bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ε-factorized differential equations for two-loop non-planar triangle Feynman integrals with elliptic curves
Authors: Jiang Xuhang , Wang Xing , Yang Li Lin , Zhao Jingbang
Published: September 2023

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate two-loop non-planar triangle Feynman integrals involving elliptic curves. In contrast to the Sunrise and Banana integral families, the triangle families involve non-trivial sub-sectors. We show that the methodology developed in the context of Banana integrals can also be extended to these cases and obtain ε-factorized differential equations for all sectors. The letters are combinations of modular forms on the corresponding elliptic curves and algebraic functions arising from the sub-sectors. With uniform transcendental boundary conditions, we express our results in terms of iterated integrals order-by-order in the dimensional regulator, which can be evaluated efficiently. Our method can be straightforwardly generalized to other elliptic integral families and have important applications to precision physics at current and future high-energy colliders.
Personalisierte Psychotherapie der posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung
Authors: Steuwe Carolin , Blaß Jakob , Herpertz Sabine C. , Drießen Martin
Published: September 2023

Hintergrund

Eine relevante Heterogenität von Behandlungseffekten bei der posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung (PTBS) wird vor dem Hintergrund der Debatte um die Notwendigkeit einer phasenbasierten Behandlung sowie in Anbetracht der neuen Diagnose der komplexen PTBS diskutiert und ist inzwischen nachgewiesen. Dennoch gibt es bisher wenig Personalisierung in der Therapie der PTBS. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist es, den aktuellen Forschungsstand zur personalisierten Auswahl bestimmter Psychotherapiemethoden zur Behandlung der PTBS anhand von Patient:innenmerkmalen durch statistische Verfahren darzustellen.

Methodik

Es wurde eine systematische Literaturrecherche in den Datenbanken PubMed (inkl. Medline), Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, Google Scholar, PsycINFO und PSYNDEX zu klinischen Studien und Übersichtsarbeiten zu personalisierter Therapie der PTBS durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

13 relevante Publikationen wurden identifiziert, hiervon waren 5 Artikel Prädiktoranalysen in Stichproben ohne Kontrollbedingung. 7 Artikel zeigten Analysen von randomisiert-kontrollierten Studien (RCT) mit einem Post-hoc-Vergleich der Behandlungseffekte optimal und nichtoptimal zugeordneter Patient:innen. Zudem liegt ein Review-Artikel zur Behandlungsauswahl bei PTBS und komorbider BPS vor.

Diskussion

Die vorliegenden Publikationen deuten auf Bedeutung und Nutzen personalisierter Behandlung bei der PTBS hin. Die für die Personalisierung ermittelten relevanten Prädiktorvariablen sollten als Anregung genutzt werden, diese in prospektiven Studien genauer zu untersuchen.
Approximating multiobjective optimization problems: How exact can you be?
Authors: Bazgan Cristina , Herzel Arne , Ruzika Stefan , Thielen Clemens , Vanderpooten Daniel
Published: September 2023

It is well known that, under very weak assumptions, multiobjective optimization problems admit $$(1+\varepsilon ,\dots ,1+\varepsilon )$$

(
1
+
ε
,
⋯
,
1
+
ε
)

-approximation sets (also called $$\varepsilon $$
ε
-Pareto sets) of polynomial cardinality (in the size of the instance and in $$\frac{1}{\varepsilon }$$

1
ε

). While an approximation guarantee of $$1+\varepsilon $$

1
+
ε

for any $$\varepsilon >0$$

ε
>
0

is the best one can expect for singleobjective problems (apart from solving the problem to optimality), even better approximation guarantees than $$(1+\varepsilon ,\dots ,1+\varepsilon )$$

(
1
+
ε
,
⋯
,
1
+
ε
)

can be considered in the multiobjective case since the approximation might be exact in some of the objectives. Hence, in this paper, we consider partially exact approximation sets that require to approximate each feasible solution exactly, i.e., with an approximation guarantee of 1, in some of the objectives while still obtaining a guarantee of $$1+\varepsilon $$

1
+
ε

in all others. We characterize the types of polynomial-cardinality, partially exact approximation sets that are guaranteed to exist for general multiobjective optimization problems. Moreover, we study minimum-cardinality partially exact approximation sets concerning (weak) efficiency of the contained solutions and relate their cardinalities to the minimum cardinality of a $$(1+\varepsilon ,\dots ,1+\varepsilon )$$

(
1
+
ε
,
⋯
,
1
+
ε
)

-approximation set.
Effects of fixation and long-term preservation on finned octopods (Cephalopoda: Cirrata)
Authors: Ziegler Alexander , Sagorny Christina
Published: September 2023

Among mollusks, the octopods stand out due to the almost entire absence of a stabilizing shell, potentially rendering these organisms susceptible to deformation caused by fixation and preservation. Such artifacts have previously been shown to occur especially in specimens of the deep-sea taxon Cirrata, the finned octopods. As an adaptation to their extreme habitat, many cirrates are composed of (semi-)gelatinous tissues, which are particularly prone to distortion, shrinkage, and deformation following fixation and preservation. Using one or more species from each of the eight currently recognized cirrate genera, the present study provides pre- and post-fixation color imagery of entire specimens as well as measurements of taxonomically relevant characters. These novel data illustrate the sometimes drastic effects that short- and long-term chemical treatment entails for this cephalopod taxon. Both structural and color changes may occur when finned octopods are fixed and preserved using routine protocols. However, shrinkage does not occur uniformly in all taxonomically relevant structures. The consequences of such a treatment for species descriptions and identification are discussed and existing anaesthetization, fixation and preservation protocols are summarized.
Opportunities and challenges of microbial siderophores in the medical field
Authors: Passari Ajit Kumar , Ruiz-Villafán Beatriz , Cruz-Bautista Rodrigo , Díaz-Domínguez Valerie , Rodríguez-Sanoja Romina , Sanchez Sergio
Published: September 2023

Siderophores are low-molecular-weight secondary metabolites that function as iron chelators. Under iron-deficiency conditions, they are produced by a wide variety of microbes, allowing them to increase their iron uptake. The primary function of these compounds is the environmental iron scavenging and its transport into the cytosol. Iron is then reduced to its ferrous form to operate as an enzymatic cofactor for various functions, including respiration, nitrogen fixation, photosynthesis, methanogenesis, and amino acid synthesis. Depending on their functional group, siderophores are classified into hydroxamate, catecholate, phenolate, carboxylate, and mixed types. They have achieved great importance in recent years due to their medical applications as antimicrobial, antimalarial, or anticancer drugs, vaccines, and drug-delivery agents. This review integrates current advances in specific healthcare applications of microbial siderophores, delineating new opportunities and challenges as viable therapies to fight against diseases that represent crucial public health problems in the medical field.

Key points

•Siderophores are low-molecular-weight secondary metabolites functioning as iron chelators.

• The siderophore’s properties offer viable options to face diverse clinical problems.

• Siderophores are alternatives for the enhancement of antibiotic activities.
Application of electrospun chitosan-based nanofibers as immobilization matrix for biomolecules
Authors: Christ Henrik-Alexander , Daniel Nils Peter , Solarczek Jennifer , Fresenborg Leonard Sebastian , Schallmey Anett , Menzel Henning
Published: September 2023

Nanofiber meshes from electrospun chitosan, highly modified with biotin and arylazides, are well-suited for application as enzyme immobilization matrices. To test this, catalytically active biomolecules were immobilized onto photocrosslinked nanofibrous nonwovens consisting mainly of biotinylated fungal chitosan and a small amount (10 w%) of poly ethylene oxide. In this study, we show that over 10 μg eugenol oxidase per milligram dry polymer matrix can be loaded on UV-crosslinked chitosan nanofibers. We further demonstrate that bound enzyme activity can be fully retained for over 7 days of storage at ambient conditions in aqueous buffer. Samples loaded at maximum enzyme carrying capacity were tested in a custom-made plug-flow reactor system with online UV-VIS spectroscopy for activity determination. High wettability and durability of the hydrophilic chitosan support matrix enabled continuous oxidation of model substrate vanillyl alcohol into vanillin with constant turnover at flow rates of up to 0.24 L/h for over 6 h. This proves the above hypothesis and enables further application of the fibers as stacked microfluidic membranes, biosensors, or structural starting points for affinity crosslinked enzyme gels.

Key points

•Biotinylated chitosan-based nanofibers retain enzymes via mild affinity interactions

•Immobilized eugenol oxidase shows high activity and resists continuous washing

•Nanofiber matrix material tolerated high flow rates in a continuous-flow setup

Graphical Abstract
Novel marine metalloprotease—new approaches for inhibition of biofilm formation of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
Authors: Peters Marie Kristin , Astafyeva Yekaterina , Han Yuchen , Macdonald Jascha F. H. , Indenbirken Daniela , Nakel Jacqueline , Virdi Sanamjeet , Westhoff Guido , Streit Wolfgang R. , Krohn Ines
Published: September 2023

Many marine organisms produce bioactive molecules with unique characteristics to survive in their ecological niches. These enzymes can be applied in biotechnological processes and in the medical sector to replace aggressive chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Especially in the human health sector, there is a need for new approaches to fight against pathogens like Stenotrophomonas maltophilia which forms thick biofilms on artificial joints or catheters and causes serious diseases. Our approach was to use enrichment cultures of five marine resources that underwent sequence-based screenings in combination with deep omics analyses in order to identify enzymes with antibiofilm characteristics. Especially the supernatant of the enrichment culture of a stony coral caused a 40% reduction of S. maltophilia biofilm formation. In the presence of the supernatant, our transcriptome dataset showed a clear stress response (upregulation of transcripts for metal resistance, antitoxins, transporter, and iron acquisition) to the treatment. Further investigation of the enrichment culture metagenome and proteome indicated a series of potential antimicrobial enzymes. We found an impressive group of metalloproteases in the proteome of the supernatant that is responsible for the detected anti-biofilm effect against S. maltophilia.

Key points

• Omics-based discovery of novel marine-derived antimicrobials for human health management by inhibition of S. maltophilia

• Up to 40% reduction of S. maltophilia biofilm formation by the use of marine-derived samples

• Metalloprotease candidates prevent biofilm formation of S. maltophilia K279a by up to 20%
Update on leukodystrophies and developing trials
Authors: Ceravolo Giorgia , Zhelcheska Kristina , Squadrito Violetta , Pellerin David , Gitto Eloisa , Hartley Louise , Houlden Henry
Published: September 2023

Leukodystrophies are a heterogeneous group of rare genetic disorders primarily affecting the white matter of the central nervous system. These conditions can present a diagnostic challenge, requiring a comprehensive approach that combines clinical evaluation, neuroimaging, metabolic testing, and genetic testing. While MRI is the main tool for diagnosis, advances in molecular diagnostics, particularly whole-exome sequencing, have significantly improved the diagnostic yield. Timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial to guide symptomatic treatment and assess eligibility to participate in clinical trials. Despite no specific cure being available for most leukodystrophies, gene therapy is emerging as a potential treatment avenue, rapidly advancing the therapeutic prospects in leukodystrophies. This review will explore diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for leukodystrophies, with particular emphasis on new trials.
The younger the better: importance of age in treatment of childhood obesity
Authors: Jørgensen Rasmus Møller , Bjørn Amanda , Bjørn Vitus , Bruun Jens Meldgaard
Published: September 2023

Children living with obesity are prevalent worldwide. It is an established finding that many children who start a lifestyle intervention tend to leave prematurely. The aim of this study was to identify characteristics in children with obesity who prematurely leave a lifestyle intervention. The cohort study includes children living with obesity aged 4–17, treated in a Danish family-centered lifestyle intervention between 2014 and 2017. Data were collected from patient records. BMI-SDS was calculated using an external Danish reference population and multivariable regression analysis was used to answer the research question. Of the 159 children included, 64 children who left the intervention within the first 1.5 years were older compared to those who stayed in the intervention (10.2 years ± 2.9 vs 11.5 years ± 3.1, p = 0.005). Older participants (> 66.6th percentile) had a shorter treatment duration (489 days) compared to the youngest (190 days 95% CI: 60; 320, p = 0.005) and middle third (224 days 95% CI: 89; 358, p = 0.001). Additionally, an inverse association was found between duration of treatment and age at baseline (−31 days, 95% CI (−50; −13), p = 0.001).

   Conclusion: The risk of leaving a lifestyle intervention prematurely was primarily dependent on the age of the participants, emphasizing the importance of including children early in lifestyle interventions.

What is Known:•Lifestyle interventions for childhood obesity that are shorter in duration often lead to short-term weight reductions only. Limited knowledge exists on why some children prematurely leave these interventions.

What is New:•This study observes a solid inverse correlation and association between age and time spent in the interventions, when treating childhood obesity. We hereby suggest age as an important determinant for the adherence to lifestyle interventions and emphasize the importance of treatment early in life.
Ratios conjecture for quadratic Hecke L-functions in the Gaussian field
Authors: Gao Peng , Zhao Liangyi
Published: September 2023

We develop the L-functions ratios conjecture with one shift in the numerator and denominator in certain ranges for the family of quadratic Hecke L-functions in the Gaussian field using multiple Dirichlet series under the generalized Riemann hypothesis. We also obtain an asymptotical formula for the first moment of central values of the same family of L-functions, obtaining an error term of size $$O(X^{1/2+\varepsilon })$$

O
(

X

1
/
2
+
ε

)

.
Transcriptional Knock-down of mstn Encoding Myostatin Improves Muscle Quality of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Wang Qingchun , Yan Yue , Tao Yifan , Lu Siqi , Xu Pao , Qiang Jun
Published: September 2023

Myostatin (encoded by mstn) negatively regulates skeletal muscle mass and affects lipid metabolism. To explore the regulatory effects of mstn on muscle development and lipid metabolism in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), we used antisense RNA to transcriptionally knock-down mstn. At 180 days, the body weight and body length were significantly higher in the mstn-knock-down group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, fish with mstn-knock-down exhibited myofiber hyperplasia but not hypertrophy. Oil red O staining revealed a remarkable increase in the area of lipid droplets in muscle in the mstn-knockdown group (p < 0.05). Nutrient composition analyses of muscle tissue showed that the crude fat content was significantly increased in the mstn-knock-down group (p < 0.05). The contents of saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids were all significantly increased in the mstn-knock-down group (p < 0.05). Comparative transcriptome analyses revealed 2420 significant differentially expressed genes between the mstn-knock-down group and the control group. KEGG analysis indicates that disruptions to fatty acid degradation, glycerolipid metabolism, and the PPAR signaling pathway affect muscle development and lipid metabolism in mstn-knock-down Nile tilapia: acaa2, eci1, and lepr were remarkably up-regulated, and acadvl, lpl, foxo3, myod1, myog, and myf5 were significantly down-regulated (p < 0.05). These results show that knock-down of mstn results in abnormal lipid metabolism, acceleration of skeletal muscle development, and increased adipogenesis and weight gain in Nile tilapia.
Mining gene expression data for rational identification of novel drug targets and vaccine candidates against the cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus
Authors: Maritz-Olivier Christine , Ferreira Mariëtte , Olivier Nicholas A. , Crafford Jan , Stutzer Christian
Published: September 2023

Control of complex parasites via vaccination remains challenging, with the current combination of vaccines and small drugs remaining the choice for an integrated control strategy. Studies conducted to date, are providing evidence that multicomponent vaccines will be needed for the development of protective vaccines against endo- and ectoparasites, though multicomponent vaccines require an in-depth understanding of parasite biology which remains insufficient for ticks. With the rapid development and spread of acaricide resistance in ticks, new targets for acaricide development also remains to be identified, along with novel targets that can be exploited for the design of lead compounds. In this study, we analysed the differential gene expression of Rhipicephalus microplus ticks that were fed on cattle vaccinated with a multi-component vaccine (Bm86 and 3 putative Bm86-binding proteins). The data was scrutinised for the identification of vaccine targets, small drug targets and novel pathways that can be evaluated in future studies. Limitations associated with targeting novel proteins for vaccine and/or drug design is also discussed and placed into the context of challenges arising when targeting large protein families and intracellular localised proteins. Lastly, this study provide insight into how Bm86-based vaccines may reduce successful uptake and digestion of the bloodmeal and overall tick fecundity.
Introgressive hybridization levels of Tilapiine species in Lake Victoria basin, Kenya inferred from microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA genotyping based on next-generation sequencing
Authors: Kwikiriza Gerald , Vijayan Thapasya , Tibihika Papius Dias , Curto Manuel , Winkler Gerold , Nattabi Juliet Kigongo , Kariuki John , Meimberg Harald
Published: September 2023

Despite their high abundance and species richness, tilapiines have been compromised by various factors especially overfishing, climate change, and uncontrolled fish transfers and introductions. Fish introductions have negatively impacted native tilapiine populations through competition, predation, hybridization, and introgression compromising their genetic integrity. The hybridization levels of different tilapiines in the Lake Victoria basin remain relatively understudied. The study utilized nuclear microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genetic markers to investigate hybridization signals and compare the genetic diversity of different tilapiines in Lake Victoria, Kenya, using next-generation sequencing. Low levels of hybridization from Oreochromis niloticus into other Oreochromis species were detected by Bayesian clustering analysis and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA). The results contribute to the need for conservation measures for these fish species.
Effect of a canopy patch made of streamwise-oriented plates on turbulence in an open-channel flow
Authors: Dupuis Victor , Trevisson Michele , Wunder Sina , McLelland Stuart , Moulin Frédéric Y. , Chagot Loïc , Eiff Olivier
Published: September 2023

The paper examines the flow through a highly porous canopy patch made of streamwise-oriented thin plates arranged in a staggered configuration and placed in a rough-bed open channel. This patch geometry contrasts with the patches made of bluff bodies, which are nearly exclusively used in the literature. Particle Image Velocimetry was used to measure the flow upstream, within and downstream of the patch. The canopy patch has the effect of drastically reducing the turbulence level of the incoming flow, especially the turbulence shear stress, which is reduced by 85%. Spectral analysis of the velocity shows that the reduction in turbulent kinetic energy occurs at all length scales. Yet, at the entrance of the patch, the energy from the smallest scales up to the scale of the water surface increases. This suggests a spectral shortcut mechanism by which the large-scale structures of the incoming flow are disintegrated by the group of plates instead of decaying through the energy cascade. The increased small-scale turbulent energy then dissipates through the patch.
Social Anxiety and Bullying Victimization in Children and Early Adolescents: The Role of Developmental Period and Immigrant Status
Authors: Iannello Nicolò Maria , Caravita Simona , Papotti Noemi , Gelati Carmen , Camodeca Marina
Published: September 2023

Research reveals that social anxiety may be predictive of bullying victimization, but it is not clear whether this relation stands for different groups of youth. The present study examines this association by employing a longitudinal design over 1 year and including the moderating role of developmental period (childhood vs. early adolescence) and students’ immigrant status (native vs. non-native). T1 sample included 506 children (46.44% girls, mean age M = 8.55 years, SD = 0.55) and 310 early adolescents (50% girls, mean age = 12.54 years, SD = 0.59) recruited in schools in Northern Italy. Due to missing cases and drop-outs from T1 to T2, the final sample comprised 443 and 203 students from primary and middle school, respectively. Social anxiety and peer victimization were assessed through self-reported questionnaires. Results indicated that victimization at T2 was predicted by a 3-way interaction between T1 social anxiety, immigrant status, and developmental period. In particular, socially anxious early adolescents with an immigrant background were the most victimized. The results are discussed in terms of group dynamics and intergroup processes. The findings highlight the importance of personal variables in the cumulation of risks: social anxiety is more predictive of bullying victimization for immigrant early adolescents than for children or native early adolescents.
Coulomb branches have symplectic singularities
Authors: Bellamy Gwyn
Published: September 2023

We show that Coulomb branches for 3-dimensional $${\mathcal {N}}=4$$

N
=
4

supersymmetric gauge theories have symplectic singularities. This confirms a conjecture of Braverman–Finkelberg–Nakajima.
General Mixed Lattices
Authors: Jokela Jani
Published: September 2023

A mixed lattice is a lattice-type structure consisting of a set with two partial orderings, and generalizing the notion of a lattice. Mixed lattice theory has previously been studied in various algebraic structures, such as groups and semigroups, while the more general notion of a mixed lattice remains unexplored. In this paper, we study the fundamental properties of mixed lattices and the relationships between the various properties. In particular, we establish the equivalence of the one-sided associative, distributive and modular laws in mixed lattices. We also give an alternative definition of mixed lattices and mixed lattice groups as non-commutative and non-associative algebras satisfying a certain set of postulates. The algebraic and the order-theoretic definitions are then shown to be equivalent.
Clinical pharmacy services in mental health in Europe: a commentary paper of the European Society of Clinical Pharmacy Special Interest Group on Mental Health
Authors: Stuhec Matej , Hahn M. , Taskova I. , Bayraktar I. , Fitzgerald I. , Molitschnig L. , Tatarević A. , Lindner N. , Agnoletto L. , da Costa F. Alves
Published: September 2023

A large proportion of the world’s disease burden is attributable to mental illnesses. Although effective interventions are available, many patients still have limited access to evidence-based treatments. Aside from access, treatment gaps, including inappropriate medication selection and monitoring, are also routinely recognised. Mental health clinical pharmacists can help address these gaps and enable patients to receive optimised pharmaceutical care, particularly appropriate medication selection and monitoring. The European Society of Clinical Pharmacy (ESCP) Special Interest Group on Mental Health was established to improve standardised service provision in mental health settings across Europe. The Special Interest Group identified significant barriers (predominantly associated with reimbursement and position within the multidisciplinary team) to effective pharmaceutical care amongst those with mental illnesses. This commentary presents recommendations to address these gaps through improved mental health clinical pharmacy service provision.
Could vote buying be socially desirable? Exploratory analyses of a ‘failed’ list experiment
Authors: Hatz Sophia , Fjelde Hanne , Randahl David
Published: September 2023

List experiments encourage survey respondents to report sensitive opinions they may prefer not to reveal. But, studies sometimes find that respondents admit more readily to sensitive opinions when asked directly. Often this over-reporting is viewed as a design failure, attributable to inattentiveness or other nonstrategic error. This paper conducts an exploratory analysis of such a ‘failed’ list experiment measuring vote buying in the 2019 Nigerian presidential election. We take this opportunity to explore our assumptions about vote buying. Although vote buying is illegal and stigmatized in many countries, a significant literature links such exchanges to patron-client networks that are imbued with trust, reciprocity and long-standing benefits, which might create incentives for individuals to claim having been offered to participate in vote buying. Submitting our data to a series of tests of design, we find that over-reporting is strategic: respondents intentionally reveal vote buying and it’s likely that those who reveal vote buying have in fact being offered to participate in vote buying. Considering reasons for over-reporting such as social desirability and network benefits, and the strategic nature of over-reporting, we suggest that “design failure" is not the only possible conclusion from unexpected list experiment results. With this paper we show that our theoretical assumptions about sensitivity bias affect the conclusions we can draw from a list experiment.
The Impact of Short-Term Study in China Programs: Voices of Hong Kong University Students
Authors: Yu Lu , Gu Mingyue , Ye Shengquan , Shek Daniel Tan Lei
Published: September 2023

Despite the mounting evidence supporting the effectiveness of short-term study abroad programs (such as Service-Learning programs) on university students’ development, few studies have been conducted to explore the impact of short-term study in China programs on young people from Hong Kong. This study employed a qualitative design method to examine the impact of three types of short-term study programs in China—summer school, cultural tour, and service-learning—on Hong Kong university students’ development and to explore both the facilitators of, and the barriers to, the impact of the programs. A total of 42 students from 17 short-term study in China programs were interviewed individually. Results showed that all three types of short-term study in China programs were perceived by participants as having a positive impact on their intercultural competence as well as their perceptions of, and attitudes toward, the Nation and Chinese people. Participants of service-learning programs also demonstrated enhanced global citizenship. However, these programs did not have any significant impact on their perceived identities as Hong Kong or Chinese citizens. Individual and program factors that facilitated or impeded the student’s gains from the programs were identified. These findings provide pioneer evidence for the positive impacts of short-term study in China programs on Hong Kong local university students and for the improvement of the current programs as well as the development of new programs in the future.
Subsidiary Capital Structure in Multinational Enterprises: A New Internalization Theory Perspective
Authors: Rygh Asmund , Benito Gabriel R. G.
Published: September 2023

We study subsidiary capital structure as a mechanism of intra-MNE (multinational enterprise) governance from the perspective of “new internalization theory”. We build on the argument from transaction cost theory that equity and debt are not just financial instruments but also alternative governance structures, with equity useful for financing specific assets that do not serve well as collateral, especially when external uncertainty is high. Inside an MNE, debt represents a partial reintroduction of market mechanisms that can limit governance costs and strengthen subsidiary manager incentives. However, debt financing may be inappropriate if subsidiaries possess specific assets that are lost if debt contracts are enforced. Using subsidiary-level panel data from Norwegian MNEs, we argue that patents registered in the subsidiary represent MNE-specific non-location bound knowledge assets, while subsidiary R&D income represents location-bound and subsidiary-specific assets. We predict MNE-specific assets to be negatively related to external debt, and subsidiary-specific assets to be negatively related to all debt, under conditions of external uncertainty. We find only partial support for our hypotheses. Patents are negatively related to external debt when external uncertainty in the form of political risk is high. However, we do not find similar significant results for location-bound and subsidiary-specific assets, measured by subsidiary R&D income. For both measures, there is evidence that debt financing is viable in low-risk contexts. Further analysis indicates different effects for joint ventures as compared to wholly owned subsidiaries. We build on the partly unexpected results to propose an expanded internalization perspective on subsidiary capital structure.
How do you feel reflecting on your teaching practice?
Authors: Henke Anja , Westphal Andrea , Hußner Isabell , Lazarides Rebecca
Published: September 2023

Reflecting on teaching situations is important for student teachers’ professionalization and can be understood as a learning opportunity. However, despite being important for their professional development, only little is known about the interindividual psychological processes that occur when student teachers reflect on their teaching. The present study examines 146 student teachers’ teaching-related self-efficacy beliefs at two timepoints (at the beginning and end of one semester) and their emotion word use in 239 written reflections on differently perceived teaching situations (135 mastery and 104 challenging) using Wald tests and path modelling. First, our results show that student teachers use more positive than negative emotion words in their written reflections. Second, examining relations between situation and emotions, we show that emotion word use differs significantly between teaching situations. Further, higher negative emotion word use in reflections on mastery experiences (positive teaching situations) is associated with lower self-efficacy at the end of one semester. Thus, it is important to focus particularly on the challenges that student teachers experience during teaching when aiming to promote their self-efficacy beliefs.
Doing racialized masculinities in Finnish schools: subjectivation and de/humanization
Authors: Kleiner Bettina , Phoenix Ann
Published: September 2023

This paper focuses on Judith Butler’s theorisation of the performative subject and contemporary critiques to consider its relevance to the doing of racialized masculinities in Finnish schools. Recent postcolonial critique has indicated that, early work on performativity and subjectivation implicitly assumes a white and western, enlightenment subject and does not take the aftermath of slavery into account. While Butler’s work since then theorises inequalities including racism, it leaves untheorized the de/subjectivation of Black people and those from other minoritised ethnic groups as well as how racialisation and abjection is a systematic part of the subjectivation of white people. This paper draws on a study of the narratives of Finnish 12–15-year-olds in order to shed light on processes of subjectivation they do while doing racialized masculinities. The findings point to the need to extend Butler’s theory of subjectivation to take power-knowledge-affect-relations and de/humanization on board in ways that account for Black as well as white people’s performative subjectivation.
Parsimony and parameter estimation for mixtures of multivariate leptokurtic-normal distributions
Authors: Browne Ryan P. , Bagnato Luca , Punzo Antonio
Published: September 2023

Mixtures of multivariate leptokurtic-normal distributions have been recently introduced in the clustering literature based on mixtures of elliptical heavy-tailed distributions. They have the advantage of having parameters directly related to the moments of practical interest. We derive two estimation procedures for these mixtures. The first one is based on the majorization-minimization algorithm, while the second is based on a fixed point approximation. Moreover, we introduce parsimonious forms of the considered mixtures and we use the illustrated estimation procedures to fit them. We use simulated and real data sets to investigate various aspects of the proposed models and algorithms.
The Potential of High-Velocity Air-Fuel Spraying (HVAF) to Manufacture Bond Coats for Thermal Barrier Coating Systems
Authors: Mauer Georg , Rauwald Karl-Heinz , Sohn Yoo Jung , Vaßen Robert
Published: September 2023

Driven by the search for an optimum combination of particle velocity and process temperature to achieve dense hard metal coatings at high deposition efficiencies and powder feed rates, the high-velocity air-fuel spraying process (HVAF) was developed. In terms of achievable particle velocities and temperatures, this process can be classified between high-velocity oxy-fuel spraying (HVOF) and cold gas spraying (CGS). The particular advantages of HVAF regarding moderate process temperatures, high particle velocities as well as high productivity and efficiency suggest that the application of HVAF should be also investigated for the manufacture of MCrAlY (M = Co and/or Ni) bond coats (BCs) in thermal barrier coating (TBC) systems. In this work, corresponding HVAF spray parameters were developed based on detailed process analyses. Different diagnostics were carried out to characterize the working gas jet and the particles in flight. The coatings were investigated with respect to their microstructure, surface roughness and oxygen content. The spray process was assessed for its effectiveness. Process diagnostics as well as calculations of the gas flow in the jet and the particle acceleration and heating were applied to explain the governing mechanisms on the coating characteristics. The results show that HVAF is a promising alternative manufacturing process.
Endothelial dysfunction is associated with reduced myocardial mechano-energetic efficiency in drug-naïve hypertensive individuals
Authors: Cefalo Chiara M. A. , Riccio Alessia , Fiorentino Teresa Vanessa , Rubino Mariangela , Mannino Gaia Chiara , Succurro Elena , Perticone Maria , Sciacqua Angela , Andreozzi Francesco , Sesti Giorgio
Published: September 2023

Impaired myocardial mechano-energetics efficiency (MEE) was shown to predict incident heart failure, but pathophysiological mechanisms linking impaired MEE with heart failure have not been elucidated. Endothelial dysfunction is a plausible candidate because it has been associated with heart failure. This study aims to investigate the association between MEE and endothelium‐dependent vasodilation, among drug-naïve hypertensive individuals. 198 Drug-naïve hypertensive individuals participating in the CATAnzaro MEtabolic RIsk factors (CATAMERI) study were included. All participants underwent to an oral glucose tolerance test and to an echocardiogram for myocardial LVM-normalized mechano-energetic efficiency (MEEi) measurement. Endothelial-dependent and endothelial-independent vasodilatation were measured by strain-gauge plethysmography during intra-arterial infusion of acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside, respectively. A multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted to investigate the independent association between maximal endothelial-dependent vasodilation and MEEi. Maximal ACh-stimulated forearm blood flow (FBF) was associated to decreased myocardial MEEi (β = 0.205, p = 0.002) independently of well‐established cardiovascular risk factors including age, sex, BMI, waist circumference, smoking status, total and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, hsCRP, glucose tolerance status, and HOMA-IR index of insulin resistance. Conversely, no association was observed between SNP-stimulated vasodilation and MEEi. Endothelium-mediated vasodilation may contribute to reduce myocardial MEEi independently of several potential confounders. Because diminished myocardial MEE has been previously associated with incident heart failure, a non-invasive assessment of myocardial MEEi may improve the identification of individuals at higher cardiovascular risk who may benefit from the initiation of pharmacological treatments ameliorating the endothelial dysfunction.
Environmental, social, and governance perfomance and default risk in the eurozone
Authors: Vivel-Búa Milagros , Lado-Sestayo Rubén , Martínez-Salgueiro Andrea , Díaz-Ballesteros Mariana
Published: September 2023

This paper analyses the impact of sustainability through ESG factors on the default risk. The sample consists of 990 non-financial firms in the Eurozone over the period 2004–2020. The results show that ESG factors influence default risk, although this relationship could be influenced by the economic cycle. Also, the results highlight a significant interaction effect between firm size and ESG which affects default risk. Considering firm size by terciles, the evidence obtained shows that smaller and medium-sized firms have a positive net effect of a high ESG score on their default risk, while the opposite effect was found among larger firms.
Association between Sperm Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number and Concentrations of Urinary Cadmium and Selenium
Authors: Aisyah Cindy Rahman , Mizuno Yuki , Masuda Momoka , Iwamoto Teruaki , Yamasaki Kazumitsu , Uchida Masahiro , Kariya Fumiko , Higaki Shogo , Konishi Shoko
Published: September 2023

Elevated sperm mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) is associated with damage to sperm and poorer measures of semen quality. Exposure to cadmium (Cd) can increase oxidative stress and damage sperm mitochondria. The adverse effects of Cd can potentially be reduced by sufficient selenium (Se). The objective of this study was to examine the associations between sperm mtDNAcn and urinary concentrations of Cd and Se, as well as the Cd/Se molar ratio. Participants were recruited from patients who sought infertility treatment at two hospitals in Japan. Urine and semen specimens and self-administered questionnaires were collected on the day of recruitment. Sperm mtDNAcn was measured in extracted sperm DNA by multiplex real-time qPCR. Urinary Cd and Se concentrations were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and their molar weights were calculated to obtain the Cd/Se molar ratio. Linear regression was used to estimate associations after adjusting for age, body mass index, smoking, drinking, exercise, varicocele, and hospital of recruitment. Sperm mtDNAcn showed statistically insignificant associations with creatinine-adjusted concentrations of urinary Cd (β = 0.13, 95% CI −0.18, 0.44) and Se (β = −0.09, 95% CI −0.54, 0.35), and Cd/Se molar ratio (β = 0.12, 95% CI −0.13, 0.37). The current study found no evidence of an association between mtDNAcn and urinary concentrations of Cd or Se, or the Cd/Se molar ratio.
Protective Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Against Streptozotocin-Induced Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Kim Seul-Ki , Lee Geun Yong , Kim Su Kang , Kwon Yong-Jin , Seo Eun-Bi , Lee Haeri , Lee Song-Hee , Kim Sung Joon , Lee Sangsik , Ye Sang-Kyu
Published: September 2023

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation under investigation for treatment of a wide range of neurological disorders. In particular, the therapeutic application of rTMS for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is attracting attention. However, the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic efficacy of rTMS have not yet been elucidated, and few studies have systematically analyzed the stimulation parameters. In this study, we found that treatment with rTMS contributed to restoration of memory deficits by activating genes involved in synaptic plasticity and long-term memory. We evaluated changes in several intracellular signaling pathways in response to rTMS stimulation; rTMS treatment activated STAT, MAPK, Akt/p70S6K, and CREB signaling. We also systematically investigated the influence of rTMS parameters. We found an effective range of applications for rTMS and determined the optimal combination to achieve the highest efficiency. Moreover, application of rTMS inhibited the increase in cell death induced by hydrogen peroxide. These results suggest that rTMS treatment exerts a neuroprotective effect on cellular damage induced by oxidative stress, which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. rTMS treatment attenuated streptozotocin (STZ)-mediated cell death and AD-like pathology in neuronal cells. In an animal model of sporadic AD caused by intracerebroventricular STZ injection, rTMS application improved cognitive decline and showed neuroprotective effects on hippocampal histology. Overall, this study will help in the design of stimulation protocols for rTMS application and presents a novel mechanism that may explain the therapeutic effects of rTMS in neurodegenerative diseases, including AD.
Investment in risky assets and participation in the financial market: does financial literacy matter?
Authors: Oehler Andreas , Horn Matthias , Wendt Stefan
Published: September 2023

Our study contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between financial literacy and households’ investments in risky assets. We estimate a structural equation model with data from the Panel on Household Finances of the German central bank. Our results show that although households’ net wealth is the dominant driver of investments in risky assets, financial literacy plays a remarkable role. Financial literacy has an indirectly positive influence on participation in the financial market. The higher the financial literacy, the lower is the risk aversion. The lower the risk aversion, the higher is the participation in the financial market.
Downsian closeness hypothesis under investigation: a study on austrian direct mayoral elections
Authors: Mühlböck Armin , Mitter Birgit , Obermair Franziska
Published: September 2023

Does the expectation of a close race drive more people to vote? Despite increasingly intensified electoral competition and hardened fronts at all political levels over the last decades, a decline in turnout rates can be observed representing a puzzling development. Though there are anomalies, previous studies show a clear trend towards a positive association between a close race and an increase in turnout. Based on the idea of the “rational choice” theory, the prospect of a close or undecided race increases the subjective weight of the individual vote, which drives more voters to the ballot box. In fact, ‘expected Closeness’ is one of the most frequently tested independent variables in voter turnout research. However, the factor is only measured ex-post in most cases. Such measurements use the results of the actual election to infer the ‘Closeness’ of the race. However, these measurement methods are less valid because they do not measure ‘Closeness’ in the decisive period before the election takes place. We want to contribute a test of the effect by analysing all runoff elections in Austrian direct mayoral elections since 1991 as they allow for ex-ante measurement. The first ballots and the runoffs are temporally close. Thus, the first vote results serve as a direct indicator of the ‘expected Closeness’ in the second round of voting. The electorate changes, if at all, only insignificantly between the ballots. In addition, socio-economic factors influencing voter turnout can be kept constant, increasing the validity of the test. The results of this study underline the positive and independent effect of ‘Closeness’ on the turnout of the election. The closer a mayoral race in Austria is in the first round, the higher is the turnout in the following runoff elections. The study also presents the independent and strong effects of socioeconomic factors on turnout. Our research not only provides a valid test of the effect of ‘expected Closeness’ on voter turnout, it also constitutes pioneering work in complete data collection on all direct mayoral elections in Austria.
Transforming the seafood supply system: challenges and strategies for resilience
Authors: Kelling Ingrid , Carrigan Marylyn , Johnson Andrew F.
Published: September 2023

Seafood is a crucial component of global food systems and plays a vital role in healthy diets and future food security, providing essential omega-3 fatty acids and micronutrients as well as incomes and livelihoods to millions of people. However, the seafood supply system is facing multiple contemporary global challenges that threaten its resilience as well as food security, livelihoods and ecological wellbeing. This opinion piece discusses the drivers of transformative change impacting seafood supply chains, with a particular focus on the UK, but the strategies described can be applied to many similarly developed countries. To address the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, escalating energy costs, climate change, risk management processes, and to ensure food security and resilience, active policy interventions are needed. Three key policy actions that policymakers can focus on are (i) sustainable seafood models, such as regenerative seafood systems and the circular economy, to improve both environmental and human health outcomes and the likelihood of meeting Sustainable Development Goals; (ii) promote local seafood as part of national food security to strengthen supply chains, support local communities, and enhance traceability and transparency; and, (iii) promote diversification in seafood sourcing and distribution to reduce pressure on critical stocks and increase the flexibility of food systems, while ensuring social and ecological protection. Building a more resilient and sustainable food system requires a holistic and integrated approach, alongside proactive collaboration, to address the multiple, complex, and long-term challenges facing the wider food system.