bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
J/ψ
and
ψ(2S)
polarization in proton-proton collisions at energies available at the CERN Large Hadron Collider using PYTHIA8
Authors: Sahoo Bhagyarathi , Sahu Dushmanta , Deb Suman , Singh Captain R. , Sahoo Raghunath
Published: March 2024

The production mechanisms of charmonium states in both hadronic and heavy-ion collisions hold great significance for investigating the hot and dense QCD matter. Studying charmonium polarization in ultrarelativistic collisions can also provide insights into the underlying production mechanisms. With this motivation, we explore the J/ψ and ψ(2S) polarization in proton+proton collisions at s=7, 8, and 13 TeV using a pQCD-inspired Monte Carlo event generator called 8. This work considers reconstructed quarkonia through their dimuons decay channel in the ALICE forward rapidity acceptance range of 2.5<yμμ<4. Further, we calculate the polarization parameters λθ, λϕ, λθϕ from the polar and azimuthal angular distributions of the dimuons in helicity and Collins-Soper frames. This study presents a comprehensive measurement of the polarization parameters as a function of transverse momentum, charged-particle multiplicity, and rapidity at the LHC energies. Our findings of charmonium polarization are in qualitative agreement with the corresponding experimental data.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Systematic studies of
DDKK
and
DD¯KK¯
four-hadron molecules
Authors: Pan Ya-Wen , Liu Ming-Zhu , Lu Jun-Xu , Geng Li-Sheng
Published: March 2024

Assuming that Ds0*(2317) is a DK molecular state with a binding energy of 45 MeV, we investigate the existence of four-hadron molecules, DDKK and DD¯KK¯, with the Gaussian expansion method. Their binding energies are 138–155 MeV and 123–163 MeV below the mass thresholds of DDKK and DD¯KK¯. The DD¯KK¯ state has a decay width of 74–107 MeV due to the complex KK¯ interaction. Further theoretical studies of and experimental searches for such four-hadron molecules can help deepen the understanding of the nonperturbative strong interaction in a nontrivial way.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
331 models and bilepton searches at the LHC
Authors: Calabrese Roberta , Iorio Alberto Orso Maria , Morisi Stefano , Ricciardi Giulia , Vignaroli Natascia
Published: March 2024

Despite being remarkably predictive, the Standard Model leaves unanswered several important issues, which motivate an ongoing search for its extensions. One fashionable possibility are the so-called 331 models, where the electroweak gauge group is extended to SUL(3)×U(1). We focus on a minimal extension which includes vectorlike quarks (VLQs) and new gauge bosons, performing a consistent analysis of the production at the LHC of a pair of doubly charged bileptons. We include for the first time all the relevant processes where VLQs contribute and, in particular, the associate production VLQ bilepton. Finally, we extract the bound on the bilepton mass, mY>1300  GeV, from a reinterpretation of a recent ATLAS search for doubly charged Higgs bosons in multilepton final states.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
LHC study of third-generation scalar leptoquarks with machine-learned likelihoods
Authors: Arganda Ernesto , Díaz Daniel A. , Perez Andres D. , Sandá Seoane Rosa M. , Szynkman Alejandro
Published: March 2024

We study the impact of machine-learning algorithms on LHC searches for leptoquarks in final states with hadronically decaying tau leptons, multiple b-jets, and large missing transverse momentum. Pair production of scalar leptoquarks with decays only into third-generation leptons and quarks is assumed. Thanks to the use of supervised learning tools with unbinned methods to handle the high-dimensional final states, we consider simple selection cuts which would possibly translate into an improvement in the exclusion limits at the 95% confidence level for leptoquark masses with different values of their branching fraction into charged leptons. In particular, for intermediate branching fractions, we expect that the exclusion limits for leptoquark masses extend to ∼1.3  TeV. As a novelty in the implemented unbinned analysis, we include a simplified estimation of some systematic uncertainties with the aim of studying their possible impact on the stability of the results. Finally, we also present the projected sensitivity within this framework at 14 TeV for 300  fb−1 and 3000  fb−1 that extends the upper limits to ∼1.6  TeV and ∼1.8  TeV, respectively.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Collisions and collective flavor conversion: Integrating out the fast dynamics
Authors: Fiorillo Damiano F. G. , Padilla-Gay Ian , Raffelt Georg G.
Published: March 2024

In dense astrophysical environments, notably core-collapse supernovae and neutron star mergers, neutrino-neutrino forward scattering can spawn flavor conversion on very short scales. Scattering with the background medium can impact collective flavor conversion in various ways, either damping oscillations or possibly setting off novel collisional flavor instabilities (CFIs). A key feature in this process is the slowness of collisions compared to the much faster dynamics of neutrino-neutrino refraction. Assuming spatial homogeneity, we leverage this hierarchy of scales to simplify the description accounting only for the slow dynamics driven by collisions. We illustrate our new approach both in the case of CFIs and in the case of fast instabilities damped by collisions. In both cases, our strategy provides new equations, the , that simplify the description of flavor conversion and allow us to qualitatively understand the final state of the system after the instability, either collisional or fast, has saturated.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Equivalence of EFTs and timelike extra dimensions
Authors: Hinterbichler Kurt , Saha Samanta
Published: March 2024

A flat 3-brane probing a five-dimensional anti–de Sitter space has the same symmetries and symmetry breaking pattern as one probing a five-dimensional de Sitter space with two time directions. Despite the seemingly different physical setups, we show that the effective field theory of the brane bending mode is identical in both cases. In particular, despite “wrong” signs in the Dirac-Born-Infeld (DBI) action for the two-time de Sitter case, the theories have the same S-matrix. This is consistent with the expectation that effective field theories are determined solely by their degrees of freedom and pattern of symmetry breaking, even in the case of spacetime symmetries. We comment further on the equivalence between the Weyl/dilaton and DBI representations of the EFT of broken conformal symmetry.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Capillary discharge in the high repetition rate regime
Authors: Sasorov P. , Bagdasarov G. , Bobrova N. , Grittani G. , Molodozhentsev A. , Bulanov S. V.
Published: March 2024

Plasma discharge in the capillary is used to develop x-ray lasers, waveguides for high power laser pulses, and as active plasma lenses to focus high energy charged particle beams. Capillary discharges in the high repetition rate regime are of interest for applications that require large average values, such as luminosity and/or electric current of laser accelerated particles. In the present paper, we study the capillary discharge in the high repetition rate regime in connection with the ultrashort laser pulse guiding for laser electron acceleration. Using magnetohydrodynamic computer simulations and theoretical scaling, we investigate the filling of the capillary with the gas, the electric discharge development leading to outflow of the plasma from the capillary, and the recovery of gas distribution after the discharge end. In the next cycle, these processes are repeated. As a result, we found the characteristic cycle time, which determines the upper limit on the repetition rate allowed by the capillary parameters. In the case of the capillary discharges used for acceleration of sub-GeV electron beams, e.g., needed for compact free electron lasers, an upper limit on the repetition rate is approximately equal to 10 kHz.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Probing the state of hydrogen in
δ−AlOOH
at mantle conditions with machine learning potential
Authors: Luo Chenxing , Sun Yang , Wentzcovitch Renata M.
Published: March 2024

Hydrous and nominally anhydrous minerals are a fundamental class of solids of enormous significance to geophysics. They are the water carriers in the deep geological water cycle and impact structural, elastic, plastic, and thermodynamic properties and phase relations in Earth's forming aggregates (rocks). They play a critical role in the geochemical and geophysical processes that shape the planet. Their complexity has prevented predictive calculations of their properties, but progress in materials simulations ushered by machine-learning potentials is transforming this state of affairs. Here, we adopt a hybrid approach that combines deep learning potentials (DPs) with the strongly constrained and appropriately normed meta-generalized gradient approximation functional to simulate a prototypical hydrous system. We illustrate the success of this approach to simulate δ−AlOOH (δ), a phase capable of transporting water down to near the core-mantle boundary of the Earth (∼2900km depth and ∼135GPa) in subducting slabs. A high-throughput sampling of phase space using molecular dynamics simulations with DPs sheds light on the hydrogen-bond behavior and proton diffusion at geophysical conditions. These simulations provide a pathway for a deeper understanding of these crucial components that shape Earth's internal state.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Effects of noise on the overparametrization of quantum neural networks
Authors: García-Martín Diego , Larocca Martín , Cerezo M.
Published: March 2024

Overparametrization is one of the most surprising and notorious phenomena in machine learning. Recently, there have been several efforts to study if, and how, quantum neural networks (QNNs) acting in the absence of hardware noise can be overparametrized. In particular, it has been proposed that a QNN can be defined as overparametrized if it has enough parameters to explore all available directions in state space. That is, if the rank of the quantum Fisher information matrix (QFIM) for the QNN's output state is saturated. Here, we explore how the presence of noise affects the overparametrization phenomenon. Our results show that noise can “turn on” previously zero eigenvalues of the QFIM. This enables the parametrized state to explore directions that were otherwise inaccessible, thus potentially turning an overparametrized QNN into an underparametrized one. For small noise levels, the QNN is quasioverparametrized, as large eigenvalues coexists with small ones. Then, we prove that as the magnitude of noise increases all the eigenvalues of the QFIM become exponentially suppressed, indicating that the state becomes insensitive to any change in the parameters. As such, there is a pull-and-tug effect where noise can enable new directions but also suppress the sensitivity to parameter updates. Finally, our results imply that current QNN capacity measures are ill-defined when hardware noise is present.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Thermodynamics for reduced models of chemical reactions by PEA and QSSA
Authors: Peng Liangrong , Hong Liu
Published: March 2024

The partial equilibrium approximation (PEA) and the quasi-steady-state approximation (QSSA) are two classical methods for reducing complex macroscopic chemical reactions into simple computable ones. Previous studies have primarily focused on the accuracy of solutions before and after applying model reduction. In this paper, however, we adopt a thermodynamic view and aim to establish a quantitative connection on the essential thermodynamic quantities, such as entropy production rate, free-energy dissipation rate, and entropy flow rate, between the original chemical mass-action equations and the reduced models obtained by PEA or QSSA. Our findings reveal that the reduced models by PEA and QSSA may not preserve the thermodynamic structure of the original full model, particularly when algebraic relations are used instead of differential equations. This is evident in the loss of non-negativity of the free-energy dissipation rate. To validate our results, we apply them to the Michaelis-Menten reactions as a prototype, both analytically and numerically. We anticipate that our study will inspire a reevaluation of the effectiveness of various model reduction or approximation methods from the perspective of nonequilibrium thermodynamics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dimensional reduction of Kitaev spin liquid at quantum criticality
Authors: Feng Shi , Agarwala Adhip , Trivedi Nandini
Published: March 2024

We investigate the fate of the Kitaev spin liquid (KSL) under the influence of an external magnetic field h in the [001] direction and upon tuning bond anisotropy of the Kitaev coupling Kz keeping Kx=Ky=K. Guided by density matrix renormalization group, exact diagonalization, and with insights from parton mean-field theory, we uncover a field-induced gapless-to-gapless Lifshitz transition from the nodal KSL to an intermediate gapless phase. The intermediate phase sandwiched between hc1 and hc2, which persists for a wide range of anisotropy Kz/K>0, is composed of weakly coupled one-dimensional quantum critical chains. This intermediate phase is a dimensional crossover, which asymptotically leads to the one-dimensional quantum Ising criticality characterized by the (1+1)D conformal field theory as the field reaches the phase transition at hc2. Beyond hc2 the system enters a partially polarized phase describable as effectively decoupled bosonic chains in which spin waves propagate along the one-dimensional zigzag direction. Our findings provide a comprehensive phase diagram and offer insights into the unusual physics of dimensional reduction generated by a uniform magnetic field in an otherwise two-dimensional quantum spin liquid.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Revealing Higher-Order Interactions in High-Dimensional Complex Systems: A Data-Driven Approach
Authors: Tabar M. Reza Rahimi , Nikakhtar Farnik , Parkavousi Laya , Akhshi Amin , Feudel Ulrike , Lehnertz Klaus
Published: March 2024

Natural and manmade complex systems are comprised of different elementary units, being either system components or diverse subsystems as in the case of networked systems. These units interact with each other in a possibly nonlinear way, which results in a complex dynamics that is generally dissipative and nonstationary. One of the challenges in the modeling of such systems is the identification of not only pairwise but, more importantly, higher-order interactions, together with their directions and strengths from measured multivariate time series. Here, we propose a novel data-driven approach for characterizing interactions of different orders. Our approach is based on solving a set of linear equations constructed from Kramers-Moyal coefficients derived from statistical moments of N-dimensional multivariate time series. We demonstrate the substantial potential for applications by a data-driven reconstruction of interactions in various multidimensional and networked dynamical systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Precision Bounds on Continuous-Variable State Tomography Using Classical Shadows
Authors: Gandhari Srilekha , Albert Victor V. , Gerrits Thomas , Taylor Jacob M. , Gullans Michael J.
Published: March 2024

Shadow tomography is a framework for constructing succinct descriptions of quantum states using randomized measurement bases, called “classical shadows,” with powerful methods to bound the estimators used. We recast existing experimental protocols for continuous-variable quantum state tomography in the classical-shadow framework, obtaining rigorous bounds on the number of independent measurements needed for estimating density matrices from these protocols. We analyze the efficiency of homodyne, heterodyne, photon-number-resolving, and photon-parity protocols. To reach a desired precision on the classical shadow of an N-photon density matrix with high probability, we show that homodyne detection requires order O(N4+1/3) measurements in the worst case, whereas photon-number-resolving and photon-parity detection require O(N4) measurements in the worst case (both up to logarithmic corrections). We benchmark these results against numerical simulation as well as experimental data from optical homodyne experiments. We find that numerical and experimental analyses of homodyne tomography match closely with our theoretical predictions. We extend our single-mode results to an efficient construction of multimode shadows based on local measurements.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
I will get my job: moderated and mediation model of students' perceived employability in post-pandemic era
Authors: Ngah Abdul Hafaz , Kamarulzaman Nurul Izni , Puteh Saifullizam , Abdullah Nurul Ain Chua , Ariffin Nur Asma , Fei Long
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The current study investigates the factors influencing graduates’ perceived employability by utilizing the stimulus-organism-response theory, in the post pandemic era.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was employed to examine the hypotheses of the research framework through partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) on the SmartPLS software.

Findings

The result indicates that course structure has a positive effect on students’ grit and community of inquiry (CoI). Also, students’ grit and CoI have a positive relationship with students’ performance, while students’ performance has a positive relationship with perceived employability. Moreover, students’ grit, CoI and students’ performance sequentially mediated course structure and perceived employability, whereas readiness and self-directed learning strengthen the relationship between students’ performance and perceived employability.

Originality/value

The findings will benefit university management, government and potential employers on how confident the student is in the chances of a future career after graduating from a higher institution.
Legal uncertainty of municipal bond issuance: a case study of Indonesia and Vietnam
Authors: Hutahayan Benny , Fadli Mohamad , Amimakmur Satria Amiputra , Dewantara Reka
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the causes and implications of legal uncertainty in the issuance of conventional municipal bonds in Indonesia and to draw lessons from Vietnam’s approach in providing better legal certainty.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a normative legal method with a legislative approach and applies a comparative approach. Data sources involve primary and secondary legal materials from both Indonesia and Vietnam.

Findings

The legal uncertainty is caused by a lack of coherence and consistency in legislation. Based on Vietnam’s experience, Indonesia can gain valuable insights related to providing strong legal certainty for parties involved in issuing or investing through conventional municipal bonds.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on the comparative legal analysis of conventional municipal bonds in Indonesia with Vietnam.

Practical implications

This research provides recommendations for the refinement of legislation regarding conventional municipal bonds to the government.

Social implications

This study is related to legal certainty as a strategy to attract investment through municipal bonds and to ensure the municipal bond issuance process is transparent and efficient.

Originality/value

This study provides a comparative perspective on the issuance of municipal bonds in Indonesia, with a special focus on Vietnam, emphasizing the urgency of harmonization in legal regulation and the sustainability of legal certainty.
A corporate social responsibility (CSR)-led competitiveness framework through a bibliometric analysis (2001–2023)
Authors: Kumar Amit , Snehvrat Saurav , Kumari Prerna , Priyadarshani Priyanka , Ray Preyaan
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is viewed as a differentiating strategy that wins over stakeholders’ confidence. Due to the potential strategic and positive effects on businesses, the study of CSR and its relationship to competitiveness has gained relevance. While studies have examined the impact of CSR activities on firm competitiveness, the findings so far remain contradictory. Further research on the underlying processes/mechanisms that explain how CSR contributes to competitiveness remains scarce. Accordingly, this study aims to look into the link between CSR and competitiveness with a focus on Asian business and management studies.

Design/methodology/approach

By using a bibliometric approach, this paper aims to provide a review of the state-of-the-art research on the linkage between CSR and competitiveness in Asian context. The sample for this research included all 538 studies from the period of 2001–2023 in the Scopus database. A bibliometric study included both co-occurrence and co-citation analysis.

Findings

The study’s findings made significant contributions by identifying seven distinct clusters of co-occurrences. Using co-citation, three journals-based co-citation clusters and another three authors-based co-citation clusters are identified. The findings show how processes/mechanisms such as – accountability, multi-stakeholder dialogue/engagement, resource generation, emphasizing sustainable development goals and emerging markets, redefining strategy, cultivating value/vision and CSR leadership – are increasing in importance.

Practical implications

Overall, the authors argue that CSR-led competitiveness is indeed one of the key drivers for improved sustainability performance of a firm.

Originality/value

Based on findings, a conceptual framework has been proposed highlighting different processes and mechanisms that influence the CSR-led competitiveness – outcomes relationship.
Repair part service level differentiation based on holding other parts shortage costs
Authors: Maleyeff John , Xu Jingran
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The article addresses the optimization of safety stock service levels for parts in a repair kit. The work was undertaken to assist a public transit entity that stores thousands of parts used to repair equipment acquired over many decades. Demand is intermittent, procurement lead times are long, and the total inventory investment is significant.

Design/methodology/approach

Demand exists for repair kits, and a repair cannot start until all required parts are available. The cost model includes holding cost to carry the part being modeled as well as shortage cost that consists of the holding cost to carry all other repair kit parts for the duration of the part’s lead time. The model combines deterministic and stochastic approaches by assuming a fixed ordering cycle with Poisson demand.

Findings

The results show that optimal service levels vary as a function of repair demand rate, part lead time, and cost of the part as a percentage of the total part cost for the repair kit. Optimal service levels are higher for inexpensive parts and lower for expensive parts, although the precise levels are impacted by repair demand and part lead time.

Social implications

The proposed model can impact society by improving the operational performance and efficiency of public transit systems, by ensuring that home repair technicians will be prepared for repair tasks, and by reducing the environmental impact of electronic waste consistent with the right-to-repair movement.

Originality/value

The optimization model is unique because (1) it quantifies shortage cost as the cost of unnecessary holding other parts in the repair kit during the shortage time, and (2) it determines a unique service level for each part in a repair kit bases on its lead time, its unit cost, and the total cost of all parts in the repair kit. Results will be counter-intuitive for many inventory managers who would assume that more critical parts should have higher service levels.
Big data analytics-artificial intelligence and sustainable performance through green supply chain practices in manufacturing firms of a developing country
Authors: Rashid Aamir , Baloch Neelam , Rasheed Rizwana , Ngah Abdul Hafaz
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the role of big data analytics (BDA) powered by artificial intelligence (AI) in improving sustainable performance (SP) through green supply chain collaboration (GSCC), sustainable manufacturing (SM) and environmental process integration (EPI).

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from 249 supply chain professionals working at various manufacturing firms, and hypotheses were tested through a quantitative method using PLS-SEM with the help of SmartPLS version 4 to validate the measurement model.

Findings

This study identified that BDA-AI significantly and positively affects GSCC, SM and EPI. Similarly, the results showed that GSCC significantly and positively affects SP. At the same time, SM and EPI have an insignificant effect on SP. The GSCC found a significant relationship between BDA-AI and SP for mediation. However, SM and environmental performance integration did not mediate the relationship between BDA and AI and SP.

Originality/value

This research evaluated a second-order model and tested SP in conjunction with the dynamic capability theory in the manufacturing industry of Pakistan. Therefore, this research could be beneficial for researchers, manufacturers and policymakers to attain sustainable goals by implementing the BDA-AI in the supply chain.
Reproductive biology in Gomphichis valida Rchb. f. (Orchidaceae: Orchidoideae, Cranichidinae): Generalist pollination in a high‐Andean terrestrial orchid with long‐lived flowers
Authors: Calderon‐Quispe Fernando H. , Bustos Singer Rodrigo
Published: March 2024

Floral features, the pollination process, the breeding system, and fruiting success are documented in the Andean terrestrial orchid Gomphichis valida. Studies were performed at the Department of Ancash, Peru, at ca. 4250 m a.s.l., from June to November 2022. The breeding system was studied through controlled pollinations in plants excluded from pollinators (bagged). Natural pollination was studied in the field and through photos and videos. The flowers are nectariferous and non‐protandrous and present the longest lifespan reported so far for a neotropical terrestrial orchid (53–80 days). This species is pollinator dependent (unable to set fruit and seed without the agency of pollinators) and self‐compatible. The observed pollinators belong to three functional groups that appeared successively (in order of appearance): hummingbirds (Chalcostigma stanleyi), bumblebees (Bombus coccineus and Bombus rubicundus), and solitary Halictidae bees (Augochlorella sp.). All recorded pollinators probe the flowers for nectar. The pollinaria adhere to the bee mouthparts and onto the lateral side of the hummingbird bill. Bumblebees were the most frequent and efficient functional group (up to 62.07% of the observed pollination events), followed by Halictidae (31.03%) and hummingbirds (6.90%). Natural fruiting success is high (66.66%–94.49%). Such high natural fruiting success is unexpected at high altitudes, but it is likely explained by a combination of factors, including the long floral lifespan, nectar secretion, and self‐compatibility. This is the first report of hummingbirds as pollinators of Cranichidinae orchids, and G. valida is, to the best of our knowledge, a neotropical orchidoid orchid with the most generalist pollination biology recorded so far.
Do Digital Technologies Enable Firms that Prioritize Sustainability Goals to Innovate? Empirical Evidence from Established UK Micro‐businesses
Authors: Jibril Halima , Kesidou Effie , Roper Stephen
Published: March 2024

This paper examines the importance of sustainability within firms’ strategic goals and its links with innovation in the context of micro‐businesses. Micro‐businesses provide an appropriate context for investigating this relationship because, while they tend to prioritize social and environmental goals, they are also more likely to confront resource constraints that can restrict their capability to innovate. Building on goal‐setting theory and the resource‐based view (RBV) of the firm, we explore under what conditions established micro‐businesses that prioritize sustainability goals are more likely to innovate. Using novel survey data on 4649 established micro‐businesses in the UK, we examine the enabling role of digital technologies. Our results suggest that owner‐managers who prioritize sustainability goals are significantly more likely to generate new product and process innovations. Moreover, we find that this effect is stronger when micro‐businesses adopt digital technologies. Digital technologies enhance the capabilities of micro‐businesses, strengthening the connection between sustainability goals and product and process innovation.
Electrofermentation increases concentration of poly γ‐glutamic acid in Bacillus subtilis biofilms
Authors: Adilkhanova Alina , Ormantayeva Anar , Kaziullayeva Aisholpan , Olaifa Kayode , Eghtesadi Neda , Abbas Azza H. , Calvio Cinzia , Pham Tri T. , Ajunwa Obinna M. , Marsili Enrico
Published: March 2024

Fluctuations in redox conditions in bioprocesses can alter the end‐products, reduce their concentration, and lengthen the process time. Electrofermentation enables rapid metabolic modulation of biosynthesis and allows control of redox imbalances in biofilm‐based fermentation processes. In this study, electrofermentation is used to boost the production of the bacterial biopolymer poly‐γ‐glutamic acid (γ‐PGA) from Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6051. When compared to control experiments (3.3 ± 0.99 g L−1), the application of an electrode potential E = 0.4 V versus Ag/AgCl results in a more than two‐fold increase in the production of γ‐PGA (9.13 ± 1.4 g L−1). Using an engineered B. subtilis strain, in which γ‐PGA production is driven by isopropyl β‐d‐1‐thiogalactopyranoside, electrofermentation improves polymer concentrations from 15.4 ± 1.5 to 23.1 ± 1.6 versus g L−1. These results confirm that electrofermentation conditions can be adopted to increase the concentration of γ‐PGA and perhaps other extracellular biopolymers in industrial strains.
Misattribution prevents learning
Authors: Hoel Jessica B. , Michelson Hope , Norton Ben , Manyong Victor
Published: March 2024

In many markets, consumers believe things about products that are not true. We study how incorrect beliefs about product quality can persist even after a consumer has used a product many times. We explore the example of fertilizer in East Africa. Farmers believe much local fertilizer is counterfeit or adulterated; however, multiple studies have established that nearly all fertilizer in the area is good quality. We develop a learning model to explain how these incorrect beliefs persist. We show that when the distributions of outcomes using good and bad quality products overlap, agents can misattribute bad luck or bad management to bad quality. Our learning model and its simulations show that the presence of misattribution inhibits learning about quality and that goods like fertilizer with unobservable quality that are inputs into production processes characterized by stochasticity should be thought of as credence goods, not experience goods. Our results suggest that policy makers should pursue quality assurance programs for products that are vulnerable to misattribution.
Validation of the Kimberley Cognitive Assessment (KICA‐Cog) for Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Authors: Russell Sarah G. , Quigley Rachel , Thompson Fintan , Sagigi Betty , Miller Gavin , LoGiudice Dina , Smith Kate , Flicker Leon , Pachana Nancy A. , Kordick Sarah , Strivens Edward
Published: March 2024

Objectives

The aim of this study was to validate the Kimberley Indigenous Cognitive Assessment—Cognitive Component (KICA‐Cog) adapted for dementia screening in Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Methods

Data were obtained from a broader dementia prevalence study completed in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area between 2015 and 2018. Modifications were made to items from the original KICA‐Cog to ensure they were culturally appropriate for the Torres Strait. All participants completed a KICA‐Cog and had a comprehensive dementia assessment with a geriatrician experienced in cross‐cultural assessment.

Results

A total of 255 Torres Strait residents aged 45 years and over completed a KICA‐Cog and underwent geriatric assessment. The adapted KICA‐Cog showed good validity for dementia diagnosis with a cut point of 33/34 associated with a sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 92% with an area under the ROC curve of 0.91.

Conclusions

The KICA‐Cog, when modified for the Torres Strait, is a valid cognitive screening tool for dementia. Caution is required when interpreting test scores, as the adapted KICA‐Cog had slightly lower sensitivity (ability to detect people with dementia) than the original KICA‐Cog. As with all short cognitive tests, individuals with a low KICA‐Cog scores should undergo further medical investigations before a dementia diagnosis is considered.
Exploring the inequalities of women with learning disabilities deciding to attend and then accessing cervical and breast cancer screening, using the Social Ecological Model
Authors: Sykes Kate , McGeechan Grant J. , Giles Emma L.
Published: March 2024

Background

Women with learning disabilities are less likely to access cervical and breast cancer screening when compared to the general population. The Social Ecological Model (SEM) was used to examine the inequalities faced by women with learning disabilities in accessing cervical and breast cancer screening in England, UK.

Methods

The findings from a qualitative systematic review and a Q methodology study were triangulated. Framework analysis, in line with the SEM, was used to develop an integrated set of findings.

Findings

Women with learning disabilities may lack knowledge of cancer symptoms, and cancer screening, as well as being scared about the process and getting the results. The attitudes of family and paid carers towards screening may influence women with learning disabilities' decisions as to whether screening is seen as favourable; support and training may ensure unbiased perspectives. Barriers were also associated with how cancer screening programmes are designed, such as postal invitations which assumes an ability to read. In addition, screening staff need to be aware of the general needs of people with learning disabilities, such as the benefits of easy‐to‐read documents. Lastly, multidisciplinary working is required so reasonable adjustments can be embedded into cancer screening pathways.

Conclusion

This article highlights multiple methods to reduce the inequalities faced by women with learning disabilities, which can be achieved through reasonable adjustments. Embedding reasonable adjustments can support women with learning disabilities in making an informed decision and accessing screening if they choose to. This may result in women with learning disabilities getting a timely cancer diagnosis.
Assemblage of a functional and versatile endoscopy trainer reusing medical waste: Step‐by‐step video tutorial
Authors: Vasapolli Riccardo , Schirra Jörg , Schulz Christian
Published: March 2024

Watch a video of this article.
Metabolic trade‐offs in childhood: Exploring the relationship between language development and body growth
Authors: Bouton Sophie , Chevallier Coralie , Cissé Aminata Hallimat , Heude Barbara , Jacquet Pierre O.
Published: March 2024

During human childhood, brain development and body growth compete for limited metabolic resources, resulting in a trade‐off where energy allocated to brain development can decrease as body growth accelerates. This preregistered study explores the relationship between language skills, serving as a proxy for brain development, and body mass index at three distinct developmental stages, representing different phases of body growth. Longitudinal data from 2002 children in the EDEN mother‐child cohort were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Our findings reveal a compelling pattern of associations: girls with a delayed adiposity rebound, signaling slower growth rate, demonstrated better language proficiency at ages 5–6. Importantly, this correlation appears to be specific to language skills and does not extend to nonverbal cognitive abilities. Exploratory analyses show that early environmental factors contributing to enhanced cognitive development, such as higher parental socio‐economic status and increased cognitive stimulation, are positively associated with both language skills and the timing of adiposity rebound in girls. Overall, our findings lend support to the existence of an energy allocation trade‐off mechanism that appears to prioritize language function over body growth investment in girls.

Research Highlights

The high energy demand of neurocognitive development leads to a trade‐off in human children between brain growth and other biological functions, including body growth.

Previous studies indicate that around age 5, when the brain energy consumption peaks, children typically experience a decrease in body mass known as ‘adiposity rebound’.

A delayed adiposity rebound, indicating slower growth may be associated with enhanced language abilities in children.

Our preregistered study confirms this correlation in girls and further associates early cognitive stimulation with improved language skills and delayed adiposity rebound time.
Aldosterone synthase inhibitor (BI 690517) therapy for people with diabetes and albuminuric chronic kidney disease: A multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, Phase I trial
Authors: Bornstein Stefan R. , de Zeeuw Dick , Heerspink Hiddo J. L. , Schulze Friedrich , Cronin Lisa , Wenz Arne , Tuttle Katherine R. , Hadjadj Samy , Rossing Peter
Published: March 2024

Aim

This Phase I study evaluated the safety and early efficacy of an aldosterone synthase inhibitor (BI 690517) in people with diabetes and albuminuric chronic kidney disease.

Methods

Double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study (NCT03165240) at 40 sites across Europe. Eligible participants [estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥20 and <75 ml/min/1.73 m2; urine albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥200 and <3500 mg/g] were randomized 6:1 to receive once‐daily oral BI 690517 3, 10 or 40 mg, or eplerenone 25‐50 mg, or placebo, for 28 days. The primary endpoint was the proportion of participants with drug‐related adverse events (AEs). Secondary endpoints included changes from baseline in the UACR.

Results

Fifty‐eight participants were randomized and treated from 27 November 2017 to 16 April 2020 (BI 690517: 3 mg, n = 18; 10 mg, n = 13; 40 mg, n = 14; eplerenone, n = 4; placebo, n = 9) for 28 days. Eight (13.8%) participants experienced drug‐related AEs [BI 690517: 3 mg (two of 18); 10 mg (four of 13); 40 mg (two of 14)], most frequently constipation [10 mg (one of 13); 40 mg (one of 14)] and hyperkalaemia [3 mg (one of 18); 10 mg (one of 13)]. Most AEs were mild to moderate; one participant experienced severe hyperkalaemia (serum potassium 6.9 mmol/L; BI 690517 10 mg). UACR responses [≥20% decrease from baseline (first morning void urine) after 28 days] were observed for 80.0% receiving BI 690517 40 mg (eight of 10) versus 37.5% receiving placebo (three of eight). Aldosterone levels were suppressed by BI 690517, but not eplerenone or placebo.

Conclusions

BI 690517 was generally well tolerated, reduced plasma aldosterone and may decrease albuminuria in participants with diabetes and albuminuric chronic kidney disease.
Disrupting direct inputs from the dorsal subiculum to the granular retrosplenial cortex impairs flexible spatial memory in the rat
Authors: Yanakieva Steliana , Frost Bethany E. , Amin Eman , Nelson Andrew J. D. , Aggleton John P.
Published: March 2024

In a changing environment, animals must process spatial signals in a flexible manner. The rat hippocampal formation projects directly upon the retrosplenial cortex, with most inputs arising from the dorsal subiculum and terminating in the granular retrosplenial cortex (area 29). The present study examined whether these same projections are required for spatial working memory and what happens when available spatial cues are altered. Consequently, injections of iDREADDs were made into the dorsal subiculum of rats. In a separate control group, GFP‐expressing adeno‐associated virus was injected into the dorsal subiculum. Both groups received intracerebral infusions within the retrosplenial cortex of clozapine, which in the iDREADDs rats should selectively disrupt the subiculum to retrosplenial projections. When tested on reinforced T‐maze alternation, disruption of the subiculum to retrosplenial projections had no evident effect on the performance of those alternation trials when all spatial‐cue types remained present and unchanged. However, the same iDREADDs manipulation impaired performance on all three alternation conditions when there was a conflict or selective removal of spatial cues. These findings reveal how the direct projections from the dorsal subiculum to the retrosplenial cortex support the flexible integration of different spatial cue types, helping the animal to adopt the spatial strategy that best meets current environmental demands.
Clinical outcomes among initial survivors of cryptogenic new‐onset refractory status epilepsy (NORSE)
Authors: Costello Daniel J. , Matthews Elizabeth , Aurangzeb Sidra , Doran Elisabeth , Stack Jessica , Wesselingh Robb , Dugan Patricia , Choi Hyunmi , Depondt Chantal , Devinsky Orrin , Doherty Colin , Kwan Patrick , Monif Mastura , O'Brien Terence J. , Sen Arjune , Gaspard Nicolas
Published: March 2024

Objective

New‐onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) is a rare but severe clinical syndrome. Despite rigorous evaluation, the underlying cause is unknown in 30%–50% of patients and treatment strategies are largely empirical. The aim of this study was to describe clinical outcomes in a cohort of well‐phenotyped, thoroughly investigated patients who survived the initial phase of cryptogenic NORSE managed in specialist centers.

Methods

Well‐characterized cases of cryptogenic NORSE were identified through the EPIGEN and Critical Care EEG Monitoring Research Consortia (CCEMRC) during the period 2005–2019. Treating epileptologists reported on post‐NORSE survival rates and sequelae in patients after discharge from hospital. Among survivors >6 months post‐discharge, we report the rates and severity of active epilepsy, global disability, vocational, and global cognitive and mental health outcomes. We attempt to identify determinants of outcome.

Results

Among 48 patients who survived the acute phase of NORSE to the point of discharge from hospital, 9 had died at last follow‐up, of whom 7 died within 6 months of discharge from the tertiary care center. The remaining 39 patients had high rates of active epilepsy as well as vocational, cognitive, and psychiatric comorbidities. The epilepsy was usually multifocal and typically drug resistant. Only a minority of patients had a good functional outcome. Therapeutic interventions were heterogenous during the acute phase of the illness. There was no clear relationship between the nature of treatment and clinical outcomes.

Significance

Among survivors of cryptogenic NORSE, longer‐term outcomes in most patients were life altering and often catastrophic. Treatment remains empirical and variable. There is a pressing need to understand the etiology of cryptogenic NORSE and to develop tailored treatment strategies.
Microclimate modulation: An overlooked mechanism influencing the impact of plant diversity on ecosystem functioning
Authors: Beugnon Rémy , Le Guyader Nolwenn , Milcu Alexandru , Lenoir Jonathan , Puissant Jérémy , Morin Xavier , Hättenschwiler Stephan
Published: March 2024

Changes in climate and biodiversity are widely recognized as primary global change drivers of ecosystem structure and functioning, also affecting ecosystem services provided to human populations. Increasing plant diversity not only enhances ecosystem functioning and stability but also mitigates climate change effects and buffers extreme weather conditions, yet the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. Recent studies have shown that plant diversity can mitigate climate change (e.g. reduce temperature fluctuations or drought through microclimatic effects) in different compartments of the focal ecosystem, which as such may contribute to the effect of plant diversity on ecosystem properties and functioning. However, these potential plant diversity‐induced microclimate effects are not sufficiently understood. Here, we explored the consequences of climate modulation through microclimate modification by plant diversity for ecosystem functioning as a potential mechanism contributing to the widely documented biodiversity–ecosystem functioning (BEF) relationships, using a combination of theoretical and simulation approaches. We focused on a diverse set of response variables at various levels of integration ranging from ecosystem‐level carbon exchange to soil enzyme activity, including population dynamics and the activity of specific organisms. Here, we demonstrated that a vegetation layer composed of many plant species has the potential to influence ecosystem functioning and stability through the modification of microclimatic conditions, thus mitigating the negative impacts of climate extremes on ecosystem functioning. Integrating microclimatic processes (e.g. temperature, humidity and light modulation) as a mechanism contributing to the BEF relationships is a promising avenue to improve our understanding of the effects of climate change on ecosystem functioning and to better predict future ecosystem structure, functioning and services. In addition, microclimate management and monitoring should be seen as a potential tool by practitioners to adapt ecosystems to climate change.
Long‐term smell loss experiences after COVID‐19: A qualitative study
Authors: Alkanat Hafize Özdemir , Arslan Selda
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Sudden smell loss is one of the early symptoms of COVID‐19. Although it is stated that the loss of smell and taste following COVID‐19 improves within a few weeks, there are also cases that do not improve for a long time. The aim of this study is to reveal long‐term smell loss experiences after COVID‐19.

Methods

A qualitative approach was adopted. We conducted semistructured interviews with 11 participants who had smell loss for at least 3 months. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and evaluated using a thematic analysis for qualitative data.

Results

Nutrition and appetite, personal hygiene, threats to safety and emotional changes were the main themes created by the authors and were the areas where participant expressions focused. The participants used oral/nasal corticosteroid therapy for smell loss and received short‐term olfactory training, but could not find a solution.

Conclusions

Long‐term smell loss problems, which were neglected during the pandemic period, should be carefully evaluated due to their negative effects. Understanding and focusing on the negative effects of loss of smell may contribute to the solution of long‐term smell loss problems.

Patient and Public Contribution

Eleven participants who experienced long‐term loss of smell following COVID‐19 contributed to the study. They enriched the study by describing the effects of their experiences. There was no other participation or contribution from the public to the research.
CORPORATE EARNINGS ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITY
Authors: Miescu Mirela S. , Mumtaz Haroon
Published: March 2024

Are corporate earnings (CE) announcements important for economic activity? We address this question using a novel identification method that combines the valuable information from CE announcements with the heteroscedasticity of shocks experienced on these particular days. Our results demonstrate that CE announcements have a significant impact on the macroeconomy, exhibiting dynamics similar to traditional financial disruptions. We establish that CE announcements' shocks can be classified as financial shocks, highlighting their critical role in the financial system.