bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trust at Scale: The Economic Limits of Cryptocurrencies and Blockchains
Authors: Budish Eric
Published: October 2024

Satoshi Nakamoto (2008) invented a new kind of economic system that does not need the support of government or rule of law. Trust and security instead arise from a combination of cryptography and economic incentives, all in a completely anonymous and decentralized system. This article shows that Nakamoto’s novel form of trust, while undeniably ingenious, is deeply economically limited. The core argument is three equations. A zero-profit condition on the quantity of honest blockchain “trust support” (work, stake, etc.) and an incentive-compatibility condition on the system’s security against majority attack (the Achilles heel of all forms of permissionless consensus) together imply an equilibrium constraint, which says that the “flow” cost of blockchain trust has to be large at all times relative to the benefits of attacking the system. This is extremely expensive relative to traditional forms of trust and scales linearly with the value of attack. In scenarios that represent Nakamoto trust becoming a more significant part of the global financial system, the cost of trust would exceed global GDP. Nakamoto trust would become more attractive if an attacker lost the stock value of their capital in addition to paying the flow cost of attack, but this requires either collapse of the system (hardly reassuring) or external support from rule of law. The key difference between Nakamoto trust and traditional trust grounded in rule of law and complementary sources, such as reputations, relationships, and collateral, is economies of scale: society or a firm pays a fixed cost to enjoy trust over a large quantity of economic activity at low or zero marginal cost.
Molecular underpinnings of aging contributing to systemic sclerosis pathogenesis
Authors: Yang Monica M. , Boin Francesco , Wolters Paul J.
Published: October 2024

Purpose of review

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by diffuse organ fibrosis and vasculopathy. Aberrant aging has been increasingly implicated in fibrotic diseases of the lung and other organs. The aim of this review is to summarize the established mechanisms of aging and how they may contribute to the pathogenesis of SSc.

Recent findings

Shortened telomeres are present in SSc patients with interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) and associate with disease severity and mortality. Although the cause of telomere length shortening is unknown, immune mechanisms may be at play. Senescent cells accumulate in affected organs of SSc patients and contribute to a pathologic cellular phenotype that can be profibrotic and inflammatory. In addition to identifying patients with a more severe phenotype, biomarkers of aging may help identify patients who have worse outcomes with immunosuppression.

Aging mechanisms, including telomere dysfunction and cellular senescence, likely contribute to the progressive fibrosis, vasculopathy, and immune dysfunction of SSc. Further work is needed to understand whether aberrant aging is an initiator or perpetuator of disease, and whether this is cell or organ specific. A better understanding of the role aging mechanisms play in SSc will contribute to our understanding of the underlying pathobiology and may also influence management of patients exhibiting the aging phenotype.
Artificial Intelligence and Admissions to Health Professions Educational Programs
Authors: Lewis Lisa S. , Hartman Ann Michelle , Brennan-Cook Jill , Felsman Irene C. , Colbert Briana , Ledbetter Leila , Gedzyk-Nieman Stephanie A.
Published: October 2024

Background:

The use of large language models (LLMs) and artificial intelligence (AI) tools to prepare health professions admissions applications is increasing. These tools can improve writing significantly but raise ethical concerns about application authenticity.

Purpose:

This scoping review explored the literature on use of AI by applicants applying to health professions programs and by admission reviewers.

Methods:

Following Joanna Briggs Institute and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, a search was conducted in multiple databases, which identified 1706 citations. After screening, 18 articles were included.

Results:

Articles included in the review focused on the (1) use of AI to screen applicants or predict ranking and interview invitations, (2) ethical implications of AI-generated personal statements, (3) potential to detect AI-generated applications, and (4) use of AI to write or analyze letters of reference.

Conclusions:

AI tools can enhance the efficiency of the admissions review process, but clear guidelines are required to address ethical issues. Further research is needed, particularly in nursing education.
Is Migraine Surgery Financially Viable for the Hospital and Surgeon? A Single-Surgeon, Ten-Year Study at an Academic Institution
Authors: Nicksic Peter J , Albano Nicholas , Edalatpour Armin , Afifi Ahmed M
Published: October 2024

Background:

Data exists to demonstrate that migraine surgery is cost-effective for the long-term treatment of headaches, but no data exists regarding its financial viability for healthcare institutions. The goals of the current study are to demonstrate that (1) migraine surgery is financially viable for an academic institution with a net-positive profitability and (2) migraine surgery is a sought-after therapy that can draw patients into the healthcare system.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of migraine and bilateral breast reduction (BBR) consults seen in clinic between 05/01/2011-05/30/2020 was conducted. Patient age, sex, payor information, and distance from the hospital was collected. Profit margin, percentage profit, collection percentage, and conversion rate to surgery from clinic was calculated.

Results:

407 new migraine consults and 119 new BBR consults were included from which, 150 underwent migraine surgeries and 117 underwent BBR respectively. Migraine surgery group came from a further distance for the initial consult (P-value<0.001) and for surgery (P-value<0.001). There were also more migraine surgery patients from out-of-state (P-value=0.012). Migraine clinic patients had a larger ratio of private insurers (P-value<0.001). Migraine surgery patients had a greater total charge (P-value<0.001), estimated reimbursement (P-value=0.001), and total cost (P-value<0.001).

Conclusions:

This study provides evidence that migraine surgery is financially viable for hospitals and while performing similarly to bilateral breast reduction in profit margin, it brought in more patients from outside the catchment area of our institution. These findings may encourage hospitals to recruit migraine surgeons to improve care for this underserved patient population.
Intraoperative Neurophysiologic Monitoring Improves Neurologic Outcomes in Eloquent Brain Areas and Aids in Increasing the Volume of Resected Glioma: Current Results Compared With Historical Controls
Authors: Ilgaz Aydinlar Elif , Sari Ramazan , Yalinay Dikmen Pinar , Elmaci İlhan
Published: October 2024

Purpose:

This study aims to show the impact of multimodal intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (IOM) in glioma surgery in preventing severe neurologic injury and increasing tumor removal by comparing the historical cases where IOM was not used.

Methods:

Fifty-nine patients with glial tumors located nearby the eloquent area, operated by the same surgeon, were included in the study. Between 2008 and 2012, 21 patients were operated on without IOM (non-IOM); between 2018 and 2021, 38 patients were operated on with IOM.

Results:

The preoperative Karnofsky performance status scale (KPSS) scores were not statistically significant between non-IOM and IOM groups (P = 0.351). Postoperative KPSS (mean 97.9) scores were 15.7% higher than preoperative KPSS (mean 84.6) in the IOM group (P < 0.001). Conversely, there was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative KPSS scores (mean 78.5 and 81.5, respectively) in the non-IOM group (P = 0.472). Moreover, postoperative KPSS scores were 20% higher in the IOM group than in the non-IOM group (P < 0.001). Preoperative tumor sizes were double the size in the non-IOM group compared with those in the IOM group (P = 0.007). Nevertheless, the postsurgery tumor residue volume was almost four times higher in the non-IOM group than that in the IOM group (P = 0.035). A median of 93.35% of the tumor volume was resected in the IOM group, but only 77.26% of the tumor was removed in the non-IOM group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring helps in a more radical tumor resection in glial tumors located close to the eloquent area, improves postoperative neurologic outcomes, and maintains the patient's quality of life.
SLMAP3 is crucial for organogenesis through mechanisms involving primary cilia formation
Authors: Dias Ana Paula , Rehmani Taha , Applin Billi Dawn , Salih Maysoon , Tuana Balwant
Published: October 2024

SLMAP3 is a constituent of the centrosome and is known to assemble with the striatin-interacting phosphatase and kinase (STRIPAK) complex, where it has been reported to repress Hippo signalling. The global knockout of SLMAP3 in mice results in embryonic/perinatal lethality and stunted growth without changes in the phosphorylation status of YAP. Diverse phenotypes present in the SLMAP3
−/−
embryos include reduced body axis, small and abnormal organs resembling defects in planar cell polarity (PCP) signalling, while also displaying the notable polycystic kidneys, a known manifestation of ciliopathies. Analysis of cell polarity in primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) including cell migration, orientation and mitotic spindle angle did not reveal any changes due to SLMAP3 loss in these cells, although the expression of DVL3 was significantly reduced. Furthermore, MEFs lacking FGFR1OP2 or STRN3, two other STRIPAK members, did not reveal any significant changes in any of these parameters either. Significant changes in the number of ciliated cells and primary cilium length in SLMAP3 and FGFR1OP2 deficient MEFs were evident, while a reduced primary cilium length was notable in chondrocytes of SLMAP3 deficient embryos. Our findings suggest that SLMAP3 is essential for mouse embryogenesis through novel mechanisms involving the primary cilium/PCP and protein stability independent of Hippo signalling.
Application of Ensemble Machine Learning to Metabolomic Data Identifies Metabolites Associated with Macrophage Polarization
Authors: Gannavaram Aadi , Paul Rahul , Karaiskos Spyros , Howard Marissa , Liotta Lance , Seshaiyer Padmanabhan
Published: October 2024

Towards developing quantitative models of anti-tumor activities of macrophages, we evaluated the effects of cytokines, tumor exosomes, and polarization states of macrophages in a tumor microenvironemnt using a system of differential equations. We modeled the non-linear dynamics of macrophage polarization states (M0/M1/M2), tumor cell killing by macrophages, and evasion of macrophage mediated killing by tumor originated extracellular vesicle decoys. Solving these coupled differential equations using numerical approaches, showed that the rate of macrophage polarization into the M1 state is the critical determinant of anti-tumor activity mediated by M1 polarized macrophages. To determine what metabolomic factors correlate with the polarization of naïve macrophage into anti-tumor M1 or pro-tumor M2 phenotypes, we performed LC/MS-based untargeted metabolomic analysis. Statistical analysis using Python-Scikit-learn was performed on the metabolomic data from naïve, M1 or M2 polarized murine macrophages followed by multiple feature selection methods. Application of ensemble machine learning methods to both secreted and cell associated metabolites revealed novel molecules of fatty acid metabolism to be the main mediators of polarization. Integration of ensemble machine learning feature-ranking tools into our analysis of metabolomic data identified new potential targets in macrophage metabolism for enhancing anti-tumor activities.
Business model reconfiguration in low-tech firms: a process-based case study
Authors: Rosa Souza Aruana , Faccin Kadigia , Kretschmer Caroline
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to capture organizational transformation by delving into the process of business model (BM) reconfiguration in small firms operating within low-tech industries. It seeks to uncover the specific BM components that enabled a traditional less volatile and smaller organizations to adapt and innovate. We offer some recommendations in the form of insights for practitioners and other firms facing similar challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

We analyzed the history of a small firm belonging to a low-tech industry. Applying a single case study allowed us to explore organizational transformation in depth over time and identify the essential elements in the process of changing the BM. The analysis was performed using the procedural approach, with narratives, visual maps and temporal staggering.

Findings

The small firms went through many changes that resulted in BM reconfiguration at the organizational and industrial levels. The role of partners was relevant in this process, as well as organizational flexibility and more adaptable planning to make the necessary changes over time. The findings demonstrate the dynamism of the BM, with the prioritization of changes in organizational resources and capabilities, in order to adapt to the external environment, over time to create and capture value in a low-technology-intensive sector.

Originality/value

This study contributes a novel perspective to the field of Business Model Innovation (BMI) by highlighting the dynamic nature of BM in the under-explored area of small-scale enterprises of non-technology-intensive sectors. It emphasizes the critical role of serendipity, ambidexterity, pivoting, partnerships, adaptive planning and financial process organization in achieving sustained value creation and capturing value in the evolving external environments.
Increasing customer service competencies of airports: virtual integration competence, warmth and intimacy of artificial intelligence services
Authors: Ku Edward C.S.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Airports are an essential part of the airline value chains. Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are widely used at airports; the study aims to explore how the virtual integration competence and the perceived warmth of AI in airports increase customer service competencies and satisfy their passengers.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the perspectives of digital competencies and hybrid intelligence, a continued usage intention model was analyzed using the partial least squares approach; this study used purposed sampling to collect data from those airports; participants who adopted the AI service in airports in Beijing, Taipei and Singapore who have the potential to use AI service usage experience more than three times and 384 completed questionnaires were analyzed.

Findings

AI innovations serve human tasks at airports and analytics applications as change drivers and can replace legacy procedures. The research findings help point out the perceived warmth of AI and the virtual integration competence of airports utilizing the intimacy of AI services.

Originality/value

AI innovations provide a service change to replace human tasks and intelligence and analytics applications at airports. AI services are a powerful tool for airports to serve their passengers efficiently; airports will collaborate with airlines to offer AI services to passengers.
What do we know about material handling in library? An empirical assessment in the Nordic region
Authors: Jefroy Niloofar , Sgarbossa Fabio
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Libraries, as a peaceful arena for promoting knowledge and culture, are often challenged by various means, which are mostly linked to the material handling. However, literature shorts fall in either recognizing how material handling comes under threat or evaluating the influence of promising solutions on the library’s performance. Thus, this study aims to present a comprehensive understanding of material handling in the library through the identification of characteristics, key performance indicators (KPIs) and challenges of this driving factor.

Design/methodology/approach

This research benefits from a triangulation of qualitative methods, including systematic literature review, case study, in-depth semi-structured interview (SSI) and focus group meetings, to present a comprehensive understanding of material handling in the library.

Findings

The initial findings highlight the characteristics, i.e. incremental inventory, no packaging, open access order, etc., and the KPIs of material handling in the library: flexibility, productivity, service quality and cost. In addition, the challenges that limit the libraries’ performance are discovered based on field observation through five Nordic libraries (Norway and Finland), which are further studied for discovering the potential remedies. Corollaries advise that material handling challenges in the library are potentially tackled through three pillars, known as Triple E’s: employee, equipment and environment.

Originality/value

The performance of libraries is notably linked to the material handling processes and this agenda has received limited attention by academia. This study is among the initial research efforts in this context seeking to develop a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics, KPIs and challenges of material handling in the library and facilitate the improvement of library’s performance.
Analyzing the differential impact of variables on the success of solicited and unsolicited private participation in infrastructure projects using machine learning techniques
Authors: Ayat Muhammad , Ullah Mehran , Pervez Zeeshan , Lawrence Jonathan , Kang Chang Wook , Ullah Azmat
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The study aims to examine the impact of key variables on the success of solicited and unsolicited private participation in infrastructure (PPI) projects using machine learning techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

The data has information on 8,674 PPI projects primarily derived from the World Bank database. In the study, a machine learning framework has been used to highlight the variables important for solicited and unsolicited projects. The framework addresses the data-related challenges using imputation, oversampling and standardization techniques. Further, it uses Random forest, Artificial neural network and Logistics regression for classification and a group of diverse metrics for assessing the performances of these classifiers.

Findings

The results show that around half of the variables similarly impact both solicited and unsolicited projects. However, some other important variables, particularly, institutional factors, have different levels of impact on both projects, which have been previously ignored. This may explain the reason for higher failure rates of unsolicited projects.

Practical implications

This study provides specific inputs to investors, policymakers and practitioners related to the impacts of several variables on solicited and unsolicited projects separately, which will help them in project planning and implementation.

Originality/value

The study highlights the differential impact of variables for solicited and unsolicited projects, challenging the previously assumed uniformity of impact of the given set of variables including institutional factors.
Research on the decision-making of neighborhood renewal projects based on low-carbon technology
Authors: Zhao Guochao , Wang Meixue , Zhang Juanfeng
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study proposes low-carbon technology (LCT) solutions from the perspective of incremental cost-effectiveness and public satisfaction based on calculating carbon emissions and economic costs.

Design/methodology/approach

According to the citation frequency, 11 indicators of low-carbon neighborhood (LCN) were selected so as to construct the low-carbon renewal potential evaluation model. Five neighborhoods were selected to evaluate low-carbon renewal potential based on the driving-pressure-state-impact-response (DPSIR). Moreover, the neighborhoods with the highest renewal potential were selected for further analysis. Then, the feasibility decision was carried out among seven typical LCTs based on the value engineering (VE) method. Finally, the TOPSIS method was applied to calculate the public satisfaction and demand so as to get the priorities of these LCTs. Through comprehensive analysis, the final LCT solutions could be carried out.

Findings

Our practice proves that the evaluation model combined with the decision-making methods can provide scientific decision-making support for the LCT solutions. Some LCTs perform consistently across different neighborhoods by comparing VE results and TOPSIS rankings. The solar photovoltaic (PV) (T3) has high value and significant attention which gives it a top priority for development, while the energy-efficient windows and doors (T2) have relatively low value.

Originality/value

There is a lack of research that considers the economic cost, low-carbon efficiency and public satisfaction when proposing LCT solutions for neighborhood renewal projects. Faced with the problem, we practice the decision-making from two dimensions, that is, the “feasibility decision with VE” and the “priorities decision with TOPSIS.” In this way, a balance between incremental cost-effectiveness and public satisfaction is achieved, and LCT solutions are proposed.
Incentives of the digital platform of experimental resource-sharing for megaprojects
Authors: Wang Yuying , Zhou Guohua
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The suppliers of experimental resources required in megaprojects are driven by short-term interests, presuming that participation in the digital platform would only increase their inputs and fail to rapidly expand their revenue, resulting in their insufficient motivation to participate. This paper aims to design effective incentives for these suppliers exhibiting the aforementioned behaviour to drive them to participate and actively share their resources on the platform.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops incentives for applying the digital platform for experimental resource sharing by using a reverse induction approach to model and solve an incomplete information game. It compares the traditional experiment management mode and the new mode of applying the digital platform, taking the degree of sharing experimental resources on the platform as the variable and constructing three incentive models. By analysing these different degrees of sharing and the different experimental and informatisation capabilities of the suppliers, it could obtain the optimal incentive scheme for changes in sharing behaviour.

Findings

The results show that the designed incentives could increase the participation of suppliers in the platform and the number of their shared resources and make the benefits of both the supplier and the demand side reach the optimal state of a win-win situation. However, a higher degree of sharing by suppliers does not yield better results. In addition, the incentive coefficients for this degree should be set based on the suppliers’ different experimental and informatisation capabilities and the ratio of input cost-sharing, so as to avoid blind inputs from both supply and demand.

Originality/value

This study fills the research gap regarding incentives of the digital platform of experimental resource-sharing for megaprojects; it contributes to the body of knowledge by providing a quantitative perspective of understanding the experimental resource-sharing behaviour that motivates the usage of the digital platform. Furthermore, it reveals the incentive mechanism for application in different scenarios, and quantitative analysis is conducted to provide practical insights into promoting the new experiment management mode in megaprojects for more effective incentivisation.
Online portfolio selection with parameterized characteristics
Authors: Tu Xueyong , Li Bin
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Online portfolio selection sequentially allocates wealth among a set of assets and aims to maximize the investor’s cumulative return in the long run. Various existing algorithms in the finance and accounting area adopt an indirect approach to exploit one asset characteristic through the channel of assets’ expected return and thus cannot fully leverage the power of various asset characteristics found in the literature. This study aims to propose new algorithms to overcome this issue to enhance investment performance.

Design/methodology/approach

We propose a parameterized portfolio selection (PPS) framework, which directly incorporates multiple asset characteristics into portfolio weights. This framework can update parameters timely based on final performance without intermediate steps and produce efficient portfolios. We further append L1 regularization to constrain the number of active asset characteristics. Solving the PPS formulation numerically, we design two online portfolio selection (OLPS) algorithms via gradient descent and alternating direction method of multipliers.

Findings

Empirical results on five real market datasets show that the proposed algorithms outperform the state of the arts in cumulative returns, Sharpe ratios, winning ratios, etc. Besides, short-term characteristics are more important than long-term characteristics, and the highest return category is the most important characteristic to improve portfolio performance.

Originality/value

The proposed PPS algorithms are new end-to-end online learning approaches, which directly optimize portfolios by asset characteristics. Such approaches thus differ from existing studies, which first predict returns and then optimize portfolios. This paper provides a new algorithmic framework for investors’ OLPS.
Tourist motivation to adopt smart hospitality: the impact of smartness and technology readiness
Authors: Khan Salman , Khan Safeer Ullah
Published: October 2024

Purpose

As smart technologies rapidly permeate the hospitality industry, understanding their impact on guest experiences is crucial. Existing research often treats smart technology as a peripheral factor, without fully exploring the essence of “smartness.” This study addresses that gap by leveraging the Hedonic Information Systems Acceptance Model (HISAM) to differentiate between the utilitarian and hedonic motivations that influence tourists' intentions to stay in smart hotels. Additionally, we introduce technology readiness as a moderating factor, examining how individual traits affect behavior in smart hospitality environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Using SmartPLS 3.2.8, we conducted structural equation modeling (SEM) on 311 valid samples to empirically test our hypotheses.

Findings

Our results reveal that HISAM factors significantly influence tourists’ intentions to engage with smart hotel services. Notably, the perception of smartness emerges as a key driver of perceived ease of use, usefulness and enjoyment. These insights pave the way for both theoretical advancements and practical applications, with recommendations for future research outlined.

Practical implications

This study not only advances theoretical understanding but also provides actionable insights for the hospitality industry. By identifying the factors that enhance user experience in smart hotels, industry professionals can better meet evolving guest expectations and preferences, thereby improving service quality and customer satisfaction.

Originality/value

This pioneering study is the first to integrate the concept of smartness within the HISAM framework, establishing a robust foundation for future research in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Furthermore, the introduction of technology readiness as a moderating variable offers a fresh perspective on individual differences in the adoption of smart technologies.
Corporate governance practices and banks’ performance: does the moderating role of foreign representation matter?
Authors: Dike Victor Onuorah , Tuffour Joseph Kwadwo
Published: October 2024

Purpose

One of the mechanisms to make better bank management rests on improved corporate governance practices with diverse backgrounds including foreign representation. However, bank performance remains poor. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether foreign directors have moderating effects on the influence of board characteristics on the performance of banks in the Nigerian context.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative explanatory design of this study was based on a cross-sectional survey of respondents (executive and non-executive directors including independent directors) of the population of 285 bank directors in 26 Nigerian banks.

Findings

Using a sample of 121 respondents, the structural equation modelling results reveal that foreign nationality had a positive moderating effect on the influence of each board independence and audit committee on banks’ performance. However, foreign nationality negatively moderated the effect of board size and nomination committees on banks’ performance. In addition, foreign directors’ membership on boards positively moderates the relationship between remuneration committees and banks’ performance.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study extend our understanding of the strategic composition of the board in Nigerian banks. The findings are useful in encouraging business corporations to further strengthen their corporate governance practices. Also, foreign board members’ effectiveness is case-sensitive and committee-dependent.

Originality/value

Banks desirous of having foreign directors need to ensure that, they have the necessary capacity and fit into the local environment as well as engage foreign directors in tailored integration programmes.
The status of co-responders in law enforcement: findings from a national survey of law enforcement agencies
Authors: Uding Clair V. , Moon Haley R. , Lum Cynthia
Published: October 2024

Purpose

In response to calls for police reform, agencies and researchers have turned their attention to alternative responses to mental health crisis calls. Jurisdictions across the United States are adopting co-responder teams that bring qualified mental or behavioral health professionals into emergency responses by the police. The current study aims to estimate the prevalence and use of these teams in the United States and to document their varieties and features.

Design/methodology/approach

We developed and administered a first-of-its-kind survey to a nationally representative sample of local and state law enforcement agencies. A total of 568 agencies completed the survey. The current analysis provides a descriptive account of the use and practices of co-responder programs and crisis intervention among the responding agencies.

Findings

We find there is wide variation in the staffing, operations, qualifications, characteristics and beliefs about the effectiveness of co-responder programs across the country. Additionally, there is a lack of consistent programmatic guidance for these programs that can inform their future development. Consequentially, agencies face personnel and funding challenges in implementing and maintaining these programs.

Originality/value

This study showcases findings from the first national survey of co-responder teams that investigates the prevalence, characteristics and operation of these teams. This information is the first step in evaluating the effectiveness of co-responder programs and, in turn, developing evidence-based guidelines and protocols for their implementation.
Investigation of tribological properties of industrial products with different patterns produced by 3D printing using polylactic acid
Authors: Toktaş İhsan , Akıncıoğlu Sıtkı
Published: October 2024

Purpose

With the development of technology, the production of industrial products with 3D (3-Dimensional) printing has become widespread. Variables in production methods affect the durability of products. For this reason, studies to increase the durability of products are gaining importance. This paper aims to examine the tribological behavior of products produced in different patterns using 3D printing methods.

Design/methodology/approach

Friction wear tests of polylactic acid (PLA) samples produced in different patterns were carried out on a pin-on disc testing device. Friction wear tests were performed according to ASTM G-99 standard. Friction coefficient, weight loss and wear surface images were evaluated.

Findings

According to the results obtained, it was determined that pattern differences affected the tribological properties of the samples. The lowest coefficient of friction was observed in PLA1, while the highest wear resistance was found in PLA3.

Originality/value

Studies on the tribological properties of samples produced with a 3D printer are limited. In this study, the effect of samples with a 50% filling rate and different patterns on tribological properties was investigated. It was desired to determine the effect of different patterns on wear characteristics.
New opportunities for grassland species in warming temperate winters
Authors: Lubbe F. Curtis , Kučerová Andrea , Bitomský Martin , Klimešová Jitka
Published: October 2024

Temperate winters are getting warmer, the length of the growing season is increasing and mid‐winter fluctuations of warm and freezing temperatures are more frequent. Although typically winter dormant, some herbaceous perennials can maintain or grow green leaves during the winter and more species may do so as winters become warmer. For wintergreen leaves to provide an advantage, they must be able to photosynthesize during the warm spells but also withstand freezing temperatures and fluctuations between the two conditions.

To understand the leaf traits of wintergreen herbs, we studied three widely distributed perennial species: Bellis perennis, Plantago lanceolata and Trifolium repens. For contrast between winter and growing season leaves, we measured three common leaf economic traits (LDMC, SLA and leaf N content). To assess freezing tolerance, we measured the ice nucleation temperature and LT50 after frost exposure in winter leaves. To confirm photosynthetic ability, we measured photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm value) in winter and late spring. Additionally, we surveyed the green and dead leaf coverage for herbaceous species in a lawn community from winter to early summer (four surveys in total). We used our observations to determine phenological categories and compared them to historical observations of wintergreenness.

All three species had denser leaves with lower nitrogen content in winter than in the growing season and relatively high tolerance of freezing temperatures (average of −8°C ice nucleation temperature and −15°C LT50). Both winter and growing season leaves were capable of photosynthesis, but the efficiency was greater for growing season leaves. In the community survey, a majority of the plant species had green leaves in winter, and many were without dead winter leaves. Many wintergreen herbs had previously been labelled ‘summer green’.

With these initial investigations into the traits and phenology of wintergreen herbs, we confirm that wintergreen leaves have different traits from typical growing season leaves and are capable of both photosynthesis and freezing tolerance. Wintergreen herbs have a broad range of phenological strategies and differ from observations 20 years ago. In many temperate regions, winter is becoming a new growing season and thus should be included in phenological studies.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Action‐based explanations as a basis for the analysis and design of the social world
Authors: Maurer Andrea
Published: October 2024

In sociology, the question of what it means to explain social phenomena and how this relates to the purpose of the social sciences is important but nowadays rarely asked. This article elaborates on this question and provides an answer by outlining the program of “explanatory sociology” as a branch of the modern social science approach. It is shown that, in this framework, to explain means to uncover cause‐effect relationships based on models of individuals who are assumed the central force in social life. This idea is taken further to uncover specific challenges that individuals face in social life and how and why they establish and manage (or do not) social forms that help to organize the world from the viewpoint of their abilities and needs. Such action‐oriented explanations have been presented and developed in sociology since its very beginning. Two main forms or logics to construct action‐based explanations are outlined and developed due to the form and function of the used action theory or model. The article contributes to the discussion about the form and task of sociological theorizing by presenting action‐based explanations as a form of sociological theorizing that defines a clear task in exploring challenges in social life and assessing possible forms of coping with them from the perspective of individuals. By doing so, two main ways of broadening explanations are considered and compared in light of what the purpose of sociology might be.
The dynamics of green technological innovation and environmental policy stringency for sustainable environment in BRICS economies
Authors: Fatima Nudrat , Yanting Zheng , Guohua Ni , Khan Muhammad Kamran
Published: October 2024

The continuous rise in global economic growth (EG) and human activities has contributed to the release of CO2, emphasizing the crucial role of environmental policy stringency (EPS) in encouraging green innovation to lower CO2 emissions levels and achieve environmental sustainability. This study aims to analyze the direct impacts of geopolitical risk (GPR), renewable energy consumption (RE), EPS, green technical innovation, and EG on CO2 emissions in Brazil Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) economies on the dataset spanning from 1990 to 2020 using dynamic ordinary least square, fully modified ordinary least square, and method of moment quantile regression approach. The results demonstrate that stringent environmental regulations and the adoption of green technology are negatively associated with CO2 emissions. Further, the interaction of INV*EPS also demonstrates a negative impact on CO2 emission. In contrast, GPR and EG have a positive effect on CO2 emissions. These findings suggest that it is imperative for the policymakers of BRICS economies to implement measures that effectively encourage the adoption of green innovative technologies through the adoption of robust policy initiatives. In general conclusion, the long‐term viability depends on the implementation of green innovations by enacting strict environmental regulations in the sample countries. Based on these findings study suggests that there is a need to prioritize the consumption of renewable energy sources, the adoption of rigorous environmental regulations, and the utilization of climate‐friendly technology to attain extensive and sustainable economic development. Furthermore, this study urges the attention of government officials and policymakers in these economies to redesign more effective strategies to address these potential challenges and safeguard the environment.
Short‐term evaluation of Cure Violence St. Louis: Challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned
Authors: Lentz Theodore S. , Vogel Matt , Mathias Brenda , Early Alessandra , Rey Kimberly , Ibitayo Tobeya , Davis Matifadza Hlatshwayo
Published: October 2024

Research Summary

Firearm violence continues to be a leading cause of death in the United States. As alternatives to law enforcement intervention, community‐based violence prevention programs, such as Cure Violence, have become increasingly popular across U.S. cities. This article documents the results of a multiyear, mixed‐methods, quasi‐experimental study of the implementation and impact of Cure Violence in St. Louis, Missouri, from 2020 to 2023. We analyzed data from semistructured interviews, a two‐wave community survey, and police records of neighborhood violence, finding limited evidence of program effectiveness. Although some interview participants stated that the program had a positive impact, we observed no change in community norms/perceptions of violence, and our analysis of police data suggests that program implementation was associated with declining violence in only one of the three intervention sites.

Policy Implications

This article highlights challenges of implementing and evaluating community‐based violence prevention. More work is needed to unpack the mechanisms responsible for turning program activities into measurable impacts in both the short and long term. Implications for planning and evaluating community‐based violence prevention programs are discussed.
Comparative analysis of chromosome‐level genomes provides insights into chromosomal evolution in Chiroptera
Authors: WANG Zerong , TIAN Shilin , PANG Jiaxin , ZHANG Xiangyi , HAO Xiangyu , ZHANG Libiao , ZHAO Huabin
Published: October 2024

Chiroptera (bats) presents a fascinating model due to its remarkable variation in chromosome numbers, which range from 14 to 62. This astonishing diversity makes bats an excellent subject for studying chromosome evolution. The black‐bearded tomb bat (Taphozous melanopogon) occupies a pivotal phylogenetic position within Chiroptera, emphasizing its crucial role in the systematic examination of bat chromosome evolution. In this study, we present the first chromosome‐level genome of T. melanopogon within the family Emballonuridae. Together with previously published genomes, we construct a strongly supported phylogenetic tree of bats, which supports that Emballonuridae forms a basal group within Yangochiroptera. Furthermore, we reconstruct ancestral karyotypes at key nodes along the bat phylogeny and conduct a synteny analysis among the genomes of 12 bat species. Our findings identified evolutionary breakpoint regions (EBRs) that are of particular interest. Notably, some bat genomes exhibit an enrichment of genes related to host defense against microbial pathogens within EBRs. Remarkably, one species possesses multiple copies of some β‐defensin genes, while six other species have experienced the loss of some β‐defensin genes due to EBRs. Furthermore, some olfactory receptor genes are located in EBRs of 12 species, 4 of which have a significant enrichment in sensory perception of smell. Together, our comparative genomic analysis underscores the potential link between chromosome rearrangements and the adaptation of bats to defend against microbial pathogens.
Örjan Ouchterlony and the antigen–antibody double diffusion‐in‐gel: a survey
Authors: Høiby Niels
Published: October 2024

The Swedish scientist Örjan Ouchterlony published four ground‐breaking papers 1948–1966 in Acta Pathol Microbiol Scand where he described a new method of antigen–antibody reactions in gel. He described and defined the ‘reaction of identity’ and ‘reaction of partial identity’ when he used related antigens and ‘reaction of non‐identity’ when he used non‐related antigens. His results inspired scientists in other countries to further develop and modify the ‘Ouchterlony method’ which became useful for both scientific and clinical purposes. This survey describes how the methods were discovered and how they became modified and improved and how they were used, but also underlines that the original Ouchterlony method is still used.
Letter: Muddle of serum sPD‐1 and sPD‐L1 levels and association with HBsAg clearance in HBeAg‐negative CHB patients on IFN therapy
Authors: Jindal Ankur
Published: October 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Chen et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18131.
Site‐specific m6A‐miR‐494‐3p, not unmethylated miR‐494‐3p, compromises blood brain barrier by targeting tight junction protein 1 in intracranial atherosclerosis
Authors: Woudenberg Tamar , van der Bent M. Leontien , Kremer Veerle , Waas Ingeborg S. E. , Daemen Mat J. A. P. , Boon Reinier A. , Quax Paul H. A. , Nossent A. Yaël
Published: October 2024

Background and Purpose

Intracranial atherosclerosis is one of the most common causes of ischaemic stroke. However, there is a substantial knowledge gap on the development of intracranial atherosclerosis. Intracranial arteries are characterized by an upregulation of tight junctions between endothelial cells, which control endothelial permeability. We investigated the role of N6‐methyladenosine (m6A), a common RNA modification, on endothelial integrity, focusing on the pro‐atherogenic microRNA miR‐494‐3p and tight junction proteins TJP1 and PECAM1.

Experimental Approach

We assessed the m6A landscape, along with the expression of miR‐494‐3p, TJP1 and PECAM1 in postmortem human vertebral arteries (VA), internal carotid arteries (ICA), and middle cerebral arteries (MCA) with various stages of intimal thickening and plaque formation. The interactions between m6A‐modified miR‐494‐3p mimics, TJP1 and PECAM1, were investigated in vitro using primary human (brain) endothelial cells.

Key Results

Increased m6A expression was observed in the luminal lining of atherosclerosis‐affected VAs, accompanied by reduced TJP1 and PECAM1, but not VE‐cadherin, expression. Colocalization of m6A and miR‐494‐3p in the luminal lining of VA plaques was confirmed, indicating m6A methylation of miR‐494‐3p in intracranial atherosclerosis. Moreover, site‐specific m6A‐modification of miR‐494‐3p led to repression specifically of TJP1 protein expression at cell–cell junctions of brain microvascular endothelial cells, while unmodified miR‐494‐3p showed no effect.

Conclusions and Implications

This study highlights increasing m6A levels during intracranial atherogenesis. Increases in m6A‐miR‐494‐3p contribute to the observed decreased TJP1 expression in endothelial cell–cell junctions. This is likely to have a negative effect on endothelial integrity and may thus accelerate intracranial atherosclerosis progression.
Academic Management in Chilean Universities: An Analysis From Academics' Perspective
Authors: Brunner José Joaquín , Alarcón Mario
Published: October 2024

This article analyses academics' perceptions of work management and their job satisfaction in Chilean universities, using a multi‐level approach (macro, meso and micro) to study changes in the academic environment. It is based on the survey ‘The Academic Profession in the Knowledge‐Based Society’ (APIKS) with data from 11 universities and 1258 valid responses. Three groups of academics are identified according to whether they are engaged in research, teaching or a balance of both. The results of the study show that, at the university level, resource allocation favours teaching, while individual recognition tends to favour research. Institutionally, teaching is prioritised because of its economic impact, but individually, research is more highly valued. This picture reflects a hybrid management model, with tendencies towards de‐professionalisation in teaching and entrepreneurialisation in research. Despite these pressures, academics report high levels of job satisfaction, an aspect that requires further research.