bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-organized time crystal in driven-dissipative quantum system
Authors: Xiang Ya-Xin , Lei Qun-Li , Bai Zhengyang , Ma Yu-Qiang
Published: August 2024

Continuous time crystals (CTCs) are characterized by sustained oscillations that break the time-translation symmetry. Since the ruling out of equilibrium CTCs by no-go theorems, the emergence of such dynamical phases has been observed in various driven-dissipative quantum platforms. The current understanding of CTCs is mainly based on mean-field theories, which fail to address the problem of whether the continuous time-translation symmetry can be broken in noisy, spatially extended systems absent in all-to-all couplings. Here, we propose a CTC realized in a quantum contact model through self-organized bistability. The CTCs stem from the interplay between collective dissipation induced by the first-order absorbing phase transitions and slow constant driving provided by an incoherent pump. The stability of such oscillatory phases in finite dimensions under the action of intrinsic quantum fluctuations is scrutinized by the functional renormalization group method and numerical simulations. Occurring at the edge of many-body synchronization, the CTC phase exhibits an inherent period and amplitude with a coherence time linearly diverging with system size, thus also constituting a boundary time crystal. Our results serve as a solid route towards self-protected CTCs in strongly interacting open systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Rotating dipole and quadrupole quantum droplets in binary Bose-Einstein condensates
Authors: Liu Dongshuai , Gao Yanxia , Fan Dianyuan , Malomed Boris A. , Zhang Lifu
Published: August 2024

Quantum droplets (QDs) are self-trapped modes stabilized by the Lee-Huang-Yang correction to the mean-field Hamiltonian of binary atomic Bose-Einstein condensates. The existence and stability of quiescent and rotating dipole-shaped and vortex QDs with vorticity S=1 (DQDs and VQDs, respectively) are numerically studied in the framework of the accordingly modified two-component system. The rotating DQDs trapped in an annular potential are built of two crescentlike components, stretching along the azimuthal direction with the increase of the rotation frequency. Rotating quadrupole QDs (QQDs) bifurcate from the VQDs with S=2. Above a certain rotation frequency, they transform back into VQDs with a flat-top shape. Rotating DQDs and QQDs are stable in a broad interval of values of the chemical potential. The results provide the first example of stable modes which are intermediate states between the rotating DQDs and QQDs on the one hand and VQDs on the other.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Fate of initially bound timelike geodesics in spherical boson stars
Authors: Zhang Yu-Peng , Sun Shi-Xian , Wang Yong-Qiang , Wei Shao-Wen , Laguna Pablo , Liu Yu-Xiao
Published: August 2024

Boson stars are horizonless compact objects and they could possess novel geodesic orbits under the equilibrium assumption, which differ from those in black hole backgrounds. However, unstable boson stars may collapse into black holes or migrate to stable states, resulting in an inability to maintain the initially bound geodesic orbits within the backgrounds of unstable boson stars. To elucidate the fate of initially bound geodesic orbits in boson stars, we present a study of geodesics within the spherical space times of stable, collapsing, and migrating boson stars. We focus on timelike geodesics that are initially circular or reciprocating. We verify that orbits initially bound within a stable boson star persist in their bound states. For a collapsing boson star, we show that orbits initially bound and reciprocating finally either become unbound or plunge into the newly formed black hole, depending on their initial maximal radii. For initially circular geodesics, we have discovered the existence of a critical radius. Orbits with radii below this critical value are found to plunge into the newly formed black hole, whereas those with radii larger than the critical radius continue to orbit around the vicinity of the newly formed black hole, exhibiting nonzero eccentricities. For the migrating case, a black hole does not form. In this case, the reciprocating orbits span a wider radial range. For initially circular geodesics, orbits with small radii become unbound, and orbits with large radii remain bound with nonvanishing eccentricities. This geodesic study provides an approach to investigating the gravitational collapse and migration of boson stars.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Origin of granular axial segregation bands in a rotating tumbler: An interface-mixing driven Rayleigh-Taylor instability
Authors: D'Ortona Umberto , Lueptow Richard M. , Thomas Nathalie
Published: August 2024

The origin of large and small particle axial bands in long rotating tumblers is a long-standing question. Using DEM simulations, we show that this axial segregation is due to a Rayleigh-Taylor instability which is characterized by the fact that the density of a granular medium increases with mixing and decreases with segregation. For initially mixed particles, segregation and collisional diffusion in the flowing layer balance and lead to a three-layer system, with a layer of large particles over a layer of small particles, and, interposed between these layers, a layer of more densely packed mixed particles. The higher density mixed particle layer over the lower density small particle layer induces a Rayleigh-Taylor instability, evident as waviness in the interface between the layers. The waviness destabilizes into ascending plumes of small particles and descending plumes of mixed particles with large particles enriched near the surface, which become evident as small and large particle bands visible at the free surface. Rolls driven by segregation at the tilted interface between plumes maintain the pattern of frozen plumes.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Supramolecular Assemblies in Active Motor-Filament Systems: Micelles, Bilayers, and Foams
Authors: De Luca Filippo , Maryshev Ivan , Frey Erwin
Published: August 2024

Active matter systems evade the constraints of thermal equilibrium, leading to the emergence of intriguing collective behavior. A paradigmatic example is given by motor-filament mixtures, where the motion of motor proteins drives alignment and sliding interactions between filaments and their self-organization into macroscopic structures. After defining a microscopic model for these systems, we derive continuum equations, exhibiting the formation of active supramolecular assemblies such as micelles, bilayers, and foams. The transition between these structures is driven by a branching instability, which destabilizes the orientational order within the micelles, leading to the growth of bilayers at high microtubule densities. Additionally, we identify a fingering instability, modulating the shape of the micelle interface at high motor densities. We study the role of various mechanisms in these two instabilities, such as contractility, active splay, and anchoring, allowing for generalization beyond the system considered here.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Coherent Acoustic Control of Defect Orbital States in the Strong-Driving Limit
Authors: McCullian B.A. , Sharma V. , Chen H.Y. , Crossman J.C. , Mueller E.J. , Fuchs G.D.
Published: August 2024

We use a bulk acoustic wave resonator to demonstrate coherent control of the excited orbital states in a diamond nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center at cryogenic temperature. Coherent quantum control is an essential tool for understanding and mitigating decoherence. Moreover, characterizing and controlling orbital states is a central challenge for quantum networking, where optical coherence is tied to orbital coherence. We study resonant multiphonon orbital Rabi oscillations in both the frequency and time domain, extracting the strength of the orbital-phonon interactions and the coherence of the acoustically driven orbital states. We reach the strong-driving limit, where the physics is dominated by the coupling induced by the acoustic waves. We find agreement between our measurements, quantum master-equation simulations, and a Landau-Zener transition model in the strong-driving limit. Using perturbation theory, we derive an expression for the orbital Rabi frequency versus the acoustic drive strength that is nonperturbative in the drive strength and agrees well with our measurements for all acoustic powers. Motivated by continuous-wave spin-resonance-based decoherence protection schemes, we model the orbital decoherence and find good agreement between our model and our measured few-to-several-nanoseconds orbital decoherence times. We discuss the outlook for orbital decoherence protection.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
The impact of source characteristics and parasocial relationship on electronic word-of-mouth influence: the moderating role of brand credibility
Authors: Tran Phuong D. , Le Tri D. , Nguyen Nhu P. , Nguyen Uyen T.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Source factors have long been a key construct in studies of word-of-mouth influence, but particularly for the digital context of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM), source trustworthiness and parasocial relationships are worth a considerable focus. This study pays close attention to not only the effects source trustworthiness and parasocial relationships exert on eWOM influence but also the antecedents driving them. This study additionally considers the moderating role of brand credibility in the relationships between the two key constructs and eWOM influence. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to assess the reliability and validity of the constructs.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative survey was sent to university students in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to collect 766 responses, which were then analyzed using an SEM approach. The sampling strategy was based on convenience and snowball sampling techniques to ensure a diverse representation of the student population. Respondents were asked to rate their perceptions of source trustworthiness, parasocial relationships, brand credibility, and eWOM influence regarding social media influencers they follow. The collected data were then analyzed using an SEM approach, utilizing software such as AMOS to validate the measurement model and test the proposed structural relationships.

Findings

The results confirm the strong impact of source trustworthiness and parasocial relationships on eWOM influence and recognize source authenticity to be the most powerful driver behind the two. Additionally, the findings suggest that brand credibility can positively moderate how source trustworthiness affects eWOM influence, with interaction effects examined through multi-group analysis.

Originality/value

Relevant implications for researchers and marketing practitioners are discussed, emphasizing the strategic selection of eWOM sources and the cultivation of brand credibility to enhance consumer engagement.
Understanding private consultants’ involvement in technology transfer – a case study
Authors: Soares João , Romero Fernando , Nunes Manuel Lopes , Braga Ana Cristina
Published: August 2024

Purpose

In the realm of innovation systems and technology transfer (TT), the emergence of open innovation and complex market dynamics has amplified innovation intermediaries’ prominence of their role and involvement in TT projects. This study delves into private consultants’ involvement in TT projects, namely in what got them involved by the project’s key stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

An iterative two-phased research approach was followed, including exploratory interviews and a quantitative case study of a consultancy firm engaged in 219 TT projects.

Findings

Five main key motivators were found to lead TT stakeholders to involve private consultants in their TT projects, being the most relevant, the proactivity of private consultants.

Originality/value

The case study and results provide an alternative perspective of TT endeavours, emphasising the importance given by TT stakeholders (mostly recipient companies) to private consultants’ involvement as innovation intermediaries.
Exploring stability of Jeffrey fluids in anisotropic porous media: incorporating Soret effects and microbial systems
Authors: Sridhar S. , Muthtamilselvan M.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to present a study on stability analysis of Jeffrey fluids in the presence of emergent chemical gradients within microbial systems of anisotropic porous media.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses an effective method that combines non-dimensionalization, normal mode analysis and linear stability analysis to examine the stability of Jeffrey fluids in the presence of emergent chemical gradients inside microbial systems in anisotropic porous media. The study focuses on determining critical values and understanding how temperature gradients, concentration gradients and chemical reactions influence the onset of bioconvection patterns. Mathematical transformations and analytical approaches are used to investigate the system’s complicated dynamics and the interaction of numerous characteristics that influence stability.

Findings

The analysis is performed using the Jeffrey-Darcy type and Boussinesq estimation. The process involves using non-dimensionalization, using the normal mode approach and conducting linear stability analysis to convert the field equations into ordinary differential equations. The conventional thermal Rayleigh Darcy number

RDa,c is derived as a comprehensive function of various parameters, and it remains unaffected by the bio convection Lewis number

Łe. Indeed, elevating the values of ζ and

γ′ in the interval of 0 to 1 has been noted to expedite the formation of bioconvection patterns while concurrently expanding the dimensions of convective cells. The purpose of this investigation is to learn how the temperature gradient affects the concentration gradient and, in turn, the stability and initiation of bioconvection by taking the Soret effect into the equation. The results provide insightful understandings of the intricate dynamics of fluid systems affected by chemical and biological elements, providing possibilities for possible industrial and biological process applications. The findings illustrate that augmenting both microbe concentration and the bioconvection Péclet number results in an unstable system. In this study, the experimental Rayleigh number

RDa,c was determined to be

4π2at the critical wave number (

δcˇ) of π.

Originality/value

The study’s novelty originated from its investigation of a novel and complicated system incorporating Jeffrey fluids, emergent chemical gradients and anisotropic porous media, as well as the use of mathematical and analytical approaches to explore the system’s stability and dynamics.
Accountable hospital governance structure rules in Iran: a qualitative document analysis
Authors: Jalilvand Mohammad Ali , Raeisi Ahmad Reza , Shaarbafchizadeh Nasrin
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Hospital governance accountability structures in Iran, similar to other countries, have undergone various reforms with different goals. The current study aimed to identify the rules and regulations of the hospital governance structure in Iran and how they pay attention to accountability.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative document content analysis study was conducted using hospital governance structure documents in Iran using the Ready materials, Extract data, Analyze data and Distil (READ) document analysis framework. 2,921 documents were extracted from the official government websites of Iran. After screening, seven documents related to the hospital governance structure were selected. A directed content analysis approach was used. The findings were finally future purification matched with the original documents.

Findings

The findings showed that documents had not addressed the inclusive governance structure of the hospital comprehensively. The medical staff organization structure is not considered in the documents, and its duties are assigned to a technical or a clinical director. Most documents addressed financial accountability. The documents did not require the hospital’s governance to have an inclusive accountability structure. However, they paid more attention to the administrative and financial autonomy of hospitals.

Practical implications

Accountability is one of the most essential components in the hospital's governance structure. It can increase the success of hospital efficiency, effectiveness, vision and mission fulfillment. The study result can help health services policymakers and managers formulate better organization structure rules and regulations for hospital governance accountability.

Originality/value

This study is the first qualitative analysis of accountable governance structure documents in Iranian hospitals. We used the READ method as a comprehensive approach for document analysis.
“I like the sound of that”: understanding the effectiveness of audio in ads
Authors: Barnes Stuart J. , Wang Weisha
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Sports advertisements such as the Super Bowl showcase products and brands that have invested increasingly large sums financially to gain viewers’ attention. However, how audio features in advertisements impact viewers' behavior remains unexplored.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the lens of signaling theory, this research uses advanced data analytics of voice and music audio in Super Bowl advertisements to examine its impacts on viewers.

Findings

Results show that advertisement viewers prefer more voiced frames and have a greater liking behavior of voiced frames with a low intensity (less loud) and a higher F1 frequency, which is typically associated with male vocal tracts. A fast music tempo works better for longer advertisements. The model controls for various types of ad appeals. The research underlines the importance of voice and music in signaling successful brand features that are likely to increase the ad-liking behavior of consumers (positive effect).

Research limitations/implications

The current research implies that brands advertising through sports ads must carefully select voice actors and music in order to provide the most positive signals for a brand to have the most significant effect and, thus, a greater return on the high sums invested in the ads.

Originality/value

First, this research contributes in terms of a new research process for using audio analytics in advertising. The detailed research process outlined can be used for future research examining audio and music from advertisements. Second, our findings provide additional support to the important role of voice features (e.g. intensity and frequency) as signals in inducing responses from consumers (Biswaset al., 2019; Hagtvedt and Brasel, 2016). Third, the study surfaces a new theoretical association: the effect of tempo in moderating the relationship between duration and propensity to like an ad.
Conspicuous compensatory consumption: scale development and initial validation
Authors: Hammad Hadeer , El-Bassiouny Noha
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to develop and validate a measure for conspicuous compensatory consumption. Compensatory consumption phenomenon is gaining increased significance in consumer behavior literature. In a symbolic-rich culture, the use of possessions creates a perfect venue for self-construction and self-repairing to make up for one’s psychological deficiencies and inadequacies.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed research design of qualitative and quantitative methodologies is adopted by using elicitation techniques, interviews and survey data. Extensive development and validation procedures are used. A series of studies, encompassing a total sample of 1,782, are reported.

Findings

The current study offers a valid and reliable measure for conspicuous compensatory consumption by chronologically following the stages of the scale development process. Compensatory consumption had a negative influence on subjective happiness and a positive influence on negative affect and satisfaction with life. Respondents with high materialism scores had significantly higher compensatory tendencies than the low materialism group. The low self-compassionate group had significantly higher compensatory tendencies than the high self-compassionate group.

Originality/value

The current study provides theoretical contributions to consumer behavior research by providing a valid and reliable measure for conspicuous compensatory consumption. Contrary to past scales that followed a mood-alleviation perspective where therapeutic shopping is used to regulate negative emotions, this scale is novel in adopting a self-completion approach where products are pursued for a tactical effort to offset threatened self-concepts.
Exploring the scientific evolution of collective leadership: a bibliometric analysis from Scopus database
Authors: Wan Mustapa Wan Nurulasiah , Azizan Farah Lina , Arifin Muhammad Aiman , Rozali Ahmad Zulhusny
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to review the last 50 years of academic research on collective leadership (CL) and how far it has progressed by using the Scopus database and the science mapping technique of bibliometric analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has analysed 417 publications from the Scopus database on collective leadership from 1967 to 2023. Data were analysed using MS Excel and VOSviewer.

Findings

There has been research from different parts of the world on the various aspects of collective leadership. In recent years, collective leadership research has gained momentum. However, collective leadership is still at a nascent level when it comes to the applicability of the concepts. So far, the research on collective leadership has relied on themes such as shared leadership and distributed leadership, how collective leadership differs from other similar-looking leadership styles such as transformational leadership, and how this influences followers’ outcomes such as team effectiveness, achievements, relations, commitment, etc. Most of the research so far has been done in the United States of America, the UK and the Australian context. There exists a huge gap for studying collective leadership in African, Middle Eastern and Asian contexts.

Research limitations/implications

Collective leadership research trends may be addressed to enable academics and practitioners to better understand current and future trends and research directions. Future studies in this field might use the findings as a starting point to highlight the nature of the topic.

Originality/value

Bibliometric techniques provide a far more comprehensive and reliable picture of the field. This article has the potential to serve as a one-stop resource for researchers and practitioners seeking information that can aid in transdisciplinary endeavours by leading them to recognized, peer-reviewed papers, journals and networks.
Conforming to career compromise: how a personal orientation can mitigate damages to organizational citizenship behavior
Authors: De Clercq Dirk , Pereira Renato
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This investigation aims to unpack the negative connection between employees’ experience of resource-draining career compromise and their organizational citizenship behavior, by theorizing a mediating role of their depersonalization of organizational leaders and a moderating role of their conformity orientation in this connection.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses were tested with survey data collected among employees who operate in the construction retail industry in Portugal.

Findings

A critical reason that frustrations about unwanted career adjustments translate into a reluctance to undertake work efforts that exceed formal job descriptions is that employees develop dehumanized perceptions of the people in charge of the company. This explanatory mechanism is less prominent, however, to the extent that employees’ personal orientation favors rule adherence.

Practical implications

For HR managers, this research identifies a key channel, indifference to organizational leaders, through which disappointments about compromised career developments escalate into rejection of voluntary work activities, which otherwise might leave a positive impression on leaders and enhance employees’ careers. It also reveals that organizations can subdue this detrimental process by leveraging a sense of conformity among their workers.

Originality/value

This study adds to HR management research by showing how a mismatch between employees’ current career situation and their own meaningful career goals paradoxically might direct them away from extra-role work behavior that otherwise could provide meaningfulness. This harmful dynamic, which can be explained by their propensity to treat organizational leaders as impersonal objects, can be avoided to the extent that employees draw from their conformity orientation.
Social virtual reality: systematic review of virtual teamwork with head-mounted displays
Authors: Dey Chitra , Grabowski Marvin , Frontzkowski Yannick , M.P. Ganesh , Ulbrich Sebastian
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Social virtual reality (SVR) has emerged as a solution for the facilitation of remote and distributed teamwork, promising to overcome challenges faced in virtual 2D communication channels. The purpose of this study is to systematically review empirical articles dealing with the application of SVR with head-mounted displays (HMDs) in teams.

Design/methodology/approach

This study reviewed 40 empirical papers on teamwork that address the application of SVR using HMD in teams. The authors present results from the extracted data and identify themes that indicate the current state of research in this field.

Findings

Based on data obtained from the journal articles, the authors identified three themes underlying current research. They are features and applications of SVR technology, collaboration dynamics and team performance in SVR and educational and professional training and learning. The results show that SVR enhances team collaboration and collaborative learning.

Practical implications

SVR can aid in improving teamwork and team outcomes. In its current stage, SVR is complementary to 2D technology and not likely to replace traditional tools. Findings suggest that the technology is promising for collaboration and learning in organisations, especially in collaborative design tasks and simulations.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is one of the first studies to look at research emerging from the nascent area of SVR and summarise the current state of research. This study provides managerial implications and identifies future research areas for SVR in teamwork and learning.
Could extended reality haptics be used in health-care education? A survey of health-care students, educators and clinicians
Authors: Gilbey Marc , Palmer Shea , Moody Louise , Newton Christopher , Taylor Natasha , Maravic da Silva Ksenija
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study, which is a cross-sectional survey, aims to investigate health-care academics, clinicians and students’ perspectives of health-care simulation-based learning (SBL) and extended reality (XR) haptics use within health-care education. Participants’ views regarding the application, barriers and facilitators of SBL and XR haptics were explored.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an online international cross-sectional survey of 178 participants.

Findings

The survey found high health-care SBL use (n = 97, 55.1%) but low awareness (n = 48, 27.3%) or prior use of XR haptics (n = 14, 7.9%). Participants expressed interest in XR haptic technology emphasising its potential in SBL, particularly for understanding anatomy and physiology, enhancing clinical reasoning and consultation and practical skills.

Research limitations/implications

Whilst there was interest in XR haptics, few participants described previous experience of using this technology in SBL. A large percentage of the participants were UK-based. Most participants were from a nurse or physiotherapy professional background.

Practical implications

XR haptics is a developing technology for SBL in health-care education. Whilst there was clear interest from survey participants, further research is now required to develop and evaluate the feasibility of using this technology in health-care education.

Originality/value

Health-care students, educators and clinicians views on XR haptics have not previously been explored in the development and application of this technology. The findings of this survey will inform the development of XR learning scenarios that will be evaluated for feasibility in health-care SBL.
Is There Still a Catholic Earnings Premium for Men? Evidence From Australia
Authors: Kortt Michael A. , Charles Michael B. , Bernardelli Luan Vinicius , Dollery Brian
Published: August 2024

Studies using large‐scale survey data from Australia, Germany, and the United States have found evidence that religious affiliation influences earnings, with Catholic men benefitting from a wage premium. This paper examines religious affiliation and human capital formation for males aged 25 and 54 using six waves of data from the Household Income Labour Dynamics Australia (HILDA) survey. This study examines the impact of religious affiliation on male earnings through three main approaches: (i) estimating male earnings functions using various religious groupings, (ii) stratifying the analysis by wave to detect potential changes over time, and (iii) evaluating differences in the return to human capital investment among Anglicans, Catholics, and men with other religious affiliations. Contrary to existing studies, we find no evidence of a Catholic wage premium.
Waves of Popular Contention and Democracy in Denmark, 1700–2000
Authors: MIKKELSEN FLEMMING
Published: August 2024

Contrary to the dominant narrative of the historical formation of democracy in Denmark, which emphasises a smooth and gradual linear transition to democracy and modernity, this paper accentuates a discontinuous and contentious road towards democratisation. Based on quantitative and qualitative sources, this article identifies four major waves of popular mobilisation that paved the way for the introduction and expansion of political rights. The first wave of popular protest began in the 1830s and culminated in 1848 with the fall of absolutism and the transition to constitutional monarchy. The next protest wave from 1885 to 1887 arose from the so‐called ‘constitutional struggle’ and mobilised hundreds of thousands of ordinary Danes and contributed to the nationalisation and parliamentarisation of the political system. The third wave unfolded around the end of the Second World War, while the hitherto last wave of popular struggle erupted in 1968 with the youth rebellion. The analysis shows that ‘democracy’ was the central issue of contention in all four protest waves and supports the main thesis that periods of intense interaction between popular protest and the state have had a decisive formative influence on the genesis and further development of Danish democracy.
Influence of 7‐day subfreezing storage on physicochemical, nutritional, and microstructural attributes of porcine longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle
Authors: Zhu Mingming , Li Huijie , Zong Jiaxing , Zhang Shouyu , Ma Hanjun
Published: August 2024

The effect of 7‐day subfreezing storage on the physicochemical properties, nutritional composition, and microstructure of pork was investigated. After 7 days of chilling at 4°C, the meat exhibited color deterioration and the development of off‐flavors. In contrast, the −12°C treatment significantly reduced the deterioration in water‐holding capacity and color of samples (p < 0.05) and prevented changes in pH value. Similarly, the treatments at −12 and −18°C effectively preserved the meat's tenderness, thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances, protein solubility, and textural properties, maintaining these qualities close to those of fresh meat (p > 0.05). The nutrient content of samples stored at −12°C was comparable to those stored at −18°C (p > 0.05). Furthermore, subfreezing at −12°C was found to protect muscle integrity, promoting the formation of an elastic gel network and a homogenous muscle fiber structure. Therefore, the study concludes that 7‐day subfreezing storage at −12°C can reduce protein denaturation and maintain thequality of pork, a result that is typically achieved under more extreme freezing conditions at −18°C.
Osteopathic health care in aged care facilities: The experience of practitioners in an emerging practice setting
Authors: Amorim Maria , Bennett Jade , McGarry David , Moore Brydie , Orrock Paul , Whitton Lochlan , Dullard Stephen
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Residential aged care facilities (RACFs) are an emerging practice setting for osteopaths in Australia. This study explored the experiences of osteopaths working in Australian RACFs, reviewed current trends and challenges and considers future developments.

Methods

Purposive and snowball sampling were used to recruit osteopaths with experience working in RACFs. This was a qualitative descriptive study derived from verbatim interview transcripts. Data were analysed using a six‐step thematic analysis.

Results

Eight interviews were conducted during January 2023. Thematic analysis identified common experiences between participants. These included positive aspects of aged care, perceived challenges of working in aged care, exposure to age‐specific conditions, benefits of working in multidisciplinary teams and perceived gaps in university education curricula in relation to geriatric populations.

Conclusions

Employment in RACFs may offer a satisfying employment experience for osteopaths, albeit hindered by policy and funding inadequacy. The respondents suggested enhancing pre‐ and postgraduate education to better prepare and encourage the profession to engage in this health service.
Canadian Bank Capital and Liquidity Creation*
Authors: Garg Madhu , Kryzanowski Lawrence , Zhang Jie
Published: August 2024

We find a significantly positive relationship between the Tier 1 capital ratio and on‐balance‐sheet liquidity creation for Canadian Big Six banks, implying that large banks in Canada can take risk due to risk absorption by using capital to fund illiquid assets. Our results are robust to the 2018 initiation of a domestic stability buffer (DSB) of total risk‐weighted assets for Pillar 2 risks, core deposits financing, non‐deposit funding restrictions, and bank mergers and acquisitions. The positive relation (regulatory capital ratio with liquidity creation) becomes significantly negative during the 2007–9 Global Financial Crisis and COVID‐19 pandemic.
Zishen Qingre Lishi Huayu Recipe May Ameliorate the Symptoms of PCOS Model Rats via Alleviating Systemic and Ovarian Inflammation
Authors: Li Xin , Yi Yao , Ren Yunying , Zhang Yixuan , Wang Chi Chiu , Liu Chengyi , Liu Shuzhen , Zhan Xiaoxuan , Yu Xingxing , Liang Ruining
Published: August 2024

Background

Zishen Qingre Lishi Huayu recipe (ZQLHR) has shown significant therapeutic effects in treating sex hormone levels and follicular developmental disorders in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, little is known about the potential mechanisms of its treatment.

Methods

Dehydroepiandrosterone and a high‐fat diet induced the PCOS model rat. The serum of rats was collected to detect the levels of sex hormones and inflammatory cytokines by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and the ovaries were collected for ovarian histopathology and qPCR assay to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines in ovarian tissues. Granulosa cells (GCs) were collected for western blot assay to detect of IL‐1β, IL‐6R, and LOX protein expression levels.

Results

ZQLHR could reduce body weight, regulate estrous cycles, and improve serum sex hormone levels, follicular development, and insulin resistance (IR) in PCOS model rats. In addition, ZQLHR treatment improved the levels of inflammatory cytokines in serum and ovary, and regulated the protein expression of IL‐6R, IL‐1β, and LOX in GCs of PCOS model rats. The results showed that the HOMA‐IR index increased with the increasing levels of IL‐6, IL‐1β, and CRP, and decreased with the increased IL‐10.

Conclusion

This study reveals that the treatment of endocrine disorders and ovulation disorders in PCOS with ZQLHR may be closely related to the improvement of systemic and ovarian inflammation in PCOS patients, as well as the inhibition of IL‐6R, IL‐1β, and LOX expression in GCs, which reemphasizes the role of reducing chronic inflammatory states in the treatment of PCOS. Moreover, this study reemphasizes the correlation between multiple inflammatory mediators and IR.
Validity of laparoscopic surgery for lower gastrointestinal perforations
Authors: Kudou Kensuke , Aoyama Ryoko , Ishihara Kento , Kawashita Tomohide , Kajiwara Shuhei , Motomura Takashi , Yukaya Takafumi , Nakanoko Tomonori , Kuroda Yosuke , Okamoto Masahiro , Koga Tadashi , Yamashita Yo‐Ichi , Oki Eiji , Yoshizumi Tomoharu
Published: August 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to clarify the validity of laparoscopic surgery for lower gastrointestinal perforation by comparing the clinical outcomes of laparoscopic and open emergency surgery.

Methods

We reviewed the data of patients who underwent surgery for lower gastrointestinal perforation. Patients were categorized into two groups: the laparoscopic group who underwent laparoscopic surgery, and the open group who underwent laparotomy. Clinical and operative outcomes between the two groups were evaluated.

Results

A total of 219 patients were included in the study. There were 66 and 153 patients with small bowel and colorectal perforations, respectively. The median operative time in the laparoscopic group was shorter than that in the open group (126 min vs. 146 min, p = .049). The mean amount of intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the laparoscopic group (50.4 mL vs. 400.1 mL, p < .001). The incidence of postoperative complication was higher in the open group (20.0% vs. 66.5%, p < .001), especially wound infection (0% vs. 26.3%, p = .002). Median hospital stays were 14 days and 24 days in the laparoscopic and open groups, respectively (p < .001). In the laparoscopic group, hospital mortality was 0%.

Conclusions

The laparoscopic approach for small bowel and colorectal perforation in an emergency setting is a safe procedure in carefully selected patients and may contribute to decreased intraoperative blood loss, shortened hospital stay, and decreased incidence of postoperative complications, especially wound infection.
The urinary tract reconstruction in a robot‐assisted surgery for rectal malignancy with combined prostate and seminal vesicle resection
Authors: Iguchi Ryo , Yokota Mitsuru , Kawada Kenji , Ohnishi Tomoki , Kani Naoya , Mine Yuta , Matsuda Iori , Hama Yusuke , Sugiyama Kyohei , Terai Akito , Inoue Koji
Published: August 2024

Introduction

In certain cases of rectal malignancy in which invasion is confined to the prostate and/or seminal vesicles, bladder‐sparing surgery may be chosen instead of total pelvic exenteration. However, even if the bladder is preserved, postoperative urinary dysfunction and vesicourethral anastomotic leakage are concern.

Materials and Surgical Technique

We employ various techniques based on robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy for reconstructing the urinary tract. These techniques include advanced reconstruction of vesicourethral support, total anatomical reconstruction, and a method called anterior reconstruction. In addition, suture fixation of bladder to the anterior abdominal wall, and re‐approximation of bladder by peritoneal suture were done.

Discussion

Reliable robot‐assisted vesicourethral anastomosis and reinforcement of the anastomotic wall could potentially enhance the self‐voiding rate and decrease the risk of anastomotic failure.
A highly sensitive reporter system to monitor endogenous YAP1/TAZ activity and its application in various human cells
Authors: Hikasa Hiroki , Kawahara Kohichi , Inui Masako , Yasuki Yukichika , Yamashita Keita , Otsubo Kohei , Kitajima Shojiro , Nishio Miki , Arima Kazunari , Endo Motoyoshi , Taira Masanori , Suzuki Akira
Published: August 2024

The activation of yes‐associated protein 1 (YAP1) and transcriptional co‐activator with PDZ‐binding motif (TAZ) has been implicated in both regeneration and tumorigenesis, thus representing a double‐edged sword in tissue homeostasis. However, how the activity of YAP1/TAZ is regulated or what leads to its dysregulation in these processes remains unknown. To explore the upstream stimuli modulating the cellular activity of YAP1/TAZ, we developed a highly sensitive YAP1/TAZ/TEAD‐responsive DNA element (YRE) and incorporated it into a lentivirus‐based reporter cell system to allow for sensitive and specific monitoring of the endogenous activity of YAP1/TAZ in terms of luciferase activity in vitro and Venus fluorescence in vivo. Furthermore, by replacing YRE with TCF‐ and NF‐κB‐binding DNA elements, we demonstrated the applicability of this reporter system to other pathways such as Wnt/β‐catenin/TCF‐ and IL‐1β/NF‐κB‐mediated signaling, respectively. The practicality of this system was evaluated by performing cell‐based reporter screening of a chemical compound library consisting of 364 known inhibitors, using reporter‐introduced cells capable of quantifying YAP1/TAZ‐ and β‐catenin‐mediated transcription activities, which led to the identification of multiple inhibitors, including previously known as well as novel modulators of these signaling pathways. We further confirmed that novel YAP1/TAZ modulators, such as potassium ionophores, Janus kinase inhibitors, platelet‐derived growth factor receptor inhibitors, and genotoxic stress inducers, alter the protein level or phosphorylation of endogenous YAP1/TAZ and the expression of their target genes. Thus, this reporter system provides a powerful tool to monitor endogenous signaling activities of interest (even in living cells) and search for modulators in various cellular contexts.
High‐Pitched Sound is Open and Low‐Pitched Sound is Closed: Representing the Spatial Meaning of Pitch Height
Authors: Vainio Lari , Myllylä Ida‐Lotta , Wikström Alexandra , Vainio Martti
Published: August 2024

Research shows that high‐ and low‐pitch sounds can be associated with various meanings. For example, high‐pitch sounds are associated with small concepts, whereas low‐pitch sounds are associated with large concepts. This study presents three experiments revealing that high‐pitch sounds are also associated with open concepts and opening hand actions, while low‐pitch sounds are associated with closed concepts and closing hand actions. In Experiment 1, this sound‐meaning correspondence effect was shown using the two‐alternative forced‐choice task, while Experiments 2 and 3 used reaction time tasks to show this interaction. In Experiment 2, high‐pitch vocalizations were found to facilitate opening hand gestures, and low‐pitch vocalizations were found to facilitate closing hand gestures, when performed simultaneously. In Experiment 3, high‐pitched vocalizations were produced particularly rapidly when the visual target stimulus presented an open object, and low‐pitched vocalizations were produced particularly rapidly when the target presented a closed object. These findings are discussed concerning the meaning of intonational cues. They are suggested to be based on cross‐modally representing conceptual spatial knowledge in sensory, motor, and affective systems. Additionally, this pitch‐opening effect might share cognitive processes with other pitch‐meaning effects.
Mechanical stress‐induced autophagy is cytoskeleton dependent
Authors: Liu Lin , Zheng Wei , Wei Yuhui , Li Qian , Chen Nan , Xia Qinglin , Wang Lihua , Hu Jun , Zhou Xingfei , Sun Yanhong , Li Bin
Published: August 2024

The cytoskeleton is essential for mechanical signal transduction and autophagy. However, few studies have directly demonstrated the contribution of the cytoskeleton to mechanical stress‐induced autophagy. We explored the role of the cytoskeleton in response to compressive force‐induced autophagy in human cell lines. Inhibition and activation of cytoskeletal polymerization using small chemical molecules revealed that cytoskeletal microfilaments are required for changes in the number of autophagosomes, whereas microtubules play an auxiliary role in mechanical stress‐induced autophagy. The intrinsic mechanical properties and special intracellular distribution of microfilaments may account for a large proportion of compression‐induced autophagy. Our experimental data support that microfilaments are core components of mechanotransduction signals.
Friend or foe? Engaging public can save the critically endangered common hamster (Cricetus cricetus)
Authors: Szapu Julianna Szulamit , Lanszki József , Pongrácz Péter , Cserkész Tamás
Published: August 2024

The common hamster (Cricetus cricetus) occupies a controversial position among mammals inhabiting agricultural areas, as it is possibly the only critically endangered species that is legally targeted by lethal control methods, making it a conflict‐generating pest. We surveyed various stakeholders, agrarian consultants, wildlife rangers, and residents for the first time in Hungary, with two interrelated questionnaires to obtain accurate information about hamster populations, and to learn about the participants knowledge of, and attitude toward hamsters in order to provide fundamental information for planning and strengthening social embeddedness. Additionally, we prepared the current distribution map of the hamster. Based on the relatively wide distribution and locally high abundance of the species, Hungary has a key role in hamster conservation. We identified several factors, which can contribute to successful species protection. The results indicated that more than 60% of the respondent's liked hamsters. In contrast, only a few residents considered hamsters in their settlement to be beneficial. Our results suggest that the hamster's reputation is disproportionately negative due to vaguely known perceptions of harm as compared with actual reported damage. This imbalance could be rectified through enhanced communication efforts. Improving the species' reputation is integral to effective species conservation initiatives. Current pest control practices (poisons and snap traps) kill the hamsters, even though 82% of the residents would prefer to keep the hamsters alive, conforming to conservation efforts. The results also indicated that the hamster could be a flagship species in Hungary. Knowledge of the protected status of the hamster predicted a positive attitude toward the species and related to nature conservation consciousness. We conclude that requirements of residents should be included in the species action plan along with the experts' knowledge, as this could contribute to successful, long‐term conservation of the hamster.