bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autoregressive neural quantum states of Fermi Hubbard models
Authors: Ibarra-García-Padilla Eduardo , Lange Hannah , Melko Roger G. , Scalettar Richard T. , Carrasquilla Juan , Bohrdt Annabelle , Khatami Ehsan
Published: February 2025

Neural quantum states (NQSs) have emerged as a powerful ansatz for variational quantum Monte Carlo studies of strongly correlated systems. Here, we apply recurrent neural networks (RNNs) and autoregressive transformer neural networks to the Fermi-Hubbard and the (non-Hermitian) Hatano-Nelson-Hubbard models in one and two dimensions. In both cases, we observe that the convergence of the RNN ansatz is challenged when increasing the interaction strength. We present a physically motivated and easy-to-implement strategy for improving the optimization, namely, by ramping of the model parameters. Furthermore, we investigate the advantages and disadvantages of the autoregressive sampling property of both network architectures. For the Hatano-Nelson-Hubbard model, we identify convergence issues that stem from the autoregressive sampling scheme in combination with the non-Hermitian nature of the model. Our findings provide insights into the challenges of the NQS approach and make the first step towards exploring strongly correlated electrons using this ansatz.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Universality in the dynamical phase transitions of Brownian motion
Authors: Kanazawa Takahiro , Kawaguchi Kyogo , Adachi Kyosuke
Published: February 2025

We study the dynamical phase transitions (DPTs) appearing for a single Brownian particle without drift. We first explore how first-order DPTs in large deviations can be found even for a single Brownian particle without any force upon raising the dimension to higher than 4. The DPTs accompany temporal phase separations in their dynamical paths, which we numerically confirm by fitting to scaling functions. We next investigate how second-order DPTs can appear in one-dimensional free Brownian motion by choosing the observable, which essentially captures the localization transition of the trajectories. We discuss and confirm that the DPTs predicted for high dimensions can also be found when considering many Brownian particles at lower dimensions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Dynamical metastability and re-entrant localization of trapped active elements with speed and orientation fluctuations
Authors: Patel Manish , Shee Amir , Chaudhuri Debasish
Published: February 2025

We explore the dynamics of active elements performing persistent random motion with fluctuating active speed and in the presence of translational noise in a d-dimensional harmonic trap, modeling active speed generation through an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process. Our approach employs an exact analytic method based on the Fokker-Planck equation to compute time-dependent moments of any dynamical variable of interest across arbitrary dimensions. We analyze dynamical crossovers in particle displacement before reaching the steady state, focusing on three key timescales: speed relaxation, persistence, and dynamical relaxation in the trap. Notably, for slow active speed relaxation, we observe an intermediate-time metastable saturation in the mean-squared displacement before reaching the final steady state. The steady-state distributions of particle positions exhibit two types of non-Gaussian departures based on control parameters: bimodal distributions with negative excess kurtosis and heavy-tailed unimodal distributions with positive excess kurtosis. We obtain detailed steady-state phase diagrams using the exact calculation of excess kurtosis, identifying Gaussian and non-Gaussian regions and potential re-entrant transitions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Pressure tuning of intrinsic and extrinsic sources to the anomalous Hall effect in
CrGeTe3
Authors: Scharf Gili , Guterding Daniel , Hen Bar , Sarte Paul M. , Ortiz Brenden R. , Rozenberg Gregory Kh. , Holder Tobias , Wilson Stephen D. , Jeschke Harald O. , Ron Alon
Published: February 2025

The integrated Berry curvature is a geometric property that has dramatic implications for material properties. This study investigates the integrated Berry curvature and other contributions to the anomalous Hall effect in CrGeTe3 as a function of pressure. The anomalous Hall effect is absent in the insulating phase of CrGeTe3 and evolves with pressure in a domelike fashion as pressure is applied. The dome's edges are characterized by Fermi surface deformations, manifested as mixed electron and hole transport. We corroborate the presence of bipolar transport using calculations, which also predict a nonmonotonic behavior of the Berry curvature as a function of pressure. Quantitative discrepancies between our calculations and experimental results indicate that additional scattering mechanisms, which are also strongly tuned by pressure, contribute to the anomalous Hall effect in CrGeTe3.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Solving combinatorial optimization problems through stochastic Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert dynamical systems
Authors: Chen Dairong , Kent Andrew D. , Sels Dries , Morone Flaviano
Published: February 2025

We present a method to approximately solve general instances of combinatorial optimization problems using the physical dynamics of three-dimensional (3D) rotors obeying Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert dynamics. Conventional techniques to solve discrete optimization problems that use simple continuous relaxation of the objective function followed by gradient-descent minimization are inherently unable to avoid local optima, thus producing poor-quality solutions. Our method considers the physical dynamics of macrospins capable of escaping from local minima, thus facilitating the discovery of high-quality, nearly optimal solutions, as supported by extensive numerical simulations on a prototypical quadratic unconstrained binary optimization (QUBO) problem. Our method produces solutions that compare favorably with those obtained using state-of-the-art minimization algorithms (such as simulated annealing) while offering the advantage of being physically realizable by means of arrays of stochastic magnetic tunnel-junction devices.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Determination of nuclear charge radius by extreme-ultraviolet spectroscopy of Na-like ions
Authors: Hosier A. , Dipti  , Blundell S. A. , Lapierre A. , Silwal R. , Gwinner G. , Tan J. N. , Naing A. , Gillaspy J. D. , Yang Y. , Szypryt P. , O'Neil G. , Staiger H. , Dreiling J. M. , Villari A. C. C. , Angeli I. , Ralchenko Yu. , Takacs E.
Published: February 2025

We report on a method for determining the absolute nuclear charge radius of high-Z elements using extreme-ultraviolet spectroscopy of highly charged Na-like ions in tandem with highly accurate atomic structure calculations of transition energy differences. The application of this method has reduced the nuclear charge radius uncertainty of Ir191 by a factor of 8 from the currently accepted literature value, with a recently reported charge radius of 5.442(12) fm. The result reduces the charge radius uncertainty along the full Ir isotopic chain when combined with prior optical isotope shift measurements. The technique utilizes only a few million ions stored in an ion trap, which should apply to measurements with small quantities of radioactive nuclei.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Theory of Robust Quantum Many-Body Scars in Long-Range Interacting Systems
Authors: Lerose Alessio , Parolini Tommaso , Fazio Rosario , Abanin Dmitry A. , Pappalardi Silvia
Published: February 2025

Quantum many-body scars (QMBS) are exceptional energy eigenstates of quantum many-body systems associated with violations of thermalization for special nonequilibrium initial states. Their various systematic constructions require fine-tuning of local Hamiltonian parameters. In this work, we demonstrate that long-range interacting quantum spin systems generically host robust QMBS. We analyze spectral properties upon raising the power-law decay exponent α of spin-spin interactions from the solvable permutationally symmetric limit α=0. First, we numerically establish that, despite the fact that spectral signatures of chaos appear for infinitesimal α, the towers of α=0 energy eigenstates with large collective spin are smoothly deformed as α is increased and exhibit characteristic QMBS features. To elucidate the nature and fate of these states in larger systems, we introduce an analytical approach based on mapping the spin Hamiltonian onto a relativistic quantum rotor nonlinearly coupled to an extensive set of bosonic modes. We analytically solve for the eigenstates of this interacting impurity model by means of a novel polaron-type canonical transformation and show their self-consistent localization in large-spin sectors of the original Hamiltonian for 0<α<d (with d=spatial dimension of the lattice). Our theory unveils the stability mechanism of such QMBS for an arbitrary system size and predicts instances of its breakdown, e.g., near dynamical critical points or in the presence of semiclassical chaos, which we verify numerically in long-range quantum Ising chains. As a by-product, we find a predictive criterion for the presence or absence of heating under periodic driving for 0<α<d, beyond existing Floquet-prethermalization theorems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Anxiety, depression and neurocognitive disorder among HIV-infected people in penitentiary institutions of Azerbaijan
Authors: Abdullayeva Nargiz , Mammadbayli Aytan , Taghiyeva Madina
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to assess neurocognitive impairment, depression and anxiety level in HIV-infected individuals in penitentiary institutions of Azerbaijan.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional design was used to recruit incarcerated individuals in penitentiary institutions of Azerbaijan meeting the inclusion criteria (diagnosed with HIV). Participants completed standardized assessments to screen anxiety and depression symptoms, hospital anxiety and depression scale and neurocognitive functioning and mini mental status examination. Demographic and clinical data, including age, gender, HIV disease progression, antiretroviral therapy adherence, history of substance abuse and duration of incarceration, were also collected as covariates of interest. The study was approved by Azerbaijan Medical University Ethics Committee (P.23 / 19.05.2022). Data were analyzed using student-Bonferroni and H−Kruskal−Wallis tests. Variance analysis was conducted using the ANOVA test, while discriminant analyses involved the χ2-Pearson test, through SPSS software, version 26.

Findings

Of the 88 HIV positive patients who agreed to participate, 99% were male, with a median age of 44 years (range: 30–62), median CD4 count 453.1 cells/µl (range: 153–1,290). The prevalence of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder was 72.7%. Occurrence of comorbid depression and anxiety symptoms was found to be 72% and 67%, respectively. Most patients (59.1%) were HIV-positive for more than five years. Increased depression and anxiety levels were identified mostly in first two years after admission to prison (p < 0.05). HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder was most commonly found among depressed patients (p = 0.009).

Originality/value

The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the cooccurrence and interrelationships between anxiety, depression and neurocognitive disorders in individuals with HIV in prisons. It highlights the unique intersection of HIV infection, mental health challenges and incarceration in a country where research on HIV-related issues in prisons is still developing. Ultimately, this study seeks to contribute to identify targeted interventions that address the mental health needs of incarcerated individuals living with HIV in Azerbaijan, promoting their overall well-being and quality of life.
A fatigue life prediction framework of laser-directed energy deposition Ti-6Al-4V based on physics-informed neural network
Authors: Dang Linwei , He Xiaofan , Tang Dingcheng , Xin Hao , Wu Bin
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Pores are the primary cause of fatigue failure in laser-directed energy deposition (L-DED) titanium alloys, which are largely determined by their location, size and shape. It is crucial for promoting the application of L-DED titanium alloys and ensuring their safety that establishing a fatigue life prediction method induced by pores, resulting in a proposed fatigue life prediction framework for L-DED Ti-6Al-4V based on a physics-informed neural network (PINN) algorithm.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a novel fatigue life prediction framework for L-DED Ti-6Al-4V based on a PINN algorithm was proposed. The influence patterns of various fatigue-sensitive parameters were revealed. The paper also included validation and analysis of the method, such as hyperparameter analysis of the PINN, efficacy analysis driven by physical information and comparative analysis of different methods.

Findings

The proposed method demonstrated high accuracy, with a correlation coefficient of 0.99 with experimental life. The coefficient of determination was 0.95 and the mean squared error was 0.06.

Originality/value

The results indicate that the proposed fatigue life prediction framework was of strong generalization capability and robustness.
Opting for smart hotels: do digital immigrants perceive differently than digital natives do?
Authors: Yan Zhuoma , Konar Rupam , Sthapit Erose , Balasubramanian Kandappan , Chen Lei , Prentice Catherine
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study expanded the model of technology acceptance and investigated how the relationship between usefulness, ease of use, efficiency, personalization, safety and security and behavioural intention differ on Gen Z and silver tourists toward smart hotel. This study further applies multiple group analysis to examine whether there are substantial differences among these two groups of respondents.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an online survey, this study was undertaken with Gen Z and silver tourists in mainland China who had stayed in smart hotel over the past 12 months. A total of 474 valid responses were collected. Structural equation modelling and multigroup analysis were employed to test the proposed relationships.

Findings

This study revealed that personalization did not affect the behavioural intention among Gen Z tourists, meanwhile, there is no positive relationship between usefulness, efficiency and behavioural intention on silver group. Additionally, the findings revealed that there are no substantial differences among Gen Z (digital natives) and silver customers (digital immigrants) regarding smart hotel behavioural intentions.

Practical implications

This study offers strategic guidance for hotel managers to design and reposition smart hotel based on different customer sectors. Further, important implications for smart devices manufacturers are also provided to improve the functioning of hotel service robots.

Originality/value

This is the first study to compare the drivers and outcomes of behavioural intentions among different age groups of tourists toward smart hotels.
Sustainable management in the hospitality industry: the influence of green human resource management on employees’ pro-environmental behavior and environmental performance
Authors: Vu Tuan Duong , Nguyen Thi Thanh Nhan , Nguyen Hoang Nam , Nguyen Manh Hung
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the impact of green human resource management on cognitive factors, employees' pro-environmental behavior and the environmental performance of hotels in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon primary data collected from a sample of 393 hotel employees, this study utilizes covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) to test hypotheses and conduct path analysis.

Findings

The study’s findings reveal several key insights. Firstly, GHRM positively influences environmental knowledge (EK), environmental attitude (EA), attitude toward pro-environmental behavior (APB), pro-environmental behavior (PB) of employees and environmental performance (EP) of hotels. Additionally, the results also indicate that EK promotes EA, APB and PB, and both EA and EK can predict PB of employees. Surprisingly, the results from CB-SEM analysis reject the direct impact of APB on PB. Moreover, this study also confirmed the positive influence of PB on EP of hotels. Notably, the research delves into the moderating effect of work overload (WO) on the associations between GHRM and PB, as well as APB and PB.

Practical implications

The findings offer valuable recommendations for hotel managers and policymakers, aiming for effective GHRM practices and improvement of employees’ PB and EP of hotels.

Originality/value

This study broadens the understanding of sustainable management practices, specifically in human resource management in the hospitality industry. Notably, it identifies significant avenues to address theoretical gaps left by previous studies.
HR competence in the public sector: antecedents and outcomes
Authors: Anh Vu Tai , Plimmer Geoff , Berman Evan
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study examines antecedents and impacts of HR competence and effective HR practices in organizations. People are an essential asset in organizations, but their potential is reduced without robust HR practices and competent HR professionals. Few studies have investigated causes of low HR professional competence and poor HRM practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This explanatory mixed-method study used survey data (N = 322), interviews and online statements. Data was collected in Vietnam, a country well suited to this study as it has considerable variation in institutional arrangements. It has legacies of Chinese, French and Soviet influence and more recently has adopted international reform models, such as new public management.

Findings

Agency accountability, autonomy and servant leadership promote HR competence, and consequently effective HR practices, and employee and employer outcomes (public service motivation, organizational commitment and organizational performance). Interviews triangulate findings from the survey data and explain barriers (rules, incentives, nepotism, corruption) to these quantitatively examined processes occurring. Strategic solutions for improving HR practices and professional competence are identified.

Practical implications

Practical implications of this research include a greater understanding of the importance of individual accountability and autonomy for executives, with the promotion of servant leaders through better screening and leadership development. Selection criteria should hinge on achievement, merit and the desire to serve the public interest. Competent HRM units should be developed and supported. Such units should focus on managing performance through ensuring line managers do basics such as setting clear goals, giving feedback, training and developing staff. Developing succinct appraisal criteria that reward good performers and sanction poor performers needs to be prioritized.

Social implications

This study provides useful guidance on how to reform public administration systems so that reforms are more effective.

Originality/value

This study identifies both institutional and leadership antecedents to both HR competence and HR practices and their subsequent impacts. Its institutional and developing country orientation complements past studies that have been psychologically oriented and in the global north.
Enhancing examination integrity through constructivist and reflective practices: a case study of the science faculty at a commonwealth university
Authors: Elibox Winston , Khan Koffka
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to introduce a comprehensive internal framework designed to ensure the integrity of courses, programs, and assessments within the science faculty of a university.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized a case study methodology, using semi-structured interviews, document analysis and observations. Data from structured departmental and faculty meetings, student consultations, benchmarking reports and feedback loops informed the development and evaluation of the framework.

Findings

The framework’s implementation has resulted in student satisfaction exceeding 90%, reflecting positive feedback on the quality, diversity and fairness of assessments and teaching practices. Lecturer satisfaction exceeds 75%, driven by autonomy, professional development and adoption of reflective teaching strategies. Errors in assessments have decreased by 95%, highlighting the effectiveness of the standardized checklist and rigorous review processes. The faculty, along with its Examination Quality Assurance Committee, fosters a culture of shared governance for maintaining academic integrity and improving assessments. Program alignment with international standards has facilitated global partnerships. In addition, the framework reduces logistical inefficiencies and reliance on external examiners.

Originality/value

This study introduces an innovative internally structured framework as a viable alternative to the external examiner system, offering a replicable model for broader adoption.
Stakeholder perceptions of public sector sustainability reporting – views from IPSASB consultations
Authors: Morrison Leanne J. , Alshamari Alia , Arora Mitali Panchal
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To determine the potential of stakeholder engagement to shape sustainability reporting standards for public sector organisations (PSOs), this paper aims to examine stakeholder responses to the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board’s (IPSASB) most recent consultation paper on the topic.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducts a qualitative thematic analysis of stakeholder submissions to the IPSASB’s first consultation paper on sustainability reporting for PSOs, published in 2022, using NVivo software.

Findings

While initial stakeholder responses appeared to align with the IPSASB proposals, many also expressed significant concerns. These included a lack of sustainability reporting guidance tailored to PSOs, doubts over the “legitimacy” of IPSASB to set the standards, as well as its failure to include Indigenous perspectives, broader sustainability expertise and collaboration with other international accounting bodies in the standard-setting process.

Practical implications

This study emphasises the critical need for stakeholder concerns to be addressed in the development of standards for PSOs. These insights could inform public policy and guide IPSASB in producing inclusive, effective standards for PSOs to achieve and report on their sustainability goals.

Social implications

Inclusive decision-making in standard-setting is fundamental to serving the public interest. By reflecting diverse stakeholder perspectives, including those of Indigenous peoples and sustainability experts, the resulting standards will provide better sustainability guidance to PSOs.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the theories informing sustainability reporting and standard-setting with its combination of theoretical approaches and practical implications for standard-setters. By providing a comprehensive analysis of stakeholder feedback on the IPSASB consultation paper, highlighting the critical importance of inclusive stakeholder engagement, this study addresses a gap in the literature, thereby amplifying the call for robust, globally recognised sustainability reporting standards tailored specifically for PSOs.
Do China's Agricultural Futures Overreact to U.S. Futures Markets Returns? Evidence From Soybean and Corn Futures
Authors: Xiong Tao , Lv Wenshu , Fang Guangcheng , Xia Weiyi
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the characteristics of traders' overreaction behaviour in China's soybean and corn futures markets to the overnight performance of U.S. futures markets and examines the impacts of the night trading policy on such overreaction behaviour. Our results reveal that traders in China generally overreact to U.S. markets' performance, but the overreaction diminishes when traders have enough time to calm their emotions. We also find that the introduction of night trading implemented by China's futures exchanges significantly reduces daytime overreaction because the extension of trading hours ensures that unexpected information is promptly reflected during night trading sessions. The proposed trading strategy of exploiting the overreaction generates considerable profits. However, it has not worked since the introduction of night trading, which further confirms the policy effect of night trading. Our study provides valuable guidance for futures exchanges seeking to monitor overreaction behaviour and formulate policies to target such behaviour.
Rheology and printability of biopolymeric oil‐in‐water high internal phase Pickering emulsions: a review
Authors: Zheng Lu‐yao , Li Dong , Wang Li‐jun
Published: February 2025

Biopolymeric oil‐in‐water (O/W) high internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPPEs) due to their unique rheological behaviors of HIPPEs such as shear‐thinning property, viscoelasticity, and thixotropic recovery have emerged as highly promising printing inks in the 3D printing process. O/W biopolymer‐based HIPPEs are categorized as complex fluids, where rheological parameters are crucial for optimizing printability. However, existing reviews have not fully elucidated the interrelationship between rheology and printability for HIPPEs in enhancing the quality and performance of printed parts. This review delved into the influence factors of the continuous phase (e.g., biopolymer type, concentration, pH, and ionic strength) and the oil phase (e.g., oil type, volume fraction, and encapsulated components) on their rheology, to adjust their rheological behaviors in order to prepare more eligible HIPPEs as printing inks. Moreover, a spectrum of rheology–printability relationships, derived from empirical trends and rigorous analytical models, is examined to provide generalized rheological guidelines for achieving successful printability in O/W biopolymer‐based HIPPEs. Furthermore, unique challenges and future perspectives on preparing their complex rheological behaviors suitable for additive manufacturing in O/W biopolymer‐based HIPPEs were presented. Leveraging these insights significantly reduces reliance on trial‐and‐error methods in printing, thereby fostering the robust development of novel O/W biopolymer‐based HIPPEs and enhancing the overall quality of printed products.
Evaluation of extruded quinoa flour on dough rheology and white salted noodles quality
Authors: Huang Ruihan , Huang Kai , Song Hongdong , Li Sen , Guan Xiao
Published: February 2025

White salted noodles are popular staples in Asia, but the ones with limited nutrient composition and high glycemic value still present significant concerns. This study investigated the potential of incorporating extruded quinoa flour (EQF) into wheat flour to enhance nutrient quality and reduce the starch digestibility of composite noodles. Moreover, the effect of EQF addition on the rheological properties of wheat dough and the cooking properties of composite noodles was also studied. The results showed that increasing the proportion of EQF in the composite flour led to a decrease in pasting viscosities and an increase in pasting temperatures, indicating that EQF inhibits starch gelatinization and retrogradation. The incorporation of EQF increased water absorption and softening degree while decreasing dough development time and viscoelasticity. The cooked noodles exhibited a significant reduction in water absorption, hardness, chewiness, and springiness, while an increase in cooking loss following EQF addition. Notably, noodles supplemented with EQF exhibited reduced overall starch digestibility with an increased digestion rate. Collectively, our results showed that substituting 10–20% EQF for wheat flour in noodles effectively lowered total starch digestibility and avoided high cooking loss. This study will have implications for the industrial application of quinoa as a staple food.
Dynamic changes of drying behavior, physicochemical quality, and volatile oil of Exocarpium citri grandis under different drying temperatures
Authors: Sun Wenling , Liu Yanhong , Lei Dengwen , Wei Lixuan , Guo Jiale
Published: February 2025

Drying is the primary processing step in Exocarpium citri grandis (ECG), yet its quality changes throughout the drying process have not been elucidated. Dynamic changes of drying behavior, structure, color, active components, antioxidant properties, and volatile oil in ECG under different drying temperatures (50, 60, 70, and 80°C) were investigated, and the quality change mechanism was revealed. Results showed that the moisture ratio decreased rapidly and that structural damage occurred as moisture content decreased from 1.0000 to 0.2175 g/g (on a dry basis, d.b.), which accelerated flavonoids, polysaccharides, volatile oil, and antioxidant activity degradation, whereas levels of naringin and rhoifolin were increased. The above quality change process was accelerated with the increasing temperature. Correlation analysis revealed that active components had a synergistic effect on antioxidant activity, and the total color difference (ΔE) value and that active components could be well fitted by a linear mathematical model with correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.7749–0.9781. Moreover, all the indicators were uniformly quantified using comprehensive evaluation method to obtain a comprehensive score, which was the highest (0.57) at 70°C, with high drying efficiency, well quality, and low energy consumption. The biosynthesis pathway verified that the species of volatile oil components increased, including newly terpenes, alcohols, aldehydes, esters, and others after 0.2175 g/g. This study revealed that the total content of active components in ECG decreased before 0.2175 g/g, and then the metabolite content and species increased during drying, as well as obtained the optimal drying temperature (70°C).
Conjugated linoleic acid in cheese: A review of the factors affecting its presence
Authors: Govari Maria , Vareltzis Patroklos
Published: February 2025

Several health benefits of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) have been documented. The present work is aimed to review data on the various factors affecting the CLA content in cheese of studies accomplished in the last decade and also indicating the factors that increase the CLA levels. The CLA content in cheese depends on CLA levels present in milk, since the lipids with the CLA are transferred from milk into the cheese. Feed types rich in α‐linolenic and linoleic acids such as pasture grass, plant oils, cereals rich in oil, or fish oils can affect the CLA level in milk. In contrast to findings of previous reviews made in previous decade, which stated that the CLA levels in cheese were stable during ripening time, the present review reveals that certain lactic acid bacteria, that is, probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, or Lacticaseibacillus casei, as well as Bifidobacterium lactis can increase the CLA levels in cheese by converting linoleic acid during ripening time. These bacteria starters increased the CLA levels by 1.19, 1.6, and 6.6 times as much as the control in Ovine model, Miniature, and Cheddar cheese, respectively. Lipid oxidation due to factors like fluorescent light or aerobic conditions can decrease the CLA levels during storage.
Comparison of major carotenoid composition in palm fruits (Arecaceae): An analysis of oil palm fruits and the colored exocarp fruits of four palm species
Authors: Heriyanto  , Effendi Jonatan , Yuniati Yuyun , Shioi Yuzo
Published: February 2025

The oil palm, a widely studied species of palm, is a crucial source of edible oil and pro‐vitamin A carotenoids, primarily α‐ and β‐carotene. The diverse peel and pulp colors (yellow–orange–red) of various palm fruits suggest the presence of not only pro‐vitamin A carotenoids but also other bioactive carotenoids like lutein and lycopene, which offer additional health benefits. This study aimed to identify and quantify the major carotenoids in fruits with colored exocarps of four varieties of palm species belonging to different genera and compare them to those in oil palm fruit to evaluate their bioactive potential for human health. High‐performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry were used for chromatographic and spectrometric analyses using non‐saponified samples, except for lutein estimation, revealing four major carotenoids: α‐ and β‐carotene, lycopene, and lutein, which together accounted for more than 50% of the total carotenoid content. Among the five palm fruits tested (MacArthur, Manila, mountain date, foxtail, and oil palms), foxtail palm exhibited the highest concentration of major carotenoids at 500 µg/g dry weight (d.w.), with β‐carotene comprising 69% of this total, followed by MacArthur palm (235 µg/g d.w.), whereas mountain date palm had the lowest concentration of major carotenoids at 135 µg/g d.w. These findings suggest that colored palm fruits are significant sources of both pro‐vitamin A carotenoids and other beneficial carotenoids like lycopene and lutein. The method of sample preparation, particularly the inclusion or omission of a saponification process, plays a critical role in the recovery and accurate quantification of carotenoid concentrations due to their varying susceptibility to this process.
Unravelling patterns of food tolerance to pesticide residues via non‐negative matrix factorization
Authors: Mei Suyu
Published: February 2025

Gaining knowledge about the maximum residue limits (MALs) of pesticides on fresh or processed foods is critical to the process of pre‐harvest cultivation, post‐harvest processing and storage, and the downstream safety surveillance of food commodities. In this study, we explore the available MALs of 643 pesticides on 128 foods via non‐negative matrix factorization (NMF) and hierarchical clustering to gain insights into the patterns of how similar pesticides exhibit similar MALs profiles on foods. Meanwhile, NMF predicts the MALs for untested foods via the implicitly‐learnt patterns without conducting in vivo testing that potentially violates ethic regulations. Clustering results show that foods with closer NMF weights commonly exhibit closer residue tolerance profiles, and pesticides with closer MALs profiles exhibit higher structural similarities. These patterns help food experts to assess the MALs of pesticides concerned on untested foods, and the determination of MRLs on foods has its mechanistic basis. Using the reverse process of NMF decomposition, we provide the predicted MALs for 24.31% pesticide‐food pairs, and NMF achieves 0.9 R2 on more than 75.78% foods in terms of recreating the experimental MALs values. Only 8.6% foods achieve less than 0.7 R2. These predicted MALs are supposed to provide practical or theoretical reference to benefit the surveillance of pesticide applications and food safety control.
Microbial Identification Through Multispectral Infrared Imaging of Colonies: A New Type of Morpho‐Spectral Fingerprinting
Authors: Le Galudec Joel , Dupoy Mathieu , Duraffourg Laurent , Rebuffel Véronique , Marcoux Pierre R.
Published: February 2025

We describe a proof of concept for a new microbial identification technique using Direct Frequency Infrared (DFIR) multispectral imaging. This approach combines Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) light sources with a microbolometer array in a lensless configuration to capture detailed multispectral images of microbial colonies. These optical fingerprints blend both morphological and spectral information, without the need for staining or colony picking. A proof‐of‐concept database was acquired, comprising 10 strains from 8 species across 4 distinct genera. In total, 2253 microbial colonies were imaged at 9 different mid‐infrared wavelengths. Machine learning classification correctly identified up to 94.4% ± 1.6 of colonies fingerprints, efficiently discriminating even closely related strains. Reducing the number of wavelengths to 4 maintained high classification performance, demonstrating the method's robustness. The resulting system is faster and simpler than existing FTIR imaging systems, making it a promising tool for microbial identification.
Neural correlates of choosing alcohol over a palatable food reward in humans
Authors: Perini Irene , Karlsson Hanna , McIntyre Sarah , Heilig Markus
Published: February 2025

Background

In a population of light and heavy, nontreatment seeking drinkers, we recently showed that choice for alcohol versus a concurrently available snack reward was sensitive to the relative cost of alcohol. Here, we examined the neural substrates of alcohol choice using functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a new sample of light and heavy drinkers.

Methods

Participants were scanned during the Concurrent Alcohol Food Choice task, and collected points associated with the images of alcohol or snack rewards that they could redeem at the end of the experiment. As cost manipulation, point values were equal or varied so that they favored alcohol or the snack reward. Linear mixed‐effects models were used for the analyses of behavioral and brain data.

Results

In a replication of prior findings, alcohol choice was sensitive to the relative value of alcohol in both groups. Neural activations in, among others, orbitofrontal cortex and insula were associated to relative value during choice. In addition, we observed that choosing alcohol as opposed to snack engaged two separate sets of brain regions. We did not replicate our prior finding of increased choice preference for alcohol in heavy compared to light drinkers and found no between‐group differences in brain activity.

Conclusions

Overall, we replicated intact sensitivity to relative costs of alcohol in heavy drinkers and found its associated brain activity regions involved in value and salience attribution. Alcohol choice engaged regions involved in value‐based behavior while snack preference elicited activity in areas linked to externally oriented attention. The failure to replicate the between‐group differences may be due to the artificial MRI environment or observed differences in personality traits.
Social media as a source of drug safety information in the paediatric population
Authors: Vilimelis‐Piulats Ingrid , Pérez‐Ricart Ariadna , Peligero Maite Bosch , Calvo Albert , Negre Josep Maria Suñé , Juárez‐Gimenez Juan‐Carlos
Published: February 2025

Aims

The paediatric population is vulnerable to suffering adverse drug events (ADEs) such as negative outcomes due to medication (NOMs)–drug related problems (DRPs), especially adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and medication errors (MEs). Social media (SM) is considered an interesting tool for pharmacovigilance. This study aims to assess descriptions of ADRs, NOM‐DRPs and MEs in SM.

Methods

Observational, ambispective study assessing NOM‐DRPs, ADRs and MEs in posts of child‐rearing public parenting forums from inception until December 2021 of drugs dispensed in outpatient setting. ADEs were classified, assessing causality by Liverpool Causality Assessment Tool and seriousness by the World Health Organization criteria. Summary of product characteristics were used to determine ADR prevalence.

Results

In total, 3573 posts of 2 child‐rearing public parenting forums were retrieved; 906 (25%) contained descriptions of medicine of which 823 (91%) were analysed; 425 posts (52%) described 636 NOM‐DRPs (1 NOM‐DRP median per child, interquartile range [IQR] 1–8), from which 161 (26%) were ADRs in 105 posts (1.5 ADR median per child, IQR 1–4) and 95 (15%) were MEs in 64 posts (1 ME median per child, IQR 1–4). From posts mined with medicines mentions, 70% included NOM‐DRPs, 18% ADRs and 10% MEs. More ADRs occurred in females and infants. Most ADRs (158; 98%) were evaluated as possible and 17 ADRs (11%) were serious. Uncommon 19 (12%), (14, 9%), very rare (3, 2%) and rare (1, 1%) ADRs were also found.

Conclusion

Results suggest that information retrieved from SM may be useful to assess paediatric ADEs and provide valuable pharmacovigilance complementary data.
Risk of epilepsy following first unprovoked and acute seizures: Cohort study
Authors: Egesa Isaac J. , Kariuki Symon M. , Kipkoech Collins , Newton Charles R. J. C.
Published: February 2025

Objective

First unprovoked seizures and acute seizures are common and can develop into epilepsy. The risk of epilepsy following these seizures in community samples is not well established, and it is unclear whether the probability of subsequent unprovoked seizures following these seizures reaches the International League Against Epilepsy's threshold of 60%.

Methods

We followed participants initially classified as having first unprovoked seizures, having acute seizures, or without seizures in a community‐based survey conducted in 2003 to estimate the subsequent risk of epilepsy in 2008 and 2021. The diagnosis of epilepsy in 2008 and 2021 was based on data from a community survey and health care visits to Kilifi County Hospital and the epilepsy clinic. Poisson regression models were used to compute incident risk ratios (IRRs) for epilepsy and population‐attributable risk (PAR); population‐attributable risk fractions (PAFs) were computed from contingency tables.

Results

In the 5‐year follow‐up (censored in 2008 survey), the IRR for epilepsy was 23.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 14.2–38.2) for first unprovoked seizures and 10.4 (95% CI = 5.6–19.5) for acute seizures compared to the no‐seizure group. By 2021 (including 2008), the IRR was 18.4 (95% CI = 11.9–28.5) for first unprovoked seizures and 7.9 (95% CI = 4.3–14.5) for acute seizures compared to the no‐seizure group. The PAR for first unprovoked seizures and acute seizures was 29.0 and 8.0/1000 persons in the long‐term follow‐up. The PAF was 56.3% for first unprovoked seizures and 26.3% for acute seizures in the long‐term follow‐up. There was a high probability that a person with acute seizures (72%) or first unprovoked seizures (92%) developed epilepsy earlier than a person from the comparison group.

Significance

First unprovoked seizures and acute seizures are associated with high risk for developing epilepsy. Neurological correlates for epilepsy risk following first unprovoked seizures should be investigated to inform epilepsy diagnosis and treatment.
Mesenteric rents in the ascending mesocolon as a cause of colic — A retrospective case series
Authors: Verhaar N. , Geburek F. , Cuevas Ramos G. , Skov Hansen S.
Published: February 2025

The ventral and dorsal components of the ascending colon are adjoined by the ascending mesocolon, and few case reports have described congenital or acquired malformations of this structure. This case series reports the occurrence of large mesenteric rents of the ascending mesocolon (Hernia mesocolica coli ascendentis) in six adult horses diagnosed during exploratory laparotomy. Based on the history of the patients, the rents were most likely acquired. The rents were mainly located directly adjacent to the left dorsal colon, and without affecting the intestinal blood supply. The size of the defect varied between 20 and 80 cm, and in 5/6 cases it was a subacute or chronic rupture with rounded edges. Two different types of intestinal displacements in relation to the rent were found, with either a localised torsion of the dorsal colon or incarceration of the pelvic flexure in the rent. In all cases, the intestine could be repositioned, and the rent was sutured. Despite some minor postoperative complications, the short‐ and long‐term outcomes were excellent. It was hypothesised that trauma elicited by an intrauterine foal or recurrent colon displacements may have been the cause of the rent in some of the cases.
Correlation between serum YKL‐40 and VILIP 1 levels and brain volume in dementia patients
Authors: Tezen Didem , Koçhan Kızılkılıç Esra , Akkan Suzan Ayşegül , Öz Ahmet , Gulmammadli Nazrin , Arslan Serdar , Kızılkılıç Osman , Konukoğlu Dildar , Demirbilek Veysi , Bozluolçay Melda
Published: February 2025

Aim

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic, progressive cognitive disorder characterized by prominent episodic memory impairment. The contribution of neuronal damage and neuroinflammation to this process has been investigated by measuring various substances. Two of the most promising substances in serum and plasma studies are visinin‐like protein 1 (VILIP‐1) and tyrosine (Y), lysine (K), leucine (L)‐40 (YKL‐40). These markers may lead to early diagnosis and new treatment options.

Methods

Serum VILIP‐1 and YKL‐40 levels were analyzed in 33 probable AD patients and 23 healthy controls. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used for volumetric measurements. The results were compared with the control group and then the correlation analyze between markers and volumetric measurements of the patient group was achieved.

Results

The right and left hippocampus and amygdala, left medial temporal, right rostral anterior cingulate, total brain, cortex, white matter, gray matter, subcortical gray matter, right and left total cortex volumes of the probable AD group were significantly lower than those of the control group. In the correlation analysis, the YKL‐40 level and left posterior cingulate volume and the VILIP‐1 level and left amygdala volume were negatively correlated.

Conclusions

In AD, there is atrophy of the limbic structures, cortex, and white matter. While the relationship between these regions and neurodegenerative markers remains unclear, our findings highlight a notable correlation between YKL‐40 and VILIP‐1 levels and the left amygdala and left posterior cingulate cortex, respectively. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2025; ••: ••–••.
Association Between Colleague Violence and the Professional Image of Nursing and Career Decisions Among Nursing Students: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Kuşlu Sebahat , Karacan Emine , Berşe Soner
Published: February 2025

Aim

To examine how colleague violence affects professional image and career decisions among nursing students.

Design and Setting

This cross‐sectional study was conducted from February 1 to March 1, 2023, at two public universities in Turkey.

Sample and Methods

All nursing students who met the inclusion criteria and voluntarily agreed to participate were included without any special sample calculation, and a final sample of 357 students was obtained. Data were collected between February 1 and March 1, 2023. Data were collected using a survey form that included questions on sociodemographic characteristics, as well as three scales: the Exposure to Colleague Violence Scale (ECVS) scale, the Image of Nursing Profession Scale (INPS) scale, and the Career Decision Scale (CDS). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, t‐tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and regression analyses.

Results

The mean ECVS score was 45.43 (20.80), the mean INPS score was 147.15 (13.51), and the mean CDS score was 79.67 (17.34). A weak negative correlation was found between colleague violence and nursing image, a weak positive correlation between colleague violence and career decision, and a moderate negative correlation between nursing image and career decision.

Conclusion

This study highlights the negative impact of exposure to colleague violence on nursing students, affecting both their professional image and career decision‐making. Greater exposure to colleague violence correlates with more negative perceptions of the nursing profession and increased uncertainty in career choices. Implementing targeted interventions to reduce and prevent colleague violence, especially in clinical practice settings, is essential for promoting a positive professional image and supporting informed career decisions among nursing students.

Implications for the Profession and Patient Care

Addressing and reducing colleague violence among nursing students can enhance their professional image and decision‐making regarding their careers, which, in turn, may lead to improved patient care and more significant long‐term commitment to the nursing profession.

Reporting Method

This study adhered to the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines for cross‐sectional studies.

Patient or Public Contribution

There was no patient or public involvement in this study.