bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prethermalization in aperiodically kicked many-body dynamics
Authors: Yan Jin , Moessner Roderich , Zhao Hongzheng
Published: February 2024

Driven many-body systems typically experience heating due to the lack of energy conservation. Heating may be suppressed for time-periodic drives, but little is known for less regular drive protocols. In this paper, we investigate the heating dynamics in aperiodically kicked systems, specifically those driven by quasiperiodic Thue-Morse or a family of sequences with n-multipolar temporal correlations. We demonstrate that multiple heating channels can be eliminated . The number of eliminated channels increases with multipolar order n. We illustrate this in a classical kicked rotor chain where we find a long-lived prethermal regime. When the static Hamiltonian only involves the kinetic energy, the prethermal lifetime t* can strongly depend on the temporal correlations of the drive, with a power-law dependence on the t*∼K−2n, for which we can account using a simple linearization argument.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Calculation of lepton magnetic moments in quantum electrodynamics: A justification of the flexible divergence elimination method
Authors: Volkov Sergey
Published: February 2024

The flexible method of reduction to finite integrals, briefly described in earlier publications of the author, is described in detail. The method is suitable for the calculation of all quantum electrodynamical contributions to the magnetic moments of leptons. It includes mass-dependent contributions. The method removes all divergences (UV, IR, and mixed) point-by-point in Feynman parametric space without any usage of limitlike regularizations. It yields a finite integral for each individual Feynman graph. The subtraction procedure is based on the use of linear operators applied to the Feynman amplitudes of UV-divergent subgraphs; a placement of all terms in the same Feynman parametric space is implied. The final result is simply the sum of the individual graph contributions; no residual renormalization is required. The method also allows us to split the total contribution into the contributions of small gauge-invariant classes. The procedure offers a great freedom in the choice of the linear operators. This freedom can be used for improving the computation speed and for a reliability check. The mechanism of divergence elimination is explained, as well as the equivalence of the method and the on shell renormalization. For illustrative purposes, all 4-loop contributions to the anomalous magnetic moments of the electron and muon are given for each small gauge-invariant class, as well as their comparison with previously known results. This also includes the contributions that depend on the ratios of the tau-lepton mass to the electron and muon mass.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Designing ICT integrated lesson activities: an intervention to bolster tutors’ pedagogical use of ICT competences in Tanzania teacher education
Authors: Lubuva Elisei Emili , Ndibalema Placidius , Mbwambo Esther
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The study aims to assess the effectiveness of engaging tutors in designing and using ICT integrated lesson activities in strengthening their pedagogical use of ICT competences.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data from an intervention group of 70 tutors from two teachers colleges (TCs) were used to compare their level of ICT competences and domains of professional practice before and after the intervention. Document analysis, lesson observations and feedback from the learning management system (LMS) were used to describe tutors’ experiences from the intervention.

Findings

There was a statistically significant increase in tutors’ level of pedagogical use of ICT competences and domains of professional practice associated with hands-on practice in designing and implementing the intervention.

Research limitations/implications

The intervention focus on hands-on practice, actual teaching and learning needs, and the use of active learning strategies like flipped classroom and the LMS, were useful means for tutors to make sense of pedagogical use of ICT competences.

Practical implications

The results offer useful insights to teacher education institutions and policymakers on how to prepare professional learning and supportive policies to enhance teaching and learning with ICT for addressing the learning needs of the subject matter.

Originality/value

Creating 16 ICT integrated lesson activities helped tutors to learn pedagogical use of ICT competences by doing. Use of such intervention could be a useful strategy in teacher education institutions to reposition ICT competence development from reproducing technological competences toward developing knowledge creators who could innovate their pedagogical practice with support from mentors, digital learning resources and networks.
Key stakeholder perceived value’s influence on autonomous vehicles’ privacy and security governance – an evolutionary analysis based on the prospect theory
Authors: Lu Chao , Xin Xiaohai
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The promotion of autonomous vehicles introduces privacy and security risks, underscoring the pressing need for responsible innovation implementation. To more effectively address the societal risks posed by autonomous vehicles, considering collaborative engagement of key stakeholders is essential. This study aims to provide insights into the governance of potential privacy and security issues in the innovation of autonomous driving technology by analyzing the micro-level decision-making processes of various stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

For this study, the authors use a nuanced approach, integrating key stakeholder theory, perceived value theory and prospect theory. The study constructs a model based on evolutionary game for the privacy and security governance mechanism of autonomous vehicles, involving enterprises, governments and consumers.

Findings

The governance of privacy and security in autonomous driving technology is influenced by key stakeholders’ decision-making behaviors and pivotal factors such as perceived value factors. The study finds that the governmental is influenced to a lesser extent by the decisions of other stakeholders, and factors such as risk preference coefficient, which contribute to perceived value, have a more significant influence than appearance factors like participation costs.

Research limitations/implications

This study lacks an investigation into the risk sensitivity of various stakeholders in different scenarios.

Originality/value

The study delineates the roles and behaviors of key stakeholders and contributes valuable insights toward addressing pertinent risk concerns within the governance of autonomous vehicles. Through the study, the practical application of Responsible Innovation theory has been enriched, addressing the shortcomings in the analysis of micro-level processes within the framework of evolutionary game.
Street food consumer behaviour decoded: analysing decision-making styles, risk factors and the influential power of social media celebrities
Authors: Zhou Guanqi , Ali Saqib
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate consumer decision-making styles (CDMS) in the context of street food. In addition to the original CDMS constructs, two additional constructs, namely food safety risks and environmental risks, were included based on relevant literature. Furthermore, the study explores the moderating role of social media celebrities (SMCs) in bridging the intention-behaviour gap in street food consumption behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected through an online survey, with 300 participants providing useable responses. Partial least squares (PLS) analysis was employed to analyse the data.

Findings

The findings indicate that out of the eight identified CDMS, six styles, specifically recreational (hedonistic shopping consciousness), price consciousness, novelty-seeking, impulsiveness, confusion due to over-choice and brand loyalty, significantly influence consumers' intention to consume street foods. Additionally, the results support the moderating role of SMCs. This suggests that the presence and influence of SMCs play a significant role in shaping consumers' intention and behaviours towards street food consumption.

Originality/value

This study contributes significantly to the literature by adding two additional constructs, namely safety risks and environmental risks in CDMS. Moreover, this study fulfils the intention-behaviour gap in street food literature by exploring the moderation effect of SMCs.
A predictive study on the impact of board characteristics on firm performance of Chinese listed companies based on machine learning methods
Authors: Huang Xin , Tang Ting , Luo Yu Ning , Wang Ren
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of board characteristics on firm performance while also exploring the influential mechanisms that help Chinese listed companies establish effective boards of directors and strengthen their corporate governance mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses machine learning methods to investigate the predictive ability of the board of directors' characteristics on firm performance based on the data from Chinese A-share listed companies on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges in China during 2008–2021. This study further analyzes board characteristics with relatively strong predictive ability and their predictive models on firm performance.

Findings

The results show that nonlinear machine learning methods are more effective than traditional linear models in analyzing the impact of board characteristics on Chinese firm performance. Among the series characteristics of the board of directors, the contribution ratio in prediction from directors compensation, director shareholding ratio, the average age of directors and directors' educational level are significant, and these characteristics have a roughly nonlinear correlation to the prediction of firm performance; the improvement of the predictive ability of board characteristics on firm performance in state-owned enterprises in China performs better than that in private enterprises.

Practical implications

The findings of this study provide valuable suggestions for enriching the theory of board governance, strengthening board construction and optimizing the effectiveness of board governance. Furthermore, these impacts can serve as a valuable reference for board construction and selection, aiding in the rational selection of boards to establish an efficient and high-performing board of directors.

Originality/value

The study findings unequivocally demonstrate the superiority of nonlinear machine learning approaches over traditional linear models in examining the relationship between board characteristics and firm performance in China. Within the suite of board characteristics, director compensation, shareholding ratio, average age and educational level are particularly noteworthy, consistently demonstrating strong, nonlinear associations with firm performance. Within the suite of board characteristics, director compensation, shareholding ratio, average age and educational level are particularly noteworthy, consistently demonstrating strong, nonlinear associations with firm performance. The study reveals that the predictive performance of board attributes is generally more robust for state-owned enterprises in China in comparison to their counterparts in the private sector.
Herding behaviour and sentiment: evidence from emerging markets
Authors: Messaoud Dorra , Ben Amar Anis
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Based on the theoretical framework, this paper analyzes the sentiment-herding relationship in emerging stock markets (ESMs). First, it aims to examine the effect of investor sentiment on herding. Second, it seeks the direction of causality between sentiment and herding time series.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study applies the Exponential Generalized Auto_Regressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (EGARCH) model to capture the volatility clustering of herding on the financial market and to investigate the role of the investor sentiment on herding behaviour. Then the vector autoregression (VAR) estimation uses the Granger causality test to determine the direction of causality between the investor sentiment and herding. This study uses a sample consisting of stocks listed on the Shanghai Composite index (SSE) (348 stocks), the Jakarta composite index (JKSE) (118 stocks), the Mexico IPC index (14 stocks), the Russian Trading System index (RTS) (12 stocks), the Warsaw stock exchange General index (WGI) (106 stocks) and the FTSE/JSE Africa all-share index (76 stocks). The sample includes 5,020 daily observations from February 1, 2002, to March 31, 2021.

Findings

The research findings show that the sentiment has a significant negative impact on the herding behaviour pointing out that the higher the investor sentiment, the lower the herding. However, the results of the present study indicate that a higher investor sentiment conducts a higher herding behaviour during market downturns. Then the outcomes suggest that during the crisis period, the direction is one-way, from the investor sentiment to the herding behaviour.

Practical implications

The findings may have implications for universal policies of financial regulators in EMs. We have found evidence that the Emerging investor sentiment contributes to the investor herding behaviour. Therefore, the irrational investor herding behaviour can increase the stock market volatility, and in extreme cases, it may lead to bubbles and crashes. Market regulators could implement mechanisms that can supervise the investor sentiment and predict the investor herding behaviour, so they make policies helping stabilise stock markets.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in investigate the sentiment-herding relationship during the Surprime crisis and the Covid-19 epidemic in the EMs.
Does leading with inclusiveness promote innovative behaviours? Examining the role of work engagement and psychological safety
Authors: AlMunthiri Ohoud , Bani Melhem Shaker , Mohd Shamsudin Faridahwati , Al-Naqbi Shaikha Ali
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Although the development of public organisations and the continual enhancement of public services depend on the creative behaviour of public employees, it is uncertain from earlier studies how and when inclusive leadership (IL) affects innovative behaviours (IB). This study aims to resolve the inconsistency in the literature by applying social exchange theory to examine the effect of inclusive leadership on employees’ innovative behaviour, while also examining the mediating role of work engagement and the moderating effect of psychological safety within this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model’s analysis draws from a data set of 200 employee–supervisor dyads. Data was collected from employees across diverse public sector organisations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Findings

The results demonstrate that IL indirectly (via WE) and directly has a positive influence on employees’ IBs. This influence is enhanced when employees feel safe and do not have to be concerned about negative consequences.

Originality/value

Our study highlights a less-explored sector, unveiling the motivations behind IB among public sector employees. Moreover, this study provides valuable insights within a non-Western context, offering a unique perspective on the intricate relationship between IL, PS, employee engagement and IBs in the UAE public sector.
Agents’ context-specific conduct in making strategic investment decisions
Authors: Huikku Jari , Harris Elaine , Elmassri Moataz , Northcott Deryl
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore how managers exercise agency in strategic investment decisions (SIDs) by drawing on their knowledgeability of the strategic context. Specifically, the authors address the role of position–practice relations and irresistible causal forces in this conduct.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examine SID-making (SIDM) practices in four case organisations operating in highly competitive markets, conducting interviews with managers at various levels and analysing company documents. Drawing on strong structuration theory, the authors show how managerial decision makers draw upon their knowledge of organisational context when exercising agency in SIDs.

Findings

The authors provide insights into how SIDM behaviour, specifically agents’ conduct, is shaped by a combination of position–practice relations and the agents’ comprehension of their organisation’s context.

Research limitations/implications

The authors extend the SIDM literature by surfacing the issue of how actors’ conjuncturally-specific knowledge of external structures shapes the general dispositions they draw on in exercising agency in practice.

Originality/value

The authors extend the SIDM literature by surfacing the issue of how actors’ conjuncturally-specific knowledge of external structures shapes the general dispositions they draw on in exercising agency in practice. Particularly, the authors contribute to this literature by identifying irresistible causal forces and illuminating why actors might not resist in SIDM processes, despite having the potential to do so.
Stock price crash risk, liquidity and institutional blockholders: evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Hang Thu , Nguyen Hao Thi Nhu
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study examines the influence of stock liquidity on stock price crash risk and the moderating role of institutional blockholders in Vietnam’s stock market.

Design/methodology/approach

Crash risk is measured by the negative coefficient of skewness of firm-specific weekly returns (NCSKEW) and the down-to-up volatility of firm-specific weekly stock returns (DUVOL). Liquidity is measured by adjusted Amihud illiquidity. The two-stage least squares method is used to address endogeneity issues.

Findings

Using firm-level data from Vietnam, we find that crash risk increases with stock liquidity. The relationship is stronger in firms owned by institutional blockholders. Moreover, intensive selling by institutional blockholders in the future will positively moderate the relationship between liquidity and crash risk.

Practical implications

Since stock liquidity could exacerbate crash risk through institutional blockholder trading, firm managers should avoid bad news accumulation and practice timely information disclosures. Investors should be mindful of the risk associated with liquidity and blockholder trading.

Originality/value

We contribute to the literature by showing that the activities of blockholders could partly explain the relationship between liquidity and crash risk. High liquidity encourages blockholders to exit upon receiving private bad news.
Investigating a multi-session virtual reality relaxation intervention for mental health staff: protocol for a feasibility and acceptability study
Authors: Martland Rebecca , Valmaggia Lucia , Paleri Vigneshwar , Steer Natalie , Riches Simon
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Clinical staff working in mental health services experience high levels of work-related stress, burnout and poor well-being. Increased levels of stress, burnout, depression and anxiety and poorer mental well-being among health-care workers are associated with more sick days, absenteeism, lower work satisfaction, increased staff turnover and reduced quality of patient care. Virtual reality (VR) relaxation is a technique whereby experiences of pleasant and calming environments are accessed through a head-mounted display to promote relaxation. The purpose of this paper is to describe the design of a study that assesses the feasibility and acceptability of implementing a multi-session VR relaxation intervention amongst mental health professionals, to improve their relaxation levels and mental well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows a pre–post-test design. Mental health staff will be recruited for five weeks of VR relaxation. The authors will measure the feasibility and acceptability of the VR relaxation intervention as primary outcomes, alongside secondary outcomes evaluating the benefits of VR relaxation for mental well-being.

Findings

The study aims to recruit 20–25 health-care professionals working in both inpatient and specialist community mental health settings.

Originality/value

Research indicates the potential of VR relaxation as a low-intensity intervention to promote relaxation and reduce stress in the workplace. If VR relaxation is shown to be feasible and acceptable, when delivered across multiple sessions, there would be scope for large-scale work to investigate its effectiveness as an approach to enable health-care professionals to de-stress, relax and optimise their mental well-being. In turn, this may consequently reduce turnover and improve stress-related sick leave across health-care services.
The association of lifeline diet score (LLDS) with risk of irritable bowel syndrome: case-control study in adult men
Authors: Fateh Hawal Lateef
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder that significantly impacts the quality of life of affected individuals. Diet has been identified as a potential modifiable risk factor for IBS, yet its association with IBS risk in the Kurdish adult male population remains understudied. This case-control study aimed to investigate the association between the lifeline diet score (LLDS), a validated tool assessing overall diet quality and the risk of IBS in Kurdish adult men.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 200 Kurdish adult men were recruited, comprising 100 IBS patients (cases) and 100 healthy controls without IBS. Medical records and interview questionnaires were used to confirm IBS diagnoses, while detailed dietary questionnaires were administered to assess participants’ dietary habits and calculate their respective LLDS scores. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between LLDS and IBS risk, adjusting for potential confounding factors.

Findings

Participants with higher LLDS scores exhibited a significantly reduced risk of IBS compared to those with lower LLDS scores (OR= 0.38, 95% confidence intervals = 0.18–0.77; p <0.001). The association remained statistically significant even after controlling for potential confounders such as socioeconomic status, age, eating rate, protein, fat, physical activity and body mass index.

Originality/value

This case-control study demonstrates a significant inverse association between the LLDS and the risk of IBS in Kurdish adult men. Higher LLDS scores, indicative of a healthier and more balanced diet, were associated with a decreased risk of IBS. These findings highlight the potential role of dietary patterns in IBS prevention and management within the Kurdish adult male population.
In-situ quality inspection system of injection parts based on transfer learning
Authors: Yang Wenzhen , Shan Shuo , Jin Mengting , Liu Yu , Zhang Yang , Li Dongya
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to realize an in-situ quality inspection system rapidly for new injection molding (IM) tasks via transfer learning (TL) approach and automation technology.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed in-situ quality inspection system consists of an injection machine, USB camera, programmable logic controller and personal computer, interconnected via OPC or USB communication interfaces. This configuration enables seamless automation of the IM process, real-time quality inspection and automated decision-making. In addition, a MobileNet-based deep learning (DL) model is proposed for quality inspection of injection parts, fine-tuned using the TL approach.

Findings

Using the TL approach, the MobileNet-based DL model demonstrates exceptional performance, achieving validation accuracy of 99.1% with the utilization of merely 50 images per category. Its detection speed and accuracy surpass those of DenseNet121-based, VGG16-based, ResNet50-based and Xception-based convolutional neural networks. Further evaluation using a random data set of 120 images, as assessed through the confusion matrix, attests to an accuracy rate of 96.67%.

Originality/value

The proposed MobileNet-based DL model achieves higher accuracy with less resource consumption using the TL approach. It is integrated with automation technologies to build the in-situ quality inspection system of injection parts, which improves the cost-efficiency by facilitating the acquisition and labeling of task-specific images, enabling automatic defect detection and decision-making online, thus holding profound significance for the IM industry and its pursuit of enhanced quality inspection measures.
The influence of the base option’s price format on tourists’ upgrade intention: the moderating role of tourists’ mindsets
Authors: Li Fangxuan (Sam)
Published: February 2024

Three scenario-based experiments were conducted to explore the influence of the base option’s price format (just-at vs just-below) on tourists’ upgrade intention. The findings of this research indicated that tourists are more inclined to upgrade the option when the base option’s price is presented in a just-at condition due to the mediating role of tourists’ price perceptions of the upgrade option. This study discovered that the just-at (vs just-below) pricing strategy can lower tourists’ price perceptions of the upgrade choice. This research further explored the moderating of tourists’ mindsets. It was found the threshold-crossing effect will disappear for tourists with fixed mindsets. This study also provides practical implications for travel service providers to set up appropriate pricing strategies to attract tourists to make upgrade decisions.
A new method of smoothness‐constrained magnetotelluric modelling with the utility of Pareto‐optimal multi‐objective particle swarm optimization
Authors: Büyük Ersin
Published: February 2024

Particle swarm optimization, one of the modern global optimization methods, is attracting widespread interest because it overcomes the difficulties of conventional inversion techniques, such as trapping at a local minimum and/or initial model dependence. The main characteristic of particle swarm optimization is the large search space of parameters, which in a sense allows the exploration of the entire objective function space if the input parameters are properly chosen. However, in the case of a high‐dimensional model space, the numerical instability of the solution may increase and lead to unrealistic models and misinterpretations due to the sampling problem of particle swarm optimization. Therefore, smoothness‐constrained regularization techniques used for the objective function or model reduction techniques are required to stabilize the solution. However, weighting and combining objective function terms is partly a subjective process, as the regularization parameter is generally chosen based on some kind of criteria of how the smoothing constraints affect the data misfits. This means that it cannot be completely predefined but needs to be adjusted during the inversion process, which begins with the response of an initial model. In this paper, a new modelling approach is proposed to obtain a smoothness‐constrained model from magnetotelluric data utilizing multi‐objective particle swarm optimization based on the Pareto optimality approach without using a regularization parameter and combining several objective function terms. The presented approach was verified on synthetic models and an application with field data set from the Çanakkale–Tuzla geothermal field in Turkey. Findings from these analyses confirm the usefulness of the method as a new approach for all constrained inversions of geophysical data without the need to combine the objective function terms weighted by a regularization parameter.
Student‐led activities of daily living group program in a hospital inpatient rehabilitation setting
Authors: Miller Dione , Mugridge Sarah , Elder Meagan , Holt Megan , Liu Karen P. Y.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Occupational therapists have vital roles in inpatient rehabilitation to focus on independence in activities of daily living. Occupational therapy interventions are uniquely designed to address goals of service users and can be delivered individually or in group formats. Group interventions promote service users' mutual support and enable therapists to increase frequency and intensity of service provision. Student‐led programs have become an attractive model, benefiting students while providing positive treatment outcomes for service users. There is an emerging body of literature that explores service users' and students' satisfaction with student‐led group models of practice within inpatient rehabilitation and occupational performance outcomes of service users participating in student‐led programs. This study aimed to explore the satisfaction of service users and students in addition to the self‐reported occupational performance outcomes of a student‐led activities of daily living group program in inpatient rehabilitation.

Methods

Data from 33 service users and seven students were collected retrospectively. The intervention involved a student‐led activities of daily living group program, consisting of three groups: breakfast, morning tea, and home readiness group. All service users and students completed unique satisfaction surveys at the conclusion of their participation in the student‐led program. Service users completed a self‐reported activities of daily living performance measure pre‐ and post‐program. Findings were reported in descriptive statistics, and pre‐ and post‐program data were compared with the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.

Results

All students were satisfied with the student‐led program. Majority of service users were satisfied with all components of the student‐led program. Median scores for self‐reported performance increased significantly following the student‐led program (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study highlighted that service users and students were satisfied with the service delivery of a student‐led activities of daily living group program. The program was effective in addressing self‐reported performance for service users in inpatient rehabilitation. The findings from this study have potential to inform clinical practice on the implementation of student‐led programs in occupational therapy settings.
Low‐rise buildings in big cities: Theory and evidence from China
Authors: Yu Xiaolun
Published: February 2024

This article explores the determinants of floor area ratio (FAR) limit, a major form of construction density regulation, in China. I develop a spatial equilibrium framework to study local governments’ optimal FAR design and investigate over 400,000 residential land transactions between 2007 and 2019 to perform the empirical analysis. Exploiting the exogenous variations generated by administrative adjustments and applying a propensity score matching approach, I find that a one standard deviation increase in local budgetary revenue decreases FAR limits by 0.29. Further counterfactual analysis suggests that the land finance model contributes to housing affordability issues and spatial inequality in China.
Structural characterization and calcium absorption‐promoting effect of sucrose‐calcium chelate in Caco‐2 monolayer cells and mice
Authors: Du Qian , Wang Ruiyan , Deng Zeyuan , Zhou Jianqun , Li Nan , Li Wenwen , Zheng Liufeng
Published: February 2024

Sucrose emerges as a chelating agent to form a stable sucrose‐metal‐ion chelate that can potentially improve metal‐ion absorption. This study aimed to analyze the structure of sucrose‐calcium chelate and its potential to promote calcium absorption in both Caco‐2 monolayer cells and mice. The characterization results showed that calcium ions mainly chelated with hydroxyl groups in sucrose to produce sucrose‐calcium chelate, altering the crystal structure of sucrose (forming polymer particles) and improving its thermal stability. Sucrose‐calcium chelate dose dependently increased the amount of calcium uptake, retention, and transport in the Caco‐2 monolayer cell model. Compared to CaCl2, there was a significant improvement in the proportion of absorbed calcium utilized for transport but not retention (93.13 ± 1.75% vs. 67.67 ± 7.55%). Further treatment of calcium channel inhibitors demonstrated the active transport of sucrose‐calcium chelate through Cav1.3. Cellular thermal shift assay and quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) assays indicated that the ability of sucrose‐calcium chelate to promote calcium transport was attributed to its superior ability to bind with PMCA1b, a calcium transporter located on the basement membrane, and stimulate its gene expression compared to CaCl2. Pharmacokinetic analysis of mice confirmed the calcium absorption‐promoting effect of sucrose‐calcium chelate, as evident by the higher serum calcium level (44.12 ± 1.90 mg/L vs. 37.42 ± 1.88 mmol/L) and intestinal PMCA1b gene expression than CaCl2. These findings offer a new understanding of how sucrose‐calcium chelate enhances intestinal calcium absorption and could be used as an ingredient in functional foods to treat calcium deficiency.

Practical Application

The development of high‐quality calcium supplements is crucial for addressing the various adverse symptoms associated with calcium deficiency. This study aimed to prepare a sucrose‐calcium chelate and analyze its structure, as well as its potential to enhance calcium absorption in Caco‐2 monolayer cells and mice. The results demonstrated that the sucrose‐calcium chelate effectively promoted calcium absorption. Notably, its ability to enhance calcium transport was linked to its strong binding with PMCA1b, a calcium transporter located on the basement membrane, and its capacity to stimulate PMCA1b gene expression. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how the sucrose‐calcium chelate enhances intestinal calcium absorption and suggest its potential use as an ingredient in functional foods for treating calcium deficiency.
Aging clock based on nucleosome reorganisation derived from cell‐free DNA
Authors: Shtumpf Mariya , Jeong Seihee , Bikova Milena , Mamayusupova Hulkar , Ruje Luminita , Teif Vladimir B.
Published: February 2024

Aging induces systematic changes in the distribution of nucleosomes, which affect gene expression programs. Here we reconstructed nucleosome maps based on cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) extracted from blood plasma using four cohorts of people of different ages. We show that nucleosomes tend to be separated by larger genomic distances in older people, and age correlates with the nucleosome repeat length (NRL). Furthermore, we developed the first aging clock based on cfDNA nucleosomics. Machine learning based on cfDNA distance distributions allowed predicting person's age with the median absolute error of 3–3.5 years.
Alcohol and its metabolites dysregulate cellular bioenergetics and induce oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress in primary human bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Kaphalia Lata , Srinivasan Mukund P. , Kaphalia Bhupendra S. , Calhoun William J.
Published: February 2024

Background

Chronic alcohol consumption/misuse is a significant risk factor for pneumonia and lung infection leading to the development of chronic pulmonary disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung fibrosis. In this study, we sought to delineate the mechanism of alcohol‐associated lung disease. We did so by measuring in vitro mitochondrial, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) oxidative stress in human bronchial epithelial cells (hBECs) treated with ethanol and its oxidative (acetaldehyde) and nonoxidative (fatty acid ethyl esters or FAEEs) metabolites.

Methods

Primary hBECs from a normal subject were treated with relevant concentrations of ethanol and its metabolites and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. Viability and cytotoxicity were determined using cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay kits, respectively. Oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured by colorimetric reaction, and 4‐hydroxynenonal (4HNE) by immunohistochemistry. Endoplasmic reticulum stress and dysregulated cellular bioenergetics were determined by western blot analysis. Mitochondrial stress and real‐time ATP production rates were determined using a Seahorse Extracellular Flux analyzer. Amelioration of ethanol‐induced oxidative/ER stress and mitochondrial energetics was determined using an AMPKα agonist.

Results

Human bronchial epithelial cells treated with ethanol, acetaldehyde, and FAEEs showed a concentration‐dependent increase in the secretion of LDH, oxidative/ER stress, deactivation of AMPKα phosphorylation and mitochondrial stress (decreased spare respiratory capacity) with concomitant decreases in mitochondrial and glycolytic ATP production rates. FAEEs caused greater cytotoxicity, ER stress, and dysregulated cellular bioenergetics than those ethanol and its oxidative metabolite. AMPKα agonist‐pretreated cells significantly ameliorated ethanol‐induced oxidative/ER stress, deactivation of AMPKα, and dysregulated cellular bioenergetics.

Conclusions

Findings of this study suggest that ethanol and its metabolites contribute to cytotoxicity, oxidative/ER stress, and dysregulation of cellular bioenergetics in hBECs. The attenuation of ethanol‐induced ER/oxidative stress and mitochondrial respiration by an AMPKα agonist may reflect a potential for it to be developed as a therapeutic agent for chronic alcohol‐associated lung disease.
Natural forest regeneration over a fallow age chronosequence in central African moist forests
Authors: Loubota Panzou Grace Jopaul , Mankessi François , Tsiba Ngambou Floriane Célia , Douh Chauvelin , Ndzai Saint Fédriche , Nzala Donatien , Koubouana Félix
Published: February 2024

A better understanding of the natural regeneration in tropical forests could help develop more effective restoration strategies. This study examined relationships in structural and diversity attributes of natural regeneration in five forest fallow ages after slash‐and‐burn agriculture (6 months, 2 years, 5 years, 10 years, and 15 years) in the Republic of Congo. For each fallow age, all stems with a diameter ≥1 cm and below 5 cm (height ≥ 130 cm), corresponding to natural forest regeneration, were identified to the species level, and measured (diameter and height) in 12 plots (10 m × 10 m). Three structural attributes (stem density, maximum diameter, and maximum height) and five diversity indices (species richness, Shannon diversity, Simpson diversity, Fisher's alpha and Pielou's evenness) were estimated at the plot level. Our results revealed an increase in structural and diversity attributes with fallow ages, except stem density. The young fallow (6 months, 2 years and 5 years) had greater stem density (61 ± 48 stems), while the old fallow (10 years and 15 years) had higher maximum height (5.39 ± 2.36 m) and Shannon's index (0.94 ± 0.18). These results provided new insights into natural regeneration between young and old secondary forests.
Diagnosis and treatment of recurrent syncope in a middle‐aged women
Authors: He Wenyi , Fu Xin , Du Xinyue , Deng Guolan
Published: February 2024

A 50‐year‐old female patient, presented with repeated syncope for more than 2 years. Prior assessments were conducted at different hospitals, but no definite abnormalities were found. The patient's fear and anxiety about possible future attacks were escalating. Through a Head‐up tilt test, the cause was finally identified as vasovagal syncope. Following a 5‐min administration of nitroglycerin, the patient reported palpitations, nausea, and deep, rapid breathing. The electrocardiogram initially showed a first‐degree atrioventricular block, progressing swiftly to a second‐degree type I atrioventricular block—high atrioventricular block. Immediate intervention was undertaken, but blood pressure was not instantly ascertainable, coinciding with an abrupt loss of consciousness. Subsequent electrocardiographic findings included paroxysmal third‐degree atrioventricular block, sinus arrest, and complete cardiac arrest, prompting the initiation of external cardiac compressions. The longest recorded ventricular arrest approximated 15 s, with sinus rhythm resuming post 10 s of cardiac compressions and the patient regaining consciousness. The patient underwent vagal ablation and no longer experienced syncope.
Preterm birth and subsequent intelligence and academic performance in youth: A cohort study
Authors: Sejer Emilie Pi Fogtmann , Ladelund Agnes Kielgast , Bruun Frederik Jager , Slavensky Julie Anna , Mortensen Erik Lykke , Kesmodel Ulrik Schiøler
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Worldwide, more children than before survive preterm birth. Preterm birth can affect long‐term cognitive outcomes. The aim of our study was to investigate the association between preterm birth and academic performance and intelligence in youth.

Material and methods

This cohort study included all liveborn children in Denmark from 1978 to 2000. We used uni‐ and multivariable logistic and linear regressions to analyze associations between gestational age and school graduation, grade point average (GPA), attending conscription, and male intelligence scores at conscription. We adjusted for a priori defined potential confounders.

Results

The study included 1 450 681 children and found an association between preterm birth and lower academic performance, with children born extremely preterm having the lowest odds of graduating from lower‐ and upper secondary education (LSE and USE) and appearing before the conscription board (odds ratios of 0.45 [0.38–0.54], 0.52 [0.46–0.59], and 0.47 [0.39–0.56] for LSE, USE, and conscription, respectively, compared to the term group). Statistically significant differences were observed in LSE for total GPA and core subject GPA with higher GPAs in the term group, which were considered clinically relevant for mathematics with a 0.71 higher grade point for the term compared to the extremely preterm. Conversely, USE differences were less evident, and in linear regression models we found that preterm birth was associated with higher GPAs in the adjusted analyses; however, this was not statistically significant. We demonstrated statistically significant differences in intelligence scores at conscription with lower scores in the three preterm groups (−5.13, −2.73, and − 0.76, respectively) compared to the term group.

Conclusions

Low gestational age at birth was associated with not graduating from LSE and USE, achieving lower GPAs in LSE, not attending conscription, and lower intelligence scores in young adulthood. The findings remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders.
Editorial: How often can we get the right diagnosis after bone marrow transplant in patients with abnormal liver function tests? Authors' reply
Authors: Dezan Maria Gabriela Fernandes , Cavalcante Lourianne Nascimento , Silva Hugo Rodrigues Carvalho , de Moura Almeida Alessandro , de Assis Luiz Henrique dos Santos , de Freitas Tiago Thalles , de Araújo Marco Aurélio Salvino , Cotrim Helma Pinchemel , Lyra Andre Castro
Published: February 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Dezan et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17756 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17840
Letter: Should ulcerative colitis be monitored more or less invasively?
Authors: Laharie David
Published: February 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Lenfant et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17753 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17887
Letter: Should ulcerative colitis be monitored more or less invasively? Authors' reply
Authors: Lenfant Matthias , Verstockt Bram , Sabino João , Vermeire Séverine , Ferrante Marc
Published: February 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Lenfant et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17753 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17873
Diversification in subsistence pattern of animal resources in the Hengduan Mountains: Multi‐isotopic evidence of Yingpanshan and Guijiabao site (5300–4000 cal. BP), China
Authors: Xu Ran , Wu Xiaotong , Zhou Zhiqing , Chen Jian , Hao Xiaoxiao , Zhang Xingxiang
Published: February 2024

The Hengduan Mountains are located on the southeastern edge of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau, where farmers began to settle 6000 years ago. Animal husbandry plays a significant role in the sustenance economies of agricultural civilizations. It is unclear how Neolithic people acquired animal resources in the Hengduan Mountains. We explore animal geographical origins and feeding practices using the strontium, carbon, and oxygen isotope composition of tooth enamel at the Guijiabao and Yingpanshan sites during the Neolithic Age in the Hengduan Mountains. Multi‐isotopic evidence demonstrates that animals originate from several different regions with diverse foods. Guijiabao domestic dogs and pigs with a mixed C3/C4 diet share a similarly broad dietary spectrum with humans as enclosed animals, but the other pigs are wild boars with a C3 diet, likely free‐range animals or directly captured as meat resources. Yingpanshan dogs and pigs are both domestic animals with a mixed C3/C4 or C4‐based diet, but pigs with different 87Sr/86Sr ratios are likely raised by dispersed feeding modes. The inhabitants had diverse approaches for obtaining animal resources, including husbandry, hunting, and exchange. Diverse animal subsistence patterns are closely related to the complex geographical environment, reflecting the adaptation of farmers living in the high mountain valley regions.
The heart of VIALE‐A: Cardiac complications of hypomethylating agents and venetoclax in acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Patel Shyam A.
Published: February 2024

As we commemorate 50 years since the introduction of classical 7 + 3 induction chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), we also embark upon new territory with the advent of novel targeted therapeutics, including BH3 mimetics. To date, we do not have much large‐scale longitudinal data regarding the toxicities of such novel therapies. Johnson et al. perform a comprehensive analysis of cardiac toxicities with hypomethylating agents and venetoclax and offer valuable insight into risk–benefit analysis when considering front‐line therapy for AML.

Commentary on: Johnson et al. Cardiac events in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukaemia during treatment with venetoclax + hypomethylating agents. Br J Haematol 2024;204:1232‐1237.