bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New method to measure the unloaded quality factor of superconducting cavities
Authors: Ziemann Volker
Published: March 2024

We describe a method that measures the unloaded quality factor Q0, the external quality factor QE, and the cavity detuning Δω with a recursive least-squares algorithm. It combines a large number of consecutive measurements to successively improve an estimate of fit parameters that asymptotically converges to the “real” values. Exploiting the large amount of data acquired by a digital low-level radio frequency system permits us to reach this asymptotic regime in a moderate time frame of seconds to minutes. Simulations show that the method works both for critically coupled and overcoupled cavities. A new calibration method addresses very tight tolerances of the method on system parameters.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Measurement of the
Ce140(n,γ)
Cross Section at n_TOF and Its Astrophysical Implications for the Chemical Evolution of the Universe
Authors: Amaducci S. , Colonna N. , Cosentino L. , Cristallo S. , Finocchiaro P. , Krtička M. , Massimi C. , Mastromarco M. , Mazzone A. , Maugeri E. A. , Mengoni A. , Roederer I. U. , Straniero O. , Valenta S. , Vescovi D. , Aberle O. , Alcayne V. , Andrzejewski J. , Audouin L. , Babiano-Suarez V. , Bacak M. , Barbagallo M. , Bennett S. , Berthoumieux E. , Billowes J. , Bosnar D. , Brown A. , Busso M. , Caamaño M. , Caballero-Ontanaya L. , Calviño F. , Calviani M. , Cano-Ott D. , Casanovas A. , Cerutti F. , Chiaveri E. , Cortés G. , Cortés-Giraldo M. A. , Damone L. A. , Davies P. J. , Diakaki M. , Dietz M. , Domingo-Pardo C. , Dressler R. , Ducasse Q. , Dupont E. , Durán I. , Eleme Z. , Fernández-Domínguez B. , Ferrari A. , Furman V. , Göbel K. , Garg R. , Gawlik-Ramięga A. , Gilardoni S. , Gonçalves I. F. , González-Romero E. , Guerrero C. , Gunsing F. , Harada H. , Heinitz S. , Heyse J. , Jenkins D. G. , Junghans A. , Käppeler F. , Kadi Y. , Kimura A. , Knapová I. , Kokkoris M. , Kopatch Y. , Kurtulgil D. , Ladarescu I. , Lederer-Woods C. , Leeb H. , Lerendegui-Marco J. , Lonsdale S. J. , Macina D. , Manna A. , Martínez T. , Masi A. , Mastinu P. , Mendoza E. , Michalopoulou V. , Milazzo P. M. , Mingrone F. , Moreno-Soto J. , Musumarra A. , Negret A. , Nolte R. , Ogállar F. , Oprea A. , Patronis N. , Pavlik A. , Perkowski J. , Petrone C. , Piersanti L. , Pirovano E. , Porras I. , Praena J. , Quesada J. M. , Ramos-Doval D. , Rauscher T. , Reifarth R. , Rochman D. , Rubbia C. , Sabaté-Gilarte M. , Saxena A. , Schillebeeckx P. , Schumann D. , Sekhar A. , Smith A. G. , Sosnin N. V. , Sprung P. , Stamatopoulos A. , Tagliente G. , Tain J. L. , Tarifeño-Saldivia A. , Tassan-Got L. , Thomas Th. , Torres-Sánchez P. , Tsinganis A. , Ulrich J. , Urlass S. , Vannini G. , Variale V. , Vaz P. , Ventura A. , Vlachoudis V. , Vlastou R. , Wallner A. , Woods P. J. , Wright T. , Žugec P. ,   n_TOF Collaboration
Published: March 2024

Ce140(n,γ) is a key reaction for slow neutron-capture (s-process) nucleosynthesis due to being a bottleneck in the reaction flow. For this reason, it was measured with high accuracy (uncertainty ≈5%) at the n_TOF facility, with an unprecedented combination of a high purity sample and low neutron-sensitivity detectors. The measured Maxwellian averaged cross section is up to 40% higher than previously accepted values. Stellar model calculations indicate a reduction around 20% of the s-process contribution to the Galactic cerium abundance and smaller sizeable differences for most of the heavier elements. No variations are found in the nucleosynthesis from massive stars.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Fundamental Bound on Topological Gap
Authors: Onishi Yugo , Fu Liang
Published: March 2024

We provide a universal tight bound on the energy gap of topological insulators by exploring relationships between topology, quantum geometry, and optical absorption. Applications of our theory to infrared absorption near topological band inversion, magnetic circular dichroism in Chern insulators, and topological gap in moiré materials are demonstrated.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Crystal structure solution and high-temperature thermal expansion in NaZr2(PO4)3-type materials
Authors: Hulbert Benjamin S. , Brodecki Julia E. , Kriven Waltraud M.
Published: March 2024

The NaZr2P3O12 family of materials have shown low and tailorable thermal expansion properties. In this study, SrZr4P6O24 (SrO·4ZrO2·3P2O5), CaZr4P6O24 (CaO·4ZrO2·3P2O5), MgZr4P6O24 (MgO·4ZrO2·3P2O5), NaTi2P3O12 [½(Na2O·4TiO2·3P2O5)], NaZr2P3O12 [½(Na2O·4ZrO2·3P2O5)], and related solid solutions were synthesized using the organic–inorganic steric entrapment method. The samples were characterized by in-situ high-temperature X-ray diffraction from 25 to 1500°C at the Advanced Photon Source and National Synchrotron Light Source II. The average linear thermal expansion of SrZr4P6O24 and CaZr4P6O24 was between −1 × 10−6 per °C and 6 × 10−6 per °C from 25 to 1500°C. The crystal structures of the high-temperature polymorphs of CaZr4P6O24 and SrZr4P6O24 with R
3
c symmetry were solved by Fourier difference mapping and Rietveld refinement. This polymorph is present above ∼1250°C. This work measured thermal expansion coefficients to 1500°C for all samples and investigated the differences in thermal expansion mechanisms between polymorphs and between compositions.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 6-imino-8-(4-methylphenyl)-1,3,4,6-tetrahydro-2H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidine-7,9-dicarbonitrile
Authors: Naghiyev Farid N. , Khrustalev Victor N. , Akkurt Mehmet , Dobrokhotova Ekaterina V. , Bhattarai Ajaya , Khalilov Ali N. , Mamedov İbrahim G.
Published: March 2024

In the ten-membered 1,3,4,6-tetrahydro-2H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidine ring system of the title compound, C17H15N5, the 1,2-dihydropyridine ring is essentially planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.001 Å), while the 1,3-diazinane ring has a distorted twist-boat conformation. In the crystal, molecules are linked by N—H...N and C—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network. In addition, C—H...π interactions form layers parallel to the (100) plane. Thus, crystal-structure cohesion is ensured. According to a Hirshfeld surface study, H...H (40.4%), N...H/H...N (28.6%) and C...H/H...C (24.1%) interactions are the most important contributors to the crystal packing.
Theory of environmentally responsible behavior (TERB) to predict waste reduction behaviors among young coastal tourists: a case of Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan Abdulla Al-Towfiq , Aziz Rukaya
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop the theory of environmentally responsible behavior by extending the theory of planned behavior to empirically examine waste reduction behaviors among young coastal tourists in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

Through review of literature, in-depth interviews and survey, the study is conducted. Initial survey collects 355 data, which is used for exploratory factor analysis to develop constructs and its measurement items. After preparing the formal survey questionnaires, another survey is conducted and collected 403 usable responses. The subsequent valid responses are used for confirmatory factor analysis through structural equation modeling, using Smart PLS 3.3.3.

Findings

The results of this study reveal that waste reduction behavior is significantly affected by waste reduction intention, and then subsequently waste reduction intention is significantly affected by environmental concern, climate change concern and healthy environmental norms of young coastal tourists in Bangladesh.

Practical implications

The findings of the study will benefit industry operators and policymakers by understanding the factors that are crucial for influencing young costal tourists’ environmentally responsible behaviors (i.e. waste reduction behaviors). Eventually, the findings may assist industry operators and policymakers to develop strategies to attract more young tourists to the coastal tourist destinations in Bangladesh.

Originality/value

The importance of environmentally responsible behavior has received a significant attention in present decade. Consistent with this phenomenon, this study uniquely develops the theory of environmentally responsible behavior and establishes the link between environmental concern, climate change concern, healthy environmental norms, waste reduction intention and waste reduction behavior in coastal tourism domain in Bangladesh.
Greenhouse gas emissions patterns and insertion in global value chains: a comparative study between Brazil and China (2000–2016)
Authors: Barcelos Tiago Ferreira , Costa Kaio Glauber Vital
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyze and compare the relationship between international trade in global value chains (GVC) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for Brazil and China from 2000 to 2016.

Design/methodology/approach

The input-output method apply to multiregional tables from Eora-26 to decompose the GHG emissions of the Brazilian and Chinese productive structure.

Findings

The data reveals that Chinese production and consumption emissions are associated with power generation and energy-intensive industries, a significant concern among national and international policymakers. For Brazil, the largest territorial emissions captured by the metrics come from services and traditional industry, which reveals room for improving energy efficiency. The analysis sought to emphasize how the productive structure and dynamics of international trade have repercussions on the environmental dimension, to promote arguments that guide the execution of a more sustainable, productive and commercial development strategy and offer inputs to advance discussions on the attribution of climate responsibility.

Research limitations/implications

The metrics did not capture emissions related to land use and deforestation, which are representative of Brazilian emissions.

Originality/value

Comparative analysis of emissions embodied in traditional sectoral trade flows and GVC, on backward and forward sides, for developing countries with the main economic regions of the world.
Exploring lean manufacturing drivers for enhancing circular economy performance in the pharmaceutical industry: a Bayesian best–worst approach
Authors: Salman Sheak , Morshed Shah Murtoza , Karim Md. Rezaul , Rahman Rafat , Hasanat Sadia , Ahsan Afia
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The imperative to conserve resources and minimize operational expenses has spurred a notable increase in the adoption of lean manufacturing within the context of the circular economy across diverse industries in recent years. However, a notable gap exists in the research landscape, particularly concerning the implementation of lean practices within the pharmaceutical industry to enhance circular economy performance. Addressing this void, this study endeavors to identify and prioritize the pivotal drivers influencing lean manufacturing within the pharmaceutical sector.

Findings

The outcome of this rigorous examination highlights that “Continuous Monitoring Process for Sustainable Lean Implementation,” “Management Involvement for Sustainable Implementation” and “Training and Education” emerge as the most consequential drivers. These factors are deemed crucial for augmenting circular economy performance, underscoring the significance of management engagement, training initiatives and a continuous monitoring process in fostering a closed-loop practice within the pharmaceutical industry.

Research limitations/implications

The findings contribute valuable insights for decision-makers aiming to adopt lean practices within a circular economy framework. Specifically, by streamlining the process of developing a robust action plan tailored to the unique needs of the pharmaceutical sector, our study provides actionable guidance for enhancing overall sustainability in the manufacturing processes.

Originality/value

This study represents one of the initial efforts to systematically identify and assess the drivers to LM implementation within the pharmaceutical industry, contributing to the emerging body of knowledge in this area.
Fostering entrepreneurship and development in rural mountainous regions: the role of SEZs and local economic dynamics in Gilgit-Baltistan
Authors: Batool Sajida , Baig Saranjam , Khalid Mehmood , Alam Khalid Mehmood
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the perceptions and opinions of relevant stakeholders regarding entrepreneurship opportunities and growth in the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) province of Pakistan. Specifically, it focuses on the role of special economic zones (SEZs), such as Maqpondass SEZ and the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), in fostering nascent entrepreneurship (NE) and promoting regional development.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs ordered logistic regression to estimate the relationship between various independent variables and nascent entrepreneurship (NE). The independent variables include awareness of CPEC (AAC), awareness of Maqpondass SEZ (AAMEZ), SEZ incentives (SEZInc), regional market competitiveness (RMC), loan availability (LA) and education and experience (EE).

Findings

The findings indicate a robust positive relationship between SEZ-based industries and the growth of local small businesses and enterprises in Gilgit-Baltistan. Furthermore, the study suggests that government incentives, access to finance, skill development, relevant knowledge, and connections with local businesses facilitate the establishment of new ventures.

Practical implications

The study underscores the importance of focusing on human capital development, providing financial assistance, and creating incentives for adopting advanced technology to foster the growth of local businesses in Gilgit-Baltistan through SEZs. It emphasizes the need for policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize initiatives that support entrepreneurship and innovation in the region.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by providing novel insights into the perceptions of entrepreneurship development in Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly concerning the influence of natural resources and SEZs. It fills a gap in the research by offering valuable implications for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners seeking to promote sustainable economic development in the region.
Psychographic characteristics and demand decisions for life insurance products in Uganda
Authors: Ndawula Yusuf Katerega , Neema Mori , Nkote Isaac
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study examines the relationship between policyholders’ psychographic characteristics and demand decisions for life insurance products in Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a cross-sectional survey. Using a purposive sampling method, 389 questionnaires were administered to life insurance policyholders in the four geographical regions of Uganda. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyze the primary data, specifically to test the relationships between the dependent and independent variables.

Findings

The findings indicate a positive and significant influence of psychographic characteristics on demand decisions for life insurance products. In addition, the analysis indicates that the two first-order constructs of psychographic characteristics, namely price consciousness and consumer innovativeness, are positive and significant predictors of demand decisions for life insurance products. In contrast, the third first-order construct religious salience, exhibits a negative and nonsignificant effect on demand decisions for life insurance products.

Practical implications

For insurance practitioners, to influence demand decisions, they should emphasize premium-related appeals in their marketing messages (price consciousness) ignore product decisions based on religious beliefs and norms (religious salience). They should also ensure that insurance products are highly trustable and experiential (consumer innovativeness). For insurance policymakers, it offers an in-depth understanding of customer psychographic characteristics, which can be used to identify exploitative information embedded in certain marketing campaigns targeting specific psychographic characteristics, for better regulation.

Originality/value

The study provides a basis for understanding lifestyle and personality characteristics (psychographics), which may influence demand decisions for life insurance products in a developing country like Uganda, where the insurance industry is at an early stage of development.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-06-2023-0440
Caught in the web: a meta-analysis of Internet addiction, excessive daytime sleepiness and depressive symptoms in adolescents
Authors: Waheed Hassam , Macaulay Peter J.R. , Al-Jaifi Hamdan Amer Ali , Allen Kelly-Ann , She Long
Published: March 2024

Purpose

In response to growing concerns over the negative consequences of Internet addiction on adolescents’ mental health, coupled with conflicting results in this literature stream, this meta-analysis sought to (1) examine the association between Internet addiction and depressive symptoms in adolescents, (2) examine the moderating role of Internet freedom across countries, and (3) examine the mediating role of excessive daytime sleepiness.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 52 studies were analyzed using robust variance estimation and meta-analytic structural equation modeling.

Findings

There was a significant and moderate association between Internet addiction and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, Internet freedom did not explain heterogeneity in this literature stream before and after controlling for study quality and the percentage of female participants. In support of the displacement hypothesis, this study found that Internet addiction contributes to depressive symptoms through excessive daytime sleepiness (proportion mediated = 17.48%). As the evidence suggests, excessive daytime sleepiness displaces a host of activities beneficial for maintaining mental health. The results were subjected to a battery of robustness checks and the conclusions remain unchanged.

Practical implications

The results underscore the negative consequences of Internet addiction in adolescents. Addressing this issue would involve interventions that promote sleep hygiene and greater offline engagement with peers to alleviate depressive symptoms.

Originality/value

This study utilizes robust meta-analytic techniques to provide the most comprehensive examination of the association between Internet addiction and depressive symptoms in adolescents. The implications intersect with the shared interests of social scientists, health practitioners, and policy makers.
Developing new forms of tourism based on intangible culture heritage and creativity in Egypt
Authors: Saeed Heba , Al Atrees Medhat Abdel Hameed
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the need to establish linkages between tourism, intangible cultural heritage and creativity in Egypt and also diversifying tourism through creativity; and to analyze and explain the impact of intangible cultural heritage on tourism experience in Egypt and the opportunities to generate added value from integrating tourism and creativity. It also suggests some practical steps for developing intangible cultural heritage-based tourism models in Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes a conceptual framework for integrating intangible cultural heritage with tourism in Egypt and its impact on tourism experience. To apply this framework, a case study was conducted focused on the tourism experience derived from intangible cultural heritage in Alexandria. The authors collected primary data by directly observing and experiencing tourism in Egypt, providing valuable firsthand experiential data. These observations offered insights into the practical aspects of intangible cultural heritage-based tourism in Egypt. In addition, secondary data sources such as academic research papers, reports and publications related to tourism and intangible cultural heritage experiences were utilized to support and complement the primary data.

Findings

Findings suggest the need for a different approach in intangible heritage based tourism promotion and consumption, an approach that may differ from the conventional and typical considerations in cultural tourism planning and management. In addition, findings emphasized that tourism-based intangible heritage in Egypt can be a constructive platform and sustainable tool to promote the country’s rich culture and traditions while providing employment opportunities for the local population.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides an exploratory overview of integrating intangible heritage with tourism in Egypt, through exploring Egypt’s intangible heritage and proposing a framework of its inclusion, in order to create an intangible cultural heritage tourism experience. However, the proposed framework and packages should be analyzed and examined on the ground through the heritage, administrative, social and tourist aspects of the destination, to assess the viability of the study.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this study should be addressed to the decision makers working on management action plans in tourist destinations in Egypt, such as site mangers as well as tour operators. It could contribute to adopting a new approach in developing and implementing a mutually beneficial partnership between intangible heritage and tourism in Egypt.

Originality/value

It is the first study that presents practical steps to develop new models for linking intangible heritage to tourism in Egypt.
Geographical indications as a labelling strategy: an empirical investigation of negative bias and its managing conditions
Authors: S. Sreejesh , Kastanakis Minas , Paul Justin
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the influence of two significant product labelling strategies (geographical indication [GI] vs country-of-origin [COO]) on shaping customer product attitude and purchase likelihood, considering consumers’ ethnocentric and cosmopolitan tendencies. The authors also investigate the boundary conditions and intervening mechanisms to manage the adverse consumer product evaluations and present mitigating procedures which reinstate favourable product evaluations and purchase likelihood.

Design/methodology/approach

The collected data from these all these studies were analysed using ANOVA and mediation anlaysis. The study tests the proposed hypotheses using three follow-up experimental investigations.

Findings

The study found that GI (vs COO) labels have a more significant impact on customers’ product evaluation and likelihood of purchase and supported the dispositional effect of ethnocentric and cosmopolitan inclinations. Further, the results indicated that self-product congruence can efficiently regulate consumer dispositions. Also, the results confirmed the significant impact of product identification on influencing consumer attitudes.

Practical implications

The above-said insights add practical insights, particularly concerning product labelling. Also, the insights on product attitudes and purchase likelihood intricacies in the context of product labelling enable companies to comprehend better the significance of GI labels, COO labels and self-product congruence.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time a study has compared the role of two significant product labelling strategies (GI vs COO) in shaping customer product evaluations, confirmed its boundary conditions and shown how to transform them into helpful customer product outcomes.
How do service innovation practices develop frontline employee resilience capabilities in not-for-profits?
Authors: Shahmehr Fatemeh S. , Sohal Amrik , Khaksar Seyed Mohammad Sadegh
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore how not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) adopt service innovation and improve their employee resilience capabilities as a response to environmental changes arising from marketisation of public services.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a multiple case-study research design, this study involved 32 interviews with frontline employees working in a not-for-profit care-providing organisation.

Findings

This study finds that the development of absorptive capacity can facilitate service innovation adoption in NFPs and improve employee resilience in times of transition.

Originality/value

This study offers theoretical insights on service innovation, absorptive capacity and employee resilience in NFPs. It makes practical recommendations that will enable NFPs to help frontline employees better adopt service innovation practices in business models endorsed by the private sector.
Playing an AI game to drive adoption of regulated employee identity
Authors: Hallenborg Philip
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to answer the key questions about the role of digital identities in organisations and within the HR function, the role of regulation in the digital identity space as it catches up with innovators and the vast potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in supporting digital identity.

Design/methodology/approach

Developed by using insight from the organisation’s extensive experience in digital identities and knowledge of the regulatory environment, alongside experience with the HR industry and relevant customers.

Findings

The digitalisation of business processes and the reality of an increasingly geographically distributed workforce have made digital identities for employees an increasingly important element of modern organisational and human resources functions. The benefits of using digital identities for employees are clear. With the growth of remote working and borderless company operations, digital identities provide employers with enhanced security, improved efficiency and cost savings. As organisations embark on their digital transformation journeys, the delicate balance between facilitating employees’ access to technology and safeguarding the organisation against cyber threats becomes clear. This intricate compromise requires the precise orchestration of certain processes, governance and technology.

Originality/value

In the UK, it is especially important for HR directors to consider the role of AI-empowered employee digital identities. The UK is taking a lead in digitising employee processes, with 68% of respondents in a 2023 poll by SD Worx reporting their company is investing in digital HR and training offerings, compared to a 60% average across Europe.
Preservice teachers and the patriotism of the 1619 and 1776 history narratives
Authors: Wellenreiter Benjamin R. , Zhao Xiaoying , Lucey Thomas
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Preservice teachers (n = 39) described their definitions of patriotism and to what extent they believed statements from The 1619 Project (2019) and The 1776 Commission Report (2021) were patriotic.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a mixed-method survey including open-ended prompts requesting participants’ descriptions of patriotism and Likert scale prompts asking participants to agree/disagree with deidentified statements from The 1619 Project and the 1776 Commission Report. In vivo words reflecting emotional responses to patriotism and the statements informed the categorization process in a second round of coding.

Findings

Four categories of patriotism definition were identified. Identified were relationships between groups’ conceptualizations of patriotism and whether statements from history narratives were viewed as patriotic.

Originality/value

This article contributes to the field by exploring the intersectionality of the concept of patriotism with competing narratives regarding the foundation and growth of the United States.
Developing a thriving domestic tourism sector in emerging economies: a horizon 2050 paper
Authors: Agyeiwaah Elizabeth , McKercher Bob
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue for the development of a vibrant domestic tourism sector in emerging economies as a means of moving towards a more sustainable tourism sector and achieving many of the goals outlined in the UNWTO’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Design/methodology/approach

It uses a perspective approach through a critical state-of-the-art review of selected domestic and international tourism studies.

Findings

This paper illustrates how developing such a sector will provide a range of economic and social benefits to emerging economies and their residents, as well as lowering the per-capita tourism carbon footprint of destination areas.

Practical implications

This study identifies policy initiatives that can be developed to help emerging economies transition from an international tourism focus to a more balanced focus.

Social implications

This study indicates the social benefits of developing a domestic tourism sector in emerging economies.

Originality/value

It equips national tourism organisations and small and medium tourism enterprises with specific actions for the use of tourism as a prosperity tool in the pursuance of these benefits. It, further, calls for a research agenda on investigating how emerging economies are uniquely progressing towards this global goal through thriving domestic tourism recognising that each economy is culturally different.
Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction in electrical utility workers: Practical considerations for prevention and rehabilitation in the workplace
Authors: Rogerson Shane , Climstein Mike , Meir Rudi , Crowley‐McHattan Zachary , Chapman Neil
Published: March 2024

Introduction

This study assessed the prevalence and associations of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction in electrical utility workers, with the aim of applying the findings to better prevent and rehabilitate workplace musculoskeletal disorders.

Methods

Employees completed an online survey recording their musculoskeletal symptoms across nine anatomical locations for the preceding 12 months. A total of 565 employees, working across eight different electrical utility organisational work units, completed the survey.

Consumer and Community Involvement

The study was collaborative and conducted in Australia's largest, wholly government owned electricity company. The study originated from the participating organisation wanting to better understand their musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risks.

Results

Employees who experienced high job stress were 4.06 times (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.78–9.29) more likely to report musculoskeletal symptoms in the shoulder compared with employees with lower reported job stress. Employees that perceived their work to have high physical demands report lower back musculoskeletal symptoms at 2.64 times the rate of those perceiving their job to be of low physical demand (95% CI = 1.44–4.84). There were significant differences in the lower back musculoskeletal symptoms according to work unit membership.

Conclusions

Understanding the prevalence of MSDs is critical to implementing practical prevention and rehabilitation strategies in the workplace. This anonymous survey highlighted that a large proportion of electrical utility workers reported that musculoskeletal symptoms had impacted their ability to perform their job, housework and/or hobbies in the preceding 12 months. Early access to rehabilitation services is essential. However, many workers report barriers to disclosing MSDs; therefore, workplace rehabilitation services may need to be broadened to account for these barriers.
R (on the application of W80) v Director General of the Independent Office of Police Conduct: Landmark Ruling or Business as Usual?
Authors: Torrible Clare
Published: March 2024

On 5 July 2023 the Supreme Court handed down its judgment in R (on the application of W80) v Director General of the Independent Office for Police Conduct. The issue before the Court was which test should be applied in assessing whether officers’ use of force amounts to misconduct; the criminal law test for self‐defence as the Divisional Court found; the test set out in the Police Conduct Regulations 2012 (ie that officers should only use force when it is ‘necessary, proportionate and reasonable in all the circumstances’) as the Court of Appeal held; or the civil law test for self‐defence which the Supreme Court ultimately decided was the correct approach. The Court's affirmation that the criminal law test is inconsistent with the purposes of the police conduct system is to be welcomed. However, this case note argues that their Lordships’ reasoning in other regards was unconvincing and obscured deeper issues concerning police accountability which the recent Casey Review confirms need to be more openly addressed.
Headline risk: Forging a crisis communication keystone
Authors: Pierpoint Jim
Published: March 2024

In March 2023, headlines about a single ill‐conceived press release amplified in the social media triggered a one‐day, $42 billion bank run that threatened to destabilise the US financial system. The Silicon Valley Bank collapse represents an extreme example of headline risk, the potential for breaking news to trigger a PR crisis and corresponding brand and business shocks. This paper presents the results of exploratory research supporting the creation of risk management frameworks for measuring, monitoring, managing and ultimately mitigating financially material headline risk. Based on brand tracking data for 24 major companies covered by the news media queried and visualised using an AI‐enabled analytics tool, the study confirms that news corresponds to tail risk—defined in this study as low‐probability, high‐impact events that major companies and national brands would term crises. Time‐series data tracking the volatility of consumer attention and the valence of media buzz support an architecture for constructing rigorous communication research and headline risk management frameworks. Crisis communication emerges as the initial phase in managing exogenous, idiosyncratic shocks marked by significant negative shifts in brand perceptions and consumer purchase consideration.
Endometriosis risk and hormonal contraceptive usage: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Obern Cerisa , Olovsson Matts , Tydén Tanja , Sundström‐Poromaa Inger
Published: March 2024

Objective

To investigate whether an early need of hormonal contraceptive (HC), or a failure to find a suitable method, are warning signs for endometriosis.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Sweden.

Population

The cohort consisted of 720 805 women aged 12–27 years during the period 2005–2017. All women, regardless of whether they received a diagnosis of endometriosis or not (reference group), were included.

Methods

We used data from Swedish national registers. Risks are expressed as crude and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs and aHRs, respectively) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), adjusted for age, education level, civil status, parity, country of birth, and diagnoses of infertility, dysmenorrhea or depression.

Main outcome measures

A diagnosis of endometriosis between 12 and 27 years of age.

Results

During this period, 3268 women were diagnosed with endometriosis (0.45%). Women who started HC at the ages of 12–14 years had a higher risk of receiving the diagnosis (aHR 2.53, 95% CI 2.21–2.90) than those who began at age 17 years or older. Having tried more types of HCs was associated with a twofold increased risk of endometriosis (more that three types of HC, aHR 2.31, 95% CI 1.71–3.12). Using HC for more than 1 year was associated with a decreased risk of endometriosis (>1 year, aHR 0.53, 95% CI 0.48–0.59). Women with endometriosis more commonly had dysmenorrhea, depression or infertility.

Conclusions

The use of HCs at an early age and a failure to find a suitable HC were identified as warning signs of later receiving an endometriosis diagnosis. A longer duration of HC usage reduced the risk of receiving the diagnosis.
Scaling up effective juvenile delinquency programs by focusing on change levers: Evidence from a large meta‐analysis
Authors: Wilson David B. , Lipsey Mark W.
Published: March 2024

Research summary

The primary outcome desired for juvenile delinquency programs is the cessation of delinquent and related problematic behaviors. However, this outcome is almost always pursued by attempting to change intermediate outcomes, such as family functioning, improved mental health, or peer relations. We can conceptualize intermediate outcomes that are related to reduced delinquency as change levers for effective intervention. A large meta‐analysis identified several school‐related change levers, including school engagement (i.e., improved attendance and reduced truancy), nondelinquent problem behaviors, and attitudes about school and teachers. In addition, family functioning and reducing substance use were also effective change levers. In contrast, effects on youth getting/keeping a job, peer relationships, and academic achievement were not associated with reduced delinquency.

Policy implications

Only a small percentage of rehabilitative programs provided to youth involved in the juvenile justice system have been established as evidence based. Moreover, there are constraints on what local policy makers and practitioners can do regarding the selection, adoption, and implementation of programs from the available lists of evidence‐based programs. Adopting programs that focus on effective change levers and avoiding those that concentrate on ineffective ones has the potential to increase the likelihood that a local agency is engaged in effective programming. Based on our data, programs known to improve family functioning, attachment to and involvement in schooling, and reducing substance use are justified by the change lever evidence, even if these programs’ effectiveness in reducing delinquency has not been directly proven. In contrast, programs focusing on vocational skills, academic achievement, and peer relations are less likely to be beneficial. Furthermore, a change lever perspective can help frontline staff select appropriate programs for different juvenile offenders and focus their quality control efforts on those aspects of a program that are likely to be essential to maintaining effectiveness.
The Influence of the Closure of the East Paleo‐Tethys Ocean on Southern South China: Evidences from Kinematics and 40Ar/39Ar Geochronology of the Rongxian Ductile Shear Zone in Southeastern Guangxi
Authors: HUANG Wenqiang , LI Saisai , XIN Liangwei , FENG Zuohai , ZHANG Hongrui , GENG Jieli , LIU Kun , SHI Chunyan
Published: March 2024

The Triassic was a crucial period in the tectonic evolution of the South China Block. Research on tectonic deformation during this period provides information on intracontinental orogenic mechanisms in South China. In this study, alongside thermochronological analyses, we examine the macroscopic and microscopic structural features of the Rongxian ductile shear zone, located south of the Darongshan granite in the southeastern part of Guangxi Province, on the southern margin of South China. Sinistral shear is indicated by the characteristics of rotated σ‐type feldspar porphyroclasts, stretching lineations defined by elongated quartz grains and the orientations of quartz c‐axes. LA‐ICP‐MS U‐Pb dating of zircons from two samples of granitic mylonite and one of granite yielded ages of ca. 256 Ma. Furthermore, two samples of granitic mylonite yield muscovite 40Ar/39Ar plateau ages of 249–246 Ma. These results indicate that the Rongxian ductile shear zone resulted from Early Triassic deformation of the late Permian Darongshan granite. This deformation was likely related to the closure of the eastern Paleo‐Tethys Ocean and the subsequent collision of the South China and Indochina blocks, during the early stage of the Indosinian orogeny.
Differentiating the association between age of alcohol use initiation and conditional suicidal behaviors among adolescents
Authors: Wang Meiqi , Zhong Yunxi , Chen Yifan , Li Qixiu , Su Xiaoying , Wei Zhen , Sun Long
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Suicide and early alcohol use initiation are public health concerns. Previous studies have explored the associations between age of alcohol use initiation and suicidal behaviors, which progresses from ideation to action. Distinguishing between the various associations can help gain a deeper understanding of suicidal behaviors and aid in developing social suicide prevention strategies.

Methods

The study utilized the Youth Risk Behavior Survey to investigate this association. A total of 17 209 students were finally included in the study. Conditional suicidal behaviors included no suicidal behavior (NS), suicidal ideation without a plan or attempt (SINPA), suicide plan without an attempt (SPNA) and suicide attempt (SA).

Results

Among 17 209 students, the prevalence of suicidal ideation, suicide plan, and suicide attempt were 21.4%, 17.3%, and 11.1%, respectively. Moreover, 15.2% of the students used alcohol before age 13, whereas 31.7% of students used alcohol at age 13 or older. Compared to NS, students using alcohol showed significant associations with SA (OR = 2.34, p < .001; OR = 1.29, p < .01), SPNA (OR = 1.68, p < .001; OR = 1.19, p < .05) and SINPA (OR = 1.55, p < .001; OR = 1.40, p < .001). Comparing with SINPA and SNPA, students using alcohol before age 13 were associated with SA (OR = 1.61, p < .001; OR = 1.46, p < .001), whereas those using alcohol at or after the age 13 were not associated with SA (OR = 0.98, p > .05; OR = 1.09, p > .05).

Discussion

This study demonstrated that early alcohol use initiation was significantly associated with suicide attempts among students with suicidal ideations or plans.
The oral IRAK4 inhibitors zabedosertib and BAY1830839 suppress local and systemic immune responses in a randomized trial in healthy male volunteers
Authors: Jodl Stefan J. , ten Voorde Wouter , Klein Stefan , Wagenfeld Andrea , Zollmann Frank S. , Feldmüller Maximilian , Klarenbeek Naomi B. , de Bruin Digna T. , Jansen Manon A. A. , Rissmann Robert , Rohde Beate , Moerland Matthijs
Published: March 2024

This study evaluated and characterized the pharmacological activity of the orally administered interleukin‐1 receptor‐associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) inhibitors BAY1834845 (zabedosertib) and BAY1830839 in healthy male volunteers. Participants received one of either IRAK4 inhibitors or a control treatment (prednisolone 20 mg or placebo) twice daily for 7 days. Localized skin inflammation was induced by topical application of imiquimod (IMQ) cream for 3 days, starting at Day 3 of treatment. The inflammatory response was evaluated by laser speckle contrast imaging (skin perfusion) and multispectral imaging (erythema). At Day 7, participants received 1 ng/kg intravenous lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Circulating inflammatory proteins, leukocyte differentiation, acute phase proteins, and clinical parameters were evaluated before and after the systemic LPS challenge. Treatment with BAY1834845 significantly reduced the mean IMQ‐induced skin perfusion response (geometric mean ratio [GMR] vs. placebo: 0.69 for BAY1834845, 0.70 for prednisolone; both p < 0.05). Treatment with BAY1834845 and BAY1830839 significantly reduced IMQ‐induced erythema (GMR vs. placebo: 0.75 and 0.83, respectively, both p < 0.05; 0.86 for prednisolone, not significant). Both IRAK4 inhibitors significantly suppressed the serum TNF‐α and IL‐6 responses (≥80% suppression vs. placebo, p < 0.05) and inhibited C‐reactive protein, procalcitonin, and IL‐8 responses to intravenous LPS. This study demonstrated the pharmacological effectiveness of BAY1834845 and BAY1830839 in suppressing systemically and locally induced inflammatory responses in the same range as prednisolone, underlining the potential value of these IRAK4 inhibitors as future therapies for dermatological or other immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases.
Strong differences in egg heat tolerance between closely related lowland and alpine butterfly species
Authors: Doniol‐Valcroze Paul , Després Laurence , Joron Mathieu
Published: March 2024

Temperature variation is one of the best‐known and studied factor constraining life history along the altitudinal gradients.

Ectotherms such as insects are sensitive to temperature across all life stages, resulting in a wide range of adaptations in populations and species living at different elevations. In butterflies, the egg stage is particularly sensitive to temperature variation as eggs cannot move and deploy behavioural responses to overheating.

Using a gradient polymerase chain reaction thermocycler to finely control temperature treatments, we tested for differences in egg heat tolerance between five closely related Coenonympha (Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) species living at different elevations.

We found strong differences in egg heat tolerance ranges between lowland species (C. arcania (Linnaeus) and C. pamphilus (Linnaeus)) and two high elevation alpine species (C. gardetta (Prunner) and C. cephalidarwiniana Verity). Surprisingly, the third alpine species (C. darwiniana Staudinger) showed a heat tolerance range closer to that of the lowland species than that of alpine species.

The sensitivity of eggs to overheating matched the temperature regimes recorded in the microhabitats utilised for oviposition and may explain the oviposition site selection of females observed in the wild.

The narrower egg heat tolerance of some of alpine species may partly explain the position of their lower elevational limit but also raises concern about the fate of these species in the face of current climate change.

Our results highlight the need to study all life stages, as well as microclimate choice for oviposition, to understand species distribution and the threats to their persistence.
Opportunities for risk‐taking during play alters cognitive performance and prefrontal inhibitory signalling in rats of both sexes
Authors: Bijlsma Ate , Birza Evelien E. , Pimentel Tara C. , Maranus Janneke P. M. , van Gaans Marieke J. J. M. , Lozeman‐van t Klooster José G. , Baars Annemarie J. M. , Achterberg E. J. Marijke , Lesscher Heidi M. B. , Wierenga Corette J. , Vanderschuren Louk J. M. J.
Published: March 2024

Social play behaviour is a rewarding activity that can entail risks, thus allowing young individuals to test the limits of their capacities and to train their cognitive and emotional adaptability to challenges. Here, we tested in rats how opportunities for risk‐taking during play affect the development of cognitive and emotional capacities and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) function, a brain structure important for risk‐based decision making. Male and female rats were housed socially or social play‐deprived (SPD) between postnatal day (P)21 and P42. During this period, half of both groups were daily exposed to a high‐risk play environment. Around P85, all rats were tested for cognitive performance and emotional behaviour after which inhibitory currents were recorded in layer 5 pyramidal neurons in mPFC slices. We show that playing in a high‐risk environment altered cognitive flexibility in both sexes and improved behavioural inhibition in males. High‐risk play altered anxiety‐like behaviour in the elevated plus maze in males and in the open field in females, respectively. SPD affected cognitive flexibility in both sexes and decreased anxiety‐like behaviour in the elevated plus maze in females. We found that synaptic inhibitory currents in the mPFC were increased in male, but not female, rats after high‐risk play, while SPD lowered prefrontal cortex (PFC) synaptic inhibition in both sexes. Together, our data show that exposure to risks during play affects the development of cognition, emotional behaviour and inhibition in the mPFC. Furthermore, our study suggests that the opportunity to take risks during play cannot substitute for social play behaviour.