bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Four-dimensional phase-space reconstruction of flat and magnetized beams using neural networks and differentiable simulations
Authors: Kim Seongyeol , Gonzalez-Aguilera Juan Pablo , Piot Philippe , Chen Gongxiaohui , Doran Scott , Kim Young-Kee , Liu Wanming , Whiteford Charles , Wisniewski Eric , Edelen Auralee , Roussel Ryan , Power John
Published: July 2024

Beams with cross-plane coupling or extreme asymmetries between the two transverse phase spaces are often encountered in particle accelerators. Flat beams with large transverse-emittance ratios are critical for future linear colliders. Similarly, magnetized beams with significant cross-plane coupling are expected to enhance the performance of electron cooling in hadron beams. Preparing these beams requires precise control and characterization of the four-dimensional transverse phase space. In this study, we employ generative phase-space reconstruction techniques to rapidly characterize magnetized and flat-beam phase-space distributions using a conventional quadrupole-scan method. The reconstruction technique is experimentally demonstrated on an electron beam produced at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator and successfully benchmarked against conventional diagnostics techniques. Specifically, we show that predicted beam parameters from the reconstructed phase-space distributions (e.g., as magnetization and flat-beam emittances) are in excellent agreement with those measured from the conventional diagnostic methods.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Making two particle detectors in flat spacetime communicate quantumly
Authors: Lapponi Alessio , Louko Jorma , Mancini Stefano
Published: July 2024

A communication protocol with nonzero quantum capacity is found when the two communicating parts are particle detector models in (3+1)-dimensional spacetime. In particular, as detectors, we consider two harmonic oscillators interacting with a scalar field, whose evolution is generalized for whatever background spacetime and whatever spacetime smearing of the detectors. We then specialize to Minkowski spacetime and an initial Minkowski vacuum, considering a rapid interaction between the field and the two detectors, studying the case where the receiver is static and the sender is moving. The possibility to have a quantum capacity greater than zero stems from a relative acceleration between the detectors. Indeed, no reliable quantum communication is possible when the two detectors are static or moving inertially with respect to each other, but a reliable quantum communication can be achieved between a uniformly accelerated sender and an inertial receiver.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Multimodal Approach Reveals the Symmetry-Breaking Pathway to the Broken Helix in
EuIn2As2
Authors: Donoway E. , Trevisan T. V. , Liebman-Peláez A. , Day R. P. , Yamakawa K. , Sun Y. , Soh J. R. , Prabhakaran D. , Boothroyd A. T. , Fernandes R. M. , Analytis J. G. , Moore J. E. , Orenstein J. , Sunko V.
Published: July 2024

Understanding and manipulating emergent phases, which are themes at the forefront of quantum-materials research, rely on identifying their underlying symmetries. This general principle has been particularly prominent in materials with coupled electronic and magnetic degrees of freedom, in which magnetic order influences the electronic band structure and can lead to exotic topological effects. However, identifying symmetry of a magnetically ordered phase can pose a challenge, particularly in the presence of small domains. Here we introduce a multimodal approach for determining magnetic structures, which combines symmetry-sensitive optical probes, scattering, and group-theoretical analysis. We apply it to EuIn2As2, a material that has received attention as a candidate axion insulator. While first-principles calculations predict this state on the assumption of a simple collinear antiferromagnetic structure, subsequent neutron-scattering measurements reveal a much more intricate magnetic ground state characterized by two coexisting magnetic wave vectors reached by successive thermal phase transitions. The proposed high- and low-temperature phases are a spin helix and a state with interpenetrating helical and Néel antiferromagnetic order termed a “broken helix,” respectively. Employing a multimodal approach, we identify the magnetic structure associated with these two phases of EuIn2As2. We find that the higher-temperature phase is characterized by a variation of the magnetic moment amplitude from layer to layer, with the moment vanishing entirely in every third Eu layer. The lower-temperature structure is similar to the broken helix, with one important difference: Because of local strain, the relative orientation of the magnetic structure and the lattice is not fixed. Consequently, the symmetry required to protect the axion phase is not generically protected in EuIn2As2, but we show that it can be restored if the magnetic structure is tuned with uniaxial strain. Finally, we present a spin Hamiltonian that identifies the spin interactions that account for the complex magnetic order in EuIn2As2. Our work highlights the importance of a multimodal approach in determining the symmetry of complex order parameters.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Structures of Brucella ovis leucine-, isoleucine-, valine-, threonine- and alanine-binding protein reveal a conformationally flexible peptide-binding cavity
Authors: Chakafana Graham , Boswell Reghan , Chandler Andrew , Jackson Krishelle A. , Neblett Sanai , Postal Tyler , Subramanian Sandhya , Abendroth Jan , Myler Peter J. , Asojo Oluwatoyin A.
Published: July 2024

Brucella ovis is an etiologic agent of ovine epididymitis and brucellosis that causes global devastation in sheep, rams, goats, small ruminants and deer. There are no cost-effective methods for the worldwide eradication of ovine brucellosis. B. ovis and other protein targets from various Brucella species are currently in the pipeline for high-throughput structural analysis at the Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease (SSGCID), with the aim of identifying new therapeutic targets. Furthermore, the wealth of structures generated are effective tools for teaching scientific communication, structural science and biochemistry. One of these structures, B. ovis leucine-, isoleucine-, valine-, threonine- and alanine-binding protein (BoLBP), is a putative periplasmic amino acid-binding protein. BoLBP shares less than 29% sequence identity with any other structure in the Protein Data Bank. The production, crystallization and high-resolution structures of BoLBP are reported. BoLBP is a prototypical bacterial periplasmic amino acid-binding protein with the characteristic Venus flytrap topology of two globular domains encapsulating a large central cavity containing the peptide-binding region. The central cavity contains small molecules usurped from the crystallization milieu. The reported structures reveal the conformational flexibility of the central cavity in the absence of bound peptides. The structural similarity to other LBPs can be exploited to accelerate drug repurposing.
Supply chain digitalization and sports industry performance in Chinese context: a mediated moderated model
Authors: Wang Xu , Ma Lei , Niu Qun , Zhang Yong
Published: July 2024

Purpose

In era of industry 4.0 all the organizations are investing their resources so they can adopt the latest technologies with no exception of supply chain. Accordingly, the present study attempted to examine the influence of digitalization of supply chain and performance in context of Chinese sports industry. Additionally, it has considered the supply chain integration and time management as a mechanism along with boundary condition of supply chain resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

The study followed positivism philosophy and adopted quantitative methods. The data were collected by using the questionnaire from the Chinese sport industry organizations’ professionals related to logistics and supply chain. A total 746 questionnaires were distributed and 570 of them subjected to SPSS and Smart PLS for data analysis. Hypotheses were tested using PLS-SEM through the Smart-PLS 4.

Findings

The results of the study revealed that supply chain digitalization positively influences the both internal and external supply chain integration. Moreover, supply chain planning and scheduling influenced by both internal and external supply chain integration lead by supply chain digitalization. Ultimately resulting in improved sports industry performance. However, the supply chain resilience did not found as a significant moderator.

Originality/value

The study is few of the attempts that have tested a comprehensive mechanism through which the supply chain digitalization lead towards the higher performance. Also, the study results signify that the digitization can help the organizations to accomplish superior performance specifically in sports industry.
How host-country firms’ information transparency affects MNEs’ joint venture entry mode of OFDI: evidence from Chinese listed manufacturing firms
Authors: Li Naihao , Li Zijie , Zhang Banruo , Wang Yan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Information transparency is an important factor in enhancing trust and promoting interfirm cooperation. By combining transaction cost theory and institutional theory, this study aims to examines whether host-country firms’ information transparency prompt multinational enterprises’ (MNEs) to choose the joint venture entry mode for outward foreign direct investment (OFDI).

Design/methodology/approach

Using Heckman two-stage estimation method, this study examines Chinese listed manufacturing firms for the period 2014–2019.

Findings

The findings indicate that the higher the information transparency of host-country firms, the higher the possibility of MNEs choosing the joint venture entry mode for OFDI. This study further finds that the positive relationship between host country firms’ information transparency and the possibility of choosing the joint venture entry mode is enhanced by institutional distance, but weakened by MNEs’ host-country experience.

Originality/value

How to choose the appropriate entry mode of OFDI in the internationalization strategy is an important issue for MNEs to consider. As the postpandemic world is characterized by increased global risks, decoupling of economies, disruption of global value chains and the retreat of globalization (Contractor and Cantwell, 2022), how to further strengthen cooperation, reduce the cost and risk of MNEs and truly realize common construction and sharing is one of the hot issues in both practice and research.
Identifying librarians’ readiness to leverage artificial intelligence for sustainable competence development and smart library services: an empirical investigation from universities’ librarians
Authors: Shahzad Khurram , Khan Shakeel Ahmad , Iqbal Abid
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify the librarians’ readiness to leverage artificial intelligence for sustainable competence development and smart library services.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quantitative research design for addressing the objectives. The population consisted of librarians from the public and private sector universities of Pakistan. The data were analyzed by using Smart PLS software.

Findings

The analysis consisted of two major parts: first the assessment of measurement model and second the structural equation modeling analysis. A significant positive impact of AI adoption was found on the implementation smart library services. Findings revealed that behavioral intention motivated librarians to adopt AI tools in university libraries for the delivery of smart library services.

Research limitations/implications

We applied quantitative method to carry out the study while future authors may conduct a systematic literature review on the same topic for offering a broader outlook.

Practical implications

It has provided practical contributions by providing a baseline for management bodies to construct policies for the successful adoption of AI in libraries for sustainable competence development of practicing librarians and implementation of smart library services.

Social implications

The study has social implications too as AI integrated library services prove fruitful for society and digitally skilled librarians play a vital role for the promotion of reading and research culture in society.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study on librarians’ readiness to leverage artificial intelligence for the enhancement of digital literacy skills, sustainable competence development and smart library services in the context of Pakistan.
Doing business against gendered stigma: skilled female migrants in Hong Kong’s cross-border insurance business
Authors: Zhou Siyuan , Song Jing
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine whether skilled female migrants can overcome gender constraints and social stigma attached to women’s service work in host societies.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on interviews with 40 women who moved from mainland China and entered Hong Kong’s cross-border insurance business, the study examines how highly educated young women negotiate gender expectations and mobilize social networks in doing business.

Findings

This study finds different strategies women used in mobilizing social networks and constructing gender identities: some relied heavily on the warm market – networks of their family, relatives and friends – in doing business and developed careers by performing dutiful daughters, considerate “nieces” and caring “sisters”; some women also relied on the warm market but their jobs were regarded as nonconventional, and they had to deal with suspicions of inappropriate and instrumental womanhood and tried to prove themselves and gain support in the warm market; some women relied mainly on the cold market – connections with strangers – and performed feminine affinity to expand client networks away from judgments of families and friends; and some other women chose to expand the cold market by cultivating a professional image among strangers.

Originality/value

The findings speak to previous research about women’s subordinate roles in migrant networks and their devalued femininity in service work by illustrating women’s diverse forms of agency in negotiating gender identities in the stratified service sectors.
The impact of digital transformation on firm performance
Authors: Zhao Xu , Li Xiwa , Li Yao , Wang Ziqi
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Digital transformation (DT) is a high-risk, long-term and systematic organizational change, which is highly dependent on the level of operation management. According to the resource-based view and innovation theory, this paper aims to examine the impact of DT on firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper empirically tests the impact of DT on firm performance by selecting total factor productivity and innovation outputs as mediating variables from the perspective of process and outcomes, respectively. It uses Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share-listed companies from 2010–2021 as research samples, searching the frequency of keywords about DT in their annual reports.

Findings

The findings reveal the following. First, DT can significantly improve the performance of firms. Second, total factor productivity and innovation outputs play a mediating role between DT and firm performance. Third, the impact of DT on SMEs is more obvious than in bigger ones. However, the effect of DT on performance is more significant in SOEs than non-SOEs. Furthermore, DT positively effects labor-intensive and technology-intensive firms, but negatively effects capital-intensive firms.

Originality/value

This paper first proposes the mechanism analysis from the view of process and outcomes, by using total factor productivity and innovation outputs, which adds depth to the research on the impact of DT on firm performance. Moreover, the authors empirically examine the heterogeneity of the impact of DT on different firm sizes, firm properties and intensity of production factors.
Volatility spillover and dynamic correlation between Islamic, conventional, cryptocurrency and precious metal markets during the immediate outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Karim Muhammad Mahmudul , Noman Abu Hanifa Md. , Hassan M. Kabir , Khan Asif , Kawsar Najmul Haque
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the immediate effect of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic by investigating volatility transmission and dynamic correlation between stock (conventional and Islamic) markets, bitcoin and major commodities such as gold, oil and silver at different investment horizons before and after 161 trading days of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The MGARCH-DCC and maximum overlap discrete wavelet transform -based cross-correlation were used in the estimation of the volatility spillover and continuous wavelet transform in the estimation of the time-varying volatility and correlation between the assets at different investment horizons.

Findings

The authors observed a sudden correlation breakdown following the COVID-19 shock. Oil (Bitcoin) was a major volatility transmitter before (during) COVID-19. Digital gold (Bitcoin), gold and silver became highly correlated during COVID-19. The highest co-movement between the assets was observed at medium and long-term investment horizons.

Practical implications

The study findings have a financial implication for day traders, investors and policymakers in the understanding of volatility transmission and intercorrelation in a bid to actively manage stylized and well-diversified asset portfolios.

Originality/value

This study is unique for its employment in estimating the time-varying conditional volatility of the investable assets and cross-correlations between them at different investment horizons, particularly before and after COVID-19 outbreak.
Barriers to scale: the effect of regulations on entrepreneurial strategies in a nascent industry
Authors: McArdle John F. , de Koning Alice J. , Sherifi Arlinda
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the effect of Canada’s regulatory framework on the strategies of entrepreneurial businesses during the first phase of legalization of the recreational cannabis industry. Decriminalization of cannabis required a host of regulatory changes at the federal, provincial and municipal levels. Each province developed legal markets independently, differentially impacting entrepreneurial strategies. This paper describes the value chain that emerged in the first phase of the nascent industry, focusing on the actions of the businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop a qualitative narrative analysis using government publications, press articles (especially from the business press) and personal communications of industry insiders speaking in public settings. The paper includes four short case studies to illustrate the emerging value chain of the nascent industry.

Findings

The study’s findings highlight the effect of regulatory frameworks on entrepreneurial strategies. We find that public policies had a significant impact on entrepreneurs and startup strategies. Inter-jurisdictional differences limited expansion into different provinces, with implications for regional economic development. Achieving public policy goals was delayed as a result of regulatory challenges that impacted industry development.

Practical implications

The authors’ findings show enterprises may develop growth strategies that comply with regulations when participating in nascent industries, but they must cope with extra risks, capital costs and uncertainty. The analysis also illustrates the value of engaging in government-industry collaboration to improve emerging regulatory frameworks.

Originality/value

The originality of this research consists of the detailed description of the first phase of Canada’s legalized recreational cannabis industry and the insight gained into the dynamics of nascent industries.
Unveiling the nexus: unravelling the dynamics of financial inclusion, FinTech adoption and societal sustainability in Malaysia
Authors: Hiew Lee-Chea , Lam Meng-Tuck , Ho Swee-Jack
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of perceived benefits-risk dynamics on financial inclusion, the factor driving fintech adoption, the mediating effects of financial inclusion on perceived benefit-risk dynamics and fintech adoption, and the societal sustainability effects of fintech adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quantitative study with 258 respondents in Sarawak, Malaysia. PLS-SEM was used to investigate the associations.

Findings

This study suggests that only non-monetary benefits and regulatory risks significantly influence financial inclusion. In addition, financial inclusion acts as an intermediary for non-monetary benefits and regulatory risks. Besides, a direct relationship exists between financial inclusion and fintech adoption, as well as between fintech adoption and societal sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

This model explores a few benefits and risks. Also, technological and legislative changes may alter research outcomes. Besides, this study only samples Sarawak, Malaysia. Therefore, country-specific factors, including technology infrastructure, financial services accessibility and cultural variations, may affect participant responses. This study offers a novel perspective on fintech by including Valence, Public Good and Sustainable Information Society theories.

Practical implications

Financial inclusion’s non-monetary benefits must be emphasised to remove barriers and meet user requirements. Fintech firms should also work with authorities to comply with regulations and help marginalised populations by prioritising sustainability.

Social implications

Fintech growth requires innovation, consumer protection and fair competition. Fintech firms can enhance financial inclusion to address inequalities (SDG10). Governments and fintech solutions should incorporate financial and digital literacy into education (SGG4).

Originality/value

Financial inclusion, fintech adoption and societal sustainability are examined using emotional, sociological and societal sustainability aspects.
An empirical investigation of student online learning continuance intention in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era
Authors: Cocosila Mihail , Trabelsi Houda , Farrelly Glen
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate students’ viewpoint regarding continuation of using online learning in the post-COVID-19 pandemic world. While during the pandemic years predominantly all formal learning was forced to move online, in the postpandemic environment traditional postsecondary education institutions generally resumed in-person (or face-to-face) learning. Nonetheless, it is possible that some students would like to continue using online learning after using such a system during COVID-19 restrictions. Therefore, it is important for postsecondary institutions to understand students’ views on continuing with online learning so that these institutions can better adapt their offerings to learners’ preferences.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a cross-sectional online survey-based approach grounded on an innovative theoretical framework blending the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 into the expectation-confirmation model of information systems continuance. Data were collected from 247 students in Canada in Fall 2022 and were analyzed with partial least squares structural equation modeling techniques.

Findings

Perceptions of usefulness and of monetary benefits relative to costs together with developing positive habits regarding online learning are the most significant beliefs motivating students to want to continue with online learning. Furthermore, positive disconfirmation of initial expectations and satisfaction relying on previous use together with a favorable attitude with respect to online learning strongly influence the intention to continue with online education.

Originality/value

The study opens the door for similar research in other cultural contexts (e.g. with a different individualistic-collectivistic pattern) and for other domains that moved totally online during the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g. primary health care) to maximize people satisfaction while minimizing societal costs.
e-Waste in construction: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis and review of the literature
Authors: Kumar Vineet , Verma Deepak Kumar
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The global construction industry faces both challenges and opportunities from electronic waste (e-waste). This study aims to present a bibliometric analysis and comprehensive literature assessment on e-waste in concrete construction materials.

Design/methodology/approach

This study studies 4,122 Scopus documents to examine garbage generation in different countries and inventive ways to integrate e-waste into construction as a sustainable strategy. This study lists famous researchers and their cooperation networks, demonstrating a robust and dynamic area with a surge in research output, notably from 2018 to 2022. Data is visually represented using VOS Viewer to show trends, patterns and study interests throughout time.

Findings

The findings imply that e-waste can improve construction materials’ mechanical characteristics and sustainability. The results are inconsistent and suggest further optimization. e-Waste into construction has garnered scientific interest for its environmental, life cycle, and economic impacts. This field has great potential for improving e-waste material use, developing sophisticated prediction models, studying environmental implications, economic analysis, policy formulation, novel construction methods, global cooperation and public awareness. This study shows that e-waste can be used in sustainable building. It stresses this area’s need for research and innovation. This lays the groundwork for using electronic trash in buildings, which promotes a circular economy and environmental sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

The findings underscore the critical role of ongoing research and innovation in leveraging e-waste for sustainable building practices. This study lays the groundwork for integrating e-waste into construction, contributing to the advancement of a circular economy and environmental sustainability.

Social implications

The social implications of integrating e-waste into construction are significant. Using e-waste not only addresses environmental concerns but also promotes social sustainability by creating new job opportunities in the recycling and construction sectors. It fosters community awareness and responsibility towards sustainable practices and waste management. Additionally, this approach can reduce construction costs, making building projects more accessible and potentially lowering housing prices.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the field by offering a bibliometric analysis and comprehensive assessment of e-waste in concrete construction materials, highlighting its global significance.
Valuing good health care: How medical doctors, scientists and patients relate ethical challenges with artificial intelligence decision‐making support tools in prostate cancer diagnostics to good health care
Authors: Hesjedal Maria Bårdsen , Lysø Emilie Hybertsen , Solbjør Marit , Skolbekken John‐Arne
Published: July 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in health care to improve diagnostics and treatment. Decision‐making tools intended to help professionals in diagnostic processes are developed in a variety of medical fields. Despite the imagined benefits, AI in health care is contested. Scholars point to ethical and social issues related to the development, implementation, and use of AI in diagnostics. Here, we investigate how three relevant groups construct ethical challenges with AI decision‐making tools in prostate cancer (PCa) diagnostics: scientists developing AI decision support tools for interpreting MRI scans for PCa, medical doctors working with PCa and PCa patients. This qualitative study is based on participant observation and interviews with the abovementioned actors. The analysis focuses on how each group draws on their understanding of ‘good health care’ when discussing ethical challenges, and how they mobilise different registers of valuing in this process. Our theoretical approach is inspired by scholarship on evaluation and justification. We demonstrate how ethical challenges in this area are conceptualised, weighted and negotiated among these participants as processes of valuing good health care and compare their perspectives.
ICURE: Intensive care unit (ICU) risk evaluation for 30‐day mortality. Developing and evaluating a multivariable machine learning prediction model for patients admitted to the general ICU in Sweden
Authors: Siöland Tobias , Rawshani Araz , Nellgård Bengt , Malmgren Johan , Oras Jonatan , Dalla Keti , Cinà Giovanni , Engerström Lars , Hessulf Fredrik
Published: July 2024

Background

A prediction model that estimates mortality at admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) is of potential benefit to both patients and society. Logistic regression models like Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 (SAPS 3) and APACHE are the traditional ICU mortality prediction models. With the emergence of machine learning (machine learning) and artificial intelligence, new possibilities arise to create prediction models that have the potential to sharpen predictive accuracy and reduce the likelihood of misclassification in the prediction of 30‐day mortality.

Methods

We used the Swedish Intensive Care Registry (SIR) to identify and include all patients ≥18 years of age admitted to general ICUs in Sweden from 2008 to 2022 with SAPS 3 score registered. Only data collected within 1 h of ICU admission was used. We had 153 candidate predictors including baseline characteristics, previous medical conditions, blood works, physiological parameters, cause of admission, and initial treatment. We stratified the data randomly on the outcome variable 30‐day mortality and created a training set (80% of data) and a test set (20% of data). We evaluated several hundred prediction models using multiple ML frameworks including random forest, gradient boosting, neural networks, and logistic regression models. Model performance was evaluated by comparing the receiver operator characteristic area under the curve (AUC‐ROC). The best performing model was fine‐tuned by optimizing hyperparameters. The model's calibration was evaluated by a calibration belt. Ultimately, we simplified the best performing model with the top 1–20 predictors.

Results

We included 296,344 first‐time ICU admissions. We found age, Glasgow Coma Scale, creatinine, systolic blood pressure, and pH being the most important predictors. The AUC‐ROC was 0.884 in test data using all predictors, specificity 95.2%, sensitivity 47.0%, negative predictive value of 87.9% and positive predictive value of 70.7%. The final model showed excellent calibration. The ICU risk evaluation for 30‐day mortality (ICURE) prediction model performed equally well to the SAPS 3 score with only eight variables and improved further with the addition of more variables.

Conclusion

The ICURE prediction model predicts 30‐day mortality rate at first‐time ICU admission superiorly compared to the established SAPS 3 score.
High‐status versus low‐status stakeholders
Authors: Pace H. Justin
Published: July 2024

The literature on stakeholder theory has largely ignored the difficult and central issue of how judges and firms should resolve disputes among stakeholders. When the issue is addressed, focus has largely been on the potential for management to use stakeholder theory as cover for rent‐seeking or on disputes between classes of stakeholders. Sharply underappreciated is the potential for disparate interests within a stakeholder class. That potential is particularly acute due to a (largely education‐driven) stark and growing class divide in the United States. There is a substantial difference between the interests of a highly educated professional and managerial elite and a pink‐collar and blue‐collar working class who mostly do not hold 4‐year degrees. Despite their smaller numbers, the professional and managerial elite will frequently win out in intra‐stakeholder disputes with working‐class stakeholders due to their greater status, power, and influence. Because this class divide is cultural, social, and political, as well as economic, these disputes will go beyond financial pie‐splitting to culture war issues. This threatens to be destabilizing for both the republic and individual firms and undermines both the practical and ethical arguments for the stakeholder theory.
Editorial: GLP‐1 receptor agonists in inflammatory bowel disease—Is it time?
Authors: Arvanitakis Konstantinos , Germanidis Georgios
Published: July 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Desai et al papers. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18138
Axial length adjustment in eyes with silicone oil endotamponade reduces overestimation by a swept‐source optical coherence tomography‐based biometer
Authors: Kaiser Klemens Paul , Jandewerth Tyll , Bucur Julian , Kohnen Thomas , Lwowski Christoph
Published: July 2024

Background

To assess changes in ocular biometry of the phakic eye after pars‐plana‐vitrectomy (PPV) and silicone oil (SO) endotamponade in eyes with a retinal detachment.

Methods

This retrospective, consecutive case series included 72 eyes of 72 patients who underwent PPV with 5000‐centistokes SO endotamponade between July 2018 and June 2023. Pseudophakic eyes and eyes with a combined phacovitrectomy were excluded. Primary endpoints were keratometry values, anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), horizontal corneal diameter (HCD), and axial length (AL) measured by swept‐source optical coherence tomography‐based biometry (IOLMaster 700) preoperatively and six weeks postoperatively. A recently described formula was used to adjust the AL (aAL) in eyes with SO endotamponade and a theoretical intraocular lens (IOL) calculation was performed.

Results

The mean age was 62.1 ± 8.3 years (range: 37–85). After PPV with SO fill, there was an increase in Kmean (0.19 ± 0.51D), while ACD (0.05 ± 0.13 mm), LT (0.03 ± 0.14 mm), and HCD (0.02 ± 0.24 mm) decreased. Preoperatively, the mean AL was 25.22 ± 1.78 mm, while postoperatively the AL was overestimated by 0.12 ± 0.42 mm on average (p = 0.04). By adjusting the AL, the mean difference could be reduced to −0.002 ± 0.41 mm. The aAL resulted in a difference in the refractive outcome in eyes with an AL > 25 mm of 0.34 ± 0.10D in the IOL calculation.

Conclusions

While changes in biometry after PPV with SO endotamponade in the anterior segment are clinically less relevant, a considerable overestimation of AL with IOLMaster 700 was found. We recommend the use of a recently introduced formula for adjusting AL in eyes with SO, allowing overestimation to be minimised considerably.
Repeatability and agreement of total corneal astigmatism measured in keratoconic eyes using four current devices
Authors: Feng Yue , Nitter Tore , Bertelsen Geir , Stojanovic Aleksandar
Published: July 2024

Background

To evaluate repeatability and agreement in measurements of total corneal astigmatism (TCA) in keratoconic eyes, using four optical coherence tomography (OCT)‐based devices: Anterion, Casia SS‐1000, IOLMaster 700, and MS‐39.

Methods

Three consecutive measurements were taken with each device in 136 eyes. TCA values were converted into components J0 and J45. The Anterion and the IOLMaster 700 also provided axial length (AL) measurements. The repeatability was calculated using pooled within‐subject standard deviation (Sw). The agreement among the four devices was assessed by pairwise comparisons and Bland–Altman plots.

Results

For all devices, the repeatability of TCA measurements showed Sw ≤0.23 D for TCA magnitude, ≤0.14 D for J0, and ≤0.12 D for J45. There were statistically significant differences in TCA magnitude for each pair, except for IOLMaster 700 with MS‐39, and Anterion with MS‐39. The repeatability (Sw) of axis measurements had a statistically significant negative correlation with the TCA magnitude (p < 0.001 for all devices). Both Anterion and IOLMaster 700 had high repeatability in AL measurements (Sw: 0.007 mm for Anterion and 0.009 mm for IOLMaster 700). The difference in AL between the two was 0.015 ± 0.033 mm (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

All four devices showed good repeatability in TCA measurements in keratoconic eyes, the agreement for TCA measurements between the tested devices was generally low. Anterion and IOLMaster 700 showed good repeatability and agreement in AL measurements.
In situ imaging of intracellular miRNAs in tumour cells by branched hybridisation chain reaction
Authors: Tang Ying , Zhang Siwei , Yang Xinyu , Chen Yao , Chen Sha , Xi Qiang , Chao Long , Huang Zhao , Nie Libo
Published: July 2024

The ability to visualise microRNA in situ is crucial for studying microRNAs, their microRNA‐associated biological functions and disease diagnosis. Traditional fluorescence in situ hybridisation methods based on paraformaldehyde fixation of microRNAs suffer from release of microRNAs from cells, which limits the sensitivity of in situ hybridisation, making them unsuitable for the detection of small, low‐abundance microRNAs. To reduce the loss, microRNAs were covalently cross‐linked to proteins within cells by combining EDC and paraformaldehyde, and the target microRNA was used as the initiator chain for a branched hybridisation chain reaction to detect microRNA expression levels in situ. A simplified branched hybridisation chain reaction can be realised by coupling two hybridisation chain reaction circuits with a hairpin linker. Upon forming the primary hybridisation chain reaction product with extended sequence, this sequence reacts with the linker hairpin H3 to release the initiator sequence, resulting in the formation of numerous dendritic branched hybridisation chain reaction products. Imaging results show that this technique can detect microRNAs with high sensitivity and selectivity at both the single‐cell and single‐molecule levels. Compared with the traditional fluorescence in situ hybridisation technique, this method greatly improves the sensitivity and image resolution of in situ imaging detection. Therefore, we believe that the target‐initiated branched hybridisation chain reaction based in situ detection method provides a reliable assay platform for analysing disease‐related microRNA expression.
Limited evidence of test‐retest reliability in infant‐directed speech preference in a large preregistered infant experiment
Authors: Schreiner Melanie S. , Zettersten Martin , Bergmann Christina , Frank Michael C. , Fritzsche Tom , Gonzalez‐Gomez Nayeli , Hamlin Kiley , Kartushina Natalia , Kellier Danielle J. , Mani Nivedita , Mayor Julien , Saffran Jenny , Shukla Mohinish , Silverstein Priya , Soderstrom Melanie , Lippold Matthias
Published: July 2024

Test‐retest reliability—establishing that measurements remain consistent across multiple testing sessions—is critical to measuring, understanding, and predicting individual differences in infant language development. However, previous attempts to establish measurement reliability in infant speech perception tasks are limited, and reliability of frequently used infant measures is largely unknown. The current study investigated the test‐retest reliability of infants’ preference for infant‐directed speech over adult‐directed speech in a large sample (N = 158) in the context of the ManyBabies1 collaborative research project. Labs were asked to bring in participating infants for a second appointment retesting infants on their preference for infant‐directed speech. This approach allowed us to estimate test‐retest reliability across three different methods used to investigate preferential listening in infancy: the head‐turn preference procedure, central fixation, and eye‐tracking. Overall, we found no consistent evidence of test‐retest reliability in measures of infants’ speech preference (overall r = 0.09, 95% CI [−0.06,0.25]). While increasing the number of trials that infants needed to contribute for inclusion in the analysis revealed a numeric growth in test‐retest reliability, it also considerably reduced the study's effective sample size. Therefore, future research on infant development should take into account that not all experimental measures may be appropriate for assessing individual differences between infants.

Research Highlights

We assessed test‐retest reliability of infants’ preference for infant‐directed over adult‐directed speech in a large pre‐registered sample (N = 158).

There was no consistent evidence of test‐retest reliability in measures of infants’ speech preference.

Applying stricter criteria for the inclusion of participants may lead to higher test‐retest reliability, but at the cost of substantial decreases in sample size.

Developmental research relying on stable individual differences should consider the underlying reliability of its measures.
Big is beautiful: Health and well‐being in Pacific communities
Authors: Pouono Terry
Published: July 2024

Research on obesity and its implications for health and well‐being has been a global focus. However, this examination has often overlooked the unique perspective of intracultural Pasifika communities. In New Zealand, Pacific Islanders are one such community. For Pasifika diaspora communities, obesity is a common precursor to poor health outcomes. As a result, my research has honed in on the social, cultural, and economic factors contributing to obesity in these cohorts. The practical implications of this study underscore the urgent need for culturally sensitive intervention programs that respect and work within the cultural norms of these communities aimed at alleviating this condition. This emphasis on cultural sensitivity is crucial for understanding and addressing the issue. My research delves into the emic perceptions of what “Big” entails, particularly within intracultural Pasifika communities. I explore contemporary conceptions and their implications for health and well‐being. I argue that Pasifika churches, as socio‐cultural villages, have the potential to transform into safe, healthy spaces for their people. This transformation could significantly reduce the prevalence of an obesogenic environment and contribute to improved mental and physical health for the population. This optimistic perspective, which highlights the potential for positive change, guides my exploration of a relevant recommendation for the issue at hand.
Fostering decent jobs, formalising informal employment and spurring job mobility in MENA countries
Authors: Adair Philippe , AlAzzawi Shireen , Hlasny Vladimir
Published: July 2024

Longstanding evidence in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries shows a high prevalence of unemployment and informality among a large fraction of population, and at the same time gender disparities in labour force participation and occupational mobility. Why is there such persistent labour‐market segmentation? What is the impact and potential of various formalisation policies? An overview of the informal economy across three middle‐income MENA countries (Egypt, Jordan and Tunisia) is provided with respect to taxonomy, coverage and drivers. Transition matrices and multinomial logistic regressions are applied to longitudinal microdata from Labour‐Market Panel Surveys, focusing on workers' occupational mobility in relation to their previous status, age cohort, gender and other demographics. Persistent segmentation and low occupational mobility in all countries suggest that informal employment is not driven by choice on the labour supply side but by structural constraints on the demand side. Existing formalisation policies based on distinct stick and carrot strategies, and targeting of existing businesses and workers achieve rather modest impacts. One recommendation to supplement policies for decent jobs creation is to promote social and solidarity enterprises and extend microfinance to informal enterprises.
Association between striatal amyloid deposition and motor prognosis in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Park Mincheol , Kim Hyun Joo , Baik Kyoungwon , Na Han Kyu , Lee Young‐gun , Yoon So Hoon , Jeong Seong Ho , Chung Seok Jong , Shin Hae‐Won , Lyoo Chul Hyoung , Sohn Young H. , Lee Phil Hyu
Published: July 2024

Background and purpose

The co‐occurrence of amyloid‐β pathology in Parkinson's disease (PD) is common; however, the role of amyloid‐β deposition in motor prognosis remains elusive. This study aimed to investigate the association between striatal amyloid deposition, motor complications and motor prognosis in patients with PD.

Methods

Ninety‐six patients with PD who underwent 18F florbetaben (FBB) positron emission tomography were retrospectively assessed. The ratio of the striatum to global (STG) FBB uptake was obtained for each individual, and patients were allotted into low and high STG groups according to the median value. The effect of STG group on regional amyloid deposition, the occurrence of motor complications and longitudinal change in levodopa equivalent dose (LED) requirement were investigated after controlling for age, sex, LED and disease duration at FBB scan.

Results

The high STG group was associated with lower cortical FBB uptake in the parietal, occipital and posterior cingulate cortices and higher striatal FBB uptake compared to the low STG group. Patients in the high STG group had a higher risk of developing wearing off and levodopa‐induced dyskinesia than those in the low STG group, whereas the risk for freezing of gait was comparable between the two groups. The high STG group showed a more rapid increase in LED requirements over time than the low STG group.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that relatively high striatal amyloid deposition is associated with poor motor outcomes in patients with PD.
Behavioral therapy in migraine: Expanding the therapeutic arsenal
Authors: Mínguez‐Olaondo Ane , Días Patricia Alves , de Munáin Estibaliz López , Grozeva Vesselina , Laspra‐Solís Carmen , Villalba Inés Martín , García‐Martín Valvanuz , Vila‐Pueyo Marta , Barandiarán Myriam , Zabalza Ramon J. , Bengoetxea Ana
Published: July 2024

Background and purpose

The US Headache Consortium developed evidence‐based guidelines for the treatment of migraine and found grade A evidence in support of behavior therapy (BT). Understanding the mechanisms of BT may improve the management of migraine and reduce its burden.

Methods

We performed a narrative review to define the current evidence of BT and determine its usefulness in migraine management.

Results

The information was obtained from 116 publications, with 56 of them retrieved through direct searches in PubMed (2011–2020) and the remainder selected by the authors to complete the content. BT might reduce migraine impact by decreasing the sympathetic nervous system's response to stress and increasing pain tolerance. Acting in headache‐related surroundings can be improved, together with headache duration and self‐efficacy. Applications such as mobile health and electronic health applications can help to carry out healthier lifestyle patterns. Regarding medication overuse, BT seems to be a good choice, with similar results to pharmacological prophylaxis. Advantages of using BT are the lack of adverse effects and the unrestricted use in children, where BT is postulated to be even more effective than the standardized pharmacopeia.

Conclusions

BT is an interesting tool that can be used as an add‐on therapy in migraine. Through BT, the autonomy and empowerment of migraine patients is enhanced. BT may not cure migraine, but it could help to reduce pain severity perception, disability, and migraine impact, adding an emotive and cognitive approach to the perceptive role of pharmacopeia. Thus, a better approach in migraine, implementing specific therapeutic management, can improve migraine control.