bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-
ν
method with LHC neutrinos
Authors: Wilkinson C. , Soto A. Garcia
Published: February 2024

The Forward Physics Facility (FPF) plans to use neutrinos produced at the Large Hadron Collider to make a variety of measurements at previously unexplored TeV energies. Its primary goals include precision measurements of the neutrino cross section and using the measured neutrino flux both to uncover information about far-forward hadron production and to search for various beyond standard model scenarios. However, these goals have the potential to conflict: Extracting information about the flux or cross section relies upon an assumption about the other. In this paper, we demonstrate that the FPF can use the low-ν method—a technique for constraining the flux shape by isolating neutrino interactions with low energy transfer to the nucleus—to break this degeneracy. We show that the low-ν method is effective for extracting the νμ flux shape, in a model-independent way. We discuss its application for extracting the ν¯μ flux shape but find that this is significantly more model dependent. Finally, we explore the precision to which the νμ flux shape could be constrained at the FPF for a variety of proposed detector options. We find that the precision would be sufficient to discriminate between various realistic flux models.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Unraveling proton strangeness: Determination of the strangeness sigma term with statistical significance
Authors: Kou Wei , Chen Xurong
Published: February 2024

This study delves into the contribution of the strange quark within the proton, which influences several fundamental proton properties. By establishing a robust relationship between the proton’s quantum anomalous energy and the sigma term, we successfully extract the contribution of the strangeness sigma term in the proton, obtaining it from parametrized fits of the differential cross section using exponential and dipole forms. The extracted sigma term values are estimated to be 455.62±64.60 MeV (exponential fit) and 337.74±106.79 MeV (dipole fit). Additionally, we present novel results for the proton trace anomalous energy, observing values of 0.13±0.02 (exponential fit) and 0.15±0.03 (dipole fit). Our analysis integrates the novel data from the J/ψ−007 and GlueX Collaborations, to some extent providing an experimental phenomenological window into the nonzero strange quark content inside proton, with the statistical significances 7.1σ (exponential fit) and 3.2σ (dipole fit), respectively. Furthermore, we discuss the possibility of scheme independence in the extraction results and examine the uniformity of sigma terms obtained from the datasets provided by the two collaborations. Our analysis may reveals compatibility between the extracted results of the respective experiments.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Investigating students’ self-identified and reflected appraisal of femininity, masculinity, and androgyny in introductory physics courses
Authors: Li Yangqiuting , Burkholder Eric
Published: February 2024

In the field of physics education research, numerous studies have been dedicated to investigating the relationship between gender identity and physics learning. However, these studies have predominantly employed binary gender measurement methods, which may limit the range of research questions that can be explored and impede the discovery of crucial insights. In this study, we adapted gradational measures from prior research to investigate students’ self-identified femininity, masculinity, and androgyny, as well as their reflected appraisal of femininity, masculinity, and androgyny (i.e., perceptions of how others perceive them) in both algebra-based and calculus-based introductory physics courses. The use of gradational measures revealed significant variation in students’ self-identified femininity, masculinity, and androgyny within the binary categories of women and men, providing new insights into gender dynamics in physics. We found that self-identified women in the calculus-based courses, where they are underrepresented, tend to perceive themselves as more masculine and less feminine than how they believe others perceive them. Similarly, students of color are also more likely than White students to perceive themselves as more masculine than they believe others perceive them. Using structural equation modeling, we found that students’ gender stigma consciousness plays an important role in mediating the effects of identifying as women and students of color on the observed discrepancies. Additionally, we found that women also exhibit a tendency to perceive themselves as more androgynous than they believe others perceive them in both algebra-based and calculus-based physics courses, and this phenomenon is also related to gender stigma consciousness. Moreover, our analyses revealed that students in the calculus-based courses tend to have a higher level of gender stigma consciousness even after controlling for gender and race. Our findings underscore the potential of gradational gender measurements in deepening our understanding of gender-related issues in physics education, shedding light on the complex interplay between students’ gender identity, perceptions from others, and their educational experiences in the field.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Stability Analysis of Electrical Microgrids and Their Control Systems
Authors: Smith O. , Coombes S. , O’Dea R.D.
Published: February 2024

The drive towards renewable energy generation is causing fundamental changes in both the structure and dynamics of power grids. Their topology is becoming increasingly decentralized due to distributed, embedded generation, and the emergence of microgrids. Grid dynamics are being impacted by decreasing inertia, as conventional generators with massive spinning cores are replaced by dc renewable sources. This leads to a risk of destabilization and places an upper limit on the volume of renewable power sources that can be installed. A wide variety of different control schemes have been proposed to overcome this problem. Such schemes fall into two broad categories: so-called “grid-following” controllers that seek to match output ac power with grid frequency, and “grid-forming” systems that seek to boost grid stability. The latter frequently work by providing synthetic inertia, enabling dc renewable sources to emulate conventional generators. This paper uses the master stability function methodology to analyze the stability of synchrony in microgrids of arbitrary size and containing arbitrary control systems. This approach provides a powerful and computationally efficient framework in which to benchmark the impact of any number of renewable sources on grid stability and thereby to support microgrid design strategies. The method is demonstrated by computing stability bounds for two different grid-forming systems, providing bounds on the feasible number of generators that can be accommodated. In addition, we contrast our results with predictions from a simplistic but widely used phase-oscillator model, finding that such descriptions significantly over estimate the grid stability properties.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Credit card repayments in a Latin American country: a psychological perspective
Authors: Delgado Fuentealba Carlos Leandro , Muñoz Mendoza Jorge Andrés , Veloso Ramos Carmen Lissette , Cornejo-Saavedra Edinson Edgardo , Sepúlveda Yelpo Sandra María , Fuentes-Solís Rodrigo
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze decisions about payment rates on credit card statements by using background factors and perceptions that indirectly influence beliefs, according to the theory of planned behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Since legal and institutional frameworks and household financial surveys are heterogeneous among countries, household data on the Chilean economy is used as the starting point in this matter.

Findings

The probability that an individual chooses to pay amounts less than the total billing of their credit cards rises with essential variables related to perceived behavioral control. Being the head of the household, being younger, perceiving a high or excessive financial burden of debt and facing unfavorable and unexpected situations that divert the budget, among others, are relevant to repayment decisions.

Originality/value

The novelty of this article is that its psychological approach differs from the traditional focus of economic rationality regarding credit cards. The results are relevant for policymakers and financial regulators due to implications for household behavioral finance and means of payment.
Green entrepreneurial orientation and technological green innovation: does resources orchestration capability matter?
Authors: Al Koliby Ibraheem Saleh , Al-Hakimi Mohammed A. , Zaid Mohammed Abdulrahman Kaid , Khan Mohammed Farooque , Hasan Murad Baqis , Alshadadi Mohammed A.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Although green entrepreneurial orientation (GEO) has received much attention, it is unclear whether it affects technological green innovation (GI). Therefore, this study aims to understand how GEO affects technological GI, with its dimensions green product innovation (GPRODI) and green process innovation (GPROCI), as well as to explore whether resource orchestration capability (ROC) moderates the relationships between them.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a cross-sectional survey design, data were gathered from 177 managers of large manufacturing firms in Yemen and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling via SmartPLS software.

Findings

The results revealed that GEO positively affects both GPRODI and GPROCI, with a higher effect on GPROCI. Importantly, ROC does, in fact, positively moderate the link between GEO and GPRODI.

Research limitations/implications

This research adds to knowledge by combining GEO, ROC and technological GI into a unified framework, considering the perspectives of the resource-based view and the resource orchestration theory. However, the study’s use of cross-sectional survey data makes it impossible to infer causes. This is because GEO, ROC and technological GI all have effects on time that this empirical framework cannot account for.

Practical implications

The findings from this research provide valuable insights for executives and decision makers of large manufacturing companies, who are expected to show increasing interest in adopting ROC into their organisations. This suggests that environmentally-conscious entrepreneurial firms can enhance their GI efforts by embracing ROC.

Social implications

By adopting the proposed framework, firms can carry out their activities in ways that do not harm environmental and societal well-being, as simply achieving high economic performance is no longer sufficient.

Originality/value

Theoretically, the results offer an in-depth understanding of the role of GEO in the technological GI domain by indicating that GEO can promote GPRODI and GPROCI. In addition, the results shed new light on the boundaries of GEO from the perspective of resource orchestration theory. Furthermore, the findings present important insights for managers aiming to enhance their comprehension of leveraging GEO and ROC to foster technological GI.
Big data challenges and opportunities in Internet of Vehicles: a systematic review
Authors: Hemmati Atefeh , Zarei Mani , Rahmani Amir Masoud
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Big data challenges and opportunities on the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) have emerged as a transformative paradigm to change intelligent transportation systems. With the growth of data-driven applications and the advances in data analysis techniques, the potential for data-adaptive innovation in IoV applications becomes an outstanding development in future IoV. Therefore, this paper aims to focus on big data in IoV and to provide an analysis of the current state of research.

Design/methodology/approach

This review paper uses a systematic literature review methodology. It conducts a thorough search of academic databases to identify relevant scientific articles. By reviewing and analyzing the primary articles found in the big data in the IoV domain, 45 research articles from 2019 to 2023 were selected for detailed analysis.

Findings

This paper discovers the main applications, use cases and primary contexts considered for big data in IoV. Next, it documents challenges, opportunities, future research directions and open issues.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is based on academic articles published from 2019 to 2023. Therefore, scientific outputs published before 2019 are omitted.

Originality/value

This paper provides a thorough analysis of big data in IoV and considers distinct research questions corresponding to big data challenges and opportunities in IoV. It also provides valuable insights for researchers and practitioners in evolving this field by examining the existing fields and future directions for big data in the IoV ecosystem.
Does ownership matter in corporate cash holdings? Evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Thai Thi Hong An , Hoang Minh Tri
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Using imbalanced panel data of nonfinancial Vietnamese listed firms from 2005 to 2021, this paper explores the potential effect of ownership on firms' cash levels.

Design/methodology/approach

Two hypotheses are tested using different methods, including pooled ordinary least squares (POLS) and system-generalized method of moments (GMM), to investigate the ownership–cash holding relationship for various firm scenarios. Both book and market measures of the cash ratio are examined.

Findings

Results show that foreign and state ownership encourages firms to increase their cash reserves. The positive relationship between ownership and cash holding is, especially, pronounced for firms in the financial deficit.

Research limitations/implications

This research suggests that in this emerging market, outside ownership substantially accelerates cash to hedge against the unexpected issues caused by poor investor protection, low political accountability and information asymmetry.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the existing understanding of the relationship between ownership and corporate cash holdings in the context of a typical emerging market. Besides, it expands the existing knowledge to the extent of such relations in the event of a financial shortage.
Multilingual teaching and digital tools: the intersections of new media literacies and language learning
Authors: Pennington Victoria , Howell Emily , Kaminski Rebecca , Ferguson-Sams Nicole , Gazioglu Mihaela , Mittapalli Kavita , Banerjee Amlan , Cole Mikel
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Computer-assisted language learning (CALL) can create participatory cultures by removing barriers to access materials, encouraging student modes of expression, differentiating student interactions through digital environments and increasing learner autonomy. Participatory cultures require competencies or new media literacy (NML) skills to be successful in a digital world. However, professional development (PD) often lacks training on CALL and its implementation to develop such skills. The purpose of this study is to describe teachers use of digital tools for multilingual learners through a relevant theoretical perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This design-based research study examines 30 in-service teachers in South Carolina, a destination state for Latinx immigrants, focusing data over three semesters of PD: interviews and instructional logs. The researchers address the question: How are teachers using digital tools to advance NML for multilingual learners (MLs)?

Findings

The authors analyzed current elementary teachers’ use of digital tools for language learning and NML purposes. Three themes are discussed: NMLs and digital literacy boundaries, digital tools for MLs and literacy teaching for MLs and NML skills.

Originality/value

Teacher PD often needs more specificity regarding the intersection of MLs and digital literacy. The authors contribute to the literature on needed elementary teaching practices for MLs, the integration of NML and how these practices may be addressed through PD.
Digital transformation on the design and implementation of virtual political campaigns in Kuwait: perceptions and attitudes of politicians and campaign managers for bold innovation and social impact in Kuwait
Authors: Alhaimer Rashed
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the perceptions of political figures and campaign strategists in Kuwait regarding the adoption of virtual political campaigns during the COVID-19 pandemic. By using an enhanced version of the technology acceptance model (TAM), it seeks to understand and quantify their attitudes toward these digital campaign methods. This study can be considered as a bold contribution to the discussion on digital transformation of virtual channels for the promotion of bold innovation and social impact in Kuwait.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was gathered from 82 participants, comprising 47 politicians and 35 campaign managers in Kuwait. A comprehensive method involving both questionnaires and face-to-face interactions was implemented to ensure a thorough collection of relevant data, aiming to support the research’s objectives effectively.

Findings

The results underscore the significant influence of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and the newly integrated factor of perceived convenience on the attitudes toward virtual political campaigns. These factors collectively shape the willingness and approach of political entities in embracing digital campaigning avenues. The findings also indicate that digital transformation in the design and implementation of virtual campaigns can be grounded on positive attitudes and perceptions.

Originality/value

The research fills a critical gap in existing literature by examining large-scale attitudes toward virtual political campaigns in Kuwait’s unique context. It offers novel understandings of how political figures and campaign managers perceive and adapt to technological advancements in campaign strategies, mainly during unprecedented crisis times like the COVID-19 pandemic. This study contributes to academic discourse and has practical implications for the evolution of political campaigning strategies in a digital age. A direct implication of our study is also the need to promote further future research on the capacity of digitally transformed channels for political campaigns to be venues of bold innovation. It also highlights the need to provide citizens with training and awareness for this new era of prompt responses to their requirements toward sustainable development and innovation.
Being in a meaningful context. Nature and animal‐assisted activities as perceived by adults with autism
Authors: Gunnarsson A. Birgitta , Aurin Ingrid Edvardsson , Holmberg Sara
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Animal‐assisted and nature‐based interventions in psychosocial treatment for various groups of clients have been studied internationally. However, there is little knowledge about how young adults with autism experience participation in such types of interventions. This clinical study aimed to describe the feasibility of animal‐assisted and nature‐based activities on a farm as a complementary intervention for young adults with autism and social withdrawal.

Methods

The participants were aged 18–30 years, diagnosed with autism and social withdrawal, with no organised occupation during the previous year. Eleven of 13 participants completed a 12‐week intervention in small groups. They took part in interviews before and after, which focused on their current life situation and expectations about, and experiences of the intervention. The feasibility was described in terms of participants' characteristics, attendance, and their experiences of participating in the activity. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis.

Consumer and community involvement

The intervention was formed in collaboration with participating supervisors, ordinary clinical staff, and a young woman with a user perspective.

Findings

The level of feasibility was found to be high. The mean participation rate during the activity days was 75% and varied from 50 to 100%. The analysis of the participants' experiences from the activity generated three categories, “Being in a meaningful context”, “Creating a comfort zone” and “Developing structure in everyday life”, and each of these included sub‐categories.

Conclusion

The main categories revealed a dynamic process based in meaningfulness, comfort and structure in everyday life. The positive experiences of undemanding activities, emotional relationships and non‐verbal communication with the horses were prominent and might facilitate the development of social interaction. However, the intervention's timeframe of 12 weeks was experienced as too short for long‐lasting change.
CULTIVATING FOOD JUSTICE: Redefining Harvest Sales for Sustainable Urban Agriculture in Low‐Income Cape Town post Covid‐19
Authors: Kanosvamhira Tinashe P.
Published: February 2024

It is well established that urban community gardens (UCGs) can either challenge or reinforce neoliberal urbanism. This duality is especially evident among UCGs that sell garden harvests for income generation. In this article I therefore examine UCGs in low‐income areas of Cape Town, South Africa, to understand how they might sell their harvests while countering the neoliberal food system in cities of the global South. I draw on qualitative fieldwork, including observations and semi‐structured interviews with UCG representatives and civil society actors. Most harvests are currently sold to high‐end venues through intermediary actors in civil society organizations (CSOs) and non‐governmental organizations (NGOs). However, this approach disregards the local community's socioeconomic conditions and undermines community gardens’ nutritional objectives. Yet, under specific scenarios, the sale of garden harvests could mitigate the persistent food injustice in Cape Town's low‐income areas. In this article I introduce a model for harvest sales that advances sustainable urban agriculture and fosters food justice in neoliberal cities in the global South.
Qualitative evaluation of factors affecting the undesirable fat emulsion disruption during the processing of high‐fat cream
Authors: Singh Lovepreet , Vashisht Pranav , Ewonus Morgan , Talbot Henry , Lierman Jared , McCoy Dan , Murphy John , Christiansen Steve
Published: February 2024

Handling and transportation of high‐fat cream needs to be done gently; otherwise, undesirable destabilisation of the fat emulsion is likely to occur. This study delves into the processing factors that cause the disruption of fat emulsion in high‐fat cream. The cream viscosity was 48.6 mPa.s at 7.2°C. Results revealed that pump screw pitches of 32 and 43 mm and rotational speeds of 264 and 464 LPM were the significant factors that caused the butter formation in the cream. There was significant emulsion breakdown, regardless of the degree of fat crystallisation at 6.5 ± 0.5°C for a minimum of 12 h.
Tracing copper flows in Pakistan: A substance flow analysis approach
Authors: Rabab Nida , Geng Yong , Houssini Khaoula , Liang Jingjing
Published: February 2024

Copper is essential to the global economy and plays a significant role in the global energy transition towards low carbon development. This study investigates copper metabolism in Pakistan from 2005 to 2020 by using a substance flow analysis (SFA) method so that valuable insights can be obtained for supporting sustainable copper utilization in Pakistan where the mineral sector contributes greatly to the national development. Our results show that over 75.83% of the mined copper has been consumed domestically, and a large amount of copper ores has been imported to support domestic consumption. The recovery efficiency of copper was 57.37%, 89.90%, 71.96%, 68.12%, and 75.84% in the stages of mining, smelting, fabrication, manufacturing, and local use, respectively. The cumulative copper loss reached 90.34 kt during this study period, indicating that it is urgent to improve copper recycling. In summary, these findings provide valuable implications to those policy‐makers so that they can prepare appropriate copper management policies to improve the overall copper resource efficiency.
Neonatal seizures revealing a ruptured congenital arterial aneurysm: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Badr F. , Chemsi M. , Badre A. , Lehlimi M. , Derrak L. , Chbani K. , Salam S. , Habzi A. , Ibahioin K. , Benomar O.
Published: February 2024

Neonatal seizures are a frequently encountered neurological condition, with intracranial aneurysms being a rare but notable cause. Cerebellar imaging plays a pivotal role in their diagnosis. Treatment options are microsurgery or embolisation. In this report, we present the case of a 26‐day‐old neonate who experienced a neonatal seizure, revealing a ruptured aneurysm. The condition was successfully treated surgically, resulting in a favourable outcome.
Novel antioxidant peptides from sheep plasma protein hydrolysates: Purification, identification and cytoprotective effects against H2O2‐induced oxidative stress
Authors: Jingyun Wang , Zehao Ma , Hongyan Yu , Xingyu Liu , Doudou Cao , Shiling Lu
Published: February 2024

This study sought to purify and identify antioxidant peptides from sheep (Ovis aries) plasma protein hydrolysates and assess their protective impacts on H2O2‐induced Caco‐2 cells. The purification process involved reversed high‐performance liquid chromatography, anion‐exchange chromatography, and Sephadex G‐25. Three peptides, namely Trp‐Glu‐Glu‐Pro‐Ala‐Met (WEEPAM), Ser‐Leu‐His‐Phe‐Met‐Glu (SLHFME), and His‐Cys‐Thr‐Thr‐Phe‐Met‐Ile, with molecular weights of 761.84, 762.87, and 852.03 Da, respectively, were identified by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Among the three antioxidant peptides, superoxide radical (O2−) radical scavenging capacity of WEEPAM and SLHFME was not significantly different from glutathione (GSH) (p > 0.05), while their 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity was greater than GSH (p < 0.05). WEEPAM revealed increased antioxidant activity after pepsin and trypsin hydrolysis under an in vitro digestion model. In addition, WEEPAM inhibited oxidative damage in Caco‐2 cells by significantly reducing reactive oxygen species accumulation, early apoptosis, malondialdehyde formation, and increasing intracellular superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activities.
Postoperative ctDNA in indicating the recurrence risk and monitoring the effect of adjuvant therapy in surgical non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Tian Xiaoru , Liu Xingsheng , Wang Kai , Wang Ruotian , Li Yuanbo , Qian Kun , Wang Tengteng , Zhao Xin , Liu Lei , Zhang Pei Long , Xiong Yuanyuan , Rui Jinqiu , Chen Rongrong , Zhang Yi
Published: February 2024

Background

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has emerged as a potential novel biomarker to predict molecular residual disease (MRD) in lung cancer after definitive treatment. Herein, we investigated the value of ctDNA in prognosing risk of relapse and monitoring the effect of adjuvant therapy in surgical non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

We enrolled 58 NSCLC patients in a real‐world setting, and 58 tumor tissues and 325 plasma samples were analyzed. Tumor tissues and plasma samples were subjected to targeted next‐generation sequencing (NGS) of 1021 cancer‐related and ultra‐deep targeted NGS covering 338 genes, respectively.

Results

ctDNA was detected in 31.0% of cases at the first postoperative time, which was associated with advanced tumor stage, T stage and KEAP1 or GRIN2A mutations in tissues. ctDNA positivity at landmark and longitudinal indicated the shorter disease‐free survival. For patients with ctDNA positivity at the first postoperative time, regardless of adjuvant therapy, all patients who were persistently ctDNA positive during postoperative surveillance had disease recurrence. Among the patients who were ctDNA negative, only two patients (15.4%, 2/13) receiving adjuvant therapy relapsed, while one patient (50.0%, 1/2) without adjuvant therapy relapsed. For the first postoperative ctDNA negative patients, the recurrence rate of patients with adjuvant therapy was and higher than without adjuvant therapy (22.6% [7/31] vs. 11.1% [1/9]). The patients who became ctDNA positive may also benefit from intervention therapy.

Conclusion

Postoperative ctDNA is a prognostic marker, and ctDNA‐detection may facilitate personalized adjuvant therapy, and applying adjuvant therapy to the patients with detectable ctDNA could bring clinical benefits for them.
Neolithic stone tool and shell bead production from Maṣīrah and Al‐Ḥallāniyah islands (Oman)
Authors: Thomas Rémy , Crassard Rémy , Vosges Jérémie , Charpentier Vincent
Published: February 2024

In Oman, many coastal sites dated to the Neolithic have yielded material culture related to ornament manufacture. These sites are the remnants of fishermen occupations, developing an economy mainly based on maritime and mangrove resources. The Omani islands of Maṣīrah and Al‐Ḥallāniyah are both situated in the Arabian Sea. Today, Maṣīrah is located about 20 km from the continent, while Al‐Ḥallāniyah is part of the Khurīyā Murīyā archipelago off the southern coast of Oman. On Maṣīrah, workshops have been discovered in Neolithic shell middens, revealing the work of stone and Spondylus sp. shells for bead production, using lithic tools. Separated by approximately 400 km from Maṣīrah, Al‐Ḥallāniyah yielded several Neolithic sites with similar evidence for shell bead production. The main lithic tools discovered are micro‐drills, pièces esquillées (splintered pieces) made of local chert, and multitasking tools made of stone, used as anvils, hammerstone and/or polishing stone. Most of the micro‐drills are made from bladelets either with sharped edges or with steep edges and testify to predetermined knapping operations. However, others created on undifferentiated flakes appear to be more opportunistic (or expedient). Micro‐drills of the Maṣīrah and Al‐Ḥallāniyah types seem to be quite new to the Neolithic toolkit of coastal Oman. Pièces esquillées demonstrate the use of bipolar flaking (performed on an anvil) but functional questions remain. These could be cores, but also chisels used between a hammer and a material (shell) placed on an anvil. Stone tools show marks that are characteristic of use as hammers, anvils and as tools used to polish the beads after perforation.
Serum creatinine is an unreliable marker of renal function in patients undergoing heart transplantation
Authors: Tholén Maria , Lannemyr Lukas , Møller‐Sørensen Hasse , Ricksten Sven‐Erik
Published: February 2024

Background

Renal dysfunction is a common complication after heart transplantation (Htx). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) can be assessed by various estimating equations (eGFR). We evaluated the correlation, agreement, and accuracy between eGFR and mGFR and the ability of eGFR to track changes in mGFR early after Htx.

Methods

A single‐center prospective observational study on 55 patients undergoing Htx. Serum creatinine and mGFR (plasma clearance of Cr51‐EDTA or iohexol) were measured preoperatively and on the fourth postoperative day. The accuracy of eGFR to predict true mGFR was calculated as the percentage of patients with an eGFR within 30% of mGFR (P30). The agreement between eGFR and mGFR was assessed according to Bland and Altman. A four‐quadrant plot was made to evaluate the ability of eGFR to track changes in mGFR.

Results

The accuracy of eGFR to assess mGFR was 52%. The bias was 11.2 ± 17.4 mL/min/1.72 m2. The limits of agreement were −23.0 to 45.4 mL/min/1.72 m2 and the error 58%. The concordance rate between eGFR and mGFR was 72%.

Conclusions

eGFR underestimated mGFR and the agreement between eGFR and mGFR was low with an unacceptably large between‐group error and low accuracy. Furthermore, the ability of eGFR to assess changes in mGFR, postoperatively, was poor. Thus, the use of estimating equations from serum creatinine will not adequately assess renal function early after major heart surgery. To gain adequate information on renal function early after Htx, GFR needs to be measured, not estimated.
The spillover effects of managers' evasiveness: Evidence from earnings communication conferences
Authors: Yang Baochen , Ren Xiaoning , Liu Yifang
Published: February 2024

We investigate how managers' evasiveness affects peer firms' stock returns. Managers' evasiveness is measured by the degree of managers' irrelevant answers and non‐answers during earnings communication conferences. Our results show that peer firms' investors react negatively to managers' evasiveness. Moreover, we find that the spillover effects are stronger for peer firms with lower information transparency, and the leading firms with a higher market power or a higher leverage ratio.
Earnings management in the post‐IPO years and their impact on the long‐run stock performance of foreign versus domestic IPO firms
Authors: Haman Janto , Lu Wei , Naidu Dharmendra
Published: February 2024

Using a matched sample of foreign and domestic IPO firm listings on US stock exchanges, we find that foreign IPO firms are associated with significantly higher upward earnings management via discretionary (abnormal) long‐term accruals in the first 2 years post‐IPO year, and lower long‐run stock returns in the 3 years post‐listing, compared to US domestic IPO firms. Our results also show that the lower long‐run stock returns of foreign IPO firms are associated with their higher discretionary long‐term accruals. We provide further evidence that institutional investors can mitigate lower long‐run stock returns of foreign IPO firms compared with US domestic IPO firms.
Global cryptocurrency use, corruption, and the shadow economy: New insights into the underlying linkages
Authors: Berdiev Aziz N. , Goel Rajeev K. , Saunoris James W.
Published: February 2024

The recent prevalence of digital currencies has challenged policymakers as they try to control the supply of money and rein in clandestine activities. Corruption and shadow economy are widely prevalent illegal/unobserved activities that have been hard to eliminate worldwide. These longstanding and entrenched activities have possibly found a new avenue to thrive and evade detection/punishment. So disentangling the nexus between corruption, shadow economy, and digital currencies is important. Using recent cross‐country data, this paper analyzes the interrelationships between corruption, shadow economy, and cryptocurrencies. We argue that a large underground sector in a nation provides a mechanism through which corrupt government officials use cryptocurrencies to conceal their unauthorized earnings. Employing formal mediation analysis, our results show that the positive nexus between corruption and cryptocurrency adoption is mediated by the shadow sector. Quantitatively speaking, three‐fourths of the correlation between corruption and cryptocurrency usage is mediated by the shadow economy. The primary implication of our findings is that effective monitoring of cryptocurrencies should pay attention to policies to control both corruption and the shadow economy.
The commitment of farmers to traditional and hybrid cooperatives: Empirical evidence over a six‐year period
Authors: Hansen Rebecca , Hess Sebastian , Nilsson Jerker , Ollila Petri
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the commitment of farmer members to traditional and hybrid cooperatives, and examines how and why their commitment has changed over time. The empirical basis consists of three surveys of representative samples of Finnish farmers conducted in 2010, 2013 and 2016. Dairy cooperatives in Finland have a traditional organizational form. Animal breeders deliver to hybrid cooperatives that have some external investors, but farmers have the majority of the votes. In both industries, the farmers are committed to their cooperatives and increasingly so over the years. This is particularly true of dairy farmers. However, the members’ commitment is based more on their satisfaction with the cooperatives’ business activities rather than on any cohesion within the cooperative societies. One explanation for this is that primary agriculture is becoming more consolidated, with fewer but larger farms whose owners are business oriented and professional.
Evaluating how extended reality delivery device and preservice teacher major impact presence in immersive learning environments
Authors: Gandolfi Enrico , Ferdig Richard E. , Kosko Karl W.
Published: February 2024

Teacher education has begun to embrace the use of 360 videos to improve preservice teachers' (PSTs) engagement and immersion. While recent research on such use is promising overall, there are specific questions that have been left unanswered about the construct of presence in 360 videos. More specifically, research has yet to fully explore how video delivery devices and PST characteristics may impact presence. The purpose of this study was to respond to this gap in the literature by examining PST major, delivery device (ie, head mounted display vs. flat screen), and the interaction between the two in informing presence. A total of 93 PSTs watched 360 videos and then completed a questionnaire. Findings indicated that presence in head‐mounted displays was related to emotions and agency. Conversely, presence with flat screens meant familiarity and control. Moreover, PST major was a predictor of presence, suggesting that 360 videos should be personalized according to PST career and professional goals. Finally, the interaction effect of preparing to teach K‐12 mathematics and wearing a head‐mounted display had a negative and statistically significant effect on participants' perceived presence, thus indicating a non‐cumulative effect.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

360 videos are increasingly used to support preservice teacher training.

360 videos for teacher education foster immersion, presence, and noticing skills.

What this paper adds

Empirical evidence that 360 videos experienced with head‐mounted display facilitate agency and emotional involvement.

Empirical evidence that 360 videos experienced with flat screens facilitate feelings of control.

Data showed that preservice teachers' content area (math) was a positive predictor of presence in 360 videos.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Head‐mounted displays show promise as a delivery mode for 360 videos in teacher education.

360 videos should be personalized according to PST career and professional goals.

The eXtended Reality Presence Scale is confirmed as a robust instrument to measure presence in immersive environments.

More research is needed to evaluate the scalability of this approach in other contexts.
Genome‐wide association study of cardiometabolic multimorbidity in the UK Biobank
Authors: Zhao Chenxuan , Ma Tianqi , Cheng Xunjie , Zhang Guogang , Bai Yongping
Published: February 2024

Considering the high prevalence and poor prognosis of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM), identifying causal factors and actively implementing preventive measures is crucial. However, Mendelian randomization (MR), a key method for identifying the causal factors of CMM, requires knowledge of the effects of SNPs on CMM, which remain unknown. We first analyzed the genetic overlap of single cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) using the latest genome‐wide association study (GWAS) for evidential support and comparison. We observed strong positive genetic correlations and shared loci among all CMDs. Further, GWAS and post‐GWAS analyses of CMM were performed in 407 949 European ancestry individuals from the UK Biobank. Eleven loci and 12 lead SNPs were identified. By comparison, we found these SNPs were a subset of SNPs associated with CMDs, including both shared and non‐shared SNPs. Then, the polygenic risk score model predicted the risk of CMM (C‐index = 0.62) and we identified candidate genes related to lipid metabolism and immune function. Finally, as an example, two‐sample MR analysis based on the GWAS revealed potential causal effects of total cholesterol, serum urate, body mass index, and smoking on CMM. These results provide a basis for future MR research and inspire future studies on the mechanism and prevention of CMM.
Glycaemic control and macrovascular and microvascular outcomes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of trials investigating intensive glucose‐lowering strategies in people with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kunutsor Setor K. , Balasubramanian Victoria G. , Zaccardi Francesco , Gillies Clare L. , Aroda Vanita R. , Seidu Samuel , Khunti Kamlesh
Published: February 2024

Aim

We aimed to determine the macrovascular and microvascular outcomes of intensive versus standard glucose‐lowering strategies in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and investigate the relationships between these outcomes and trial arm glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) reduction.

Materials and Methods

In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we identified relevant trials from MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and bibliographies up to August 2023. Macrovascular and microvascular outcomes, along with safety outcomes, were evaluated. Pooled study‐specific hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and meta‐regression was employed to analyse the relationships between outcomes and HbA1c reduction.

Results

We included 11 unique RCTs involving 51 469 patients with T2D (intensive therapy, N = 26 691; standard therapy, N = 24 778). Intensive versus standard therapy reduced the risk of non‐fatal myocardial infarction (MI) (HR 0.84; 95% CI 0.75‐0.94) with no difference in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (HR 0.97; 95% CI 0.92‐1.03) and other adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Intensive versus standard therapy reduced the risk of retinopathy (HR 0.85; 0.78‐0.93), nephropathy (HR 0.71; 0.58‐0.87) and composite microvascular outcomes (HR 0.88; 0.77‐1.00). Meta‐regression analyses showed modest evidence of inverse linear relationships between HbA1c reduction and the outcomes of major adverse cardiovascular events, non‐fatal MI, stroke and retinopathy, but these were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

In people with T2D, intensive glucose control was associated with a reduced risk of non‐fatal MI and several microvascular outcomes, particularly retinopathy and nephropathy. The lack of an effect of intensive glucose‐lowering on most macrovascular outcomes calls for a more comprehensive approach to managing cardiovascular risk factors alongside glycaemic control.
Clinically relevant stratification of patients with type 2 diabetes by using continuous glucose monitoring data
Authors: Shao Xiaopeng , Lu Jingyi , Tao Rui , Wu Liang , Wang Yaxin , Lu Wei , Li Hongru , Zhou Jian , Yu Xia
Published: February 2024

Aim

The wealth of data generated by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) provides new opportunities for revealing heterogeneities in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We aimed to develop a method using CGM data to discover T2DM subtypes and investigate their relationship with clinical phenotypes and microvascular complications.

Methods

The data from 3119 patients with T2DM who wore blinded CGM at an academic medical centre was collected, and a glucose symbolic pattern (GSP) metric was created that combined knowledge‐based temporal abstraction with numerical vectorization. The k‐means clustering was applied to GSP to obtain subgroups of patients with T2DM. Clinical characteristics and the presence of diabetic retinopathy and albuminuria were compared among the subgroups. The findings were validated in an independent population comprising 773 patients with T2DM.

Results

By using GSP, four subgroups were identified with distinct features in CGM profiles and parameters. Moreover, the clustered subgroups differed significantly in clinical phenotypes, including indices of pancreatic β‐cell function and insulin resistance (all p < .001). After adjusting for confounders, group C (the most insulin resistant) had a significantly higher risk of albuminuria (odds ratio = 1.24, 95% confidence interval: 1.03‐1.39) relative to group D, which had the best glucose control. These findings were confirmed in the validation set.

Conclusion

Subtyping patients with T2DM using CGM data may help identify high‐risk patients for microvascular complications and provide insights into the underlying pathophysiology. This method may help refine clinically meaningful stratification of patients with T2DM and inform personalized diabetes care.
The anterior retrosplenial cortex is required for short‐term object in place recognition memory retrieval: Role of ionotropic glutamate receptors in male and female Long–Evans rats
Authors: McElroy Dan L. , Sabir Hassaan , Glass Aiden E. , Greba Quentin , Howland John G.
Published: February 2024

The anterior retrosplenial cortex (aRSC) integrates multimodal sensory information into cohesive associative recognition memories. Little is known about how information is integrated during different learning phases (i.e., encoding and retrieval). Additionally, sex differences are observed in performance of some visuospatial memory tasks; however, inconsistent findings warrant more research. We conducted three experiments using the 1‐h delay object‐in‐place (1‐h OiP) test to assess recognition memory retrieval in male and female Long–Evans rats. (i) We found both sexes performed equally in three repeated 1‐h OiP test sessions. (ii) We showed infusions of a mixture of muscimol/baclofen (GABAA/B receptor agonists) into the aRSC ~15‐min prior to the test phase disrupted 1‐h OiP in both sexes. (iii) We assessed the role of aRSC ionotropic glutamate receptors in 1‐h OiP retrieval using another squad of cannulated rats and confirmed that infusions of either the competitive AMPA/Kainate receptor antagonist CNQX (3 mM) or competitive NMDA receptor antagonist AP‐5 (30 mM) (volumes = 0.50 uL/side) significantly impaired 1‐h OiP retrieval in both sexes compared to controls. Taken together, findings challenge reported sex differences and clearly establish a role for aRSC ionotropic glutamate receptors in short‐term visuospatial recognition memory retrieval. Thus, modulating neural activity in the aRSC may alleviate some memory processing impairments in related disorders.