bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DySCo: a general framework for dynamic Functional Connectivity
Authors: de Alteriis Giuseppe , Sherwood Oliver , Ciaramella Alessandro , Leech Robert , Cabral Joana , Turkheimer Federico E , Expert Paul
Published: June 2024

A crucial challenge in neuroscience involves characterising brain dynamics from high-dimensional brain recordings. Dynamic Functional Connectivity (dFC) is an analysis paradigm that aims to address this challenge. dFC consists of a time-varying matrix (dFC matrix) expressing how pairwise interactions across brain areas change with time. However, the main dFC approaches have been developed and applied mostly empirically, lacking a unifying theoretical framework, a general interpretation, and a common set of measures to quantify the dFC matrices properties. Moreover, the dFC field has been lacking ad-hoc algorithms to compute and process the matrices efficiently. This has prevented the field to show its full potential with high-dimensional datasets and/or real time applications. With this paper, we introduce the Dynamic Symmetric Connectivity Matrix analysis framework (DySCo), with its associated repository. DySCo is a unifying approach that allows the study of brain signals at different spatio-temporal scales, down to voxel level, that is computationally ultrafast. DySCo unifies in a single theoretical framework the most employed dFC matrices, which share a common mathematical structure. Doing so it allows: 1) A new interpretation of dFC that further justifies its use to capture the spatiotemporal patterns of data interactions in a form that is easily translatable across different imaging modalities. 2) The introduction of the the Recurrence Matrix EVD to compute and store the eigenvectors and eigenvalues of all types of dFC matrices in an efficent manner that is orders of magnitude faster than naive algorithms, and without loss of information. 3) To simply define quantities of interest for the dynamic analyses such as: the amount of connectivity (norm of a matrix) the similarity between matrices, their informational complexity. The methodology developed here is validated on both a synthetic dataset and a rest/N-back task experimental paradigm - the fMRI Human Connectome Project dataset. We demonstrate that all the measures proposed are highly sensitive to changes in brain configurations. To illustrate the computational efficiency of the DySCo toolbox, we perform the analysis at the voxel-level, a computationally very demanding task which is easily afforded by the RMEVD algorithm.
JAK inhibition decreases the autoimmune burden in Down syndrome
Authors: Rachubinski Angela L. , Wallace Elizabeth , Gurnee Emily , Enriquez Estrada Belinda A. , Worek Kayleigh R. , Smith Keith P. , Araya Paula , Waugh Katherine A. , Granrath Ross E. , Britton Eleanor , Lyford Hannah R. , Donovan Micah G. , Eduthan Neetha Paul , Hill Amanda A. , Martin Barry , Sullivan Kelly D. , Patel Lina , Fidler Deborah J. , Galbraith Matthew D. , Dunnick Cory A. , Norris David A. , Espinosa Joaquin M.
Published: June 2024

Individuals with Down syndrome (DS), the genetic condition caused by trisomy 21 (T21), display clear signs of immune dysregulation, including high rates of autoimmune disorders and severe complications from infections. Although it is well established that T21 causes increased interferon responses and JAK/STAT signaling, elevated autoantibodies, global immune remodeling, and hypercytokinemia, the interplay between these processes, the clinical manifestations of DS, and potential therapeutic interventions remain ill defined. Here, we report a comprehensive analysis of immune dysregulation at the clinical, cellular, and molecular level in hundreds of individuals with DS. We demonstrate multi-organ autoimmunity of pediatric onset concurrent with unexpected autoantibody-phenotype associations. Importantly, constitutive immune remodeling and hypercytokinemia occur from an early age prior to autoimmune diagnoses or autoantibody production. We then report the interim analysis of a Phase II clinical trial investigating the safety and efficacy of the JAK inhibitor tofacitinib through multiple clinical and molecular endpoints. Analysis of the first 10 participants to complete the 16-week study shows a good safety profile and no serious adverse events. Treatment reduced skin pathology in alopecia areata, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis, while decreasing interferon scores, cytokine scores, and levels of pathogenic autoantibodies without overt immune suppression. Additional research is needed to define the effects of JAK inhibition on the broader developmental and clinical hallmarks of DS. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:NCT04246372.
Development of self-phenotyping tools to empower patients and improve diagnostics
Authors: Shefchek Kent , Ziniel Sonja , McMurry Julie A. , Brownstein Catherine A , Brownstein John S. , Riggs Erin Rooney , Might Matthew , Smedley Damian , Clugston Amy , Beggs Alan H , Paterson Heather , Robinson Peter N. , Vasilevsky Nicole A. , Holm Ingrid A. , Haendel Melissa
Published: June 2024

Deep phenotyping is important for improving diagnostics and rare diseases research and is especially effective when standardized using Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO). Patients are an under-utilized source of information, so to facilitate self-phenotyping we previously “translated” HPO into plain language (“layperson HPO”). Another self-phenotyping survey, GenomeConnect, asks patient-friendly questions that map to HPO. However, self-reported data has not been assessed. Since not all HPO terms are translated to layperson HPO or in the GenomeConnect survey, we created theoretical maximum-accuracy phenotype profiles for each disease for each instrument, representing the theoretical maximum performance. Both instruments performed well in analyses of semantic similarity (area under the curve 0.991 and 0.954, respectively). To explore the real-world implications, we randomized participants with diagnosed genetic diseases to complete the GenomeConnect, Phenotypr, or both instruments. For each diagnosed disease, we compared the derived disease profile to the patient-completed profile for each instrument. Profiles resulting from participant responses to the GenomeConnect survey were more accurate than to the Phenotypr instrument. The Phenotypr instrument had a tighter distribution of scores for respondents who did both instruments and was therefore more precise. We evaluated the ability of each known Mendelian disease HPO phenotype profile to retrieve the corresponding disease. We conducted interviews and generally participants preferred the GenomeConnect multiple choice format over the autocomplete Phenotypr format. Our results demonstrate that individuals can provide rich HPO phenotype data. These results suggest that self-phenotyping source of information could be used to support diagnostics or supplement profiles created by clinicians.
What is the effectiveness of antiracist interventions for ethnic minority healthcare staff? A systematic review
Authors: Lalli Kismet , Adewole Oluwatomisin , Peters Holly , Price Chris , Lumb Blanche , Gal Micaela , Cooper Alison
Published: June 2024

Background

The National Health Service (NHS) has the most diverse workforce in the United Kingdom (UK), 25% (n= 309,532/1,200,000) of staff belong to ethnic minority groups. However, there is evidence of longstanding issues of racism within the NHS and discrimination towards ethnic minority healthcare staff has been rising since 2016. In the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, 95% of COVID-19 deaths among doctors were in an ethnic minority group. There has been no definitive answer for the disproportionate COVID-19 mortality but socioeconomic factors due to structural racism have been suggested as the main drivers. No studies have assessed the effectiveness of antiracist interventions for healthcare staff.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review; databases searched included: AMED, Medline via OVID, CINAHL, APA Pyscinfo, Web of Science and OVID Emcare 25th– 31stJanuary 2022. The interventions were structured using a model of antiracist interventions and analysed using narrative synthesis methods.

Results

16 papers were reviewed with interventions at different levels: personally mediated (n=9), multilevel (n=4) and institutional (n=3). Personally mediated interventions were workshops (n=8) and a mentorship scheme (n=1). Institutional interventions were policies (n=2) and increasing diversity initiative (n=1). Multilevel interventions were a mix of both. Study designs and risk of bias tools indicated that the quality of evidence was of low quality. Only two studies included control groups. Countries included the USA (n=11), Canada (n=1) and the UK (n=4).

Conclusion

There is a lack of robust evidence for antiracist interventions for healthcare staff, especially at an institutional level. High quality research is required to evaluate the long-term effects of interventions.

Funding statement

The Wales COVID-19 Evidence Centre was funded for this work by Health and Care Research Wales on behalf of Welsh Government.
Proposed Mammography Protocol and Pre-Mammography Survey for Transgender Patients
Authors: Godoy Carlos Carrasco , Fernández Diego Muñoz , Urzúa Sergio Quitral , Zulueta Elizabeth Cañipa , Herrera Marco Jiménez , Miranda Jeannette Soto
Published: June 2024

Background

Early detection of breast cancer reduces the risk of mortality, with mammography being the gold standard for detecting breast cancer. Currently, there is no consensus on breast screening in transgender patients, with only recommendations from various international health organizations, which differ from one another. The objective of this research was to determine the mammographic projections applicable to transgender patients, in order to propose a mammography protocol and a pre-mammography survey focused on this patient group.

Methodology

A semi-structured survey with both closed and open-ended questions was conducted, which was answered by radiologists specializing in mammography. To propose mammographic projections, the survey included questions about the transitional phase, hormone use, surgeries, and breast tissue development. To propose a pre-mammography survey for transgender patients, questions about risk factors and surgical treatments were included.

Conclusions

A mammographic protocol is proposed according to the transitional phase, along with a pre-mammography survey for transgender patients, based on information gathered from a survey answered by 20 radiologists specializing in mammography. This contributes significantly to the screening process for this patient group.
Opportunistic Screening of Chronic Liver Disease with Deep Learning Enhanced Echocardiography
Authors: Sahashi Yuki , Vukadinovic Milos , Amrollahi Fatemeh , Trivedi Hirsh , Rhee Justin , Chen Jonathan , Cheng Susan , Ouyang David , Kwan Alan C.
Published: June 2024

Importance

Chronic liver disease affects more than 1.5 billion adults worldwide, however the majority of cases are asymptomatic and undiagnosed. Echocardiography is broadly performed and visualizes the liver; but this information is not leveraged.

Objective

To develop and evaluate a deep learning algorithm on echocardiography videos to enable opportunistic screening for chronic liver disease.

Design

Retrospective observational cohorts

Setting

Two large urban academic medical centers

Participants

Adult patients who received echocardiography and abdominal imaging (either abdominal ultrasound or abdominal magnetic resonance imaging) with ≤30 days between tests, between July 4, 2012, to June 4, 2022.

Exposure

Deep learning model predictions from a deep-learning computer vision pipeline that identifies subcostal view echocardiogram videos and detects the presence of cirrhosis or steatotic liver disease (SLD).

Main Outcome and Measures

Clinical diagnosis by paired abdominal ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results

A total of 1,596,640 echocardiogram videos (66,922 studies from 24,276 patients) from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (CSMC) were used to develop EchoNet-Liver, an automated pipeline that identifies high quality subcostal images from echocardiogram studies and detects the presence of cirrhosis or SLD. In the held-out CSMC test cohort, EchoNet-Liver was able to detect the presence of cirrhosis with an AUC of 0.837 (0.789 - 0.880) and SLD with an AUC of 0.799 (0.758 - 0.837). In a separate test cohort with paired abdominal MRIs, cirrhosis was detected with an AUC of 0.704 (0.689-0.718) and SLD was detected with an AUC of 0.726 (0.659-0.790). In an external test cohort of 106 patients (n = 5,280 videos), the model detected cirrhosis with an AUC of 0.830 (0.738 - 0.909) and SLD with an AUC of 0.768 (0.652 – 0.875).

Conclusions and Relevance

Deep learning assessment of clinical echocardiography enables opportunistic screening of SLD and cirrhosis. Application of this algorithm may identify patients who may benefit from further diagnostic testing and treatment for chronic liver disease.

KEY POINTS

Question

Can a deep learning algorithm applied to echocardiography videos effectively identify chronic liver diseases including cirrhosis and steatotic liver disease (SLD)?

Findings

This retrospective observational cohort study utilized 1,596,640 echocardiography videos from 66,922 studies of 24,276 patients. The deep learning model with a computer vision pipeline (EchoNet-Liver) demonstrated strong performance to detect cirrhosis and SLD. External validation at a geographically distinct site demonstrated similar discriminative ability.

Meaning

The application of EchoNet-Liver to echocardiography could aid opportunistic screening of chronic liver diseases, providing a unique cost-effective angle to improve patient management.
HIV Viral Non-Suppression and Its Associated Factors Among PMTCT Mothers Receiving ARV Treatment in Ethiopia
Authors: Woldesemayat Belete , Yizengaw Ajanaw , Worku Aschale , Yilma Amelework , Adane Sisay , Bulti Jaleta , Kidane Eleni , Bulti Gutema , Abdella Saro
Published: June 2024

Background

Pediatric HIV infection is mainly caused by Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). Without any effective medical intervention, 15-45% of infants born to HIV-positive women will become infected with HIV. The contribution of viral non-suppression for MTCT is high. Hence, this study was to determine the magnitude of HIV viral non-suppression, and associated factors among PMTCT Mothers in Ethiopia.

Methods

The study was conducted from April 1, 2023, to December 31/ 2024 at 16 public health facilities. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was employed and 496 HIV-positive pregnant and lactating women on ART were included. Data was collected using a prechecked questionnaire with paper mode and ODK (Open Data Kit) for each participant. Venous blood was collected using two Ethylenediamine Tetra acetic Acid (EDTA) tubes for HIV viral load, CD4 and Hgb test. HIV viral load tests were conducted at the EPHI (Ethiopian Public Health Institute) National HIV reference laboratory using the COBAS 4800 System (Roche Molecular Diagnostics). Data was edited and exported to SPSS from the ODK data file, and finally data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26 software.

Results

496 PMTCT Mothers were included in this study, the prevalence of HIV viral non-suppression was 2.2% (95% CI; 1.1-3.9), the rate of viral detectability was 21.8 % (95% CI; 18.2-25.7) and the rate of low-level viremia (LLV) was 9.1%. Family size (X2=7.20; p<0.001), a poor and fair level of Adherence (X2=18.553; p<0.001), exposure to opportunistic infection (X2=25.29; p<0.001), survey time WHO clinical stages II & III (X2=25.29; p<0.001), HIV status non-disclosure other than Health care workers (HCWs) (X2=4.408; p=0.036), and low survey time CD4 count (<350 cells/ul) ( X2= 15.989; p<0.001) were significantly associated to the rate of HIV viral non-suppression.

Conclusions

In this study, HIV viral non-suppression among pregnant and lactating women is relatively low (meet the UNAIDS 2030 target). However, Family size, level of Adherence, exposure to opportunistic infection, WHO clinical stage level II and III, HIV status disclosure and low CD4 count were significantly associated with the prevalence of viral non-suppression. To achieve persistent HIV viral suppression enhanced adherence and counselling services should be provided, tailored to the needs of the specific target group.
Prevalence clinical correlates and outcomes of cardiorenal anemia syndrome among patients with heart failure attended a tertiary hospital in Dodoma, Tanzania: A prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Edwin Gidion , Alphonce Baraka , Meremo Alfred , Meda John Robson
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Cardiorenal anemia syndrome (CRAS) poses significant complications in heart failure (HF) patients, often leading to unfavourable outcomes but, published data are limited. This study assessed the prevalence, clinical correlates, and outcomes of CRAS among patients with HF who attended the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital (BMH) in Dodoma, Tanzania.

Materials and methods

A prospective observational cohort study was carried out at BMH between 18thAugust 2023 and 18thApril 2024. It included patients aged 18 years and above who had been diagnosed with heart failure according to Framingham criteria and confirmed by 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2D-TTE). The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical associations of cardiorenal anemia syndrome (CRAS) at the beginning of the study, as well as to evaluate CRAS outcomes within a 6-month follow-up period. Continuous data were presented as either mean with standard deviation (SD) or median with interquartile range (IQR), while categorical data were expressed as frequency and proportions. Binary logistic regression, using odds ratios (OR), was utilized to examine clinical associations, while survival rate analysis, employing hazard ratios (HR), was utilized to determine CRAS outcomes. A two-tailed p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 298 participants were recruited with a mean age of 57±15 years, and 60% were females. In our cohort, CRAS was prevalent in 46.3%. Iron deficiency (OR: 2.5; 95% CI, 1.5-4.1;p= 0.001) and diabetes mellitus (OR 2.1; 95% CI, 1.2-3.4;p= 0.006), were clinically correlated with CRAS, while female sex (OR 0.35; 95% CI, 0.21-0.59;p= 0.000) was inversely clinically correlated with CRAS. Moreover, CRAS was associated with a higher risk of heart failure re-hospitalization compared to those patients with no CRAS (HR: 3.8; 95% CI, 2.4-6.0;p< 0.001).

Conclusion

In our setting, CRAS is prevalent among heart failure patients and is linked to higher rates of heart failure-related hospitalizations, leading to increased healthcare utilization and costs. We strongly advocate for multidisciplinary approaches in managing this condition. Nonetheless, further research with robust evidence is necessary to inform policy-making and initiate targeted interventions.
Prosapip1 in the dorsal hippocampus mediates synaptic protein composition, long-term potentiation, and spatial memory
Authors: Hoisington Zachary W. , Gangal Himanshu , Phamluong Khanhky , Shukla Chhavi , Ehinger Yann , Moffat Jeffrey J. , Homanics Gregg E. , Wang Jun , Ron Dorit
Published: June 2024

Prosapip1 is a brain-specific protein localized to the postsynaptic density, where it promotes dendritic spine maturation in primary hippocampal neurons. However, nothing is known about the role of Prosapip1in vivo. To examine this, we utilized the Cre-loxP system to develop a Prosapip1 neuronal knockout mouse. We found that Prosapip1 controls the synaptic localization of its binding partner SPAR, along with PSD-95 and the GluN2B subunit of the NMDA receptor (NMDAR) in the dorsal hippocampus (dHP). We next sought to identify the potential contribution of Prosapip1 to the activity and function of the NMDAR and found that Prosapip1 plays an important role in NMDAR-mediated transmission and long-term potentiation (LTP) in the CA1 region of the dHP. As LTP is the cellular hallmark of learning and memory, we examined the consequences of neuronal knockout of Prosapip1 on dHP-dependent memory. We found that global or dHP-specific neuronal knockout of Prosapip1 caused a deficit in learning and memory whereas developmental, locomotor, and anxiety phenotypes were normal. Taken together, Prosapip1 in the dHP promotes the proper localization of synaptic proteins which, in turn, facilitates LTP driving recognition, social, and spatial learning and memory.
Inhibition of CELA1 Improves Septation in the Mouse Hyperoxia Model of Impaired Alveolar Development
Authors: Smith Noah J. , Joshi Rashika , Desmukh Hitesh , Gray Jerilyn , Edwards Andrea D. , Shahreki Elham , Varisco Brian M.
Published: June 2024

A key feature of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is impaired alveolar septation. In later live, BPD survivors are more susceptible to childhood respiratory problems and have reduced respiratory function as adults. Chymotrypsin-like elastase 1 (CELA1) is a serine protease expressed in AT2 cells that mediates emphysema progression in adult mouse models. CELA1 binds and cleaves tropoelastin in response to strain. Its expression is developmentally regulated. Using the mouse hyperoxia model of impaired alveolar development we hypothesized a role for CELA1 in impaired alveolar development (IAD). In C57BL6 mouse pup lungs exposed to 80% oxygen for 14 daysCela1mRNA increased 1.9-fold (p<0.05) and protein 2.6-fold (p<0.01). Protein levels normalized after 14 days in room air. Analysis of an existing single cell mRNA-seq dataset showedCela1mRNA in AT2 cells, alveolar macrophages and interstitial macrophages. The fraction of cells with Cela1mRNAincreased with hyperoxia. By flow cytometry the onlyCela1-specific difference in immune cell populations was a 2-fold increase in lung eosinophils in room air (p<0.05). After 14 days of exposure to 80% oxygenCela1-/-mice had better alveolarization with an average mean linear intercept of 80 μm compared to 111μm (p<0.001). Treatment of hyperoxia-exposed pups with subcutaneous anti-Cela1 KF4 antibody offered similar protection compared to IgG (59 μm vs. 67 μm, p<0.001).Human BPD specimens demonstrated CELA1 in AT2 cells and myeloid cells. These data indicate that hyperoxia-induced increases in CELA1 are partially responsible for IAD and suggest a potential role in premature neonates exposed to high FiO2.
Comparison of Age-Related Decline and Behavioral Validity in C57BL/6 and CB6F1 Mice
Authors: Liao Gerald Yu , Pettan-Brewer Christina , Ladiges Warren
Published: June 2024

Variability in physical resilience to aging prompts a comprehensive examination of underlying mechanisms across organs and individuals. We conducted a detailed exploration of behavioral and physiological differences between C57BL/6 and CB6F1 mice across various age groups. In behavioral assays, B6 mice displayed superior performance in rotarod tasks but higher anxiety while CB6F1 mice exhibited a decline in short-term memory with age. Grip strength, long-term memory, and voluntary wheel running declined similarly with age in both strains. Examining physiological phenotypes, B6 mice exhibited lower body fat percentages across ages compared to CB6F1 mice, though cataract severity worsened with age in both strains. Analysis of cardiac functions revealed differences between strains, with worsening left ventricular hypertrophy and structural heart abnormalities with age in CB6F1 mice along with higher blood pressure than B6. Lesion scores showed an age-related increase in heart, kidney, and liver lesions in both strains, while lung lesions worsened with age only in CB6F1 mice. This study underscores the validity of behavioral assays and geropathology assessment in reflecting age-related decline and emphasizes the importance of considering strain specificity when using mouse models to study human aging.
Skewing information flow through pre- and postsynaptic plasticity in the mushroom bodies ofDrosophila
Authors: Pribbenow Carlotta , Owald David
Published: June 2024

Animal brains need to store information to construct a representation of their environment. Knowledge of what happened in the past allows both vertebrates and invertebrates to predict future outcomes by recalling previous experience. Although invertebrate and vertebrate brains share common principles at the molecular, cellular, and circuit-architectural levels, there are also obvious differences as exemplified by the use of acetylcholine versus glutamate as the considered main excitatory neurotransmitters in the respective central nervous systems. Nonetheless, across central nervous systems, synaptic plasticity is thought to be a main substrate for memory storage. Therefore, how brain circuits and synaptic contacts change following learning is of fundamental interest for understanding brain computations tied to behavior in any animal. Recent progress has been made in understanding such plastic changes following olfactory associative learning in the mushroom bodies (MBs) ofDrosophila. A current framework of memory-guided behavioral selection is based on the MB skew model, in which antagonistic synaptic pathways are selectively changed in strength. Here, we review insights into plasticity at dedicatedDrosophilaMB output pathways and update what is known about the plasticity of both pre- and postsynaptic compartments ofDrosophilaMB neurons.
Towards adiabatic-connection interpolation model with broader applicability
Authors: Constantin Lucian A. , Śmiga Szymon , Della Sala Fabio
Published: June 2024

The adiabatic connection integrand interpolation (ACII) method represents a general path for calculating correlation energies in electronic systems within the density functional theory. ACII functionals include both exact-exchange and the second-order correlation energy, as well as an interpolating function toward the strictly correlated electron (SCE) regime. Several interpolating functions have been proposed in the last years targeting different properties, yet an accurate ACII approach with broad applicability is still missing. Recently, we have proposed an ACII functional that was made accurate for the three-dimensional (3D) uniform electron gas as well as for model metal clusters. In this paper we present an ACII functional (named genISI2), which is very accurate for both three-dimensional (3D) and two-dimensional (2D) uniform electron gases and for the quasi-2D infinite-barrier model, where most of the exchange-correlation functionals fail badly, as well as for strongly correlated two-electrons systems. Using the exact-exchange Kohn-Sham orbitals, we have also assessed the genISI2 for various molecular systems, showing a superior performance with respect to the other ACII methods for total energies, atomization energies, and ionization potentials. The genISI2 functional can thus find application in a broad range of systems and properties.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Improved analysis of the decay width of
t→Wb
up to
N3LO
QCD corrections
Authors: Yan Jiang , Wu Xing-Gang , Zhou Hua , Li Hong-Tai , Shan Jing-Hao
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we analyze the top-quark decay t→Wb up to next-to-next-to-next-to-leading order (N3LO) QCD corrections. For the purpose, we first adopt the principle of maximum conformality (PMC) to deal with the initial perturbative QCD (pQCD) series. Then we adopt the Bayesian analysis approach, which quantifies the unknown higher-order terms’ contributions in terms of a probability distribution, to estimate the possible magnitude of the uncalculated N4LO terms. In our calculation, an effective strong coupling constant αs(Q*) is determined by using all nonconformal {βi} terms associated with the renormalization group equation. This leads to a next-to-leading-log PMC scale Q*(NLL)=10.3048  GeV, which can be regarded as the correct momentum flow of the process. Consequently, we obtain an improved scale-invariant pQCD prediction for the top-quark decay width, e.g., Γttot=1.3120±0.0038  GeV, whose error is the squared average of the uncertainties from the decay width of W-boson ΔΓW=±0.042  GeV, the coupling constant Δαs(mZ)=±0.0009, and the predicted N4LO-terms. The magnitude of the top-quark pole mass greatly affects the total decay width. By further taking the PDG top-quark pole mass error from cross-section measurements into consideration, e.g., Δmt=±0.7  GeV, we obtain Γttot=1.3120−0.0192+0.0194  GeV.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Vacuum instability in QED with an asymmetric
x
step: New example of an exactly solvable case
Authors: Breev A. I. , Gavrilov S. P. , Gitman D. M.
Published: June 2024

We present a new exactly solvable case in strong-field QED with a one-dimensional step potential (x-step). The corresponding x-step is given by an analytic asymmetric with respect to the axis x reflection function. The step can be considered as a certain analytic “deformation” of the symmetric Sauter field. Moreover, it can be treated as a new regularization of the Klein step field. We study the vacuum instability caused by this x-step in the framework of a nonperturbative approach to strong-field QED. Exact solutions of the Dirac equation used in the corresponding nonperturbative calculations are represented in the form of stationary plane waves with special left and right asymptotics and identified as components of initial and final wave packets of particles. We show that in spite of the fact that the symmetry with respect to positive and negative bands of energies is broken, the distribution of created pairs and other physical quantities can be expressed via elementary functions. We consider the processes of transmission and reflection in the ranges of the stable vacuum and study physical quantities specifying the vacuum instability. We find the differential mean numbers of electron-positron pairs created from the vacuum, the components of current density and energy-momentum tensor of the created electrons and positrons leaving the area of the strong field under consideration. Besides, we study the particular case of the particle creation due to a weakly inhomogeneous electric field and obtain explicitly the total number, the current density and energy-momentum tensor of created particles. Unlike the symmetric case of the Sauter field the asymmetric form of the field under consideration causes the energy density and longitudinal pressure of created electrons to be not equal to the energy density and longitudinal pressure of created positrons.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Damping of density oscillations from bulk viscosity in quark matter
Authors: Hernández José Luis , Manuel Cristina , Tolos Laura
Published: June 2024

We study the damping of density oscillations in the quark matter phase that might occur in compact stars. To this end we compute the bulk viscosity and the associated damping time in three-flavor quark matter, considering both nonleptonic and semileptonic electroweak processes. We use two different equations of state of quark matter, more precisely, the MIT bag model and perturbative QCD, including the leading-order corrections in the strong coupling constant. We analyze the dependence of our results on the density, temperature and value of strange quark mass in each case. We then find that the maximum of the bulk viscosity is in the range of temperature from 0.01 to 0.1 MeV for frequencies around 1 kHz, while the associated minimal damping times of the density oscillations at those temperatures might be in the range of few to hundreds milliseconds. Our results suggest that bulk viscous damping might be relevant in the postmerger phase after the collision of two neutron stars if deconfined matter is achieved in the process.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Superradiant instability of a charged regular black hole
Authors: Dolan Sam R. , de Paula Marco A. A. , Leite Luiz C. S. , Crispino Luís C. B.
Published: June 2024

We show that a charged, massive scalar field in the vicinity of an electrically charged Ayón-Beato–García (ABG) regular black hole has a spectrum of quasibound states that (in a certain parameter regime) grow exponentially with time, due to black hole superradiance. Superradiant quasibound states are made possible by the enhancement of the electrostatic potential at the horizon in nonlinear electrodynamics; in contrast, the Reissner-Nordström black hole does not appear to possess such superradiant quasibound states. Here we compute the spectrum for a range of multipoles ℓ across the parameter space, and we find the fastest growth rate in the monopole mode. We find that a regular black hole with a small charge can still trigger a significant superradiant instability if the charge-to-mass ratio of the field is compensatingly large. We estimate the amount of black hole mass that can be deposited in the scalar field, finding an upper bound of circa 20% in the extreme charge scenario. Finally, we consider the stationary bound states at the superradiant threshold, and we conjecture that, due to this instability, the ABG black hole will evolve toward a configuration with charged scalar hair.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Enterprise digital transformation and labor structure evolution: evidence from China
Authors: Lv Kangjuan , Zhao Ye , Zhu Siwei , Zhu Lei
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to clarify the relationship between digital transformation and labor structure from the perspectives of microenterprise business strategies and factor allocation efficiency. It attempts to address the gap in existing research by explaining the impact of digital transformation on multidimensional workforce structures and the positive effects of this structural adjustment on labor allocation efficiency. In addition, the study further explores the economic ramifications of digital transformation, clarifying the correlation between changes in labor force structure and enterprise human resource allocation, thus enhancing the employment mobility effects of digital innovation at the enterprise level.

Design/methodology/approach

In contrast to prior research, our approach uses text analytics to assess the internal labor structure, incorporating labor skill, position and age into the analytical framework. This approach yields a more comprehensive data set, shedding light on variations in multidimensional employment structures.

Findings

The paper asserts that digital transformation significantly influences labor structure changes, evidenced by increased proportions of high-skilled, non-routine and younger laborers, as well as decreased shares of low-skilled, routine and older-age workers. Furthermore, it captures internal labor structure impacts, influenced by enterprise size, ownership, industry density and regional digitization levels. Mechanism analysis indicates moderation of digital transformation effects on labor structure by innovative tasks, labor productivity and management shareholding.

Social implications

The paper reveals the specific impact of corporate digital transformation on workforce structure, enriching the employment mobility effects of digital innovation at the enterprise level and providing theoretical support for the formulation and implementation of relevant policies.

Originality/value

First, this paper delves into the impact of digital transformation on the internal labor structure from a microlevel perspective, elucidating its mechanisms. Second, in contrast to prior research, it uses text analytics to assess the internal labor structure, incorporating labor skill, position and age into the analytical framework. This approach yields a more comprehensive data set, shedding light on variations in multidimensional employment structures. Lastly, the study investigates the economic ramifications of shifts in employment structures. The findings of this study furnish novel empirical evidence for the debate regarding whether digital transformation can indeed enhance labor allocation efficiency.
A multicultural education perspective: engaging students and educators to critically exam fat ideology in teacher education and P-12 classrooms
Authors: Li Nan , Peters Angela
Published: June 2024

Purpose

In recent years, issues related to body image, fat shaming, and societal perceptions of weight have gained more attention in educational discourse (Carmona-Márquez, et al., 2023; Dark and Aphramor, 2023; Nutter, Ireland, Alberga, et al., 2019; Schorb, 2022). The purpose of this paper is to explore the importance of engaging students and educators to critically examine fat ideology in teacher education and P-12 classrooms through the lens of multicultural education.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a multicultural lens to examine fat phobia in education.

Findings

This paper explores the importance of engaging students and educators to critically examine fat ideology in teacher education and P-12 classrooms through the lens of multicultural education.

Practical implications

By acknowledging the intersection of body image bias with cultural diversity, educators can foster inclusive environments that challenge harmful stereotypes and promote body positivity. This paper also provides strategies for integrating discussions on fat ideology within the multicultural education framework, aiming to empower both teachers and students from a multicultural education perspective to think critically and advocate for social justice.

Social implications

This paper also provides strategies for integrating discussions on fat ideology within the multicultural education framework, aiming to empower both teachers and students from a multicultural education perspective to think critically and advocate for social justice.

Originality/value

The issue of fat phobia is rarely discussed in education.
The impact of instructional coaching on elementary mathematics teaching
Authors: Panfilio-Padden Shannon Rose , Brendefur Jonathan , Krone Keith
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to gather data to determine whether instructional coaching partnerships can improve teachers’ implementation of learned mathematics instructional strategies. Teachers are willing to learn and implement new mathematics strategies after professional development sessions to see better student learning results. However, the implementation process can become difficult. Our purpose was to determine whether implementing mathematics strategies improved if an instructional coaching partnership supported teachers.

Design/methodology/approach

“Do instructional coaching partnerships improve teachers’ implementation of mathematics instructional strategies?” We gathered data to determine whether instructional coaching partnerships support teachers’ capacity to implement new learning. Data were collected using video recording or classroom observation as a pre- and post-assessment. Teachers received 4 to 6 weeks of instructional coaching support during the intervention. Teachers completed a questionnaire about their intervention experiences. Student testing data were also analyzed to determine whether the intervention increased learning outcomes.

Findings

Our findings showed improved mathematics strategies, explicitly implementing the open-ended questioning strategy used during mathematics instruction. Open-ended questions to check students’ mathematics understanding increased by 42%. Teachers responded to a qualitative survey and stated overall satisfaction with the support provided by the instructional coach. Additionally, state testing scores in Grades 3 to 5 increased proficiency levels. Grade-level growth comparisons increased between 5 and 28%.

Originality/value

This study adds to current research stating that instructional coaching cycles and the implementation of partnership principles can positively support the execution of learned teaching practices. The study also indicates the effects of coaching support on students’ learning.
Financial and non-financial factors for the success of hybrid offerings: evidence from multinational enterprises in an emerging market
Authors: Leonidou Erasmia , Battisti Enrico , Ahmad Muhammad Ishfaq , Campo Raffaele
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the financial and non-financial factors contributing to the success of hybrid offerings among Pakistani multinational enterprises (MNEs).

Design/methodology/approach

To capture the complexity and interdependence of success factors, this study employed fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). Data were collected from 213 chief executive officers (CEOs) of Pakistani MNEs.

Findings

The findings indicate that organizational support for service plays a vital role in hybrid offerings. Specific paths, such as a service-oriented corporate culture and management commitment to service, are necessary conditions for successful hybrid offerings.

Originality/value

The study sheds new light on the causal relationship underlying hybrid offerings in Pakistan, one of the Next Eleven countries, which is among the fastest-developing economies. We identified various paths to the financial and non-financial success of hybrid offerings within the Pakistani manufacturing MNE sector, which, to the best of our knowledge, has been underexplored. Additionally, we considered the digitalization dimension, which integrates and strengthens previous configurational models.
Tax departments in multinationals: organizational tax police or enabling business partner?
Authors: Rossing Jacob Christian Plesner , Hemling Lars , Hoffjan Andreas
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to study the management of international transfer pricing (ITP) tax risks in multinational enterprises (MNEs). Specifically, the authors examine how in-house tax departments interact with business managers to implement tax strategies for ITP.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on the case study method. The main empirical data consists of interviews with in-house accounting and tax professionals. The authors use social network theory and the notion of coercive versus enabling management styles as a lens for explaining the dynamic between centralized tax departments and local business managers.

Findings

The authors find that tax departments are not merely technocratic silos that mechanically administer and enforce the organizational implementation of ITP policies. Rather, tax departments are actively working to market themselves as enabling business partners to local business managers by using deliberate schemes of relationship building to accomplish tax strategy objectives.

Social implications

Corporate taxes are a vital component for financing critical infrastructure, such as hospitals, schools, roads, bridges, water and electric systems. The work contributes to a contemporary discussion on MNEs’ tax strategies, including how they organize tax risk management processes for ITP.

Originality/value

Accounting research has mainly focused on the technical and regulatory details of ITP while ignoring the interpersonal aspects of tax risk management in MNEs. The authors argue that today’s tax department professionals must possess not only technical expertise but also interpersonal skills. Such skills are critical for building intraorganizational relationships with business managers to facilitate the bottom–up information flows needed to manage ITP tax risks.
Role of financial constraints and risk-taking on the relationship between financial reporting quality and investment efficiency: emerging and frontier markets’ perspective
Authors: Khan Muhammad Azhar , Safdar Nabeel , Irfan Saadia
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Prior evidence that financial reporting quality (FRQ) of publicly listed firms improves investment efficiency in developed markets leaves unaddressed questions of whether this relationship holds in emerging and frontier markets and what channels influence this relationship. This study aims to test the role of financial constraints faced by firms and managerial risk-taking on the association of FRQ and investment efficiency in 13,231 publicly listed firms in 24 emerging and frontier markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Available accounting data from 1998 to 2022 are collected for all listed firms across 41 industries in 24 countries. Causal relationships are tested using fixed-effect regression analysis, several additional tests and robustness checks are applied using alternative proxies and concerns for endogeneity are addressed using two-stage least square and system generalised method of moments analysis.

Findings

Findings show that FRQ of firms in emerging and frontier markets positively affects investment efficiency, the affirmative impact of FRQ on investment efficiency is higher when firms are facing more financial constraints and when managerial risk-taking is lower and financial constraints and risk-taking have a more pronounced impact on the link between FRQ and investment efficiency in the under-investment scenario.

Originality/value

These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence, shedding light on the meticulous interplay between FRQ and investment efficiency in frontier and emerging markets. Specifically, the increased financial constraints encountered by firms and a more conservative approach to managerial risk-taking emerge as crucial factors complementing this relationship.
Stepping into Industry 4.0-based optimization model: a hybrid of the NSGA-III and MOAOA
Authors: Sadati-Keneti Yaser , Sebt Mohammad Vahid , Tavakkoli-Moghaddam Reza , Baboli Armand , Rahbari Misagh
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Although the previous generations of the Industrial Revolution have brought many advantages to human life, scientists have been looking for a substantial breakthrough in creating technologies that can improve the quality of human life. Nowadays, we can make our factories smarter using new concepts and tools like real-time self-optimization. This study aims to take a step towards implementing key features of smart manufacturing including  preventive self-maintenance, self-scheduling and real-time decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

A new bi-objective mathematical model based on Industry 4.0 to schedule received customer orders, which minimizes both the total earliness and tardiness of orders and the probability of machine failure in smart manufacturing, was presented. Moreover, four meta-heuristics, namely, the multi-objective Archimedes optimization algorithm (MOAOA), NSGA-III, multi-objective simulated annealing (MOSA) and hybrid multi-objective Archimedes optimization algorithm and non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-III (HMOAOANSGA-III) were implemented to solve the problem. To compare the performance of meta-heuristics, some examples and metrics were presumed and solved by using the algorithms, and the performance and validation of meta-heuristics were analyzed.

Findings

The results of the procedure and a mathematical model based on Industry 4.0 policies showed that a machine performed the self-optimizing process of production scheduling and followed a preventive self-maintenance policy in real-time situations. The results of TOPSIS showed that the performances of the HMOAOANSGA-III were better in most problems. Moreover, the performance of the MOSA outweighed the performance of the MOAOA, NSGA-III and HMOAOANSGA-III if we only considered the computational times of algorithms. However, the convergence of solutions associated with the MOAOA and HMOAOANSGA-III was better than those of the NSGA-III and MOSA.

Originality/value

In this study, a scheduling model considering a kind of Industry 4.0 policy was defined, and a novel approach was presented, thereby performing the preventive self-maintenance and self-scheduling by every single machine. This new approach was introduced to integrate the order scheduling system using a real-time decision-making method. A new multi-objective meta-heuristic algorithm, namely, HMOAOANSGA-III, was proposed. Moreover, the crowding-distance-quality-based approach was presented to identify the best solution from the frontier, and in addition to improving the crowding-distance approach, the quality of the solutions was also considered.