bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gluteus medius contracture: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Ma Yang , Gao Jiahao , Zheng Fuwen , Tang Jinshuo , Wang Chenyu , Guo Fengshuo , Liu Tong , Zuo Jianlin
Published: January 2025

Rationale:

Bilateral gluteus medius contractures in adults are rare in clinical practice, with only a few cases reported. These contractures may result from repeated intramuscular injections during childhood. Understanding the clinical manifestations, diagnostic process, treatment, and outcomes can provide insights into effective management strategies.

Patient concerns:

A 28-year-old female presented with an abnormal walking posture characterized by an out-toeing gait. She reported long-standing difficulties in walking and sought medical attention to improve her mobility and quality of life.

Diagnoses:

The patient was diagnosed with bilateral gluteus medius contractures.

Interventions:

The patient underwent open surgical release of the contractures on both sides, followed by a structured rehabilitation program to restore muscle function and improve gait. Postoperative exercise guidance was provided to ensure optimal recovery.

Outcomes:

At the 1-year follow-up, the patient demonstrated significant improvement in gait, functional abilities, and overall quality of life. She expressed high satisfaction with the surgical and rehabilitative outcomes.

Lessons:

Once diagnosed with gluteus medius contracture, early surgical intervention is recommended. Through case reports and literature review, we have summarized the etiology, diagnostic methods, clinical characteristics, and existing treatment options for this condition.
Performance of the quantitative pupillary light reflex and neurological pupil index for predicting neurological outcomes in cardiac arrest patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Feng Chang Sheng
Published: January 2025

Background:

The performance of quantitative pupillary light reflex (qPLR) and the neurological pupil index (NPi) was used to predict neurological outcomes in cardiac arrest (CA) patients.

Methods:

Eligible studies on the ability of the qPLR and NPi to predict neurological outcomes in CA patients were searched from the PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases until July 2023. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI), area under the curve, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were analyzed via Stata 14.0 software.

Results:

Twelve studies involving 1530 CA patients (968 in the qPLR study and 1025 in the NPi study) satisfied the inclusion criteria. qPLR (OR: 24.50, 95% CI: 13.08–45.86%, P < .001) and NPi (OR: 15.55, 95% CI: 7.92–30.55%, P < .001) were significantly associated with neurological outcome. The pooled area under the curves of the qPLR and NPi for predicting neurological outcome were 0.89 (95% CI: 0.86–0.92%) and 0.66 (95% CI: 0.62–0.70%), respectively. The pooled results were robust according to the sensitivity analysis. The funnel plots for qPLR (P = .94) and NPi (P = .10) did not reveal any publication bias.

Conclusion:

Compared with the NPi, the qPLR has greater diagnostic accuracy in predicting favorable neurologic outcomes.
Association between neutrophil to high-density lipoprotein ratio and no-reflow after coronary intervention: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Hu Mengyao , Tong Zhuoyan , Cai Zhiyuan , Li Shiyu , Yang Dongwei
Published: January 2025

Inflammatory responses and lipid metabolism disorders are key components in the development of coronary artery disease and contribute to no-reflow after coronary intervention. This study aimed to investigate the association between the neutrophil to high-density lipoprotein ratio (NHR) and no-reflow phenomenon in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). This study enrolled 288 patients with STEMI from September 1st, 2022 to February 29th, 2024, in the Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University. According to postoperative thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grades, there were 221 patients in the normal flow group and 67 patients in the no-reflow group. Comparing the clinical data of the 2 groups, the independent risk factors of no-reflow phenomenon in STEMI patients after PPCI were determined by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Additionally, we assessed the diagnostic value of NHR for no-reflow using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The no-reflow phenomenon was observed in 67 patients with STEMI following PPCI, representing a prevalence of 23.26%. Compared with the normal group, NHR, as well as the rates of intracoronary thrombolysis and thrombus aspiration, were significantly elevated, while lymphocyte and albumin were lower (P < .05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that NHR was an independent risk factor for no-reflow (OR = 1.241, 95% CI: 1.142–1.349, P < .001). In the receiver operating characteristic curve of NHR diagnosis of no-reflow, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.740 (95% CI: 0.671–0.809, P < .001), and the optimal critical value was 7.88, which indicates sensitivity and specificity were 71.6% and 71.50%. NHR may serve as a risk mark for STEMI patients with no-reflow after PPCI, and has diagnosis value for its occurrence.
Exploring markers in nursing care of prostate cancer
Authors: Zhang Yanting , Cheng Fei , Li Lixia
Published: January 2025

Prostate cancer is epithelial malignant prostate hyperplasia caused by a tumor. We found prostate cancer GSE141551 and GSE200879 profiles from gene expression omnibus database, followed by differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, protein–protein interaction analysis, gene function enrichment analysis, and comparative toxicology database analysis. Finally, the gene expression heat map was drawn, and miRNA information regulating core DEGs was retrieved. A total of 1151 DEGs were found, most of them focusing on systematic development, cell development, cell differentiation, regulation of multicellular biological processes, anatomical morphogenesis, MAPK signaling pathway, proteoglycans in cancer, fluid shear stress, and atherosclerosis. The core genes (MYL9, TAGLN, SMTN, CNN1, MYH11, MYLK, MYOCD, ACTC1, LMOD1, and TPM2) obtained in end are all lowly expressed in prostate cancer samples and are associated with hypertension, tumor metastasis, prostate tumors, and tumor aggressiveness. LMOD1 and SMTN are lowly expressed in prostate cancer and may be used as markers in prostate cancer nursing.
A review of cutting-edge biomarkers for diagnosing coronary artery disease
Authors: Azami Pouria , Mohammadzadeh Sahand , Seirafi Soroush , Razeghian-Jahromi Iman
Published: January 2025

Chronic coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a significant global healthcare burden. Current risk assessment methods have notable limitations in early detection and risk stratification. Hence, there is an urgent need for innovative biomarkers that facilitate the premature CAD diagnosis, ultimately leading to reduction in associated morbidity and mortality rates. This review comprehensively examines recent advances in emerging biomarkers for CAD detection. Our analysis delves into various aspects of these biomarkers such as their mechanisms of action, roles in the pathophysiology of the disease, and different measurement techniques employed in clinical practice. Comparative assessment of biomarker performance between CAD patients and control groups was also presented relying on their sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve at specific cutoff points. In this regard, prominent biomarkers including Tenascin-C, IL-37, PTX3, transthyretin, soluble interleukin-6 receptor α, and miR-15a are identified as having high diagnostic potential for chronic CAD that indeed showcase promising performance metrics. These findings underscore the role of novel biomarkers in enhancing CAD risk stratification and improving patient outcomes through early intervention. However, the pursuit of an ideal and inclusive biomarker continues due to the multifaceted nature of CAD. Future randomized controlled trials are essential to bridge the gap between research findings and clinical practice in order to augment the practical application of these biomarkers in routine healthcare settings.
The roles of STAT1, CASP8, and MYD88 in the care of ischemic stroke
Authors: Qin Xiaolu , Li Shuaimin , Huang Xinyu
Published: January 2025

Ischemic stroke is caused by blockage of blood vessels in brain, affecting normal function. The roles of Signal Transformer and Activator of Transcription 1 (STAT1), CASP8, and MYD88 in ischemic stroke and its care are unclear. The ischemic stroke datasets GSE16561 and GSE180470 were found from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Batch effect removal, finding differentially expressed genes (DEGs), weighted gene co-expression network analysis, protein–protein interaction analysis, functional enrichment analysis, immune infiltration analysis, comparative toxicogenomics database analysis were carried out. Gene expression heat maps were drawn, and miRNAs were found that regulate core DEGs. A total of 1183 DEGs were obtained, which were mainly concentrated in immune effector processes, cell activation, and protein serine/threonine kinase activity, the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway, C-type lectin receptor signaling pathway, and P53 signaling pathway. Four core genes were identified. Heatmap revealed high expression of (CASP8, MYD88, and STAT1) in whole blood samples of ischemic stroke. Comparative toxicogenomics database analysis demonstrated (CASP8, MYD88, and STAT1) are related to cerebral hemorrhage, reperfusion injury, hypertension, and inflammation. In ischemic stroke, expression of STAT1, CASP8, and MYD88 is higher and leads to poorer prognosis.
A national survey on gastroenterology and hepatology training reveals dissimilar perceptions between trainees and trainers and an important need for improvement in training programs
Authors: Prosenz Julian , Grabherr Felix , Semmler Georg , Fickert Peter , Hofer Harald , Maieron Andreas , Zessner-Spitzenberg Jasmin
Published: January 2025

Objective

We aimed to collect data on gastroenterology and hepatology training from the viewpoint of trainees and trainers.

Methods

A national online survey was distributed among trainees and specialists at certified training institutions between February and May 2024.

Results

Overall, 226 respondents – 98 trainees, 78 trainers, 50 program directors, and department heads responded, with a national coverage of 70% of trainees and 85% of specialty-department heads. A training curriculum was reported by 56% of trainees and 84% of curriculum organizers, regular feedback and training progress meetings by 11% of trainees (57% if considered without assessment of training progress), but 88% of curriculum organizers. Training was rated as very good or good by 65% of trainees, 79% of trainers, and 100% of department heads. Quality of functional diagnostics, endoscopy, and ultrasound training was rated as very good or good by trainees in 16, 61, and 54%, by trainers in 27, 79, and 58%, and by department heads in 74, 89, and 85%. Much agreement was found concerning the wish for external rotations (trainees 65%, trainers 70%, and department heads 89%) and a new postcertification advanced-endoscopy training and accreditation.

Conclusion

Department heads seem to overestimate the quality of their training programs. Consequently, we found large discrepancies in the perception of specialty training that should stimulate efforts to standardize training and boost necessary train-the-trainer programs. Diagnosis of functional gastrointestinal disorders and abdominal ultrasound skills are areas with the largest room for improvement. Increased flexibility of hospital providers will be crucial for significant improvement of external training possibilities.
The Early Steps to Transplant Access Registry (E-STAR) dashboard: center-specific reporting on prewaitlisting data to improve access to kidney transplantation
Authors: Kelty Catherine E. , Buford Jade , Di Mengyu , Drewry Kelsey M. , Urbanski Megan , Harding Jessica L. , Wilk Adam S. , Pastan Stephen O. , Patzer Rachel E.
Published: January 2025

Purpose of review

The 2022 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report highlighted inequities in access to kidney transplantation and called for a comprehensive dashboard highlighting early transplant steps, yet data on steps such as referral and evaluation start are limited. Addressing this gap is crucial for improving equity in access to transplantation.

Recent findings

The Early Steps to Transplant Access Registry (E-STAR) provides a model for how prewaitlisting data can be used to inform quality improvement to drive equity in access to transplantation. E-STAR includes data from 37 transplant centers across 13 states and four regions (Southeast, New York, New England, and the Ohio River Valley), representing ∼217 000 adults with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) treated in 4365 dialysis facilities, in addition to patients preemptively referred. Similar to the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients center-specific reports, the E-STAR dashboard was developed as an interactive website offering center-specific and regional insights into pretransplant access measures within and across centers with the intention to improve access to transplantation. Publicly available de-identified reports illustrate trends in referral, evaluation, and waitlisting by subgroup (e.g., race, sex, age, insurance status), while password-protected features enable transplant centers to benchmark their performance against anonymized peers.

The E-STAR dashboard demonstrates how centralized, standardized data collection can support transplant centers, policymakers, community partners, and regional organizations to identify disparities, drive quality improvement, and develop interventions for the advancement of equity in transplant access. This work may inform future center-specific reports once prewaitlisting data are collected nationally.
Xenotransplantation: future frontiers and challenges
Authors: Jaffe Ian S. , Aljabban Imad , Stern Jeffrey M.
Published: January 2025

Purpose of review

Recent advancements in genetic engineering have propelled the field of xenotransplantation from preclinical models to early compassionate use cases. As first-in-human clinical trials (FIHCTs) approach, we examine recent developments, ethical and regulatory challenges, immunological considerations, and the clinical infrastructure necessary for successful xenotransplantation trials.

Recent findings

Expanded access transplants of pig hearts, kidneys, and livers have identified key challenges. Heart xenotransplants revealed risks of antibody-mediated rejection and zoonotic infections, while kidney xenotransplants suggest that patient selection, rather than immune rejection, may have caused failures. While there has been a report of auxiliary liver transplantation conducted abroad, profound thrombocytopenia poses an obstacle. As FIHCTs draw near, critical clinical challenges include determining the optimal donor genetic constructs and immunosuppressive regimens. Enrollment criteria and patient selection pose additional complexity, alongside ethical concerns such as lifelong zoonosis monitoring. Only a limited number of centers have the expertise needed to conduct these complex trials.

Xenotransplantation holds great promise as a solution to organ shortages, but success in FIHCTs will require careful design, multidisciplinary collaboration, and strong infrastructure. Addressing immunologic, ethical, and patient selection challenges will be critical. With proper preparation, xenotransplantation could transform organ transplantation.
Pregnancy-Induced Cardiomyopathy: What Case Managers Need to Know
Authors: Powell Suzanne K.
Published: January 2025

A new form of stethoscope with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities may make the difference between early detection of pregnancy-induced cardiomyopathy or end stage postpartum heart failure. The AI stethoscope is a tool that may make that difference.
Value-Based Care
Authors: Webb Adele
Published: January 2025

The concept of value-based care (VBC) shifts the focus from volume to quality in healthcare. For nursing, this means focusing on patient outcomes, preventive care, and cost efficiency. This article discusses the critical role of nurses in VBC, particularly in coordinating care, improving patient satisfaction, and driving overall healthcare effectiveness and value.
Public Health Travel Restrictions Implemented for Persons at Risk of Transmitting SARS-CoV-2 Infection—United States, January 1, 2020-April 6, 2022
Authors: Surpris Amethyst Clare A. , Jungerman M. Robynne , Preston Leigh Ellyn , Gertz Alida M. , Duong Krista K. , Roy Sheila , Morales Mayra , Olmstead John , Delea Kristin , Alvarado-Ramy Francisco , Brown Clive , Chen Tai-Ho
Published: January 2025

Context:

Federal public health travel restrictions (FPHTR) in the United States are implemented for persons who meet specific criteria to prevent spread of communicable diseases of public health concern. FPHTR can mitigate the risk of disease transmission during air travel and mitigating disease translocation between geographic areas.

Objective:

To characterize and determine the extent of FPHTR implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design:

Secondary data analysis.

Setting and Participants:

This report reviewed the U.S. public health response for 3010 persons traveling within, into, and out of, the U.S. who were placed on federal public health travel restrictions during the COVID-19 outbreak from January 1, 2020 to April 6, 2022.

Main Outcome Measure:

Total number and characteristics of persons with SARS-CoV-2 infection or high-risk exposure added to FPHTR.

Results:

During this period, FPHTR were implemented for 3010/5460 (55%) persons who were reported to CDC as having tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, or being identified as close contacts of a person with COVID-19, with intention to travel. Of those added to FPHTR lists, 2023/3010 (67%) had confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, 975/3010 (32%) were close contacts, and 12/3010 (0.4%) were reasonably believed to have COVID-19 but later confirmed to have another diagnosis and removed. Twenty-six percent (793/3010) of SARS-CoV-2-related FPHTR were for persons reported to CDC after testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 at a testing site located within a U.S. airport.

Conclusions:

The extensive application of FPHTR for more than 3000 persons over a period of 29 months during the COVID-19 pandemic was unprecedented. The additional use of FPHTR required extraordinary effort and collaboration among CDC staff and local/state public health agencies for case investigation, reporting, exchange of information, and communication with travelers for case management. Use of this tool should be considered within the context current transmission risk and disease severity.
False-Positive FAPI Expression in Benign Breast Adenosis
Authors: Gunasekaran Vinisha , Subrhamanian Avanthiga , Ambalavanan Nivetha , Singh Harmandeep , Kumar Rajender , Mittal Bhagwant Rai , Shukla Jaya , Walia Rama , Mitra Suvradeep
Published: January 2025

Breast adenosis is a benign glandular proliferative disorder. Due to its imaging similarities with other malignant breast lesions, differentiating adenosis from other invasive carcinomas of the breast poses a diagnostic challenge. Fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) expression is observed in various benign and malignant lesions, increasing the risk of false-positive results. We present a case of FAPI-avid benign breast adenosis in a patient with adrenal adenocarcinoma in 68Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT.
Incidental Detection of Choroid Plexus Metastasis From Neuroblastoma Demonstrated by 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT
Authors: Li Siqi , Xu Yanfeng , Lu Xia , Wang Wei , Yang Jigang
Published: January 2025

An 8-year-old girl with refractory high-risk neuroblastoma underwent 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT to evaluate the feasibility of potential 177Lu-DOTATATE therapy. The scan showed multiple foci of abnormal 68Ga-DOTATATE accumulation in the bone region, indicating the presence of bone metastases. Unexpectedly, an abnormal tracer uptake was noted in the left lateral ventricle area. The contrast-enhanced brain MRI showed obvious enhancement of this lesion, suggesting the diagnosis of choroid plexus metastasis. Our case shows that 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT might be useful in diagnosing choroid plexus metastasis.
All-Optical Strategies to Minimize Photo-Bleaching in Reversibly Switchable Fluorescent Proteins
Authors: Marín-Aguilera Guillem , Pennacchietti Francesca , Volpato Andrea , Papalini Alessia , Kulkarni Abhilash , Bagheri Niusha , Minet Guillaume , Widengren Jerker , Testa Ilaria
Published: January 2025

Photo-bleaching is a general hurdle of fluorescence-based techniques that becomes even more severe in high- resolution microscopy that relies on prolonged, focused and complex illumination sequences. Strategies to reduce photo-bleaching require chemical modifications of the cell media, which often stave off physiological cellular conditions. Here, we outline an all-optical strategy to minimize photo-bleaching in reversibly switching fluorescent proteins (RSFPs), a class of probes used in several super-resolution and protein-multiplexing imaging techniques. By identifying the photobleaching pathways, we developed novel imaging schemes to increase the number of ON- OFF photo-switching cycles based on a designed modulation of the on-switching light or a co-irradiation with red- shifted light. By rationalizing the photo-cycle, we expand multiplexing strategies with RSFPs to high- spatiotemporal resolutions while maintaining the accuracy and recording longer time-lapse imaging of sub-cellular structures with both confocal microscopy and parallelized RESOLFT nanoscopy.
A trans-amplifying mRNA vaccine with consensus spike elicits broadly cross-neutralizing antibody response against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Gontu Abhinay , Misra Sougat , Chothe Shubhada K. , Ramasamy Santhamani , Jakka Padmaja , Byukusenge Maurice , LaBella Lindsey C. , Nair Meera Surendran , Jayarao Bhushan M , Archetti Marco , Nissly Ruth H. , Kuchipudi Suresh V.
Published: January 2025

SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve and evade vaccine immunity, necessitating vaccines that offer broad protection across variants. Conventional mRNA vaccines face cost and scalability challenges, prompting the exploration of alternative platforms like trans-amplifying (TA) mRNA that offer advantages in safety, manufacturability, and antigen dose optimization. Using consensus sequences of immunodominant antigens is a promising antigen design strategy for board cross-protection. Combining these two features, we designed and evaluated a TA mRNA vaccine encoding a consensus spike protein from SARS-CoV-2. Mice receiving the TA mRNA vaccine produced neutralizing antibody levels comparable to a conventional mRNA vaccine using 40 times less antigen mRNA. In hACE2 transgenic mice challenged with the Omicron BA.1 variant, the TA mRNA vaccine reduced lung viral titers by over 10-fold and induced broadly cross-neutralizing antibodies against multiple variants. These findings highlight the potential of TA mRNA vaccines with consensus antigen design to improve efficacy and adaptability against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
τ
-lepton pair spin in proton-proton LHC collisions for anomalous dipole moments
Authors: Korchin A. Yu. , Richter-Was E. , Volkotrub Yu. , Was Z.
Published: January 2025

The spin correlations in the pair of τ leptons produced in high-energy proton-proton collisions are studied. The invariant mass of the τ-lepton pair is chosen close to the Z-boson mass; in these conditions, Z-boson exchange gives the dominant contribution to the Drell-Yan mechanism. The interaction of Z bosons with τ leptons, in addition to the Standard Model couplings, can include weak anomalous magnetic and electric dipole moments (or form factors) of the τ lepton. The dependence of elements of the pp spin-correlation matrix on the weak anomalous moments is determined for various regions of the rapidity of the τ-lepton pair. Based on this calculation, we construct a semirealistic observable built on the momenta of pions in the τ∓→π∓ντ and τ±→ρ±ντ→π±π0ντ decay channels, and we show that this observable can be sensitive to the weak anomalous dipole moments.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Warm and fuzzy dark matter: Free streaming of wave dark matter
Authors: Liu Rayne , Hu Wayne , Xiao Huangyu
Published: January 2025

Wave or fuzzy dark matter that is produced with relativistic wave numbers exhibits free-streaming effects analogous to warm or hot particle dark matter with relativistic momenta. Axions produced after inflation provide such a warm or mildly relativistic candidate, where the enhanced suppression and observational bounds are only moderately stronger than that from wave propagation of initially cold axions. More generally, the free-streaming damping also impacts isocurvature fluctuations from generation in causally disconnected patches. As coherent spatial fluctuations free stream away they leave incoherent and transient superpositions in their wakes. These multiple wave momentum streams are the wave analog of particle phase space fluctuations or directional collisionless damping of massive neutrinos or hot dark matter. The observable impact on both adiabatic and isocurvature fluctuations of fuzzy dark matter can differ from their cold dark matter counterparts due to free streaming depending on how warm or hot is their momentum distribution.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Quasistationary hair for binary black hole initial data in scalar Gauss-Bonnet gravity
Authors: Nee Peter James , Lara Guillermo , Pfeiffer Harald P. , Vu Nils L.
Published: January 2025

Recent efforts to numerically simulate compact objects in alternative theories of gravity have largely focused on the time-evolution equations. Another critical aspect is the construction of constraint-satisfying initial data with precise control over the properties of the systems under consideration. Here, we augment the extended conformal thin sandwich framework to construct quasistationary initial data for black hole systems in scalar Gauss-Bonnet theory and numerically implement it in the open-source p code. Despite the resulting elliptic system being singular at black hole horizons, we demonstrate how to construct numerical solutions that extend smoothly across the horizon. We obtain quasistationary scalar hair configurations in the test-field limit for black holes with linear/angular momentum as well as for black hole binaries. For isolated black holes, we explicitly show that the scalar profile obtained is stationary by evolving the system in time and compare against previous formulations of scalar Gauss-Bonnet initial data. In the case of the binary, we find that the scalar hair near the black holes can be markedly altered by the presence of the other black hole. The initial data constructed here enable targeted simulations in scalar Gauss-Bonnet simulations with reduced initial transients.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Local time statistics and permeable barrier crossing: From Poisson to birth-death diffusion equations
Authors: Kay Toby , Giuggioli Luca
Published: January 2025

Barrier crossing is a widespread phenomenon across natural and engineering systems. While abundant cross-disciplinary literature on the topic has emerged over the years, the stochastic underpinnings of the process have yet to be linked quantitatively to easily measurable observables. We bridge this gap by developing a microscopic representation of Brownian motion in the presence of permeable barriers that allows us to treat barriers with constant asymmetric permeabilities. Our approach relies upon reflected Brownian motion and on the crossing events being Poisson processes subordinated by the local time of the underlying motion at the barrier. Within this paradigm, we derive the exact expression for the distribution of the number of crossings and find an experimentally measurable statistical definition of permeability. We employ Feynman-Kac theory to derive and solve a set of governing birth-death diffusion equations and extend them to the case when barrier permeability is constant and asymmetric. As an application, we study a system of infinite, identical, and periodically placed asymmetric barriers for which we derive analytically effective transport parameters. This periodic arrangement induces an effective drift at long times whose magnitude depends on the difference in the permeability on either side of the barrier as well as on their absolute values. As the asymmetric permeabilities act akin to localized ratchet potentials that break spatial symmetry and detailed balance, the proposed arrangement of asymmetric barriers provides an example of a noise-induced drift without the need to time modulate any external force or create temporal correlations on the motion of a diffusing particle. By placing only one asymmetric barrier in a periodic domain, we also show the emergence of a nonequilibrium steady state.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Pulse engineering via projection of response functions
Authors: Heimann Nicolas , Broers Lukas , Mathey Ludwig
Published: January 2025

We present an iterative optimal control method of quantum systems, aimed at an implementation of a desired operation with optimal fidelity. The update step of the method is based on the linear response of the fidelity to the control operators, and its projection onto the mode functions of the corresponding operator. Our method extends methods such as gradient-ascent pulse engineering (GRAPE) and variational quantum algorithms, by determining the fidelity gradient in a hyperparameter-free manner, and using it for a multiparameter update, capitalizing on the multimode overlap of the perturbation and the mode functions. This directly reduces the number of dynamical trajectories that need to be evaluated in order to update a set of parameters. We demonstrate this approach, and compare it to the standard GRAPE algorithm, for the example of a quantum gate on two qubits, demonstrating a clear improvement in convergence and optimal fidelity of the generated protocol.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Winding topology of multifold exceptional points
Authors: Yoshida Tsuneya , König J. Lukas K. , Rødland Lukas , Bergholtz Emil J. , Stålhammar Marcus
Published: January 2025

Despite their ubiquity, a systematic classification of multifold exceptional points, n-fold spectral degeneracies (EPns), remains a significant unsolved problem. In this article, we characterize the Abelian eigenvalue topology of generic EPns and symmetry-protected EPns for arbitrary n. The former and the latter emerge in (2n−2)- and (n−1)-dimensional parameter spaces, respectively. By introducing topological invariants called resultant winding numbers, we elucidate that these EPns are stable due to topology of a map from a base space (momentum or parameter space) to a sphere defined by resultants. In a D-dimensional parameter space (D≥c), the resultant winding numbers topologically characterize (D−c)-dimensional manifolds of generic (symmetry-protected)

EP

n

s

, whose codimension is c=2n−2 (c=n−1). Our framework implies fundamental doubling theorems for both generic EPns and symmetry-protected EPns in n-band models.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Timeliness in financial reporting in emerging markets: investigating the effect of joint audits
Authors: Almarzouq Mohammad Nasser , Alazemi Souod , Alrefai Abdulrahman , Alawadhi Abdullah
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study examines joint audits’ impact on financial statement timeliness in emerging markets in Kuwait.

Design/methodology/approach

We use a sample of nonfinancial firms listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange from 2000 to 2020.

Findings

We find that joint audits are significantly negatively associated with financial statements’ timeliness. This suggests that firms employing two auditors (joint audits) issue their financial statements in relatively shorter periods. Our results are robust and consistent with our initial findings, even after assessing the impacts of the Big 4, profitability and firm size on them.

Practical implications

The findings show that mandating joint audits decreases audit report lag (ARL). We recommend that regulators and policymakers consider the potential implications of removing mandated joint audits, such as longer ARL.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the limited literature on joint audits and timeliness by exploring their relationship in the context of listed nonfinancial firms in an emerging market. The findings contribute to the ongoing debate about the costs and benefits of joint audits by showing the improvement of financial reporting timelines. Our findings assist regulators and policymakers in determining whether to implement or abolish joint audits.
Motivating user engagement in online health Q&A communities: do contingent financial incentives matter?
Authors: He Lifeng , Huang Yuegu , Li Shuyan , Zhou Xiaohang
Published: January 2025

Purpose

User engagement is critical for online health Q&A communities. Financial incentives, which vary across different communities and reward schemes, are expected to motivate such contribution behaviors. Even though financial incentives have been extensively examined in prior studies, the impact of newly designed contingent financial incentives of a new pay-for-answer reward scheme has not been empirically examined in any online health Q&A community. Given this research gap, our study aims to perform an exploratory investigation of the effects of contingent financial incentives on user engagement in terms of knowledge contribution and social interactions.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on expectancy-value theory and equity theory, a research model was developed to reflect the influences of contingent financial incentives on user engagement. A unique dataset was gathered from a large online health Q&A community utilizing this contingent financial incentive reward structure, and the Heckman selection model was applied using a two-step procedure to test these hypotheses. Possible endogeneity issues were also addressed in the robustness check.

Findings

Our results demonstrate that the effect of contingent financial incentives on answer quantity and quality is quadratic. Additionally, our study reveals that this contingent financial incentive enhances both comment and emotional interactions among users.

Originality/value

Our study enriches the literature on financial incentives, knowledge contribution and user engagement by revealing the nuanced effects of financial incentives within a novel pay-for-answer scheme. This study also offers significant implications for practitioners involved in online community incentive design.
Open innovation and digital transformation in the automotive industry: a comparative analysis of South Korea, Japan and Germany
Authors: Yun JinHyo Joseph , Zhao Xiaofei , Koo Inhyouk , Sadoi Yuri , Pyka Andreas
Published: January 2025

Purpose

A research gap exists regarding the impact of digital transformation on automotive open innovation, despite extensive literature on both topics individually. This study aims to fill this.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzes patent-based open innovation before and after the digital transformation, focusing on US patents filed by automakers from South Korea, Japan and Germany during three periods: 2000–2001, 2010–2011 and 2020–2021. Second, in-depth interviews with selected automotive firms from these countries were conducted to complement the patent analysis and develop grounded theory.

Findings

The common effect of digital transformation on automotive firms’ open innovation channels in all three countries follows a trajectory from R&D collaboration through value chain open innovation to open innovation in other industries. There are notable differences in the primary focus of open innovation among automakers in the three countries, with South Korea emphasizing R&D, Japan focusing on the automotive value chain and Germany engaging in open innovation with other industries.

Research limitations/implications

Investigating the differences in open innovation channels and structures between electric auto parts and non-electric auto parts through case studies and the statistical research method could be a compelling next research topic as another limitation of this research.

Originality/value

First, this research demonstrates that firms in the same sectoral innovation system can cultivate different open innovation channels within the knowledge funnel, depending on the regional innovation system (RIS) and national innovation system (NIS). Second, with DT, existing firms’ value chains are evolving and expanding from traditional trajectories to new, information technology-related sub-sectors.
Policy, practice and skill development: a study of Kazakhstan’s higher education landscape
Authors: Gafu Gulzhanat
Published: January 2025

Purpose

As part of this larger project, this paper aims to understand the possible shortcomings of the university-level education system in skill development that may be the reason for low adult proficiency in the country.

Design/methodology/approach

To answer the question, national policy document reviews and semi-structured interviews with faculty members in four different universities were conducted. The aim for policy review was to understand how graduate skills are constructed policy-wise which is further explored through faculty perception of how skills are formed in practice at the university level. The latter is also thought to shed light on perceived shortcomings of skills development which would let us understand the relationship between university system training and low adult skill proficiency indicators in the country. Qualitative inductive analysis was used to analyze the data.

Findings

Results indicate that Kazakhstan’s shift to competency-based education following its 2010 Bologna Declaration adoption has posed challenges, particularly in transitioning from traditional teaching methods to competency-based learning. This transition, compounded by curriculum overload from the previous paradigm, hinders effective skill-based teaching. The country’s recent focus on lifelong learning underscores the need to enhance the population’s skills through quality programs. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach from policymakers and practitioners, emphasizing holistic skill development and lifelong learning.

Research limitations/implications

Potential limitation is that the data only reflects staff perceptions and further detailed content analysis of the current university curriculum and compulsory subjects syllabus along with the historical analysis of policies and university curriculum to understand the change would shed more light into the possible shortcomings in university education that potentially influences adult proficiency level in the country.

Originality/value

This paper is sought to contribute to the limited scholarly discussion on the issues around skill development at the university level in the context of developing countries which would inform policymakers and practitioners in similar contexts to understand the factors behind low adult skills.
An estimation of the crane safety risk factors in the Vietnamese construction industry
Authors: Ngo Thanh Long
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Cranes are vital machinery in the construction industry, widely used on most construction sites. However, they are also among the most hazardous equipment, contributing to a significant number of serious accidents in Vietnam and globally. Although previous studies have identified and analysed crane safety risk factors, they often lack the use of quantitative data analysis to assess the risk levels of these factors. This paper aims to identify and evaluate crane safety risk factors within the Vietnamese construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A well-structured questionnaire, utilizing a five-point Likert scale, was developed and distributed to 60 crane-related practitioners working in both southern and northern Vietnam.

Findings

The study identified 59 crane safety risk factors in the Vietnamese construction industry. The most frequent factor is “Crane workers with stress due to time pressure,” while the factor “Crane with bad manufacture quality” has the highest severity. Additionally, the findings reveal that 50 out of 59 factors (84.74%) are classified as having a medium risk level, with “Crane with bad manufacture quality” exhibiting the highest risk level.

Originality/value

This is the first study to apply quantitative data analysis to identify and evaluate crane safety risk factors in the Vietnamese construction industry. The methodology presented can also be adapted to estimate safety risk factors for other construction machinery in Vietnam.
Why people trust AI software robots: a mediated moderation perspective on the interaction between their intelligence and appearance
Authors: Kim Taejin , Lee One-Ki Daniel , Kang Juyoung
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to discover the impact of the interaction between learning performance (as behavioral realism) and realistic appearance (as form realism) of AI-powered software robots on user trust. The study also aims to reveal how and why the interaction happens, especially from the dual processing perspective of affective and cognitive human responses.

Design/methodology/approach

We adopted an experimental research methodology in a movie recommendation system environment where machine learning-based recommendations are widely used. We conducted a 3 × 2 factorial design experimentation based on the three levels of learning performance (low, mid and high) and two levels of realistic appearance (caricature avatar and digital human). We used ANCOVA and the PROCESS Macro to analyze our models.

Findings

Our results confirm that learning performance (intelligence) is a critical factor influencing user trust in software robots, and this intelligence–trust relationship is influenced by their realistic appearance. Our results further reveal that there are two significant intermediating mechanisms, i.e. affective and cognitive user responses, and that the intelligence–appearance interaction effect on trust is explained especially by the affective response mechanism.

Practical implications

This study provides valuable implications for creating optimal learning performance and realistic appearance that can lead to trust in various settings where AI-powered software robots are utilized.

Originality/value

This study has sveral contributions to the literature. First, in addition to the well-recognized factor of anthropomorphic characteristics, this study investigates another critical behavioral factor of AI-powered robots (learning performance as intelligence characteristics) and the intriguing interaction between the two realism factors. Second, drawing upon the mediated moderation perspective, the study proposes a novice perspective on how and why the two realism factors can build user trust (the underlying mechanisms).
Impact of authentic leadership on nurses’ well-being in Bangladeshi public hospitals
Authors: Faroque Omar , Arefin Md. Shamsul , Rahman Md. Sahidur
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to test the nurses’ authentic leadership’s direct and indirect impact on job satisfaction and intent to stay through work-to-family conflict (WFC) in health-care organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered at three different time points from 262 nurses employed in public hospitals across Bangladesh. Hierarchical regression analysis using structural equation modeling and PROCESS Macro were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Findings disclosed that nurses’ authentic leadership impacts job satisfaction, intention to stay and WFC. Moreover, WFC is identified as a mediator in the relationship between nurses’ authentic leadership and job satisfaction and intent to stay.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the cross-sectional nature of the study, it does not establish a causal relationship among the study variables.

Practical implications

This research helps health-care managers understand the necessity of developing nurses’ authentic leadership. By implementing training, development and mentoring programs, organizations can cultivate authentic leadership among the nurses’ supervisors, which ensures higher job satisfaction and intention to stay.

Originality/value

Although many studies exist on the influence of authentic leadership on nurses’ work-related outcomes, still no study explored the relationship between authentic leadership and WFC. Moreover, the study explores the indirect effect of authentic leadership on job satisfaction and intent to stay through WFC, which was ignored in earlier studies.
TAM and IS success model on digital library use, user satisfaction and net benefits: Indonesian open university context
Authors: Riady Yasir , Habibi Akhmad , Mailizar Mailizar , Alqahtani Turki Mesfer , Riady Hamdi , Al-Adwan Ahmad Samed
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to inform the variables affecting the use of digital library, user satisfaction and net benefits perceived by Indonesian open university (IOU) students. The merge of the technology acceptance model and the information system success model was proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a large-scale survey, the instrumentation was validated and examined for the reliability through some steps: face and content validity, pilot study and measurement model. In the data collection phase, 2,695 IOU students participated in filling out the survey instrument. The data were computed in the SmartPLS application and analyzed through a structural model evaluation, the partial least square structural equation model.

Findings

The analysis informed that most hypotheses were confirmed, informing the roles of all exogenous variables to the endogenous. The most significant determinant of use of digital library was perceived usefulness. User satisfaction was mostly influenced by perceived ease of use. Meanwhile, the strongest determinant of net benefits was user satisfaction.

Originality/value

By integrating these two models, this study is expected to provide deeper insight into how and why open university students use digital libraries. The current study provides recommendations for further improvements. It seeks to fill the research gap regarding the use of information technology in the context of open and distance education.