francoi , Faria Adriana Claudia Lapria , Ribeiro Ricardo Faria , Rodrigues Renata Cristina Silveira
Published: November 2024

Objective

To evaluate the effect of staining, glazing, and polishing of stabilized zirconia with 5 mol% of yttrium oxide (5Y‐TZP) on the wear behavior of opposing tooth enamel.

Materials and Methods

The plane specimens of 5Y‐TZP were divided into 6 groups (n = 10), according to surface treatment: as sintered, staining, glazing, polishing, staining followed by glazing, and staining followed by polishing, and positioned against tooth enamel during the two‐body wear test (20 N, 2 Hz, until completing 300,000 cycles). The wear rates of tooth enamel were evaluated using a profile projector and a digital pachymeter as a measure of vertical height loss. The data were analyzed by one‐way ANOVA and a Tukey post hoc test (α = 0.05).

Results

Polishing reduced the vertical height loss (p < 0.001) while there was no difference among other groups.

Conclusion

Polishing is recommended as a finishing procedure to reduce the wear rates of tooth enamel, and finishing procedures (glazing or polishing) performed after staining did not affect the vertical height loss of tooth enamel.

Clinical Significance

Polishing is the recommended finishing procedure for preshaded 5Y‐TZP to reduce the wear rates of opposing tooth enamel. Staining is applied to the occlusal surface to reproduce the pigmented groove appearance, and glazing or polishing performed after staining did not affect the wear rates of opposing tooth enamel.
Institutional Trading and Managers' Complex Disclosure: Evidence From Conference Calls
Authors: (Julie) Huang Ying
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the impact of managerial linguistic disclosures on institutional trading behaviors during earnings conference calls from 2006 to 2016. Utilizing the linguistic Fog decomposition methodology on textual analysis, it analyzes how the linguistic complexity of managerial communication influences institutional ownership changes. Findings indicate that both obfuscation and informativeness of managerial discourse significantly affect institutional trading, with effects varying based on the informativeness of post‐call analyst reports. This impact is more pronounced under conditions of earnings quality uncertainty, suggesting a heightened reliance on managerial cues by institutional investors during such periods. Additionally, the study differentiates responses among investor types: transient investors are more sensitive to linguistic cues, while dedicated and quasi‐indexer investors focus on the informational content of disclosures. These insights enhance understanding of how managerial communication and analyst report informativeness shape institutional trading behaviors through linguistic complexity's influence on institutional ownership.
Optimal Notional Defined Contributions
Authors: COSTA CARLOS E. DA , SANTOS MARCELO R.
Published: November 2024

Notional Defined Contributions (NDC) systems mimic the incentive structure of fully funded social security while preserving the pay‐as‐you‐go nature of most current systems. We study size‐preserving social reforms that replace the current U.S. system with NDCs characterized by alternative contribution rules and deficit/GDP ratios. If one retains the current mandatory age‐independent contribution rules, we find a change to an NDC to reduce welfare: the sacrifices in distributive and insurance properties are not compensated by the efficiency gains. NDCs are, however, flexible enough to allow for alternative contribution rules that increase welfare while preserving actuarial fairness. Contributions ought to be age‐dependent and concentrated later in a worker's career. The incentive structure induces an increase in capital accumulation that results, through general equilibrium effects, in welfare gains larger for low‐productivity workers, despite the increase in income inequality as captured by the Gini coefficient.
Stress Tests, Information Disclosure, and Credit Line Runs
Authors: GUTIERREZ JOSE E. , LAFUERZA LUIS FERNÁNDEZ
Published: November 2024

The public disclosure of bank‐level stress test results, while informative for market participants, can adversely affect underperforming entities. We uncover a novel cost of disclosing unfavorable stress test results: credit line runs. Using Spanish Credit Register data and the 2011 European Banking Authority stress test, we find that, after results were released, firms drew down about 10 percentage points more available funds from credit lines granted by banks with poor stress test performance. In addition, these banks reduced credit line sizes more before the release and were more likely to cut term lending to firms without credit lines afterward.