bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of forward disorder on quasi-one-dimensional superconductors
Authors: Morpurgo Giacomo , Giamarchi Thierry
Published: June 2024

We study the competition between disorder and singlet superconductivity in a quasi-one-dimensional (1D) system. We investigate the applicability of the Anderson theorem, namely that time-reversal conserving (nonmagnetic) disorder does not impact the critical temperature, by opposition to time-reversal breaking disorder (magnetic). To do so, we examine a quasi-1D system of spin 1/2 fermions with attractive interactions and forward scattering disorder using field theory (bosonization). By computing the superconducting critical temperature (Tc), we find that, for nonmagnetic disorder, the Anderson theorem also holds in the quasi-1D geometry. In contrast, magnetic disorder has an impact on the critical temperature, which we investigate by deriving renormalization group equations describing the competition between disorder and interactions. Computing the critical temperature as a function of disorder strength, we observe different regimes depending on the strength of interactions. We discuss possible platforms where this can be observed in cold atoms and condensed matter.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Trapping polar molecules by surface acoustic waves
Authors: Ding Haijin , Wu Re-Bing , Liu Yu-xi
Published: June 2024

We propose a method to trap polar molecules with the electric force induced by the surface acoustic wave (SAW) on piezoelectric materials. In this approach, the electric force is perpendicular to the moving direction of the polar molecules, and is used to control the positions of trapped polar molecules in the direction orthogonal to the acoustic transmission. By virtue of an external electric force, the SAW-induced electric field can trap the polar molecules into single-layer or multilayer lattices. The arrangement of molecules can affect the binding energy and localization of the molecule array. Then the one- or two-dimensional trapped polar molecule arrays can be used to construct the Bose-Hubbard (BH) model, whose energy and dynamics are affected by the localizations of the trapped molecules. We find that the phase transitions between the superfluid and Mott insulator based on trapped polar molecule BH model can be modulated by the SAW-induced electric potential.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Coupled calibration-control method for complex systems
Authors: Troude Virgile , Lera Sandro Claudio , Sornette Didier
Published: June 2024

We formulate the calibration-control dilemma which occurs in most interesting out-of-equilibrium dynamical systems in the natural and social sciences. Despite a lack of knowledge of the main control parameters, standard control methodology assumes that calibration can determine them. They are, however, obfuscated by the existence of control, leading to large undesired intermittent bursts, crises, and instabilities. By merging parameter calibration and control in a data assimilation framework, our joint calibration-control method nearly matches the performance achieved with complete knowledge of the system parameters, as demonstrated by both analytical and numerical simulations. This paves the way toward more versatile control of complex systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Experimental Evidence for a Berry Curvature Quadrupole in an Antiferromagnet
Authors: Sankar Soumya , Liu Ruizi , Zhang Cheng-Ping , Li Qi-Fang , Chen Caiyun , Gao Xue-Jian , Zheng Jiangchang , Lin Yi-Hsin , Qian Kun , Yu Ruo-Peng , Zhang Xu , Meng Zi Yang , Law Kam Tuen , Shao Qiming , Jäck Berthold
Published: June 2024

Berry curvature multipoles appearing in topological quantum materials have recently attracted much attention. Their presence can manifest in novel phenomena, such as nonlinear anomalous Hall effects (NLAHE). The notion of Berry curvature multipoles extends our understanding of Berry curvature effects on the material properties. Hence, research on this subject is of fundamental importance and may also enable future applications in energy harvesting and high-frequency technology. It was shown that a Berry curvature dipole can give rise to a second-order NLAHE in materials of low crystalline symmetry. Here, we demonstrate a fundamentally new mechanism for Berry curvature multipoles in antiferromagnets that are supported by the underlying magnetic symmetries. Carrying out electric transport measurements on the kagome antiferromagnet FeSn, we observe a third-order NLAHE, which appears as a transverse voltage response at the third harmonic frequency when a longitudinal ac drive is applied. Interestingly, this NLAHE is strongest at and above room temperature. We combine these measurements with a scaling law analysis, a symmetry analysis, model calculations, first-principle calculations, and magnetic Monte Carlo simulations to show that the observed NLAHE is induced by a Berry curvature quadrupole appearing in the spin-canted state of FeSn. At a practical level, our study establishes NLAHE as a sensitive probe of antiferromagnetic phase transitions in other materials—such as moiré superlattices, two-dimensional van der Waal magnets, and quantum spin liquid candidates, which remain poorly understood to date. More broadly, Berry curvature multipole effects are predicted to exist for 90 magnetic point groups. Hence, our work opens a new research area to study a variety of topological magnetic materials through nonlinear measurement protocols.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Board gender diversity and cyber security disclosure in the Indonesian banking industry: a two-tier governance context
Authors: Kurnia Pipin , Ardianto Ardianto
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to determine the effect of board gender diversity on cyber security disclosure (CSD) in the banking sector of Indonesia as a developing country that adheres to a two-tier system.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a panel data of 47 banks listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2014 to 2021. The board gender diversity is measured by three proxies, the proportion of women on the board, BLAU Index value and the critical mass of women. The authors used generalized method of moments estimation to eliminate the simultaneous equation bias.

Findings

The results show that the women board of commissioners increases CSD, and the women of board of directors/top management team were significantly negative for CSD.

Research limitations/implications

First, this research was only conducted in the banking sector. The results cannot be generalized to non-financial companies. Second, there is no measurement of the quality of the board from the level of education, experience, expertise and other characteristics of diversity such as age, nationality and religion.

Practical implications

The study has revealed the need for the government’s role in providing oversight of the presence of women on the board so that banks fully comply with Indonesia Financial Services Authority regulations. Banks should also actively launch policies regarding the presence of women on the board to give a positive effect to stakeholders that women play an important role in decision making. Banks must also adjust the composition of female commissioners with a threshold of two people to maximize their function as supervisors.

Originality/value

This is the first research conducted on the banking sector in Indonesia as a developing country that adheres to a two-tier system. The results of this study provide evidence that patriarchal culture is still dominant in Indonesia.
Do ESG practices mediate the relationship between board characteristics and tax avoidance in G20 countries?
Authors: Khlifi Sawssen , Chouaibi Yamina , Chouaibi Salim
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the direct and indirect relationship between board characteristics and corporate tax avoidance using the environmental, social and governance (ESG) index as a mediating variable in G20 countries.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the direct and indirect effects between board characteristics and tax avoidance using structural equation model analysis, this study used a panel data set of 522 companies from G20 countries between 2015 and 2021.

Findings

The regression results show that ESG reporting mediates the relationship between the board of directors and tax avoidance in G20 countries.

Practical implications

The findings have some policy and practical implications that may help regulators improve the quality of transactions and achieve more efficient market supervision. They recommend that governments implement regulations and restrictions on corporate tax avoidance through board mechanisms in G20 countries.

Social implications

The paper enables information users to assess future growth opportunities by emphasizing the importance of ESG policies and board characteristics in evaluating companies.

Originality/value

Although previous literature has investigated the direct relationship between the board of directors and tax avoidance, the present work focused on considering the direct and indirect association between the board of directors and tax avoidance through the mediating effect of ESG reporting, which has not been widely used in ESG studies so far.
Exploring the path to job satisfaction among women in the Middle East: a contextual perspective
Authors: Bourezg Maria , Khassawneh Osama , Singh Satwinder , Mohammad Tamara , Melhem Muntaser J. , Darwish Tamer K.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the factors that influence job satisfaction among women in Jordan and contribute to the growing interest in women’s workplace happiness in the context of the Middle East.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used an explanatory sequential mixed-method approach. During the first phase, 250 female respondents were surveyed from the private sector in Jordan. The authors analyzed the impact of various employment-related attributes and other variables, including educational level, position, work experience, daily work hours, income level, relationships with colleagues and supervisors and internal career opportunities on job satisfaction. During the second stage, the authors interviewed 23 supervisor female respondents and conducted a thematic analysis to explore in more depth the determinants of job satisfaction of females working in the private sector in Jordan.

Findings

The quantitative findings of this study indicate that job satisfaction is positively influenced by education level and income, while notably, it was negatively impacted by work experience and daily work hours. Relationships with colleagues and supervisors, as well as internal career opportunities, positively affect job satisfaction. The qualitative findings of the study indicate that positive corporate culture, developing subordinates, financial independence, self-worthiness, work-life balance, internal career opportunities and factors that spillover from the personal life domain contributed highly to job satisfaction.

Practical implications

The findings of this study can help employers in gaining a deeper understanding of the needs and behaviors of female workers in the Middle East, potentially resulting in decreased job turnover and heightened productivity.

Originality/value

This study offers valuable insights into the cultural dynamics at play and sheds light on the psychology of the Arab female workforce. Given the limited research on job satisfaction among women in the Middle East and the Arab world, this study holds significant importance for practitioners.
Optimisation of MHD flow within trapezoidal cavity containing hybrid nanofluid by artificial neural network
Authors: Tanveer Arooj , Ul Haq Sami , Ashraf Muhammad Bilal , Ashraf Muhammad Usman , Nawaz R.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to numerically investigate heat transport in a trapezoidal cavity using hybrid nanoparticles (Ag-$Al_2O_3$). Unlike previous studies, this one covers magnetohydrodynamics, joule heating with viscous dissipation, heat absorption and generation. The left and right sides of the chasm are frigid. The upper wall heats, whereas the bottom wall remains adiabatic.

Design/methodology/approach

After reducing the system of dimensional equations to dimensionless equations, the authors use the Galerkin finite element method to solve them numerically. Geometric parameters affect heating efficiency; thus, the authors use flow metrics such as the Reynold number Re, magnetic parameter M, volume fraction coefficient, heat absorption and Eckert number Ec. The authors use the finite volume method to solve the governing equations after converting them to dimensionless form. The authors also try the artificial neural network method to predict the innovative cavity’s heat response in future scenarios. Transition state charts, regression analysis, MSE and error histograms accelerate, smooth and accurately converge solutions.

Findings

As the magnetic parameter and Eckert number increase, the enclosure emits more heat. As Reynold and volume fraction coefficients rise, the Nusselt number falls. It rose as magnetic, Eckert and heat absorption characteristics increased. The average Nusselt number rises with Reynolds and volume fraction coefficients. The magnetic, Eckert and heat absorption characteristics have inverse values.

Originality/value

This study numerically investigates heat transport in a trapezoidal cavity using hybrid nanoparticles (Ag-$Al_2O_3$). Unlike previous studies, this one covers MHD, joule heating with viscous dissipation, heat absorption and generation. The left and right sides of the chasm are frigid. The upper wall heats, whereas the bottom wall remains adiabatic.
Multiobjective flexible job-shop scheduling optimization for manufacturing servitization
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhang Jian , Jia Yanhe
Published: June 2024

Purpose

With the development trend of China’s service-oriented manufacturing moving toward intelligence and personalization, the deep integration of manufacturing and service has become a synergistic challenge for enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

An improved migratory bird optimization (IMBO) algorithm is proposed to solve the multiobjective FJSP model. First, this paper designs an integer encoding method based on job-machine. The algorithm adopts the greedy decoding method to obtain the optimal scheduling solution. Second, this paper combines three initialization rules to enhance the quality of the initial population. Third, three neighborhood search strategies are combined to improve the search capability and convergence of the solution space. Furthermore, the IMBO algorithm introduces the concepts of nondominated ranking and crowding degree to update the population better. Finally, the optimal solution is obtained after multiple iterations.

Findings

Through the simulation of 15 benchmark studies and a production example of a furniture enterprise, the IMBO algorithm is compared with three other algorithms: the improved particle swarm optimization algorithm, the global and local search with reinitialization-based genetic algorithm and the hybrid grey wolf optimization algorithm. The experiment results show the effectiveness of the IMBO algorithm in solving the multiobjective FJSP.

Practical implications

The study does not consider the influence of disturbance factors, such as emergency interventions and equipment failures, on scheduling in actual production processing. It is necessary to further study the dynamic FJSP problem.

Originality/value

The study proposes an IMBO algorithm to solve the multiobjective FJSP problem. It also uses three initialization rules to broaden the range of the solution space. The study applies multiple crossover strategies to avoid the algorithm falling into local optimality.
Seeing the forest and the trees: a meta-analysis of the antecedents to online self-disclosure
Authors: Yan Ruihe , Gong Xiang , Xu Haiqin , Yang Qianwen
Published: June 2024

Purpose

A wealth of studies have identified numerous antecedents to online self-disclosure. However, the number of competing theoretical perspectives and inconsistent findings have hampered efforts to obtain a clear understanding of what truly influences online self-disclosure. To address this gap, this study draws on the antecedent-privacy concern-outcome (APCO) framework in a one-stage meta-analytical structural equation modeling (one-stage MASEM) study to test a nomological online self-disclosure model that assesses the factors affecting online self-disclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the one-stage MASEM technique, this study conducts a meta-analysis of online self-disclosure literature that comprises 130 independent samples extracted from 110 articles reported by 53,024 individuals.

Findings

The results reveal that trust, privacy concern, privacy risk and privacy benefit are the important antecedents of online self-disclosure. Privacy concern can be influenced by general privacy concern, privacy experience and privacy control. Furthermore, moderator analysis indicates that technology type has moderating effects on the links between online self-disclosure and some of its drivers.

Originality/value

First, with the guidance of the APCO framework, this study provides a comprehensive framework that connects the most relevant antecedents underlying online self-disclosure using one-stage MASEM. Second, this study identifies the contextual factors that influence the effectiveness of the antecedents of online self-disclosure.
Context really matters: why do women artisans in the Peruvian context avoid the sole ownership of their enterprises?
Authors: Mousa Mohamed , Avolio Beatrice , Molina-Moreno Valentín
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to find out why women artisans in Peru avoid the sole ownership of their enterprises while preferring to work in associations.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 28 women artisans in Peru during their participation in a fair organized by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture in Lima (Peru). Thematic analysis was subsequently used to develop the main themes and sub-themes of the study.

Findings

The authors of the present study have found that women artisans in Peru choose to work in associations instead of via the sole ownership of their enterprises because of the following three categories of motives: contextual (low operational cost of family-owned associations, more compliance with the surrounding institutional context), cultural (commitment to parenting, experiencing less marginalization, zero responsibility, and greater work flexibility) and marketing-related motives (eliciting more social support, guaranteeing more invitations to participate in artisanal fairs).

Originality/value

This paper contributes by filling a gap in the literature on artisan entrepreneurship in which studies on women artisans in Latin American contexts and why they choose to work in associations have been limited so far.
The impact of fiscal opacity on business confidence: empirical investigation from an emerging economy
Authors: de Mendonça Helder Ferreira , Vereda Oliveira Luciano , Dias Matheus Ignacio Santos
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The relevance of transparency related to public finances is considered fundamental for good economic policy management. An environment of greater fiscal transparency allows the private sector greater predictability, improving the entrepreneur’s decision-making ability. This study empirically analyzes fiscal opacity’s effect on business confidence in an emerging economy.

Design/methodology/approach

We use monthly data from the Brazilian economy from January 2010 to March 2023. Based on Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) regressions, we analyze whether fiscal opacity, measured by the signal-to-noise ratio, affects business confidence. Moreover, to evaluate the duration of a shock transmitted by the fiscal opacity on business confidence, we consider an impulse-response function generated by a Vector Auto-Regressive (VAR).

Findings

We found that fiscal opacity resulting from the lack of information to anticipate the budgetary result of the public sector deteriorates business confidence.

Practical implications

We present robust empirical evidence that allows us to assume that using a strategy to reduce fiscal opacity through mechanisms that provide reliable economic data and fiscal forecasts is essential for fiscal policy to affect business confidence positively. Reducing fiscal opacity provides greater clarity regarding the budget outcome, reduces economic uncertainty and improves the fiscal policy expectation channel.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to analyze how the lack of information for market agents to anticipate the government’s budget execution accurately (fiscal opacity) affects business confidence.
Uncovering the research trends of family-owned business succession: past, present and the future
Authors: Ahmad Zeshan , Najam Usama , Mustamil Norizah
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The succession phenomenon in family-owned businesses (F-OB) determines their future viability and success. This study aims to provide insight into key research areas related to F-OB’s succession and identify gaps in current literature that can be explored in future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The research article analysis was conducted using bibliometric techniques with VOS viewer and R-Studio Software. This study analyzed 799 articles from the Web of Science (1993–2023) to assess succession in F-OBs and future research directions.

Findings

This bibliometric study provides evolutionary publication trends on the succession of F-OBs. It also identified journals, universities, future trends, thematic maps, cluster networks, authorship countries, theoretical lenses and research gaps linked with F-OB’s succession.

Originality/value

This study focuses on the trends and research themes that have influenced and progressed the comprehension of succession phenomena and dynamics associated with the survival of F-OBs. By conducting a bibliometric analysis of these influential studies, the research provides an overview of significant advancements. It highlights gaps that can be addressed as future research opportunities to enhance the succession processes of F-OBs.
On a wing and a prayer: professional ethics and the prison library
Authors: Wilson Kerry
Published: June 2024

Purpose

In response to instrumental cultural policy agendas in the United Kingdom, the paper explores the practice of collaborative cultural work in the criminal justice system through the lens of professional ethics in prison libraries. It seeks to balance narratives on the value of arts and culture in cross-government policy agendas with a nuanced consideration of the realities of such work in non-conventional organisational settings.

Design/methodology/approach

“Instrumental Values: Professional ethics in collaborative cultural work” was a two-year empirical study (2017–2019), including ethnographic fieldwork in three case study sites representing prison library services in England. Following a “communities of practice” conceptual framework, research methods included participant observation of day-to-day cultural work and specific events; successive research interviews with library and prison service staff and volunteers; and interviews with key collaborating organisations from extended professional networks.

Findings

Data from three prison library case studies show consistent ethical implications relating to the extent of collaborative complexity in the field and its impact on participants’ emotional resilience; navigation of the prison regime by cultural workers; consequences for emotional labour and care in the field; and the re-negotiation of ethical boundaries and practices.

Originality/value

The research makes an original contribution to debates on the instrumental value of arts and culture via its intimate focus on prison libraries as microcosms of situated, truly integrated cultural work, both from a physical, organisational perspective and in their representation of a cross-policy function for arts and culture.
The role of perceived knowledge on key brand community constructs of trust, involvement and engagement
Authors: Haverila Matti , Haverila Kai Christian , McLaughlin Caitlin , Rangarajan Akshaya , Currie Russell
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Against social cognitive and social exchange theories, this research paper aims to investigate the significance and interaction between perceived knowledge, involvement, trust and brand community engagement in brand communities (BC).

Design/methodology/approach

BC participants (n= 503) completed a cross-sectional survey for this research. Analysis was performed using PLS-SEM via SmartPLS (v. 4.1.0.2) and the novel Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA).

Findings

An integrative KITE model with positive and significant relationships of key BC constructs was established. The perceived BC knowledge influenced involvement and engagement. Furthermore, the constructs of involvement and trust were discovered to have a positive and significant impact on engagement, with trust having a substantial effect on BC engagement. The indirect effects of the trust construct via the BC knowledge and BC involvement constructs were also significant.

Originality/value

This research advances the existing conceptual approaches by introducing knowledge as the key BC constructs. The study illustrates that members’ knowledge about a BC facilitates their involvement in the BCs. The vital role of trust is revealed in the KITE model, as it is significantly related to BC knowledge, BC involvement and BC engagement with at least medium to large effect sizes. Notably, the role of trust is enhanced as it is the only necessary must-have (instead of “should-have”) condition to achieve high levels of BC engagement. Furthermore, the KITE model provides insights for marketers to develop a valuable BC.
A story of social entrepreneurship through the creation of the Hopeboots project
Authors: Graci Sonya , Rasmussen Yvette , Washbrook Kaitlyn
Published: June 2024

Research methodology

This case was developed by using primary data collected from two separate one on one interviews, a panel interview in which Josee was featured and secondary data collected from news articles and publications featuring Josee. Information specific to Atikuss’ offerings was found through the Atikuss website. A translation software was used to understand many of the articles about Josee, as many were in French.

Case overview/synopsis

Atikuss (meaning young caribou in Innu) is the sustainable business founded by Josee LeBlanc, an Indigenous woman from Northern Quebec. As a workshop-boutique, Attikuss offers a diverse selection of hand-made traditional Indigenous items from her own Indigenous culture. Hopeboots is a project run through Atikuss which allows customers to create their own Mukluks while learning about Indigenous culture and the story behind every design. When starting her business, Josee learned that the women making mukluk boots were not earning a livable wage for their work. Her dilemma when creating a sustainable business was whether to increase the beaders wages to a fair wage, costing her and the consumer more, or maintaining the status quo by continuing to pay the beaders less then five dollars an hour. Josee’s decision to increase wages generated opportunities and increased well being through social investments in her community. This decision considers the cost to many stakeholders and offers an Indigenized perspective to entrepreneurship. This case is relevant to Indigenous entrepreneurship, sustainability, social innovation, business ethics, and corporate social responsibility.

Complexity academic level

This case is targeted toward university-level students and can be relevant to graduate-level students as well.
Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus influences the emergence of the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri by regulating key cuticular proteins
Authors: Yuan Chen‐Yang , Gao Yi‐Fan , Liu Yi , Fan Jia‐Yao , Yuan Ying‐Zhe , Yi Long , Jing Tian‐Xing , Dou Wei , Wang Jin‐Jun
Published: June 2024

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, is the primary vector of the HLB pathogen, Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas). The acquisition of CLas shortens the developmental period of nymphs, accelerating the emergence into adulthood and thereby facilitating the spread of CLas. Cuticular proteins (CPs) are involved in insect emergence. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying CLas‐promoted emergence in D. citri via CP mediation. Here, a total of 159 CP genes were first identified in the D. citri genome. Chromosomal location analysis revealed an uneven distribution of these CP genes across the 13 D. citri chromosomes. Proteomic analysis identified 54 differentially expressed CPs during D. citri emergence, with 14 CPs exhibiting significant differential expression after CLas acquisition. Five key genes, Dc18aa‐1, Dc18aa‐2, DcCPR‐24, DcCPR‐38 and DcCPR‐58, were screened from the proteome and CLas acquisition. The silencing of these 5 genes through a modified feeding method significantly reduced the emergence rate and caused various abnormal phenotypes, indicating the crucial role that these genes play in D. citri emergence. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the role of CPs in D. citri and reveals that CLas can influence the emergence process of D. citri by regulating the expression of CPs. These key CPs may serve as potential targets for future research on controlling huanglongbing (HLB) transmission.
Encouraging loyalty and defection: The impact of campaigns on tactical voting in Britain
Authors: Núñez Lucas
Published: June 2024

I study the impact of party campaigns on tactical voting, focusing on voters with tactical incentives. Focusing on three UK Elections, I exploit panel data within each election to address endogeneity in party behavior, which would otherwise bias the estimates of campaign effects. My findings show that party contacts during campaigns have an influence in encouraging loyalty to preferred nonviable parties and defection to alternative viable ones. These findings are important as relatively little is known about what influences voters’ decision to cast tactical votes, beyond their demographic characteristics and the electoral circumstances they may find themselves in.
Emerging infectious disease prevention: Veterinary action required
Authors: Alders RG
Published: June 2024

Emerging and re‐emerging infectious disease outbreaks have increased significantly over the past century, largely due to human actions, leading to distress, death and severe socio‐economic implications. Coordinated actions by multiple sectors and disciplines are required to address these drivers. The challenge for the veterinary profession is to identify and prioritise the actions to which it can and should contribute. This review explores: the extent to which veterinary oaths promote attention to ecological sustainability; challenges faced during One Health implementation across diverse settings and possible solutions; and opportunities for veterinarians to assist with pandemic prevention by working to stop viral spillover at source. It aims to stimulate a discussion within the veterinary profession regarding how our current approaches: prevent or promote emerging infectious diseases and re‐emerging infectious diseases; provide opportunities to improve our preventive contributions going forward; and can yield significant cobenefits.
The vaccination divide: Exploring moral reasoning associated with intergroup antipathy between vaccinated and unvaccinated people
Authors: Hatchman Kate , Hornsey Matthew J. , Barlow Fiona Kate
Published: June 2024

Objectives

There is growing evidence of intergroup hostility between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, a process of polarization that threatens to derail population health efforts. This study explores the moral underpinnings of intergroup antipathy between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

Design

A cross‐sectional design was employed to investigate the associations between the view of vaccination as a social contract or individual choice, perceived vulnerability to disease, perceptions of outgroup morality, feelings of warmth, and experiences of schadenfreude.

Methods

Data were extracted from an online, quantitative survey of 233 vaccinated and 237 unvaccinated participants collected between June and July 2022.

Results

Results revealed that vaccinated people had stronger negative attitudes towards unvaccinated people than vice versa. In line with hypotheses, the extent to which vaccinated people saw vaccination as a social contract was significantly associated with perceiving unvaccinated people as immoral. For unvaccinated people, seeing vaccination as an individual choice (the opposite of a social contract) was significantly associated with perceiving vaccinated people as immoral. Among both groups, viewing the other as immoral was associated with feeling significantly less warmth towards the opposing vaccination group, and more schadenfreude in the face of an outgroup member's suffering. Participants' perceived vulnerability to disease played a relatively small role in explaining polarization between vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

Conclusions

This research builds on previous studies by identifying moral mechanisms associated with intergroup antipathy in the vaccine debate.
Are sporadic colorectal cancers in young patients distinct from those in elderly patients?
Authors: Yang In Jun , Kim Duck‐Woo , Lee Jeehye , Ahn Hong‐Min , Oh Heung‐Kwon , Kang Sung‐Bum , Suh Jung Wook , Kim Min Hyun , Oh Hyeon Jeong , Kim Hyung Kyung , Kim Min Jung , Park Ji Won , Ryoo Seung‐Bum , Park Kyu Joo , Jeong Seung‐Yong , Oh Jae Hwan
Published: June 2024

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare the clinicopathological and oncological characteristics of sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) between young and elderly patients without any genetic mutations that cause hereditary CRC.

Method

In this cross‐sectional, retrospective study conducted at three tertiary referral hospitals, we enrolled 1599 patients with CRC who underwent surgery between January 2010 and December 2017, including 157 young patients (age ≤ 40 years; yCRC) and 1442 elderly patients (age ≥ 70 years; eCRC). The clinicopathological and oncological outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results

The median age at diagnosis was 37 years in the yCRC group (range 33.0–39.2 years) and 76 years in the eCRC group (range 72.0–79.0 years). The yCRC group did not present with advanced stages at diagnosis compared with the eCRC group, and the distribution of tumour stages was similar between the two groups. Microsatellite instability (MSI) testing revealed no difference in the frequency of tumours with high MSI (7.8% in yCRC, 5.8% in eCRC), and the frequency of mutations in the KRAS, NRAS and BRAF genes was also similar. The 3‐year overall survival was better in the yCRC group than in the eCRC group (97.4% vs. 83.5%, p < 0.001); however, no such difference was observed in cancer‐specific survival.

Conclusion

Genetically proven sporadic CRCs did not differ significantly between young and elderly patients in terms of tumour stage, tumour location and various molecular features.

Clinical Trial Registration Number

The study was retrospectively registered with Clinical Trials.gov (no. NCT05601609).
Assessment of treatment retention rates and predictors of retention on opioid agonist treatment among adolescents
Authors: Shakya Pooja , Jangra Jaswant , Rao Ravindra , Mishra Ashwani Kumar , Bhad Roshan
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Opioid agonist treatment (OAT) is an effective treatment for opioid dependence syndrome in adults. However, studies on effectiveness of OAT in adolescents are limited; existing studies show varying retention rates. The present study aimed to assess OAT retention rates in adolescent patients with opioid dependence syndrome registered in a community drug treatment clinic in Delhi, India, and to analyse factors associated with retention at 1 year.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study. All adolescents (n = 130) aged 10–19 years, started on OAT from January 2020 to July 2022 were included. Baseline and follow‐up data was extracted from online record system maintained at the clinic. OAT retention rates at different timepoints were assessed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to discern factors associated with one‐year retention.

Results

The participants' mean age was 16.9 (SD 1.4) years. Mean age of starting opioids was 14.9 (SD 2.2) years; 29.5% (n = 38) injected opioids. The 6‐, 12‐, 18‐ and 24‐month retention rate on OAT was 64.4%, 45.6%, 38.7% and 29% respectively. The retention rates with buprenorphine and methadone were comparable. Multivariate logistic regression showed retention for less than 12 months to be significantly associated with younger age of starting heroin, involvement in illegal activities, absenteeism from school and substance use in family.

Discussion and Conclusions

The 12‐month retention rates on OAT in adolescents is comparable to retention rates in adults. Various factors associated with early age of onset of opioid use are also associated with lower retention rates on OAT.
Advances in salmonid genetics—Insights from Coastwide and beyond
Authors: Narum Shawn R. , Campbell Matthew , Coykendall Katharine , Meek Mariah , O'Malley Kathleen G. , Wellenreuther Maren
Published: June 2024

This article summarizes the Special Issue of Evolutionary Applications focused on “Advances in Salmonid Genetics.” Contributions to this Special Issue were primarily presented at the Coastwide Salmonid Genetics Meeting, held in Boise, ID in June 2023, with a focus on Pacific salmonids of the west coast region of North America. Contributions from other regions of the globe are also included and further convey the importance of various salmonid species across the world. This Special Issue is comprised of 22 articles that together illustrate major advances in genetic and genomic tools to address fundamental and applied questions for natural populations of salmonids, ranging from mixed‐stock analyses, to conservation of genetic diversity, to adaptation to local environments. These studies provide valuable insight for molecular ecologists since salmonid systems offer a window into evolutionary applications that parallel conservation efforts relevant and applicable beyond salmonid species. Here, we provide an introduction and a synopsis of articles in this Special Issue, along with future directions in this field. We present this Special Issue in honor of Fred Utter, a founder and leader in the field of salmonid genetics, who passed away in 2023.
Population pharmacokinetics of mycophenolate in patients treated for interstitial lung disease (EVER‐ILD study)
Authors: Xu Yan‐Min , Ternant David , Reynaud‐Gaubert Martine , Bejan‐Angoulvant Théodora , Marchand‐Adam Sylvain
Published: June 2024

Background

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has been used to treat interstitial lung disease (ILD), but mycophenolate (MPA) pharmacokinetics was not reported for this use. This ancillary study of the EVER‐ILD protocol aimed at describing the pharmacokinetic variability of MPA using population modelling in ILD.

Methods

Concentrations of MPA were measured during an 8‐h course for 27 ILD patients treated with 1000 mg MMF b.i.d. Absorption, distribution and elimination of MPA were described using population compartment models with first‐order transfer and elimination rate constants, while accounting for both absorption peaks using gamma absorption models.

Results

The pharmacokinetics of MPA was best described using a two‐compartment model and two gamma absorption models, model performances of this model were still similar to those of a one gamma absorption model. This pharmacokinetics seemed to be notably influenced by body weight, renal function and inflammatory status. The distribubtion value area under the concentration curve between two administrations of MMF was AUC12 = 52.5 mg.h/L in median (interquartile range: 42.2–58.0 mg.h/L).

Conclusion

This is the first study reporting MPA pharmacokinetics in ILD. This pharmacokinetics appears to be similar to other indications and should be further investigated in future studies.
Cobalt as a potential limiting factor for heterocyst frequency in nitrogen‐limited Aphanizomenon and Dolichospermum: Evidence from experimental and field studies
Authors: Shah Purnank , Venkiteswaran Jason J. , Molot Lewis A. , Higgins Scott N. , Schiff Sherry L. , Baulch Helen M. , Zastepa Arthur
Published: June 2024

Evidence suggests that low cobalt (Co) may limit heterocyst frequency (HF) in filamentous diazotrophic cyanobacteria. Therefore, the effect of three Co concentrations on HF in four species in the genera Aphanizomenon and Dolichospermum was examined in N‐depleted (N was not added) culture. Long‐term HF data were also analysed in experimentally fertilised N‐limited Lake 227.

HF ranges and means at 0.17, 17, and 170 nmol Co/L were 4.1%–5.7% (4.6%), 5.4%–7.4% (6.4%), and 5.9%–9.3% (7.4%), respectively, after 11 days of growth in batch cultures suggesting that Co plays a role in regulating HF. HF at 0.17 nmol/L was significantly different from HF at the two higher concentrations in all species implicating Co in heterocyst differentiation. However, growth rates and final biovolume yields were not significantly affected by Co in any of the species.

Applying the ratio of total phosphorus (TP)/Co in culture media (106) at 0.17 nmol Co/L to an N‐limited system implies that dissolved Co would have to be less than 1 pmol/L to severely limit HF at 1 μmol TP/L. This Co concentration is much lower than dissolved Co in Lake 227 during an Aphanizomenon skujae bloom with 1 μmol TP/L in 2017. Furthermore, Co increased from 0.7 to 2.0 nmol/L simultaneously increasing with HF and cyanobacteria biomass suggesting that Co probably did not limit HF and bloom biomass in Lake 227.

Mean summer HFs in Lake 227 during 2000–2020 were 3.4% (epilimnion) and 4.0% (metalimnion), similar to HF at the lowest Co in the cultures. However, HF was significantly higher after 2015 following a shift in dominant bloom species from A. schindlerii to the smaller A. skujae. Calculations suggest that the decrease in cell size may have prompted a higher HF in A. skujae in order to fix an amount of N per unit biomass similar to that fixed by the larger A. schindlerii. Thus, two previously unidentified factors, Co and cell size, can be added to the list of factors that affect HF.
Rising algae density affects the influences of Daphnia magna on the competitive outcome between Brachionus rotifer species
Authors: Xu Huanhuan , Li Chen , Niu Cuijuan
Published: June 2024

Superior competitors are known to regulate community structure by influencing competitive outcomes between species of inferior competitors with overlapping ecological niches. However, more research is needed to obtain a detailed understanding of the ecological process.

We examined how the superior competitor Daphnia magna influenced competition–exclusion between two coexisting Brachionus rotifer species.

Brachionus angularis was no longer the superior competitor when D. magna was introduced into the cultured Brachionus calyciflorus + B. angularis system. Small‐sized D. magna (1.6–1.9 mm in body length) mediated population dynamics and facilitated the persistence of the two Brachionus species, while large‐sized D. magna (2.0–2.3 mm in body length) excluded only B. angularis at the high food level (3 × 106 cells/ml Chlorella) or both rotifer species at the low food level (1 × 106 cells/ml Chlorella).

These findings indicate that the different body sizes of a superior competitor species can reverse competitive results between inferior competitor species in relation to food abundance.

Our results highlight the dynamic nature of populations in multispecies communities and the need to understand species interactions in relation to their environment.
Predicting Abiotic TCE Transformation Rate Constants—A Bayesian Hierarchical Approach
Authors: Störiko Anna , Valocchi Albert J. , Werth Charles , Schaefer Charles E.
Published: June 2024

Fe(II) minerals can mediate the abiotic reduction of trichloroethylene (TCE), a widespread groundwater contaminant. If reaction rates are sufficiently fast for natural attenuation, the process holds potential for mitigating TCE pollution in groundwater. To assess the variability of abiotic TCE reduction rate constants, we collected pseudo‐first‐order rate constants for natural sediments and rocks from the literature, as well as intrinsic (surface‐area‐normalized) rate constants of individual minerals. Using a Bayesian hierarchical modeling approach, we were able to differentiate the contributions of natural variability and experimental error to the total variance. Applying the model, we also predicted rate constants at new sites, revealing a considerable uncertainty of several orders of magnitude. We investigated whether incorporating additional information about sediment composition could reduce this uncertainty. We tested two sets of predictors: reactive mineral content (measured by X‐ray diffraction) combined with surface areas and intrinsic rate constants, or the extractable Fe(II) content. Knowledge of the mineral composition only marginally reduced the uncertainty of predicted rate constants. We attribute the low information gain to the inability to measure the (reactive) surface areas of individual minerals in sediments or rocks, which are subject to environmental factors like aqueous geochemistry and redox potential. In contrast, knowing the Fe(II) content reduced the uncertainty about the first‐order rate constant by nearly two orders of magnitude, because the relationship between Fe(II) content and rate constants is approximately log–log‐linear. We demonstrate how our approach provides estimates for the range of cleanup times for a simple example of diffusion‐controlled transport in a contaminated aquitard.
Exploring deep caries management and barriers to the use of vital pulp treatments by primary care dental practitioners
Authors: Pandya Jay‐Krishan , Wheatley Jennifer , Bailey Oliver , Taylor Greig , Geddis‐Regan Andrew , Edwards David
Published: June 2024

Aim

The European Society of Endodontology outlines best practices for the management of deep caries and the pulp. Despite evidence supporting vital pulp treatments (VPTs) as predictable alternatives to conventional endodontic treatment, studies have shown they are not widely adopted in the UK. This study aimed to explore the barriers to implementation of VPTs by primary care general dental practitioners (GDPs).

Methodology

Qualitative one‐to‐one semi‐structured online interviews were conducted with purposively sampled UK GDPs. Interview transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Recurring themes were iteratively refined as additional transcripts were reviewed.

Results

Eleven participants were interviewed. A range of barriers to the provision of VPTs were identified, which aligned with two core themes: ‘Motivational barriers to service provision’ and ‘Educational access & opportunities’. Sub‐themes included lack of access to materials and equipment, deficiencies in knowledge of treatment (including protocols, outcomes and prognosis), lack of confidence (in treatment efficacy and clinical ability), time constraints and public dental service funding and remuneration.

Conclusions

This study identifies barriers to the widespread adoption of VPTs among primary care GDPs in public and private settings. Economic constraints, practitioner confidence, time limitations and educational gaps are key challenges. Addressing these may require systemic changes such as policy interventions, education and improved resource allocation.