bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kaon mixing beyond the standard model with physical masses
Authors: Boyle P. A. , Erben F. , Flynn J. M. , Garron N. , Kettle J. , Mukherjee R. , Tsang J. T. ,   RBC and UKQCD Collaborations
Published: August 2024

We present nonperturbative results for beyond the standard model kaon mixing matrix elements in the isospin symmetric limit (mu=md) of QCD, including a complete estimate of all dominant sources of systematic error. Our results are obtained from numerical simulations of lattice QCD with Nf=2+1 flavors of dynamical domain wall fermions. For the first time, these quantities are simulated directly at the physical pion mass mπ∼139  MeV for two different lattice spacings. We include data at three lattice spacings in the range a=0.11–0.07  fm and with pion masses ranging from the physical value up to 450 MeV. Compared to our earlier work, we have added both direct calculations at physical quark masses and a third lattice spacing making the removal of discretization effects significantly more precise and eliminating the need for any significant mass extrapolation beyond the range of simulated data. We renormalize the lattice operators nonperturbatively using RI-SMOM off-shell schemes. These schemes eliminate the need to model and subtract nonperturbative pion poles that arises in the RI-MOM scheme and, since the calculations are performed with domain wall fermions, the unphysical mixing between chirality sectors is suppressed. Our results for the bag parameters in the MS¯ scheme at 3 GeV are BK≡B1=0.5240(17)(54), B2=0.4794(25)(35), B3=0.746(13)(17), B4=0.897(02)(10) and B5=0.6882(78)(94), where the first error is from lattice uncertainties and the second is the uncertainty due to the perturbative matching to MS¯.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Calculation of the total 10th order QED contribution to the electron magnetic moment
Authors: Volkov Sergey
Published: August 2024

The total 5-loop quantum electrodynamics universal contribution to the anomalous magnetic moments of the leptons was calculated by the author. The obtained value A1(10)=5.891(61) provides the first complete verification of the previously known value obtained by T. Aoyama, M. Hayakawa, T. Kinoshita, and M. Nio (AHKN). The discrepancy is 5σ. The computation includes the recalculation of the part that the author calculated in 2019 using a slightly different method and the calculation of the remaining part of the coefficient. A comparison with the AHKN values in 32 gauge-invariant classes is provided. In addition, the results are divided into 95 small gauge-invariant classes that subdivide the former ones. Such a detailization is provided for the first time. The method described in previous works of the author was used, in general. However, the Monte Carlo integration method is new and is described in detail. Some useful technical information and information on numerical cancellations is also given.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Optomechanical dark matter instrument for direct detection
Authors: Baker Christopher G. , Bowen Warwick P. , Cox Peter , Dolan Matthew J. , Goryachev Maxim , Harris Glen
Published: August 2024

We propose the Optomechanical Dark-matter Instrument (ODIN), based on a new method for the direct detection of low-mass dark matter. We consider dark matter interacting with superfluid helium in an optomechanical cavity. Using an effective field theory, we calculate the rate at which dark matter scatters off phonons in a highly populated, driven acoustic mode of the cavity. This scattering process deposits a phonon into a second acoustic mode in its ground state. The deposited phonon (μeV range) is then converted to a photon (eV range) via an optomechanical interaction with a pump laser. This photon can be efficiently detected, providing a means to sensitively probe keV scale dark matter. We provide realistic estimates of the backgrounds and discuss the technical challenges associated with such an experiment. We calculate projected limits on dark matter–nucleon interactions for dark matter masses ranging from 0.5 to 300 keV and estimate that a future device could probe cross sections as low as O(10−32)  cm2.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Continuous gravitational waves: A new window to look for heavy nonannihilating dark matter
Authors: Bhattacharya Sulagna , Miller Andrew L. , Ray Anupam
Published: August 2024

Sunlike stars can transmute into comparable mass black holes by steadily accumulating heavy nonannihilating dark matter particles over the course of their lives. If such stars form in binary systems, they could give rise to quasi-monochromatic, persistent gravitational waves, commonly known as continuous gravitational waves, as they inspiral toward one another. We demonstrate that next-generation space-based detectors, e.g., Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) and Big Bang Observer (BBO), can provide novel constraints on dark matter parameters (dark matter mass and its interaction cross-section with the nucleons) by probing gravitational waves from transmuted sunlike stars that are in close binaries. Our projected constraints depend on several astrophysical uncertainties and nevertheless are competitive with the existing constraints obtained from cosmological measurements as well as terrestrial direct searches, demonstrating a notable science case for these space-based gravitational wave detectors as probes of particle dark matter.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Gedanken experiments to destroy a black hole by a test particle: Multiply charged black hole with higher derivative corrections
Authors: Izumi Keisuke , Noumi Toshifumi , Yoshida Daisuke
Published: August 2024

We investigate a gedanken experiment to destroy an extremally charged black hole by dropping a test particle, provided that there are multiple U(1) gauge fields coupled with each other through higher derivative interactions. It is known that the Coulomb repulsion prevents a test particle that would break the extremal condition from falling into an extremal black hole and therefore the black hole cannot be destroyed. We extend this observation to include higher derivative corrections. Although the extremal condition is modified by the higher derivative interactions, we find that the repulsive force induced by the higher derivative couplings is responsible for preventing a test particle that would break the modified extremal condition to reach the event horizon. Thus, we confirm that the weak cosmic censorship conjecture holds for extremally charged black holes even in the presence of higher derivative corrections, as long as the test particle approximation is justified.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Effect of charm quark on chiral phase transition in
Nf=2+1+1
holographic QCD
Authors: Ahmed Hiwa A. , Kawaguchi Mamiya , Huang Mei
Published: August 2024

We investigate the effect of the charm quark on the chiral phase transition of light quarks at finite temperature based on the four-flavor soft-wall holographic QCD model. In the massless limit, we find that the thermal chiral phase transition is of the second order in the four-quark-flavor system. In the case with the massive charm quark and the massless light and strange quarks, the order of the phase transition changes to the first order. This is due to the quark-flavor symmetry breaking which is associated with the violation of the U(1) axial symmetry. Once the light and strange quarks get massive, the explicit chiral symmetry breaking becomes eminent, and then the crossover phase transition is realized at the physical quark masses. We also map the order of the phase transition on a phase diagram in the quark-mass plane where the light- and strange-quark masses are degenerate but differ from the value of the charm-quark mass. This phase diagram is an extension of the conventional Columbia plot to the four-quark-flavor system. The critical exponents related to the chiral phase transition are also addressed.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
The relationship between electronic word-of-mouth, customer loyalty and resistance to innovation
Authors: Sun Yang , Ding Wenmei , Wang Xuhui , Ren Xiaoxue , Purwanegara Mustika Sufiati
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The study aims to construct a model that illustrates the relationship between receiving and sharing negative electronic word-of-mouth (e-WOM), consumer resistance to innovation (CRI), and customer loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing questionnaire surveys and regression model analysis, this study examines the case of smartphones to explore the impact of customer loyalty and CRI on the spread of negative e-WOM.

Findings

The results show that when consumers receive negative e-WOM, it increases their resistance to innovation, consequently raising the probability of them sharing this negative feedback. However, strong customer loyalty mitigates this interaction. Interestingly, customer loyalty increases the likelihood of consumers sharing negative e-WOM upon receiving it. This suggests that loyal consumers tend to be more inclined to share information, regardless of its positivity or negativity.

Originality/value

The paper contributes by examining the mechanisms linking the receipt and dissemination of e-WOM, CRI, and customer loyalty, along with the moderating impact of customer loyalty.
Comparative analysis of urban and rural housing reconstruction post 9.21 Chi-Chi and 5.12 Wenchuan earthquakes: complexity, challenges and policy exploration
Authors: Li Qiushan , Umaier Kabilijiang , Chen Yun , Koide Osamu
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Due to significant differences between urban and rural areas in terms of geographical environment, building scale, resident culture, social organization and other aspects, the post-disaster recovery and reconstruction models for both exhibit substantial variation. This study identifies critical strategic issues that must be addressed in housing reconstruction in the context of different social structures of urban–rural “integration” and urban–rural “dualization” to achieve the goal of “building back better” in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

By taking the experience of the 5.12 Wenchuan earthquake and the Taiwan 9.21 earthquake as a reference, this study provides a thematic analysis and systematic summary of the entire process of post-disaster housing reconstruction.

Findings

A successful housing reconstruction process should actively engage disaster-affected populations through participatory institutional design. Providing a diverse housing reconstruction model can coordinate the interests of the government, the market and affected individuals, promoting harmony of residential, productive and ecological functions. However, it can also lead to the division of existing communities.

Research limitations/implications

This research relies on existing literature, government publications, academic studies and news reports, which may carry inherent biases or omissions. Future research can benefit from conducting more extensive and long-term post-reconstruction surveys to assess the sustained impact of recovery efforts while also considering additional data sources to ensure comprehensive and unbiased analyses.

Practical implications

With the support of post-disaster reconstruction policies, diverse changes in land use can lead to urban and rural spatial pattern reform and sustainable regional development, providing a reference for formulating optimal strategies.

Social implications

This study carries significant societal implications by addressing critical strategic issues in housing reconstruction within varying urban–rural social structures. It highlights the importance of engaging affected populations through participatory design and harmonizing government, market and individual interests. The research introduces strategies for activating rural construction land quotas and creating new funding sources, promoting sustainable regional development. Its findings contribute to post-disaster reconstruction models, offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders, ultimately leading to more effective and inclusive recovery efforts and benefiting disaster-prone areas worldwide.

Originality/value

This research primarily investigates the market circulation patterns of urban and rural land under different social structures, delves into the strategies for sources of housing reconstruction funding, along with an assessment of their effectiveness.
Exploring South Africa’s capacity to criminalise illicit enrichment
Authors: McIntyre Jacqui-Lyn , Aslett Duane , Buitendag Nico
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Illicit enrichment refers to the unjustified increase in the assets of a public official. Criminalisation of illicit enrichment is required under Article 20 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, and as a State Party, South Africa is thus expected to deal effectively with illicit enrichment as an offence. This paper aims to address different approaches of various jurisdictions to deal with illicit enrichment and discusses the elements of the crime, drawing on a South African perspective, to determine how illicit enrichment can be criminalised in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology used was a critical analysis of the definition and elements of the crime, as well as the global action taken to implement this offence. A comparative analysis was used to compare international frameworks with those of South Africa to conclude on the practicality and challenges of introducing the offence of illicit enrichment.

Findings

It was found that an element of the crime, in particular the lack of justification, has been a primary point of criticism, as it is claimed that illicit enrichment laws reverse the burden of proof when an accused is required to prove the legitimacy of his or her assets. However, this issue is not insurmountable in the South African context, and the paper concludes that the criminalisation of illicit enrichment is possible, as South Africa possesses the necessary legislation and case law to support such measure.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the scholarly research on criminalising illicit enrichment in South Africa.
Organizational value streams as multiteam systems: an ethnographic case study
Authors: Cremers Erik Eduard , Curșeu Petru Lucian
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the integration challenges during the early stages of implementation of value streams as team aggregation structures as a novel organizational construct in a modern organization.

Design/methodology/approach

We use an immersive ethnographic approach to follow the transition to value streams as team aggregation structures in a large organization during the first three years of implementation. We integrate systematic observations with interviews to get insights into the dynamics of change and the most important challenges faced by the organization during this transition.

Findings

We integrate systematic observations collected during the organizational change with insights from interviews carried out with managers to provide tentative answers to some key questions related to the implementation of multiteam systems. We reflect on their performance, entitativity, autonomy as well as on the satisfaction of their members.

Practical implications

We discuss some of the most important managerial challenges during the transition to value streams as novel organizational constructs and we derive some actionable insights for team and value stream managers leading such change processes.

Originality/value

Our study provides a rich account of the first stages of implementing an organizational design that brings together different teams in organizational structures that are focused on the value provided to customers.
Street art and place-making of villages: examples of Italian painted villages
Authors: Bruni Roberto , Rauhut Kompaniets Olga
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to discuss the contribution of street art projects to the place-making of villages and the effects it generates for local stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework is developed based on the main characteristics of the place-making process, street art, creative place-making, as well as place identity, revitalisation and regeneration. This framework defines a set of thematic categories for the qualitative content analysis of online information, e.g. websites, media and blog posts, as well as in-depth interviews with local stakeholders.

Findings

This research presents the contribution of street art in place-making involving citizens, local businesses and international artists in a collective act to preserve local identity and revitalise and regenerate villages.

Research limitations/implications

The research is focused only on villages. Cities are not considered in the research.

Practical implications

Street art projects provide villages with several opportunities, such as stimulating place regeneration and revitalisation, giving new shape and decoration to neighbourhoods and streets and attracting visitors and business. Moreover, street art is commonly used to communicate local history, culture, traditions and social and political facts, helping places to vehiculate their identity and their messages to the next generations. Street art is also used as a part of a place branding strategy.

Social implications

The village gets the opportunity to exploit the street art value proposition to stimulate the restocking of the place, if the primary stakeholders of the place are ready to invest in the new place identity giving trust to the street art project.

Originality/value

Street art projects contribute to the place-making of villages. They are used to communicate place identity, fostering cooperation between local stakeholders and economic and social development.
Warpage control in thermoplastic ABS parts produced through material extrusion (MEX)-based fused deposition modeling (FDM)
Authors: Mittal Yash G. , Patil Yogesh , Kamble Pushkar Prakash , Gote Gopal Dnyanba , Mehta Avinash Kumar , Karunakaran K.P.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a layer-by-layer technique that helps to create physical objects from a three-dimensional data set. Fused deposition modeling is a widely used material extrusion (MEX)-based AM technique that melts thermoplastic filaments and selectively deposits them over a build platform. Despite its simplicity and affordability, it suffers from various printing defects, with partial warping being a prevalent issue. Warpage is a physical deformation caused by thermal strain incompatibility that results in the bending of the printed part away from the build platform. This study aims to investigate the warpage characteristics of printed parts based on geometrical parameters and build orientations to reduce the warpage extent.

Design/methodology/approach

Cuboidal samples of thermoplastic acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ranging from 5 to 80 mm were printed using a commercial MEX system. A Taguchi method-based design of experiment trial was performed to optimize the placement and orientation of the part for minimal warpage.

Findings

It was found that a lower value of the “in-plane” aspect ratio and a more prominent part thickness are favorable for minimal warpage. The part should always be placed near the region with the highest temperature (least thermal gradient) to minimize the warpage.

Originality/value

A novel dimensionless parameter (Y) is proposed that should be set to a minimum value to achieve minimal warpage. The results of this study can help improve the design and part placement for the MEX technique, thus elevating the print quality.
Research on the path of effective management of participation in joint-venture railway companies by China railway group
Authors: Zhou Shaoni , Zhou Zhitian , Kang Chenxia
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Following the regional restructuring, the number of joint-venture railway companies in which the Group participates has significantly increased. This paper aims to explore the challenges faced by China Railway Group in managing participation in joint-venture railway companies. The study seeks to propose specific approaches to ensure the effective management of these companies, thereby maximizing the benefits of the regional restructuring and supporting the development of a strong transportation country and a modern infrastructure system.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the change in the shareholding relationship between China Railway Group and the joint-venture railway companies, and considering the current situation of the regional restructuring of these companies, as well as the insights from existing literature and typical case studies, this paper proposes some specific paths for effective management of joint-stock railway companies which China Railway Group participated in.

Findings

The problems in participation management are the unclear dual leadership role of the party committee, the lack of discourse power, the lack of synergy between shareholders, the increasing risk of sustainable operation of the loss-making companies and the role of dispatched personnel is not fully played. Based on the theories, combined with the existing research and practical cases, the paper proposed specific approaches, such as perfecting top-level system design, maintaining the discourse power, carrying out differentiated management, arranging personnel rationally, arranging shareholders synergy, and innovating methods to provide references for China Railway Group's subsequent management of joint venture railway companies.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the existing literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of the challenges faced by China Railway Group in managing participation in joint-venture railway companies following the regional restructuring. The study offers novel insights and practical recommendations for addressing these challenges. The findings can serve as valuable references for China Railway Group's subsequent management of joint-venture railway companies which participated in, as well as for other state-owned enterprises facing similar challenges in managing their joint ventures.
Overconfidence and large executive salaries are linked, with significant implications for HR
Authors: Santos-Pinto Luis , Chen Yuxi
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue that large executive compensation can be one of the reasons why so many chief executive officers (CEOs) are overconfident. It also discusses the implications of this finding for boards and human resource directors.

Design/methodology/approach

The research investigated how overconfidence – an overestimation of ability – affects how hard people work to win an elimination contest. These kinds of contests exist in the workplace where employees strive for a senior position or CEO role. The study involved a two-stage contest with four players. The first stage consists of two semi-finals. The two semi-final winners move on to compete in the second stage, the final. Overconfident players overestimate the impact of effort on their probability of winning at each stage. Each player is deemed the same, aside from their confidence levels. Finally, the study assumes an overconfident player’s bias is observable by rivals.

Findings

Overconfident individuals can have the highest chance of winning elimination contests compared to more rational rivals. When executive pay is high, and overconfidence is not too extreme, they exert more effort than their rational rivals in the semi-finals. High executive pay, or in this case, prize money, is more appealing to overconfident individuals because they think they are more likely to win the bigger prize money in the final. This can be likened to people’s careers. High executive pay incentivises overconfident employees more and they exert more effort early in their careers to achieve this.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to measure the impact of overconfidence on elimination contests, providing a new explanation for why overconfident employees often reach CEO positions. This has implications for how HR practitioners should manage overconfident and rational employees, including the effort they deliver to a business.
Sustainable culinary culture: gastronomic practices of locals' transitional periods in Menteşe in the context of intangible cultural heritage
Authors: Zağralı Çakır Egem , Bekar Aydan
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Transitional periods are important for people, such as birth, marriage and death, are important times when ceremonial meals are prepared and served and certain practices are carried out. These periods and the practices constitute our gastronomic cultural heritage. In order to keep our cultural heritage alive and pass it on to future generations, existing values must first be identified and recorded. For this reason, in this study, gastronomic practices of Mentese's transitional periods were examined within the scope of intangible cultural heritage.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, data was collected using ethnographic design, which is one of the qualitative research methods, and document analysis, interviews and focus group studies, as well as participant observation techniques and image/audio materials. The sample was determined using snowball sampling, convenience sampling and maximum diversity sampling methods. In the analysis of the data, themes and codes related to gastronomic practices in transitional periods were created and direct quotations were included with a descriptive approach.

Findings

It has been found that traditions are kept more alive in rural areas, while those living in the city centres no longer perform these practices dating back to the ancient times. Participants attribute the main reason for this to the fact that economic conditions are not favourable and that some traditional practices are “unnecessary” today. While wedding meals, which are the main part of the weddings, used to be made by women in the past, they are now mostly made by catering companies.

Research limitations/implications

It was accepted that some of the participants started to give short answers as the duration of the interview increased and that the answers given were limited to what the participants could remember.

Originality/value

This study reveals special day meals and practices, rituals and traditions related to food within the scope of Mentese's culinary culture, which has a very deep-rooted history. In this regard, in addition to making an important contribution to the literature, the study also contributes to the articles about “recording and promoting the culture” mentioned in the Intangible Cultural Heritage convention.
Differential root nutrient‐acquisition strategies underlie biogeochemical niche separation between grasses and forbs across grassland biomes
Authors: Zhou Na , Li Haigang , Wang Baolan , Rengel Zed , Li Hongbo
Published: August 2024

Plant nutrient composition is a reliable tool to identify plant ecological strategies and niche differentiation. Here, we aimed to (i) reveal the potential physiological mechanisms governing distinct foliar nutrient compositions among coexisting grassland species and (ii) clarify the role of taxonomy and environmental conditions in these compositions.

At the local (grassland) scale, we measured root morphological and physiological traits, photosynthetic parameters and foliar concentrations of six macronutrients (N, P, S, K, Ca and Mg) and four micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) across 18 coexisting species. At the regional scale, foliar macro‐ and micronutrient concentrations of 76 site‐species combinations of grasses and forbs across temperate meadow, typical, desert and saline grasslands were measured in Inner Mongolia. At the national scale, we collected the data on foliar macronutrient concentrations of 513 site‐species combinations across grasslands in Xinjiang, Qinghai‐Tibet and Inner Mongolia of China.

Compared with forbs, grasses had 3.9 times higher root branching intensity, but 58% and 48% lower root carboxylate exudation and leaf transpiration rate. These distinct nutrient acquisition and transport strategies led to lower foliar nutrient (N, P, Ca, Mg and Mn) concentrations in grasses than forbs at the local scale. Most foliar micronutrient concentrations did not differ between grasses and forbs at the regional scale, whereas macronutrient concentrations were higher in forbs than grasses regardless of the grassland type at both the regional and national scales. All macronutrient concentrations exhibited stronger phylogenetic conservatism and less environmental control than micronutrients. The biogeochemical niche segregation (Euclidean distance based on PCA score of foliar macronutrient concentrations) between sympatric grasses and forbs was lower in meadow grassland than in the typical, desert and saline grasslands.

Our results suggest that diverse nutrient acquisition and transport strategies can underlie the distinct foliar nutrient compositions between grasses and forbs. The linkage between potential physiological mechanisms and biogeochemical niche differentiation of grasses and forbs will advance our understanding of plant species coexistence and adaptive strategy.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Human conflict, food security and impacts on wildlife: Importance of sustainable harvest models to inform policy
Authors: Grantham Hedley S.
Published: August 2024

Research Highlight discussing: Carenton, N., Defos du Rau, P., Wachoum, A. S., Ducros, D., Suet, M., Deschamps, C., Betoloum, M. R., Birard, J., Djimasngar, M. B. N., Kayser, Y., Petersen, I. K., Dias, J., Wachoum, M. A., Portier, B., Koumbraït, A. M., Le Bel, S., & Mondain‐Monval, J.‐Y. (2024). Migration of humans fleeing conflict in the Lake Chad region may increase pressures on natural resources in Lake Fitri (Chad): A case study on waterbirds, Journal of Applied Ecology, 1–13, https://doi.org/10.1111/1365‐2664.14700. Human conflict and food security have emerged as critical issues for humanity with potentially profound implications for biodiversity conservation. These interconnected challenges not only threaten human well‐being and socio‐economic stability but also have significant impacts on biodiversity, including biodiversity of conservation concern. The importance of wildlife for bushfood, particularly in regions affected by conflict, adds another layer of complexity. In such areas, reliance on wildlife for sustenance often increases, leading to overexploitation. Bushmeat serves as a crucial source of protein and livelihoods in many parts of the world particularly Africa, highlighting its significant role in local economies and food security. This dynamic not only threatens biodiversity but also exacerbates the challenges of food security and human conflict. Understanding the interplay between human conflict, food security and biodiversity conservation is essential for developing sustainable solutions that address these complex issues holistically. Modelling of wildlife exploitation has historically focussed on spatially explicit pressure maps showing how vulnerable species are to exploitation. New modelling is emerging to help better understand the specific impacts on species populations so that policymakers can help create better informed policies and strategies that balance human needs with conservation efforts.
Informed traders, beauty contest and stock price volatility: Evidence from laboratory markets
Authors: Hirota Shinichi , Kusakawa Takao , Saijo Tatsuyoshi , Tanigawa Yasuhiko
Published: August 2024

Whether informed investors (e.g., professionals) trade stocks based on the fundamentals or ride on market sentiment is an empirical question, but few attempts have been made due to the lack of field data. We, therefore, conduct a laboratory experiment and examine if informed investors trade stocks based on their anticipation of less‐informed investors' valuation. In our experimental market, informed traders know the fundamental value of the stock; less‐informed traders do not know the accurate value and their valuation may be biased upwards or downwards. We find that informed traders ride on the (mis)valuations of less‐informed traders, and the speculative trades of the informed traders significantly affect stock prices. Our experimental result explains why stock prices are subject to the mass psychology sentiment even in markets with informed investors.
Improvement of powder properties of milk protein isolate by fluidised bed agglomeration with guar gum binder
Authors: Lee Wonjae , Bak Juneha , Yoo Byoungseung
Published: August 2024

A goal of this study was to investigate the influence of fluidised bed agglomeration process with guar gum (GG) binder (0–0.3%) on the physical and rheological properties of agglomerated milk protein isolate (MPI). Larger and more porous particles were formed by the agglomeration process, resulting in an improvement in powder flowability, wettability and solubility. The agglomerate with 0.1% GG binder exhibited higher viscoelastic properties than other agglomerates, with viscoelastic moduli values decreasing as the binder concentration increased (0.1–0.3%). The findings demonstrate that the agglomeration process with GG improved the powder characteristics of MPI and influenced its rheological properties.
Adaptations and early adoption of a family caregiver intervention in the Veterans Affairs Health Care System: A multimethod pragmatic approach for national scaling
Authors: Blok Amanda C. , Drake Connor , Decosimo Kasey , Zullig Leah L. , Hughes Jaime M. , Sperber Nina R. , Kota Swetha , Franzosa Emily , Coffman Cynthia J. , Shepherd‐Banigan Megan , Chadduck Trisha , Allen Kelli D. , Hastings Susan N. , Van Houtven Courtney H.
Published: August 2024

Objective

To examine the relationship between site‐level adaptation and early adoption of Caregivers Finding Important Resources, Support, and Training (FIRST) training during national implementation across diverse Veteran Health Administration (VA) medical centers.

Data Sources and Study Setting

We enrolled and evaluated 25 VA medical centers (VAMCs). Along with administrative data on site characteristics, we examined site‐reported data on adaptations and intervention adoption, defined as ≥4 training classes delivered to ≥5 caregivers at 6 months from April through October 2022.

Study Design

A type III hybrid implementation‐effectiveness cluster randomized controlled trial, randomized VAMCs 1:1 to receive foundational (low‐touch) implementation support (n = 12) or the addition of enhanced (high‐touch) implementation support (n = 13).

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

At key implementation phases, VAMCs were asked to report adaptations including content, contextual modifications (format, setting, personnel, and population), and training of providers. We describe site‐level adaptations by arm and by organizational characteristics that included VAMC complexity level, staffing, rurality, and organizational readiness to change. We used qualitative comparative analysis to identify unique adaptations that contributed to intervention adoption at 6 months.

Principal Findings

VAMCs randomized to receive enhanced support reported slightly more adaptations than those randomized to foundational support. At 6 months, VAMCs with two or more adaptations adopted Caregivers FIRST at a higher rate than those with fewer adaptations (90% vs. 44%). Staffing adaptations (e.g., who delivered the intervention), format and content (e.g., modified delivery pace), and referring provider training were unique adaptations to adopting sites.

Conclusions

Site‐level adaptations were diverse and occurred more frequently in sites with early adoption of Caregivers FIRST. Future research should identify best practices of supporting and monitoring intervention adaptation. Understanding the role of adaptation in early adoption success could assist other healthcare systems in implementing interventions for caregivers.
Lost in transfer – tracing policy diffusion and norm‐shaping in Tanzania‐China relations
Authors: Lammich Georg
Published: August 2024

This article examines the complexities of policy transfer between China and Tanzania, focussing on the influence of linguistic and cultural discrepancies. It explores how African governments, particularly Tanzania, interpret and adapt Chinese policy concepts to align with their domestic priorities. The study employs a multi‐method approach, including interviews, document analysis and literature review, to investigate the dynamics of Sino‐Tanzanian relations. Findings reveal that while China's development and security discourses resonate with African policymakers, the semantic nuances and historical contexts of Chinese terms often lead to divergent interpretations. Despite several initiatives from China to infuse policy concepts into Tanzanian discourse, including projects such as a party leadership school and party‐to‐party dialogues, there are to date no successful adaptations or transfers of Chinese macro‐policy concepts to Tanzania. The research highlights the critical role of language and cultural context in policy transfer processes, challenging the traditional view of passive policy reception in the Global South. It contributes to the broader understanding of policy transfer, emphasising the need to recognise the dynamic interplay of language, culture and political agency in the process. The study concludes with recommendations for recognising and addressing the interpretive challenges in international policy transfers to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation.
Systematic review of patient contribution to the development of alcohol craving measurements
Authors: Zeganadin Lionel , Lopez‐Castroman Jorge , Auriacombe Marc , Luquiens Amandine
Published: August 2024

Craving is considered one of the defining characteristics for alcohol or substance use disorders. There is no consensus on the underlying processes of craving, although multiple models exist. Craving is a very individualistic symptom and has to be self‐reported. Several instruments have been developed to measure craving, without a recognized gold standard. The patient's perspective appears critical to determine the relevance of the numerous existing tools. We assessed the contribution of patients to the development of these instruments. We performed a systematic review of instruments measuring alcohol craving published from 2012 to 2023 from three databases (PubMed, PsycInfo, and Embase) in addition to those identified in a previous review by Kavanagh et al. from 1990 to 2012. We included all articles related to the development or validation of instruments for the assessment of alcohol craving. We identified and included in this review the corresponding instruments. Articles translating existing instruments without validation or on single‐item instruments were excluded. We analyzed the articles in accordance with COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) recommendations to assess patient involvement in the creation of patient‐reported outcome measures (PROM). Two key aspects were investigated: (1) the general design, encompassing the quality of construct description, identification of elements pertinent to a PROM, particularly the inclusion of concepts provided by patients, and (2) the quality of cognitive interviews (when conducted), to evaluate the comprehensiveness and comprehensibility of the PROM. We included 22 articles identifying 16 instruments for measuring alcohol craving. Patients only contributed to item development for one instrument and its short version (QAU and AUQ). None of the instruments met all of the developmental quality criteria, with 14 classed as “inadequate” and two as “doubtful.” The current instruments measuring alcohol craving were developed with poor patient contribution, although most articles did not adequately report patient involvement. Patients' perspectives on craving should be explored for future patient‐centered approach.
Examining the moderating role of cannabis use on the relationship between alcohol consumption and inflammation in individuals with alcohol use disorder
Authors: Grodin Erica N. , McManus Kaitlin R. , Ray Lara A.
Published: August 2024

Inflammation appears to be a critical mechanism in the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and a consequence of chronic alcohol use. The potential anti‐inflammatory properties of cannabis may modulate the proinflammatory effects of alcohol. This study sought to extend previous work investigating the relationship between alcohol consumption, cannabis use and circulating interleukin (IL)‐6 levels in a sample with AUD. One hundred and thirty‐three individuals with an AUD provided blood samples to assess IL‐6 and answered questions regarding alcohol and cannabis use. An ordinary least squares multiple regression analysis was conducted to assess the effect of alcohol and cannabis use on IL‐6. A moderation analysis examined cannabis use as a potential moderator of the relationship between alcohol use and circulating IL‐6 levels. Alcohol use was predictive of higher log IL‐6 levels (standardized β = 0.16, p = 0.03), while cannabis use was not predictive of log IL‐6 levels (p = 0.36). Days of cannabis use moderated the relationship between alcohol use and IL‐6 levels, such that the relationship between alcohol use and IL‐6 levels was only significant in individuals with AUD without recent cannabis use. This study extends previous work to a clinical sample with an AUD and underscores the importance of considering cannabis use in studies on alcohol use and inflammation. This study also indicates the need for in‐depth analyses on cannabinoids and inflammation and the interaction between cannabinoids and alcohol use on inflammation.
Impact of chronic sleep deprivation on male reproductive health: Insights from testicular and epididymal responses in mice
Authors: Zheng Zhenming , Wang Hui , Chen Zhimin , Gao Hui , Gao Pan , Gao Jingjing , Jiang Hui , Zhang Xiansheng
Published: August 2024

Background

Sleep deprivation (SD) can cause damage to the male reproductive system. However, the duration required for such damage and the specific sequence and severity of damage to the testis and epididymis remain unclear.

Objective

To investigate the effects of different durations of SD on different parts of the testis and epididymis caput, corpus, and cauda.

Methods

Adult ICR mice were randomly assigned to five groups: the SD group (SD for 18 h/day for 1, 2, 3, or 4 weeks), the SD + Vit E group (supplemented with Vit E 50 mg/kg/d during 4 weeks of SD, the SD+NS group (saline supplementation during 4 weeks of SD), the SD + RS group (5 weeks of recovery sleep after 4 weeks of SD), and a normal sleep control (Ctrl) group. Following the interventions, sperm parameters, testicular and epididymal histopathology, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress markers were compared between the groups.

Results

Compared to the Ctrl group, the SD group showed a decrease in sperm motility and concentration from SD 2 W and SD 3 W, respectively. Decreases in sperm concentration and motility were more pronounced in the cauda compared to the caput and corpus. Pathological damage was less severe in the epididymis caput than in the corpus and cauda. After 4 weeks of SD, inflammation and oxidative stress increased in both testes and epididymis. Both sleep recovery and vitamin E supplementation showed significant improvements, though they did not fully reach the level of the Ctrl group.

Conclusion

Chronic SD for more than 2 weeks causes varying degrees of damage to the testis, epididymis caput, corpus, and cauda in male mice. This damage is not fully reversible after 5 weeks of sleep recovery and antioxidant stress treatment. These findings help us to identify and prevent SD damage to the male reproduction at an early stage.
The role of advocacy in sustaining male contraceptive research and development
Authors: Vahdat Heather L. , Nickels Logan M. , Shane Kevin , Serfaty David , Sitruk‐Ware Regine
Published: August 2024

Novel male contraceptives have been in development for well over half a century, and despite a robust predicted global market for new methods, funding for research and development has been extremely limited. While the pharmaceutical industry previously supported male contraceptive research and development, industry partners are only spectators in the current space, awaiting a product that has been de‐risked by the public sector before re‐entering the field. Current male contraceptive development efforts are thus primarily funded by nonprofit, non‐governmental, and government agencies who also act as the primary advocates for the field. Specific organizations include the International Consortium on Male Contraception, the Population Council, the Male Contraceptive Initiative, the World Health Organization, and the US National Institutes of Health. The funding provided by these public agencies, alongside their social and policy‐based advocacy efforts such as market research, public education, and calls to action have kept the male contraceptive product development space afloat, resulting in a pipeline of potential products advancing towards market approval. However, as these products mature into more expensive clinical stages of development, they continue to face significant funding challenges, which many programs may not overcome. To fully realize the benefits of novel male contraceptive options, it is incumbent on philanthropic entities, impact investors, venture capital, and/or the pharmaceutical sector to provide significant and timely support for male contraceptive research and development.
The Swedish PedsQL gastrointestinal symptoms scale and symptoms module showed good psychometric performance
Authors: Bräutigam Matilda , Abrahamsson Kate , Gatzinsky Vladimir , Saalman Robert , Hadi Lana , Nilsson Suzanne , Dellenmark‐Blom Michaela
Published: August 2024

Aim

There is no validated symptom scale for Swedish children with gastrointestinal disorders. Our aim was to validate the Swedish version of the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) gastrointestinal symptoms scale and symptoms module.

Methods

Families were recruited from two hospitals in Gothenburg, Sweden, from 1 March 2021 to 31 October 2022. The instruments were completed by 115 children with functional, congenital or organic acquired gastrointestinal disorders and 149 of their parents. These were the gastrointestinal symptoms scales, symptoms module and the 4.0 Generic core scale. Data were analysed for feasibility, construct validity and reliability, including internal consistency, re‐test reliability and child–parent agreement.

Results

Feasibility was good, with a failure to respond of ≤5%. Construct validity showed strong correlation in the PedsQL gastrointestinal symptoms module. The known‐group validity agreed with the expectations associated with the disease characteristics (p < 0.05). Cronbach's alpha was 0.96, which indicated excellent internal reliability. The intraclass correlation coefficient for the child self‐report and parent‐proxy report was 0.74, which indicated good agreement.

Conclusion

The Swedish PedsQL Gastrointestinal Symptoms Scales, the symptoms module provided acceptable measurement properties and can be used to evaluate symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders and quality of life during clinical work or research projects.