bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spin-Degeneracy Breaking and Parity Transitions in Three-Terminal Josephson Junctions
Authors: Coraiola M. , Haxell D. Z. , Sabonis D. , Hinderling M. , Kate S. C. ten , Cheah E. , Krizek F. , Schott R. , Wegscheider W. , Nichele F.
Published: August 2024

Hybrid Josephson junctions (JJs) realized in superconductor-semiconductor heterostructures host fermionic modes known as Andreev bound states (ABSs). In these structures, a promising and yet unexplored avenue for harnessing spin and parity degrees of freedom is offered by JJs with three or more superconducting terminals, where phase-induced spin polarization and transitions of the ground state to an odd parity were predicted to arise. Here we spectroscopically probe the two-dimensional band structure of ABSs in a phase-controlled InAs/Al three-terminal JJ. Andreev bands show signatures of spin-degeneracy breaking, with level splitting in excess of ∼9  GHz, and zero-energy crossings associated to ground state fermion parity transitions. Spin splitting and parity transitions are enabled and controlled by locally applied magnetic fluxes, in the absence of Zeeman effect or Coulomb blockade. Our results underscore the potential of multiterminal hybrid devices for phase engineering ABSs, with significant implications for spin- and parity-based quantum devices.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Uncovering Universal Characteristics of Homing Paths using Foraging Robots
Authors: Paramanick Somnath , Biswas Arup , Soni Harsh , Pal Arnab , Kumar Nitin
Published: August 2024

Homing–the incredible ability of animals to navigate back to their homes from unfamiliar places is surprisingly widespread and crucial for their survival. However, the physical understanding of this phenomenon is not yet developed. Here we use a light-controlled robot mimicking foraging and homing behavior to investigate this phenomenon. The robot as a forager is a self-propelled active particle programed to undergo an in-plane active Brownian (AB) motion whose velocity vector v undergoes rotational diffusion of magnitude Dr. During the homing phase, the robot undergoes guided motion toward a positive light gradient aided by repeated reorientations, directing it back to its home. Our key finding is an interesting optimal behavior where the mean homing time becomes independent of Dr beyond a critical value posited as a signature of enhanced efficiency. We develop a first-passage-based theoretical model of homing motion, which elucidates this finding as well as accurately captures quantitative features of the homing trajectories in the form of temporal autocorrelation function of the robot's orientation. Inspired by the paradigm of stochastic resetting processes, we also perform an alternative homing motion in a computer, which integrates an AB motion with course correction resets, corroborating our experimental findings. Finally, we test our model on the publicly available data on homing pigeons and capture similar key characteristics of the homing trajectories. Together, these results offer valuable insights into the physics of homing dynamics, providing a statistical basis for its robustness across the animal kingdom.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Concerning the structures of Lewis base adducts of titanium(IV) hexafluoroisopropoxide
Authors: Van Der Sluys William G.
Published: August 2024

The reaction of titanium(IV) chloride with sodium hexafluoroisopropoxide, carried out in hexafluoroisopropanol, produces titanium(IV) hexafluoroisopropoxide, which is a liquid at room temperature. Recrystallization from coordinating solvents, such as acetonitrile or tetrahydrofuran, results in the formation of bis-solvate complexes. These compounds are of interest as possible Ziegler–Natta polymerization catalysts. The acetonitrile complex had been structurally characterized previously and adopts a distorted octahedral structure in which the nitrile ligands adopt a cis configuration, with nitrogen lone pairs coordinated to the metal. The low-melting tetrahydrofuran complex has not provided crystals suitable for single-crystal X-ray analysis. However, the structure of chloridotris(hexafluoroisopropoxido-κO)bis(tetrahydrofuran-κO)titanium(IV), [Ti(C3HF6O)3Cl(C4H8O)2], has been obtained and adopts a distorted octahedral coordination geometry, with a facial arrangement of the alkoxide ligands and adjacent tetrahydrofuran ligands, coordinated by way of metal–oxygen polar coordinate interactions.
Synthesis and crystal structure of 1,3-bis(acetoxymethyl)-5-{[(4,6-dimethylpyridin-2-yl)amino]methyl}-2,4,6-triethylbenzene
Authors: Stapf Manuel , Miyyapuram Venugopal Rao , Seichter Wilhelm , Mazik Monika
Published: August 2024

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C26H36N2O4, the tripodal molecule exists in a conformation in which the substituents attached to the central arene ring are arranged in an alternating order above and below the ring plane. The heterocyclic unit is inclined at an angle of 79.6 (1)° with respect to the plane of the benzene ring. In the crystal, the molecules are connected via N—H...O bonds, forming infinite supramolecular strands. Interstrand association involves weak C—H...O and C—H...π interactions, with the pyridine ring acting as an acceptor in the latter case.
A comparative analysis of job satisfaction prediction models using machine learning: a mixed-method approach
Authors: Kim Jaekyeong , Chang Pil-Sik , Yang Sung-Byung , Choi Ilyoung , Lee Byunghyun
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Because the food service industry is more dependent on customer contact and human resources than other industries, it is crucial to understand the factors influencing employee job satisfaction to ensure that employees provide satisfactory service to customers. However, few studies have incorporated employee reviews of job portals into their research. Many job seekers tend to trust company reviews posted by employees on job portals based on the information provided by the company itself. Thus, this study utilized company reviews and job satisfaction ratings from employees in the food service industry on a job portal site, Job Planet, to conduct mixed-method research.

Design/methodology/approach

For qualitative research, we applied the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model to food service industry company reviews to identify 10 job satisfaction factors considered important by employees. For quantitative research, four algorithms were used to predict job satisfaction ratings: regression tree, multilayer perceptron (MLP), random forest and XGBoost. Thus, we generated predictor variables for six cases using the probability values of topics and job satisfaction ratings on a five-point scale through LDA and used them to build prediction algorithms.

Findings

The analysis showed that algorithm accuracy performed differently in each of the six cases, and overall, factors such as work-life balance and work environment have a significant impact on predicting job satisfaction ratings.

Originality/value

This study is significant because its methodology and results suggest a new approach based on data analysis in the field of human resources, which can contribute to the operation and planning of corporate human resources management in the future.
Exploring market expansion dilemmas: the case of Aquawhite
Authors: Sharma Ridhima Bhanot , Dass Sumanjit
Published: August 2024

Learning outcomes

After completion of the case study, the students will be able to understand the complexity of diversification and market expansion strategies in a growing consumer-driven market context, apply strategic frameworks to analyze the Indian oral care market, analyze brand positioning principles to develop a marketing strategy for Aquawhite and evaluate and identify the pros and cons of the various decisions taken during market diversification.

Case overview/synopsis

This case study seeks to examine the market expansion dilemmas faced by Aquawhite, a brand in the oral health-care sector, and the role of key decision-makers in addressing these challenges. This case study aims to provide insights into the complexities of brand extension and market expansion strategies in the context of a developing consumer-driven market. This case study is structured as a qualitative analysis based on publicly available information, including Aquawhite’s historical data, market trends and industry reports. Additionally, insights from relevant interviews with key stakeholders within the company have been considered to present a comprehensive view. This case study highlights the dilemmas faced by Aquawhite as it navigates market expansion. It reveals the critical role of Nikhil Nanda, the managing director in addressing these dilemmas and shaping the brand’s future. This case study emphasizes the need for a strategic approach that balances market dynamics with brand identity.

Complexity academic level

This case study is suitable for use in undergraduate and postgraduate-level courses on marketing management and strategic management. This case study provides insights into brand development, market entry and expansion strategies. It can be used to discuss the marketing mix, segmentation and targeting, as well as competitive analysis.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing.
Social media adoption as a marketing communication tool by non-professional sports clubs: a multiple case study approach
Authors: Marthinus Justin , Duffett Rodney Graeme , Knott Brendon
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Social media has revolutionized marketing communication (MC). Rugby is South Africa’s most professionalized sport, leading the industry in its business management structure as well as its high-performance achievements. However, below the professional level, local rugby clubs face a large disparity compared to their professional counterparts, often relying on volunteers or part-time employees to manage the organizations. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate how non-professional rugby clubs use social media as a MC tool.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was exploratory, and a cross-sectional sample of twelve organizations was selected and employed a multiple case study approach. Club managers responsible for MC or social media participated in semi-structured interviews. The qualitative data analysis software, ATLAS.ti, facilitated the researchers’ use of an inductive approach to develop codes and themes for further analysis.

Findings

The findings revealed a high level of adoption of social media by the multiple cases (i.e. rugby sports club respondents), with only slight variations in the usage of specific social media applications (viz., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and WhatsApp). The sports clubs perceived that employing social media added substantial value to their MC. There were six emergent themes related to the organization’s perceived benefits from adopting social media MC, namely: brand awareness, relationship-building, player recruitment, attracting sponsors, storytelling, and information sharing.

Originality/value

The study makes a novel contribution in terms of how rugby clubs use social media as an MC tool. The paper advances scant knowledge and awareness of the relationship between South Africa’s sports marketing and social media. The conclusions will aid non-professional sports organizations in enhancing the effectiveness of their social media marketing by ensuring that their objectives and target audiences are well-defined.
Sector-wise earning differential: empirical evidence on segmentation theory from Pakistan
Authors: Riaz Shumaila , Faridi Muhammad Zahir
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Segmentation theory argues that the labor market is composed of a variety of non-competing segments between which rewards to human capital are determined by institutional structures. This paper presents new evidence on sector-wise earning differential for both male and female samples to assess the implications of segmentation theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data is collected through simple random sampling technique with a survey questionnaire from 954 employed individuals of Southern Punjab, the less developed region of Pakistan. OAXACA decomposition technique is adopted to estimate earning differential.

Findings

Empirical estimates of OAXACA decomposition reveal that the extent of discrimination between public and private sector is greater in case of females than in male samples. Education and region are crucial factors behind sector-wise earning differential for both male and female samples. Job characteristics are more valued than occupation to explain sector-wise earning differential. Occupation largely contributes to explain public–private sector earning differential in male sample than in female sample. Moreover, job security is highly valued by females than males.

Originality/value

Segmentation of the institutional structure in a developing economy is empirically verified by using primary data due to non-availability of data on some variables from secondary data sources. This study attempts to explore the key factors of public–private sector wage differential for male and female samples separately due to the differences in their preferences for work and earning functions.
Enabling technology hand in hand with enabling practices
Authors: Schulz Ann Christin , Cürlis Diana , Goretzky Carina , Krüger Daniel , Pelka Bastian , Preissner Lisa
Published: August 2024

Purpose

In the project “Working the way I want” (AWIEW), people with and without disabilities are co-creating a needs assessment tool (NAT) to support participation in the labour market. This tool will include a technological solution at its core and a set of tested new social practices for its successful application in Germany.

Design/methodology/approach

The AWIEW project combines several methods and a participatory approach from different disciplines in a transdisciplinary project design. At the micro level, the participatory design approach is used to jointly develop the digital tool with people with disabilities (PWD). At the meso level, semi-structured interviews are used to gather data from different stakeholders in the PWD’ social ecosystem to uncover factors facilitating or hindering the successful transition of PWD to the labour market.

Findings

This paper discusses how transdisciplinary results can be incorporated into the development of a tool that supports PWD in navigating their occupational orientation processes. Some preliminary findings are: (a) Vocational orientation for PWD often starts with difficulties in imagining a future job; participative designs need to start from this premise. (b) PWD’ knowledge about the labour market depends on information provided by their social ecosystem; thus, research and design must take this ecosystem into account. (c) Welfare organisations instil a feeling of security and competence within their structures that has to be considered in needs assessment – both as a hindering and an empowering factor.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the importance of combining a digital solution and new practices for a promising approach towards enhancing the participation of PWD in the labour market.
Female directors' representation and firm carbon emissions performance: does family control matter?
Authors: Oussii Ahmed Atef , Jeriji Maher
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study investigates whether female board representation reduces carbon emissions in French-listed companies. It also analyzes to what extent and in what direction family control moderates this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected data from nonfinancial French-listed companies between 2017 and 2022, totalizing 468 firm-year observations. Then, the data were analyzed using linear regression models with panel data.

Findings

Findings show that board diversity improves firms' emission reduction performance, suggesting that women on board constitute a valuable resource that can bring distinctive management styles to improve carbon emission performance. Furthermore, the carbon performance-favorable orientation of women on board tends to be weaker, according to the family’s interests and wishes.

Practical implications

This research highlights that female directors help boards address carbon risk only in nonfamily firms. Our study also supports policymakers' efforts to improve diversity in the board of directors through the mandatory female directorship quota of 40% since 2011 in France.

Originality/value

This study extends past literature by providing new insights into the effect of board gender diversity and family control on carbon emissions performance in the French context, which is characterized by an increasing trend for higher carbon engagement by listed firms in France, mainly after the Paris Agreement.
The role of intellectual capital on zakat performance: insight from Indonesia
Authors: Zakiy Faris Shalahuddin , Falikhatun Falikhatun
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This research aims to examine the impact of intellectual capital on zakat performance in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample examined in this study consists of 39 zakat management organizations, encompassing 241 observations from 2010 to 2022. Zakat performance is measured using zakat excess efficiency score to align with the characteristics of zakat management organizations. The independent variables in this study are proxied by the components of intellectual capital. Data is analyzed using a panel data estimation technique.

Findings

The empirical findings indicate that human capital efficiency and capital employed efficiency positively and significantly impact zakat performance. In contrast, structural capital efficiency does not impact zakat performance. Meanwhile, value added intellectual coefficient positively and significantly impacts zakat performance.

Practical implications

The findings in this study highlight the significance of managing intellectual capital in zakat management organizations. Furthermore, this research provides input to mandate the amil to undergo certification, develop information technology in zakat management, and enhance synergy among zakat management organizations in zakat distribution. Additionally, zakat regulators must oversee and standardize zakat management according to what is stipulated in the zakat core principles.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies using secondary data to examine intellectual capital and zakat performance in Indonesia.
Organic management improved the multifunctionality in recolonization soil by increasing microbial diversity and function
Authors: Yu Taobing , Yang Ruoqi , Jie Xintian , Lian Tengxiang , Zang Huadong , Zeng Zhaohai , Yang Yadong
Published: August 2024

Organic management enhances the formation of distinct and stable soil microbial communities, however, its influence on the temporal recovery of microbiome and multifunctionality of sterilized soil remains poorly understood.

We used amplicon sequencing and metagenomic sequencing to investigate the effects of microbial communities in long‐term organic and conventional managed soils on restoring soil microbiome and functionality. We calculated multifunctionality of soils at days 30 and 90 of recolonization using the averaging approach.

Results showed that organic management (O) significantly increased alpha diversity, niche width and network complexity of microbial community compared to conventional management (C). The alpha diversity, niche width and network complexity of microbial community in soils with organic soil suspension were significantly increased compared to conventional management at days 30 and 90 of recolonization. Soil multifunctionality of sterilized organic managed soil inoculated with organic soil suspension (OO) was 14.6% to 70.6% higher than that of the rest treatments. Macrogenomic analysis revealed that O significantly enriched functional pathways of ABC transporters, carbon metabolism, biosynthesis of amino acids, two‐component and nitrogen metabolism as well as most of the functional genes for carbon degradation, carbon fixation, nitrogen cycling and phosphorus cycles compared to C. These functional pathways and genes were also significantly enriched in soils with organic soil suspension at day 30 and 90 of recolonization. Furthermore, alpha diversity, niche width, network complexity, functional pathways and functional genes of microbiome correlated positively with soil multifunctionality.

Synthesis and applications. Our results emphasize the importance of organic management induced changes in diversity, network complexity, and functionality of microbial communities for promoting recovery to soil microbial and functional losses, providing the theoretical basis for sustainable impact of organic management in agronomic production on soil microbiome and function.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Evidence‐based support provided to struggling readers in later primary years in the UK: A scoping review
Authors: Üstün‐Yavuz Meryem S. , Brooks Rose , Fricke Silke , Thomson Jenny
Published: August 2024

Background

In the last two decades, a number of empirical studies investigated the impact of UK‐based interventions for struggling readers in later primary years (called Key Stage 2 or KS2 in the UK). However, to date, there are no reviews that look at the extent and nature of the existing UK‐based literature. This scoping review explores the extent of the available literature focusing on struggling readers in KS2 and aims to summarise the findings of available research.

Methods

A scoping review methodology was used, and six databases were searched from 2000 to 2022. The initial search yielded 1236 studies, of which 24 met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review.

Results

Most of the included studies (21 out of 24) demonstrated positive outcomes, and the support provided led to improvement in the reading skills of struggling readers in KS2. The available intervention programmes included a wide range of intensity, varied group sizes and targeted different reading skills. There is currently insufficient evidence to suggest the relative efficacy of one intervention over another.

Conclusions

The review confirmed the need for more robust research in this area and highlighted the importance of learning lessons from the international evidence base.
The quantitative and qualitative analysis of dye in fentanyl tablets via ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy—A forensic approach
Authors: Mitchell Charley K. , Dumke Jonathan C. , Corbett Charlotte A. , Jones Laura M. , Ceniccola‐Campos Kristin E.
Published: August 2024

In the United States, illicit fentanyl is often trafficked as blue tablets mimicking the legitimate M‐30 oxycodone tablet produced by Mallinckrodt. The analysis of dyes extracted from seized fentanyl tablets could provide a useful tool for law enforcement to establish linkages between cases and could prove useful for attributing a seizure to a given trafficking organization. Fentanyl tablet seizures associated with a particular drug trafficking organization (DTO), either through investigative or intelligence information, were used as the sample set for this study. The blue dye from the tablets was isolated by solid phase extraction and then qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed via ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy. This research revealed that the illicit tableting facilities use a different dye than several known pharmaceutical companies. The concentration of dye in individual tablets within a seizure proved to be very minimal, and the small sample size made it difficult to draw linkages from case to case. Analysis of the dyes could not effectively differentiate between the drug trafficking organizations in the tested population due to each DTO using the same dye; however, it is important to note that the dye found was consistent between illicit tablets.
Aging‐associated atrial fibrillation: A comprehensive review focusing on the potential mechanisms
Authors: Wang Meng‐Fei , Hou Can , Jia Fang , Zhong Cheng‐Hao , Xue Cong , Li Jian‐Jun
Published: August 2024

Atrial fibrillation (AF) has been receiving a lot of attention from scientists and clinicians because it is an extremely common clinical condition. Due to its special hemodynamic changes, AF has a high rate of disability and mortality. So far, although AF has some therapeutic means, it is still an incurable disease because of its complex risk factors and pathophysiologic mechanisms, which is a difficult problem for global public health. Age is an important independent risk factor for AF, and the incidence of AF increases with age. To date, there is no comprehensive review on aging‐associated AF. In this review, we systematically discuss the pathophysiologic evidence for aging‐associated AF, and in particular explore the pathophysiologic mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction, telomere attrition, cellular senescence, disabled macroautophagy, and gut dysbiosis involved in recent studies with aging‐associated AF. We hope that by exploring the various dimensions of aging‐associated AF, we can better understand the specific relationship between age and AF, which may be crucial for innovative treatments of aging‐associated AF.
Rocky outcrops form islands of high and unique tree biodiversity within an ocean of grass in Serengeti National Park
Authors: van der Plas Fons , Olff Han
Published: August 2024

African savannahs are characterised by a high plant diversity, partly resulting from a high turnover in community compositions across space. However, it is poorly understood what is driving this spatial turnover in plant communities. Here, we investigate to which extent the presence of rocky outcrops (also called kopjes) explains the community composition of trees in an African savannah, and how we can understand the responses of tree species to rocky outcrops by their functional traits. Along a precipitation gradient, we visited 24 sites in Serengeti National Park (Tanzania). At each site, we characterised tree communities, as well as their functional traits, in both a kopje and an adjacent open savannah plot (matrix plot). We found that kopjes harboured elevated tree abundances and species richness. Their dominant trees were more often evergreen, had a higher specific leaf area, a lower leaf nitrogen content and a lower spine density, than dominant trees in the savannah matrix. Differences in tree communities between kopjes and savannah matrix plots were generally the largest at sites with low precipitation. Our results indicate that kopjes are strong drivers of tree biodiversity, possibly due to locally increased soil moisture and low fire frequencies. The uniqueness of kopje tree communities may have important implications for higher trophic levels and ecosystem functioning.
Uneven Development through Profit Repatriation: How Capitalism's Class and Geographical Antagonisms Intertwine
Authors: Parnreiter Christof , Steinwärder Laszlo , Kolhoff Klara
Published: August 2024

This article provides the first comprehensive empirical analysis of global profit repatriation as a mechanism of uneven development, thereby challenging the development model of Foreign Direct Investment. Between 2005 and 2020, transnational corporations repatriated an annual average of one trillion USD, corresponding each year to 4.2% of the global FDI stock. Net profit flows take on a centripetal form: the biggest net losers are middle‐income countries such as the Russian Federation, Brazil, and Nigeria; the winners are a few high‐income countries, above all the United States. By analysing the impact of profit repatriation on accumulation dynamics in net profit exporting and importing countries, and by examining the exploitative conditions under which profits are generated in the former, we situate our findings in current theoretical debates on uneven development and geographical transfer of value, as well as on the intertwining of capitalism's class and geographical antagonisms.
Editorial: NAFLD, NAFLD, or MASLD: what's in a name?
Authors: Zafer Maryam , Dave Shravan
Published: August 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Kim et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18011
Reconstructing the social structure of kinship members in the Central Plains during the Late Shang and Western Zhou dynasties in China: A stable isotopic study on the Xisima site
Authors: Geng Hengmeng , Du Xin , Wei Qingli , Guo Yi
Published: August 2024

Kinship plays a role at the grassroots of social organization, especially in the Shang and Zhou dynasties, which is an important research topic in China. However, the relationship between diet and the social status of kinship and kinship members has been little explored in previous studies. In this article, 52 skeletal bone collagen samples from humans and buried dogs from three different kinships in the Xisima cemetery in China were analysed by stable C and N isotope analysis to reveal dietary strategies, and thus explore subsistence patterns and social structure. Overall, the mean human δ13C was −8.4‰ ± 1.3‰ (n = 44), with a range of −10.0‰ to −7.4‰, and the mean δ15N was 9.0‰ ± 0.7‰ (n = 44), with a wide range of 7.9–11.1‰, which shows that C4 food dominates people’s diet, and that their diet was varied. There are differences in diet and rank among different kinships. Similar situations exist among kinship members based on platforms. Along with previous research, this study provides unprecedented dietary details of different social stratification from martyrs, common people and small nobles to high‐ranking nobles in order to better understand the hierarchical Shang and Zhou dynasties society based on kinship.
Hippocampal temporal dynamics and spatial heterogeneity unveil vulnerability markers in the offspring of bipolar patients
Authors: Saccaro Luigi F. , Delavari Farnaz , Van De Ville Dimitri , Piguet Camille
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a highly heritable disorder characterized by emotion dysregulation and recurrent oscillations between mood states. Despite the proven efficacy of early interventions, vulnerability markers in high‐risk individuals are still lacking. BD patients present structural alterations of the hippocampus, a pivotal hub of emotion regulation networks composed of multiple subregions with different projections. However, the hippocampal dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) in BD remains unclear. We aim to investigate whether the dFC of hippocampal subdivisions differentiates BD patients, offspring of BD patients (BDoff), and healthy controls (HC); and whether it correlates with symptoms differently between these groups.

Methods

We studied for the first time the dFC of the hippocampus through a cutting‐edge micro‐co‐activation patterns (μCAPs) analysis of resting‐state functional MRI data of 97 subjects (26 BD, 18 BDoff, 53 HC). μCAPs allow a data‐driven differentiation within the seed region.

Results

dFC between the hippocampal body and a somatomotor‐μCAP was lower both in BD patients (p‐valueFDR:0.00015) and in BDoff (p‐valueFDR:0.020) than in HC. Inversely, dFC between the hippocampal head and a limbic‐μCAP was higher in BD patients than in HC (p‐valueFDR: 0.005). Furthermore, the correlations between a frontoparietal‐μCAP and both depression and emotion dysregulation symptoms were significantly higher in BD than HC (p‐valueFDR <0.02).

Conclusion

Overall, we observed alterations of large‐scale functional brain networks associated with decreased cognitive control flexibility and disrupted somatomotor, saliency, and emotion processing in BD. Interestingly, BDoff presented an intermediate phenotype between BD and HC, suggesting that dFC of hippocampal subregions might represent a marker of vulnerability to BD.
Overpressure‐driven hydrofracture growth in the northern South China Sea
Authors: Wang Qing , Sun Qiliang , You Kehua , Foschi Martino
Published: August 2024

Overpressure‐driven hydrofracturing pervasively occurs in sedimentary basins worldwide. Hydrofracture zones can vertically penetrate several kilometres of rocks and are dominant pathways for basin‐scale fluid migration and energy circulations. Although hydrofracture zones have been extensively described and analysed in the literature, the mechanisms on how hydrofracture zones form and evolve are still poorly understood. In this study, we explore the formation and evolution of a hydrofracture zone in the northern South China Sea, using numerical models constrained by borehole and seismic data. We show that the radius of hydrofracture zone decreases with the strata permeability. The growth of hydrofracture zone is mainly controlled by rock density (), pressure at the origin of hydrofracture zone (pb), Poisson's ratio (v), and the radius of the hydrofracture zone at its origin (r). Moreover, as the hydrofracture zone grows, a transition layer forms between the overpressured hydrofracture zone and the overlying hydrostatic pressure zone. The thickness of this transition layer is controlled by strata permeability, strata thickness, overpressure, and pressure gradient within the hydrofracture zone. This study quantitatively explores the development and evolution of overpressure‐driven hydrofractures for the first time, and has wide applications in geohazard assessment, hydrocarbon exploration, carbon circulation, and climatic change.
Tropical cities as windows into the ecosystems of our present and future
Authors: Bonebrake Timothy C. , Tsang Toby P. N. , Yu Nicole , Wang Yifu , Ledger Martha J. , Tilley Hannah B. , Yau Eugene Y. H. , Andersson Astrid A. , Boyle Michael J. W. , Lee Kit W. K. , Li Qiaosi , Ling Yuet Fung , Dongmo Michel A. K. , Güçlü Coşkun , Dingle Caroline , Ashton Louise A.
Published: August 2024

Urban ecology and tropical biology have both developed rapidly in recent decades and matured into important interdisciplinary fields, with significant implications for biodiversity and human communities globally. However, urban ecosystems within the tropics remain understudied and poorly characterized despite these systems representing major hotspots for both biodiversity and human population growth. Here we review the state of the field of “tropical urban ecology.” We first evaluated and propose ecological hypotheses about how tropical versus extratropical species and ecosystems might differ from one another in how they respond to urbanization pressures. While data remain limited, we expect that tropical biodiversity should be at least as vulnerable to urbanization (and potentially more vulnerable) than extratropical biodiversity. We also examined the importance of ecosystem services in tropical cities and demonstrate the challenges in quantifying, managing, and sustaining these across diverse socioeconomic and environmental contexts. Finally, we propose an agenda for moving the field of tropical urban ecology forward through an interdisciplinary lens that synthesizes recent advances in both urban ecology and tropical biology. Specifically, advances and development in community science, Earth observation, environmental justice, One Health, and land sparing/sharing strategies could lead to major steps forward in the conservation of biodiversity in tropical cities. As the world urbanizes increasingly in biodiverse‐rich tropical ecosystems, we must have strong conceptual frameworks and increased data/attention on both the ecological and human communities most impacted by these significant global changes.
Intracellular infection of Cutibacterium acnes in macrophages of extensive peri‐implantitis lesions: A clinical case series
Authors: Park Jin‐Young , Han Dawool , Park Yuan , Cho Eunae Sandra , In Yook Jong , Lee Jung‐Seok
Published: August 2024

Cutibacterium acnes is a facultative anaerobic, gram‐positive rod, and a commensal bacterium of the body surface including oral cavity. A causal relationship between C. acnes and chronic granulomatous diseases, such as sarcoidosis and orthopedic implant‐associated infections, has been previously reported. Typically, C. acnes has been observed inside macrophages, allowing evasion of host immunity, and triggering a persistent inflammatory response. However, such findings have not been reported in peri‐implantitis lesions. In this case series, we collected inflamed tissues from extensive peri‐implantitis lesions of eight patients. Out of the eight samples, seven tested positive for the 16 s rRNA gene of C. acnes by polymerase chain reaction, and six were positive by immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemical staining revealed the presence of C. acnes in the cytoplasm of macrophages, suggesting a role in lesion formation. This finding may enhance our understanding of the pathophysiology of persistent peri‐implantitis lesions and provide implications for future therapy.
Sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors versus dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors on major liver outcomes in metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Shen Tsung‐Hua , Aby Elizabeth S. , Vock David , Farley Joel F.
Published: August 2024

Aim

To compare the effectiveness of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) with dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP4is) on major liver outcomes (MLO) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

Materials and Methods

We included adult patients with T2D and MASLD, using metformin without specific liver conditions or surgeries, from the Merative MarketScan database. Patients initiating SGLT2is or DPP4is from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2022 were identified. The primary outcome was time to MLO diagnosis. Overlap weighting balanced covariates, integrated with a Cox proportional hazards model for survival analysis.

Results

Among 44 651 patients, 22 100 initiated SGLT2is, and 22 551 began DPP4is. After weighting, the incidence rate of MLO in the SGLT2i group was 3.8 per 1000 person‐years, and it was 3.9 per 1000 person‐years in the DPP4i group, resulting in an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 0.82 (95% CI, 0.60‐1.10). SGLT2i initiation was not associated with cirrhosis (aHR: 0.77; 95% CI, 0.55‐1.06) or hepatocellular carcinoma (aHR: 0.99; 95% CI, 0.47‐1.83) separately. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses did not yield significant results.

Conclusions

In patients with T2D and MASLD, SGLT2is did not show a lower risk of MLO compared with DPP4is. Clinicians should consider the overall patient conditions and the additional benefits of SGLT2is to support the decision to switch from DPP4is.
The quantity of deposited environmental DNA in plant–arthropod interactions depends on taxon, abundance and interaction time
Authors: Friedrich Sarah , De Vivo Mattia , Baden Christian Ulrich , Grevé Michael E. , Maus Christian , Udelhoven Thomas , Krehenwinkel Henrik
Published: August 2024

Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding holds great promise as a simple and efficient tool to detect plant–insect interactions. However, the influence of both abiotic and biotic factors on eDNA deposition in these interactions is not well understood. It especially remains to be tested how much eDNA abundances reflect the frequency or intensity of interactions between insects and plants.

We experimentally analysed the quantitative deposition of eDNA from three insect species (the southern green stink bug Nezara viridula, the mustard beetle Phaedon cochleariae and the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda) on leaves of two host plants of varying attractiveness: savoy cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. sabauda, preferred host) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum, less preferred host). We tested for the effects of insect taxonomy, host plant, exposure time and abundances of interacting insects on the plant material.

Our data show a clear quantitative ecological signal in eDNA deposition. Insect abundance and interaction time are reflected in the amount of deposited eDNA. Moreover, significantly more eDNA was deposited on cabbage, the preferred host plant. Besides these ecological drivers, a very strong taxonomic eDNA deposition bias between different insect taxa was observed.

eDNA detection is strongly influenced by the ecological interactions of the targeted taxa, highlighting the utility of the tool to specifically detect trophic interactions between plants and arthropods. However, taxonomic biases in eDNA deposition preclude comparative analyses of interactions at the community level.
Environmental Sustainability in Oral Health Professional Education: Approaches, Challenges, and Drivers—ADEE Special‐Interest Group Report
Authors: Dixon Jonathan , Field James , van Harten Maria , Duane Brett , Martin Nicolas
Published: August 2024

Introduction

This paper reports on the scholarship activity of the ‘Sustainability in Dentistry’ Special‐interest Group (SiG), which met at the Association for Dental Education in Europe (ADEE) annual conference in Liverpool on 25 August 2023. The aim of this study was to (i) identify current teaching practices and approaches to embedding Environmental Sustainability (ES) in the curriculum in ADEE attendee schools and (ii) explore existing barriers/challenges to incorporating ES in dental education and consider potential solutions.

Methodology

A mixed‐methods approach was used to fulfil the aims of this study. A pre‐workshop questionnaire was used to explore current teaching practices, challenges and drivers of embedding ES in the curriculum. An interactive workshop at the in‐person meeting in Liverpool was used to propose key strategies to overcome the most frequent challenges to embedding ES in the curriculum.

Results

The majority of respondents (56%) reported that their institutions do not currently teach ES. Traditional didactic forms of teaching were mostly reported to teach ES in non‐clinical environments, and a transition to more environmentally sustainable materials and instruments was the most popular response for clinical teaching. Key barriers to embedding ES in the curriculum were identified, including time constraints and the overloaded curriculum, a lack of expertise/knowledge to teach and lack of practical guidance to support educators, limited learning resources for staff and students and resistance from colleagues regarding the relevance of ES in dentistry. The special‐interest group participants proposed strategies to overcome these challenges that centred around 14 themes.

Conclusion

This paper reports recent scholarship activity by ADEE's ‘Sustainability in Dentistry’ SiG. Key strategies for overcoming the most common challenges to embedding ES in the curriculum are also discussed.
Investigating the acute effect of low and moderate intensity aerobic exercise on whole‐body task learning and cognition in young adults
Authors: Yildirim Muhammed Seref , Guclu‐Gunduz Arzu , Ozkul Cagla , Korkmaz Selcuk
Published: August 2024

Recent studies have shown that a single bout of exercise has acute improvements on various forms of memory, including procedural motor learning, through mechanisms such as the plasticity‐promoting effect. This study aimed to examine (1) the acute effects of timing and intensity of aerobic exercise on the acquisition and retention of motor learning in healthy adults, (2) the effect of sleep quality of the night before and after acquisition on motor learning, and (3) the acute effects of low and moderate‐intensity aerobic exercise on cognitive functions. Seventy‐five healthy adults were divided into five groups: Two groups performed low or moderate intensity aerobic exercise before motor practice; two groups performed low or moderate intensity aerobic exercise after motor practice; the control group only did motor practice. Low‐ and moderate‐intensity exercises consisted of 30 min of running at 57%–63% and 64%–76% of the maximum heart rate, respectively. Motor learning was assessed using a golf putting task. The sleep quality of the night before and after the acquisition was evaluated using the Richard Campbell Sleep Questionnaire. Cognitive function was assessed before and after aerobic exercise using the Paced Auditory Serial Acquisition Task test. Results indicated that all groups demonstrated acquisition, 1‐day and 7‐day retention at a similar level (p > 0.05). Regression analysis revealed no significant relationship between sleep quality on the night before the experimental day and total acquisition (p > 0.05). However, a positive correlation was found between the sleep quality on the night of the experimental day and both 1‐day and 7‐day retention (p < 0.05). A single bout of low or moderate acute exercise did not modify motor skill acquisition and retention. Other results showed the importance of night sleep quality on the retention and proved that a single bout of moderate intensity exercise was associated with improved cognitive function.
Endothelium‐related biomarkers and cognitive decline in prevalent hemodialysis patients: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Libório Alexandre Braga , de Medeiros Camila Maroni Marques Freire , Santos Leticia Libório , de Andrade Luana Silveira , Meneses Gdayllon Cavalcante , Martins Alice Maria Costa
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Cognitive decline is prevalent in maintenance hemodialysis patients. The blood–brain barrier has been implicated in cognitive decline. In this prospective cohort study, we investigated the associations between endothelium‐related biomarkers and steeper cognitive decline in this population.

Methods

Cognitive function was assessed using the Portuguese‐adapted Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG) with items of the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). Endothelium‐related biomarkers included syndecan‐1, ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1 and angiopoietin‐2 (AGPT2). Patients were followed up for 4 years, and cognitive assessments were repeated. Multinomial regression analyses were performed to evaluate associations between biomarkers and cognitive decline.

Results

A total of 216 patients completed the test battery at baseline. After 4 years, 102 patients had follow‐up data. There was a significant decrease in cognitive function according to the CAMCOG and MMSE scores: a change of −0.39 (95% CI −0.27 to −0.51) and −0.51 (95% CI −0.27 to −0.76) standard deviation (SD) of the baseline scores. Additionally, executive function but not memory significantly decreased. Syndecan‐1 level was independently associated with steeper cognitive decline; each increase in the SD of the syndecan‐1 level was associated with a decrease in the CAMCOG of 0.20 (95% CI 0.07–0.33) SD from baseline. Syndecan‐1 was associated with a steeper decline in MMSE score (β 0.54, 95% CI 0.28–0.81) and executive function (β 0.17, 95% CI 0.02–0.32). Syndecan‐1 predicted severe cognitive impairment with an area under the curve for receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.75 (95% CI 0.64–0.83).

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the potential of syndecan‐1, a biomarker of endothelium glycocalyx derangement, as a predictor of steeper cognitive decline in prevalent hemodialysis patients.
Market leverage, debt heterogeneity, and equity returns
Authors: Kang Moonsoo , Baek Seungho
Published: August 2024

We explore the effect of debt heterogeneity on the cross‐sectional relationship between market leverage and equity returns. Specifically, we discover that firms with high debt heterogeneity exhibit a stronger, positive association between leverage and equity returns. Any alternative economic rationale cannot explain this anomaly. We also find that leverage interacts with debt heterogeneity, making firms with heterogeneous debt structure more financially distressed or constrained. Therefore, this analysis suggests that leverage exerts more pronounced effect on equity returns among firms with heterogeneous debt composition because those firms experience higher financial distress or constraint due to the compounding interaction effect with leverage.