bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiscale structure of LaAlO3 from single-crystal X-ray diffraction
Authors: Nishioka Takashi , Hayashi Mibuki , Kasai Hidetaka , Nishibori Eiji
Published: June 2024

A domain-resolved synchrotron single-crystal X-ray diffraction study of a LaAlO3 pseudo-merohedral twin crystal was successfully carried out in combination with powder diffraction data from the same sample. Multiscale structure information ranging from micro- to nano- to atomic scale was determined from one single crystal. There is almost no change of domain ratios at temperatures of less than 400 K indicating no movement of the domain wall. The changes in domain ratio indicating domain-wall movement were observed in the temperature range of 450 to 700 K, which is consistent with the result of the previous mechanical measurement. It is also found that the ratio of four twin components becomes equal (25%), just below phase transition temperature. These findings are important for domain engineering and theoretical studies related to LaAlO3. The temperature dependence of domain ratio was preserved in the heating and cooling cycle except for the first heating process to 840 K. Therefore, the domain structure after heating to 840 K is intrinsic to the crystal. Accurate structure parameters were determined through unit-cell parameter calibration and domain-resolved structure analysis. The method for calibration of unit-cell parameters from twin crystal data was derived and used to solve the inconsistent unit-cell parameters between single crystal and powder data in the present and previous studies.
Magnetic structures in R
5Pt2In4 (R = Tb–Tm) investigated by neutron powder diffraction
Authors: Deptuch Aleksandra , Baran Stanisław , Keller Lukas , Hayyu Altifani Rizky , Szytuła Andrzej
Published: June 2024

Results of the neutron powder diffraction measurements carried out for R
5Pt2In4 (R = Tb–Tm) are reported. The compounds crystallize in an orthorhombic crystal structure of the Lu5Ni2In4-type with the rare earth atoms occupying three different sublattices. Neutron diffraction data reveal that at low temperatures the rare earth magnetic moments order below the critical temperature equal to 105, 93, 28, 12 and 3.8 K for R = Tb, Dy, Ho, Er and Tm, respectively. With decreasing temperature the rare earth magnetic moments at the 2a and 4g2 sites order first, while the moments at the 4g1 site order at lower temperatures. Ferrimagnetic order along the c axis, described by the propagation vector k
1 = [0, 0, 0], develops in Tb5Pt2In4 below the Curie temperature (T
C = 105 K). At lower temperatures, an antiferromagnetic component in the ab plane appears. The component is incommensurate with the crystal structure (k
2 = [0, 0.66, ½]), but it turns into a commensurate one (k
3 = [0, 0, ½]) with decreasing temperature. Antiferromagnetic order along the c axis, described by k
4 = [½, 0, 0], is found in Dy5Pt2In4 below the Néel temperature (T
N = 93 K). The k
4-related component disappears below 80 K and the magnetic structure transforms into a ferro/ferrimagnetic one described by k
1 = [0, 0, 0]. Further decrease in temperature leads to the appearance of an incommensurate antiferromagnetic component within the ab plane below 10 K (k
2 = [0, 0.45, ½]), which finally turns into a commensurate one (k
5 = [0, ½, ½]). In Ho5Pt2In4, a sine-modulated magnetic structure with moments parallel to the c axis (k
6 = [⅓,0,0]) is observed below 28 K. With a decrease in temperature, new components, related to k
1 = [0, 0, 0] (bc plane) and k
4 = [½, 0, 0] (c axis), appear. The coexistence of two orderings – in the ab plane (k
1 = [0, 0, 0]) and a modulated one with moments along the b axis (k
7 = [k

x
, 0, 0]) – is found in Er5Pt2In4 below 12 K. Decreasing temperature leads to the order–order transformation of the k
1-related component to another one with magnetic moments still constrained to the ab plane and preserved value of the propagation vector (i.e.
k
1 = [0, 0, 0]). Tm5Pt2In4 orders antiferromagnetically below T
N = 3.8 K. Thulium magnetic moments lie in the ab plane, while the magnetic structure is described by k
5 = [0, ½ , ½]. The direction of magnetic moments depends on the rare earth element involved and indicates an influence of single ion anisotropy resulting from interaction with the crystalline electric field.
Chiral versus achiral crystal structures of 4-benzyl-1H-pyrazole and its 3,5-diamino derivative
Authors: Hayward Emily R. , Zeller Matthias , Mezei Gellert
Published: June 2024

The crystal structures of 4-benzyl-1H-pyrazole (C10H10N2, 1) and 3,5-diamino-4-benzyl-1H-pyrazole (C10H12N4, 2) were measured at 150 K. Although its different conformers and atropenantiomers easily interconvert in solution by annular tautomerism and/or rotation of the benzyl substituent around the C(pyrazole)—C(CH2) single bond (as revealed by 1H NMR spectroscopy), 1 crystallizes in the non-centrosymmetric space group P21. Within its crystal structure, the pyrazole and phenyl aromatic moieties are organized into alternating bilayers. Both pyrazole and phenyl layers consist of aromatic rings stacked into columns in two orthogonal directions. Within the pyrazole layer, the pyrazole rings form parallel catemers by N—H...N hydrogen bonding. Compound 2 adopts a similar bilayer structure, albeit in the centrosymmetric space group P21/c, with pyrazole N—H protons as donors in N—H...π hydrogen bonds with neighboring pyrazole rings, and NH2 protons as donors in N—H...N hydrogen bonds with adjacent pyrazoles and other NH2 moieties. The crystal structures and supramolecular features of 1 and 2 are contrasted with the two known structures of their analogs, 3,5-dimethyl-4-benzyl-1H-pyrazole and 3,5-diphenyl-4-benzyl-1H-pyrazole.
A structural role for tryptophan in proteins, and the ubiquitous Trp Cδ1—H...O=C (backbone) hydrogen bond
Authors: Szczygiel Michal , Derewenda Urszula , Scheiner Steve , Minor Wladek , Derewenda Zygmunt S.
Published: June 2024

Tryptophan is the most prominent amino acid found in proteins, with multiple functional roles. Its side chain is made up of the hydrophobic indole moiety, with two groups that act as donors in hydrogen bonds: the Nɛ—H group, which is a potent donor in canonical hydrogen bonds, and a polarized Cδ1—H group, which is capable of forming weaker, noncanonical hydrogen bonds. Due to adjacent electron-withdrawing moieties, C—H...O hydrogen bonds are ubiquitous in macromolecules, albeit contingent on the polarization of the donor C—H group. Consequently, Cα—H groups (adjacent to the carbonyl and amino groups of flanking peptide bonds), as well as the Cɛ1—H and Cδ2—H groups of histidines (adjacent to imidazole N atoms), are known to serve as donors in hydrogen bonds, for example stabilizing parallel and antiparallel β-sheets. However, the nature and the functional role of interactions involving the Cδ1—H group of the indole ring of tryptophan are not well characterized. Here, data mining of high-resolution (r ≤ 1.5 Å) crystal structures from the Protein Data Bank was performed and ubiquitous close contacts between the Cδ1—H groups of tryptophan and a range of electronegative acceptors were identified, specifically main-chain carbonyl O atoms immediately upstream and downstream in the polypeptide chain. The stereochemical analysis shows that most of the interactions bear all of the hallmarks of proper hydrogen bonds. At the same time, their cohesive nature is confirmed by quantum-chemical calculations, which reveal interaction energies of 1.5–3.0 kcal mol−1, depending on the specific stereochemistry.
The making of a multiplicity of overlapping controls
Authors: Berland Nicolas , Curtis Emer , Guenoun Marcel , Renaud Angèle
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the question “How can we understand the dynamics that give rise to multiplicities of overlapping controls (MoOCs)?” and explore the role of local politics in the emergence of such multiplicities.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on assemblage theory, we use an in-depth case study of local government in France where a Socialist and Green coalition (the “Coalition”) replaced a long-standing Communist administration. The Coalition introduced a comprehensive set of new management control systems (MCSs), layered onto pre-existing systems.

Findings

The proliferation of new MCSs, together with the persistence of legacy MCSs, gave rise to a MoOC. Linkages between controls constituted potential points of rupture around which the assemblage changed and shifted the nexus of control. Whereas densely populated areas of the assemblage provided sites for conflict in the battle to influence the allocation of resources, some MCSs became isolated or were reterritorialized by political groups seeking autonomy from the new management.

Social implications

We highlight the material consequences of political contentions around MoOCs that obfuscate, and at times frustrate, the implementation of a programme for government.

Originality/value

We contribute a set of concepts pertaining to the dynamics of MoOCs. We offer an alternative perspective on the disappointment associated with the adoption of new management tools in the public sector, showing how MCSs can become battlegrounds for political contention rather than tools for management improvement. We contribute to literature utilizing assemblage theory for analysing management accounting change.
The luxury should be “high”: the effect of positioning in cobranding on luxury evaluation
Authors: Nie Xinyu , Wang Liangyan , Chan Eugene Y.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study examines how the visual cues (i.e. positioning in cobranding advertising) influence the luxury evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

Through four experiments in different contexts, this study investigates the effects of the positioning of two brands in cobranding on luxury evaluation, the moderating role of product category and the mediating role of benefit understanding.

Findings

This study finds that the positioning of two brands in cobranding affects luxury evaluation. Specifically, vertical positioning benefits consumers’ attitude toward luxury compared with horizontal positioning. Results also elucidate that such an effect depends on the product category; that is, the effect of positioning on luxury only exists when the cobranded product belongs to the core (vs non-core) category of luxury. The benefit understanding explains the effects of the positioning and product category on the luxury attitude.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the literature on luxury and cobranding by exploring the visual cues at the marketing communication level influencing the evaluation of luxury brands.

Practical implications

The findings provide important managerial guidelines for enhancing luxury cobranding effectiveness.

Originality/value

This study proposes positioning in cobranding advertisements as one of the antecedents affecting luxury cobranding evaluation. Accordingly, this study adopts a new perspective on visual perception, based on conceptual metaphor theory, which advances the theoretical and empirical knowledge of luxury cobranding.
Linking formal institutional distance, subsidiary autonomy for innovation and subsidiary global (value-added) mandates
Authors: Raziq Muhammad Mustafa , Saleem Sharjeel , Sumbal Muhammad Saleem Ullah Khan , Ikramullah Malik
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study examines the effects of formal institutional distance (ID) on the foreign subsidiary global mandates (i.e. the subsidiary value-added role in terms of research and development (R&D), product management and supplying of inputs to the multinational enterprise (MNE) globally). Furthermore, it examines the mediating role of subsidiary autonomy for innovation in the relationship between formal ID and subsidiary global mandates.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey evidence from foreign subsidiaries in a remote developed economy, i.e. New Zealand, is obtained. Formal distance is measured based on the worldwide governance indicators (WGI), and the hypotheses are tested using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Results show that the direct link between formal ID and subsidiary global mandates is negative. However, autonomy for innovation as a mediator offsets this negative relationship, showing a positive mediating effect between formal ID and subsidiary global mandates.

Originality/value

This study extends research on foreign subsidiaries and their value-added roles in the MNE. We show the differentiated role of formal ID and indicate a contingency showing how the negative influence of formal ID on subsidiary global mandates can be offset. The inconsistent mediation of autonomy for innovation suggests that the concept of ID is multifaceted and complex, in contrast to the popular view that ID has only negative implications. Drawing upon evidence from a remote, developed economy and secondary data sources, we suggest how MNEs may positively use their formal ID with their subsidiaries.
Accelerating start-ups' leap to unicorns: the role of founders' ambidextrous orientation
Authors: Jha Vivek Kumar , Roshan Ravi , Sinha Sabyasachi
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Extant studies in entrepreneurship have explored factors that influence the birth and growth of start-up firms; however, there appears to be a dearth of studies examining the influence of founders' ambidextrous orientation on start-ups' success, especially their speed of attaining the coveted status of a “unicorn start-up” – which is considered a mega success in practice. This study examines whether and how founding teams’ collective ambidextrous orientation influences their respective start-ups’ pace of becoming a “unicorn”.

Design/methodology/approach

This study empirically analyses 220 interviews by the founders of 83 Indian unicorns in examining the influence of the founding teams’ collective exploration-exploitation capability on their firms' speed to achieve the “unicorn” status. The Cox Hazard model was used to test the hypothesized relationships, and linear ordinary least squares (OLS) regression was used to test the robustness of the results.

Findings

The authors find a strong positive relationship between founding teams’ ambidextrous skills and the speed of becoming a unicorn. The study results suggest that the founding teams’ collective exploratory skills may be more influential in their start-up’s speed to unicorn status vis-à-vis their exploitative skills.

Originality/value

This study finds that the founding teams’ ambidextrous orientation and exploratory skills accelerate their start-up’s speed to becoming a unicorn, contributing to the academic discourse on the “unicorn” phenomenon, which is widely acknowledged as a grand success status for start-ups—especially technology and venture capital funded start-ups—among the practitioners. This study contributes to the academic discourse on firm capabilities and founding-team-related antecedents of start-up success by raising a new dimension of the founding team’s ambidextrous orientation.
Performance management in action: a configurational analysis of the drivers of the purposeful use of performance information
Authors: Vidè Francesco , Cepiku Denita , Mastrodascio Marco
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The article explores which configurations of organizational and individual conditions support the purposeful use of performance information in the public sector. Prior research has predominantly focused on the effects of individual factors without paying as much attention to how these factors interact to influence public managers’ attitudes to integrating performance information into their decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fs-QCA) to examine the different combinations of organizational and individual drivers that facilitate purposeful performance information use.

Findings

Goal clarity is a necessary but insufficient condition for purposeful information use. It needs to be complemented by a mature performance management system, public managers with prosocial motivation who engage in extra-role behaviours within a non-innovative organizational culture, or a developmental culture that motivates managers who are unaware of the social impact generated by their work.

Research limitations/implications

The case selection does not allow for direct generalizations. Future studies could replicate the configurational analysis in different countries and sectors and introduce additional environmental, organizational, and individual conditions.

Practical implications

The study suggests the need to integrate actions that support the purposeful use of performance information and define clear departmental goals. Although the latter is a necessary condition, it needs to be supported by other organizational and individual factors.

Originality/value

The study deepens the theory of the drivers of purposeful performance information use in the public sector by adopting a configurational approach and exploring how organizational and individual conditions interact to foster information use.
Opportunistic and delayed maintenance as strategies for sustainable maintenance practices
Authors: Patra Pradipta , Dinesh Kumar Unni Krishnan
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Opportunistic and delayed maintenances are increasingly becoming important strategies for sustainable maintenance practices since they increase the lifetime of complex systems like aircrafts and heavy equipment. The objective of the current study is to quantify the optimal time window for adopting these strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study considers the trade-offs between different costs involved in the opportunistic and delayed maintenances (of equipment) like the fixed cost of scheduled maintenances, the opportunistic rewards that may be earned and the cost of premature parts replacement. The probability of the opportunistic maintenance has been quantified under two different scenarios – Mission Reliability and Renewal Process. In the case of delayed maintenance, the cost of the delayed maintenance is also considered. The study uses optimization techniques to find the optimal maintenance time windows and also derive useful insights.

Findings

Apart from finding the optimal time window for the maintenance activities the study also shows that opportunistic maintenance is beneficial provided the opportunistic reward is significantly large; the cost of conducting scheduled maintenance in the pre-determined slot is significantly large. Similarly, the opportunistic maintenance may not be beneficial if the pre-mature equipment parts replacement cost is significantly high. The optimal opportunistic maintenance time is increasing function of Weibull failure rate parameter “beta” and decreasing function of Weibull failure rate parameter “theta.” In the case of optimal delayed maintenance time, these relationships reverse.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, very few studies exist that have used mission reliability to study opportunistic maintenance or considered the different cost trade-offs comprehensively.
Dynamic and stability analysis of crescent geometry-possessing textured journal bearing using nanolubricant
Authors: Byotra Deepak , Sharma Sanjay
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to find the dynamic performance parameters of the journal bearing with micro geometries patterning the arc (crescent) shape textures provided in three specific regions of the journal bearing: the full, the second half and the increasing pressure region. The dynamic behavior of textured journal bearings has been analyzed by computing dynamic parameters and linear and non-linear trajectories.

Design/methodology/approach

The lubricant flows between the bearing and journal surface are governed by Reynold’s equation, which has been solved by finite the element method. The dynamic performance parameters such as stiffness, damping, threshold speed, critical mass and whirl frequency ratio are examined under various operating conditions by considering various ranges of eccentricity ratios and texture depths. Linear and non-linear equations of motion have been solved with Ranga–Kutta method to get journal motion trajectories. Also, the impact of adding aluminum oxide and copper oxide nanoparticles to the base lubricant in combination with arc-shaped textures is analyzed to further see any enhancement in the performance parameters.

Findings

The findings demonstrated that direct stiffness and damping parameters increased to their maximum level with six textures in the pressure-increasing region when compared with the untextured surface. Also, nanoparticle additives showed improvements above the highest value attained with no inclusion of additives in the same region or quantity of textures.

Originality/value

Engineers may design bearings with improved stability and overall performance if they understand how texture form impacts dynamic properties.
Shari’ah governance and transparency: evidence from stock price synchronicity of Islamic banks
Authors: Quttainah Majdi Anwar , BenSaid Yosra
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate internal governance mechanisms factors, focusing on Shari’ah-based governance mechanisms that affect the price synchronicity of Islamic banks (IBs).

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes and compares the effect of Shari’ah and regular governance mechanisms on stock price synchronicity over 2013–2022 using a sample of 51 listed IBs in 13 countries in the Middle East and South Asia region. Using generalized least square method, this paper tests nine hypotheses addressing Shari’ah and regular governance mechanisms.

Findings

The findings generally reveal that Shari’ah-based governance mechanisms have a significant impact on the stock price synchronicity of IBs. The main determinants of stock price synchronicity among IBs are SSB size, SSB diversity, SSB members’ qualifications in finance Islamic jurisprudence and SSB interlocks. Shari’ah governance plays a detrimental role in improving the association between bank stock price synchronicity and transparency.

Research limitations/implications

This paper includes three main limitations that may affect the accuracy of the findings. First, this paper relied on publicly available financial statements of IBs online. Hence, the data in this study is from few IBs in each country, which limits the analysis given the reliance is on the best-performing IBs in the country. Second, the results are restricted to the Middle East and South Asia and may not be generalized to other regions. Third, the sample is dominated by Middle East countries (i.e. 37 IBs out of 51).

Practical implications

Both Shari’ah governance and regular governance have an impact on the transparency of IBs. Policymakers or regulators could encourage IBs to embed SSBs into their internal governance structure for the positive impact the SSBs attributes have on stock price synchronicity and transparency.

Originality/value

This research studies IBs, unlike most other works that focus on firms.
The quest for delightful experiences and profitable enterprises: how customer delight impacts financial performance
Authors: Torres Edwin , Kizildag Murat , Lee Jongwon
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The present research sought to analyze the effects of customer delight on both internal and external financial structures of publicly traded, service firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary (i.e. survey) and secondary (i.e. financial records) data sources were gathered. A total of 685 participants responded to one questionnaire focusing on hotels and another one focused on restaurants, both of which measured levels of customer delight and satisfaction. Financial data were gathered from Center for Research in Security Prices, CRSP/COMPUSTAT.

Findings

Results of MANOVA revealed that there was a significant difference in the net profit margin (NPM) based on customer delight. Canonical correlation results exposed a significant correlation between satisfaction and delight combined and the financial performance measures (net profit margin, cash flow margin, return on assets and b-beta) combined.

Practical implications

By delighting their customers, managers will achieve higher profit margins. However, these are not likely to result in improved cash flow margin or return on assets. The effects of COVID-19 can alter yearly returns; thus, longitudinal research is needed to continue testing for the effects on delight on financial performance.

Originality/value

The relationship between delight and financial measures had not been previously determined (notwithstanding a few studies using substitute measures for financial performance). The present study uses actual data from the financial filings to empirically test their relationship to customer delight.
The prospect theory and the idiosyncratic risk-return linkage: a quantile regression approach for Vietnam’s stock market
Authors: Bao Ho Hoang Gia , Tran Thi Hai Ly , Dinh Thi Thu Hong
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper scrutinizes the relationship between idiosyncratic risks and stock returns at different quantiles, especially the extremely low and high ones, to explore the applicability of the Prospect Theory’s rationale in Vietnam’s stock market.

Design/methodology/approach

The Prospect Theory demonstrates that investors’ attitudes towards risks can change from risk-seeking in the loss domain to risk-averse in the gain domain. This can be observed by the negative (positive) connection between idiosyncratic risks and returns for the losing (winning) stocks. To explore if the aforesaid patterns occur in Vietnam’s stock market, this paper employs the quantile regression method which is suitable for inspecting the relationship at the high and low tails of the stock returns.

Findings

The estimation results acknowledge the changes in attitudes towards risks as mentioned by the Prospect Theory.

Practical implications

The negative relationship between idiosyncratic risks and stock returns confirms investors’ risk-seeking behavior in the loss domain, which is in line with the prediction of the Prospect Theory. This behavior may cause worse investment performance as the losing stocks in investors’ portfolios remain overvalued, leading to subsequent negative returns. Therefore, investors should establish and follow their investment disciplines to protect themselves from larger losses.

Originality/value

Existing research found little evidence for the Prospect Theory’s rationale in Vietnam’s stock market, which can stem from the usage of the conditional-mean regression methods. Different from the prior studies, this paper is the first to apply the quantile regression method and provide new evidence supporting the Prospect Theory’s rationale in Vietnam’s stock market.
Short-term train arrival delay prediction: a data-driven approach
Authors: Fu Qingyun , Ding Shuxin , Zhang Tao , Wang Rongsheng , Hu Ping , Pu Cunlai
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To optimize train operations, dispatchers currently rely on experience for quick adjustments when delays occur. However, delay predictions often involve imprecise shifts based on known delay times. Real-time and accurate train delay predictions, facilitated by data-driven neural network models, can significantly reduce dispatcher stress and improve adjustment plans. Leveraging current train operation data, these models enable swift and precise predictions, addressing challenges posed by train delays in high-speed rail networks during unforeseen events.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes CBLA-net, a neural network architecture for predicting late arrival times. It combines CNN, Bi-LSTM, and attention mechanisms to extract features, handle time series data, and enhance information utilization. Trained on operational data from the Beijing-Tianjin line, it predicts the late arrival time of a target train at the next station using multidimensional input data from the target and preceding trains.

Findings

This study evaluates our model's predictive performance using two data approaches: one considering full data and another focusing only on late arrivals. Results show precise and rapid predictions. Training with full data achieves a MAE of approximately 0.54 minutes and a RMSE of 0.65 minutes, surpassing the model trained solely on delay data (MAE: is about 1.02 min, RMSE: is about 1.52 min). Despite superior overall performance with full data, the model excels at predicting delays exceeding 15 minutes when trained exclusively on late arrivals. For enhanced adaptability to real-world train operations, training with full data is recommended.

Originality/value

This paper introduces a novel neural network model, CBLA-net, for predicting train delay times. It innovatively compares and analyzes the model's performance using both full data and delay data formats. Additionally, the evaluation of the network's predictive capabilities considers different scenarios, providing a comprehensive demonstration of the model's predictive performance.
Vulvar lichen sclerosus in girls and adult females: A single‐center retrospective study of 744 patients in China
Authors: Liu Lin , He Yuexi , Hu Qiang , Sun Kailv , Yang Min , Chang Jianmin
Published: June 2024

Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic, inflammatory disease which is accompanied by itching and pain, affecting the patient's daily life and sexual activity. However, the disease characteristics of children and adults are not completely the same. Currently, there are few studies in China that compare the characteristics of VLS between girls and adult female patients. The aim of this study was to compare the epidemiology, clinical features, and combined autoimmune diseases of VLS patients between girls and adult females, and to help clinicians better understand VLS in different age groups. We enrolled 744 female patients for analysis, divided by age into a child group (<18 years) and an adult group (≥18 years). Among girl patients, 94.6% had preadolescent onset, while among adult female patients, only 4.6% had preadolescent onset, which was a statistically significant difference. The highest percentage of adult female patients had onset during their child‐bearing period (75.4%), while 20% had postmenopausal onset, with a significant difference when the three onset states were compared. White patches were equally common in both girl and adult female patients' external genital area, while mossy lesions and labia minora atrophy were more common in adult female patients. Involvement of the clitoris, labia minora, and vaginal opening area were more common in adult patients. The perianal area was more commonly involved in girl patients. We found eight cases (1.2%) of secondary squamous cell carcinoma in adult female patients. We also found that 13 patients had concurrent lichen sclerosus lesions on the vulva and extragenital region, including two girls and 11 adult females. Extragenital lichen sclerosus (EGLS) occurred mostly in the torso. Clinicians should be aware of these differences so that early diagnosis and treatment of the disease can be achieved, to avoid irreversible anatomical alterations and the risk of cancer.
Clinical course of psoriatic arthritis treated with biologics delineated with ultrasonography
Authors: Ota Mayumi , Nobeyama Yoshimasa , Asahina Akihiko
Published: June 2024

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic, inflammatory articular disease regarded as a specific subtype of psoriasis. Long‐term assessment for PsA using ultrasonography has not yet been investigated. The present study was conducted to delineate the changes in articular lesions after the initiation of biologics using ultrasonography, and to provide the evidence of the utility of ultrasonography in long‐term follow‐up of PsA patients. We retrospectively recruited 17 Japanese PsA patients treated with biologics who met the classification criteria for psoriatic arthritis. Ultrasonographic images were recorded using a high‐frequency linear 18 MHz probe through Doppler‐ and B‐modes. Before the treatment with biologics, all examined patients (100%) had enthesitis and extensor tendinitis, while only six patients (35.3%) had loss of the fibrillar pattern of the tendon (LFP). There were significant changes over time in the numerical rating scale score for pain, and in the degree of ultrasonographic findings, including enthesitis, extensor tendinitis, and LFP. Also, there were significant changes over time between these ultrasonographic findings. The study identified the improvement course for a specific PsA lesion after the initiation of biologics. The improvement courses in enthesitis, extensor tendinitis, and LFP were found to differ from each other. These results may contribute to deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of PsA.
Equipping educators for learning support: A systematic review
Authors: Johnson Faith , Erasmus C. J.
Published: June 2024

The study conducts a systematic review of relevant literature focusing on equipping educators to provide learning support in education. Electronic databases were searched for articles published from January 2012 to December 2022. This review incorporated nine articles that met the inclusion criteria, which indicates the paucity of international literature on equipping educators through learning support. Four levels of review – namely, identification, screening abstracts, eligibility and inclusion – were employed utilising the extracted findings. Extracted data underwent a descriptive meta‐synthesis incorporating qualitative description of the findings extracted from the included articles. A narrative analysis was conducted on the emerging themes derived from the findings of the included articles. The findings showed a variety of challenges faced by educators in providing learning support within the educational field, particularly in terms of resources, professional development and training programmes, collaboration and communication. This review contributes to the existing body of literature through its focus on equipping educators through learning support.
Human capital, economic complexity, and ecological footprints: Crafting a sustainable development policy framework for E7 nations
Authors: Hong Tao , Yin Jie , Latif Muhammad Nouman , Ahmad Mahmood
Published: June 2024

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, with far‐reaching implications for ecosystems, economies, and societies worldwide. Human capital (HUC) and economic complexity (ECC) “understood as structural transformation toward more sophisticated and knowledge‐based production” can be pivotal in curtailing ecological degradation. In this context, the study explores the intricate relationship between HUC, financial development, financial globalization, gross domestic product, ECC, and ecological footprints from 1995 to 2021. To achieve this objective, advanced econometric estimation methods are employed. The results indicate the presence of cross‐sectional dependence and slope heterogeneity in the dataset. The variables present a mixed order of stationarity, while the Westerlund test indicates the presence of a long‐run equilibrium association. The results from the Method of Moments Quantile regression indicate that ECC posed a positive but insignificant effect in the lower quantile (τ = 0.1–0.25), while negative and significant in the middle (τ = 0.50) and upper quantiles (τ = 0.75–0.90). Moreover, financial globalization negatively and significantly affects ecological footprints through all the quantiles except the lower quantile (τ = 0.1). Financial development, gross domestic product, and HUC enhance environmental degradation by escalating ecological footprints. Based on the results, the study suggested enhancing the ECC and financial globalization, while sustainable utilization of HUC and strict regulations for the financial sector to foster sustainable development in E7 countries.
KDM4C represses liver fibrosis by regulating H3K9me3 methylation of ALKBH5 and m6A methylation of snail1 mRNA
Authors: Zhou Hua Ying , Wang Bing Qing , Chen Meng Xuan , Wang Yi Fan , Jiang Yong Fang , Ma Jing
Published: June 2024

Objective

We aimed to disclose the molecular mechanism of snail1 in liver fibrosis.

Methods

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was used to induce a liver fibrosis model in mice whereby serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were evaluated, and liver pathological alternations were assessed. Rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC‐T6) were irritated with transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, followed by assessment of cell viability and migration. The levels of snail1, ALKBH5, and lysine specific demethylase 4C (KDM4C) were quantified by immunohistochemistry, western blot, or reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction, in addition to α‐smooth muscle actin (SMA), anti‐collagen type I α1 (COL1A1), vimentin, and E‐cadherin. Photoactivatable ribonucleoside‐enhanced crosslinking and immunoprecipitation and RNA stability were evaluated to determine the relationship between ALKBH5 and snail1. Changes in KDM4C‐bound ALKBH5 promoter and enrichment of histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) at the ALKBH5 promoter were determined using chromatin immunoprecipitation.

Results

In fibrosis mice, snail1 was upregulated while ALKBH5 and KDM4C were downregulated. KDM4C overexpression reduced serum ALT and AST levels, liver injury, and α‐SMA, COL1A1 and VIMENTIN expressions but increased E‐cadherin expression. However, the aforementioned trends were reversed by concurrent overexpression of snail1. In HSC‐T6 cells exposed to TGF‐β1, ALKBH5 overexpression weakened cell viability and migration, downregulated α‐SMA, COL1A1 and VIMENTIN, upregulated E‐CADHERIN, and decreased m6A modification of snail1 and its mRNA stability. KDM4C increased ALKBH5 expression by lowering H3K9me3 level, but inhibited HSC‐T6 cell activation by regulating the ALKBH5/snail1 axis.

Conclusion

KDM4C decreases H3K9me3 methylation to upregulate ALKBH5 and subsequently inhibits snail1, ultimately impeding liver fibrosis.
When to monitor or control: Informed invasive species management using a partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP) framework
Authors: Waring Thomas K. , Somers Vera L. J. , McCarthy Michael A. , Baker Christopher M.
Published: June 2024

Resource allocation for invasive species management requires information about the size of the invasive population, which may be expensive and time‐consuming to obtain. The trade‐off between investment in monitoring and control efforts is a challenging decision problem, and existing mathematical tools are often difficult to interpret, and/or limited to a specific case study.

We propose a partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP) framework to help decision‐makers understand effective monitoring and control policymaking. POMDPs can deal with uncertainty in both the model and state of the system but are more challenging to solve due to the continuous and high‐dimensional state space. Rather than limiting the possible states of the system, as do most previously proposed methods, we work through the development of a density projection approach, which reduces the dimensionality of the space of beliefs by restricting them to a parametrised family of probability distributions. This serves to align the mathematical representation of the problem with the real‐world quantities relevant to human decision‐making.

The result of our model is a sequence of actions, which minimises the expected cost incurred in managing the invasive species, where the recommendation depends on an estimate of the species' abundance, and the uncertainty in this estimate. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed framework with a case study on tropical fire ant (Solenopsis geminata) control and two generic case studies of varying complexity. Furthermore, we investigate sensitivity of the results to the choices of control cost and efficacy, and monitoring cost and error.

The framework proposed by this paper makes the powerful machinery of POMDPs available to environmental managers. It computes the optimal course of action to manage a growing population of an invasive species, incorporating a varying time horizon and multiple control interventions. We sidestep the computational difficulties of general POMDPs to provide a clear, visual overview of decision‐making recommendations, and how these decisions change in new situations. Initial results and scenario‐based analysis show promising results, and the framework could be extended to the related field of disease management.
Crop age is the main driver affecting alfalfa mosaic virus: The predominant virus in the alfalfa virome
Authors: Meseguer Roberto , Levi‐Mourao Alexandre , Lucas Eric , Pons Xavier , Achon María Ángeles
Published: June 2024

The alfalfa virome has been understudied. Existing research dealing with viral incidences within the crop primarily concentrate on local factors, rather than considering a broader perspective. In this comprehensive 2‐year study, we define the alfalfa virome and the main local and landscape factors affecting the incidence and annual increase of the Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), the most prevalent virus in alfalfa. The study was conducted in commercial alfalfa fields located along the highly productive northeast region of the Iberian Peninsula. For the first time in Europe, next‐generation sequencing revealed the presence of 14 different viruses representing the genera Cytorhabdovirus, Alphapartitivirus, Amalgavirus, Alfamovirus, Luteovirus, Enamovirus and Flavivirus. AMV was the most prevalent species, accounting for 89% of the identified viral contigs. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays showed that the incidence of AMV varied between fields, with the average incidence doubling from 34% in 2019 to 65% in 2020. To assess the effect of local and landscape characteristics on the incidence of AMV and the observed annual increase, we selected different local variables and recorded landscape structure at three different buffer radii (250, 500 and 1000 m) from the centre of each field. Both the incidence and annual increase in AMV were driven mainly by local characteristics. The incidence of AMV showed a significant relationship with crop age and field area, whereas the annual increase was mainly influenced by crop age and the cumulative number of alate morphs of the aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum. Only one landscape composition variable, the percentage of alfalfa, showed a significant relationship with AMV incidence at the 250‐m scale. These results confirm the effect of local variables on the population structure of generalist viruses.
Effect of individualized anesthesia and analgesia on postoperative pain in patients stratified for pain sensitivity: A study protocol for the PeriOPerative individualization trial randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mogianos Krister , Undén Johan , Persson Anna
Published: June 2024

Background

Despite advancements in surgical and anesthesia techniques, acute and persistent postoperative pain are still a common challenge. Postoperative pain has direct effects on individual patient care and outcome, as well as putting strain on limited health care resources. Several prediction methods for postoperative pain have been described. One such method is the assessment of pain during peripheral venous cannulation (VCP). It is not known if different approaches to anesthesia and analgesia, depending on the evaluation of risk for postoperative pain, can improve outcome. The aim of this study is to evaluate if individualized anesthesia and analgesia can affect postoperative pain and recovery after surgery, in patients stratified by VCP.

Methods

Adult patients scheduled for laparoscopic surgery undergo pain‐sensitivity stratification using VCP on the day of surgery. Patients scoring VCP ≥2.0 on the visual analogue scale (pain‐sensitive) are randomized to multimodal anaesthesia and analgesia with opioids or standard of care. Patients scoring VCP ≤1.9 (pain‐tolerant) are randomized to opioid‐free anaesthesia or standard of care. The primary outcome is acute postoperative pain measured with numeric rating scale in the postoperative care unit. Secondary outcomes include analysis of pain after 24 h, persistent postoperative pain and quality of recovery.

Discussion

Individualized perioperative pain management has the potential to improve patient care. This study will examine the impact of different anesthesia and analgesia regimes, in patients with differing pain sensitivity, on postoperative pain.

Trial Registration

Prospectively posted at ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04751812.
Solidarity with whom? Minority perspectives on allyship in Danish queer spaces
Authors: Van Cong Bao‐Thi , Power Séamus A. , Morton Thomas A.
Published: June 2024

Social psychological research has witnessed a burgeoning interest in advantaged group allies acting in solidarity with disadvantaged groups to challenge systems of inequality. While solidarity from advantaged group members is often deemed critical for social change, the perceptions of disadvantaged group members regarding ally participation are seldom addressed. This research delved into how LGBTQIA+ individuals in Denmark conceptualize allyship. Through 26 semi‐structured interviews with participants and organizers of queer pride events, a thematic analysis identified three themes addressing how allyship materializes, what risks it bears and who it involves. Specifically, we present a three‐levelled framework of allyship, which captures practices of allyship on a personal, relational and structural level. Our analysis also reveals the risk of allyship when it is not perceived as genuine and complexities of group boundaries when discussing allyship, shedding light on intersectional challenges within minority communities. These findings illustrate the nuances involved in providing and receiving allyship within and across various social (sub)groups.
Obesity and Asthma: Implementing a Treatable Trait Care Model
Authors: Mendes Francisca Castro , Garcia‐Larsen Vanessa , Moreira André
Published: June 2024

Recognition of obesity as a treatable trait of asthma, impacting its development, clinical presentation and management, is gaining widespread acceptance. Obesity is a significant risk factor and disease modifier for asthma, complicating treatment. Epidemiological evidence highlights that obese asthma correlates with poorer disease control, increased severity and persistence, compromised lung function and reduced quality of life. Various mechanisms contribute to the physiological and clinical complexities observed in individuals with obesity and asthma. These encompass different immune responses, including Type IVb, where T helper 2 cells are pivotal and driven by cytokines like interleukins 4, 5, 9 and 13, and Type IVc, characterised by T helper 17 cells and Type 3 innate lymphoid cells producing interleukin 17, which recruits neutrophils. Additionally, Type V involves immune response dysregulation with significant activation of T helper 1, 2 and 17 responses. Finally, Type VI is recognised as metabolic‐induced immune dysregulation associated with obesity. Body mass index (BMI) stands out as a biomarker of a treatable trait in asthma, readily identifiable and targetable, with significant implications for disease management. There exists a notable gap in treatment options for individuals with obese asthma, where asthma management guidelines lack specificity. For example, there is currently no evidence supporting the use of incretin mimetics to improve asthma outcomes in asthmatic individuals without Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this review, we advocate for integrating BMI into asthma care models by establishing clear target BMI goals, promoting sustainable weight loss via healthy dietary choices and physical activity and implementing regular reassessment and referral as necessary.