bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of Pediatric Interventricular Septal Thickness Measurement Obtained Via Point-of-Care Ultrasound
Authors: Hasan Ahmed , Dahan Nessy , Ayeni Adetunbi , Chhabra Manoj , McGrory Patrick
Published: February 2024

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a genetic, life-threatening cardiovascular disease that often goes unidentified in pediatric patients. Patients are often asymptomatic and neither history or physical examination are reliable to detect the disease. The only reliable method to diagnose hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is with echocardiography to look at interventricular septal thickness. Emerging literature has shown that cardiac point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) performed by pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) physicians is as effective and accurate compared with cardiac echocardiography performed by pediatric cardiologists.

Objective

The objective of the study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of POCUS performed by ultrasound-trained PEM physicians in measuring the interventricular septum end diastole (IVSd) thickness in the pediatric emergency department.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, single-center, observational, diagnostic accuracy study to examine the diagnostic accuracy of POCUS in measuring IVSd thickness in pediatric patients who presented to the pediatric emergency department with symptoms that prompted a cardiac POCUS. Cardiac POCUS findings were interpreted by a PEM physician at the bedside and retrospectively by a pediatric cardiologist. Diagnostic concordance of the measurements obtained by the PEM physician and cardiologist was assessed.

Results

Forty-eight patients were enrolled. Median patient age was 13.4 years. There was excellent diagnostic agreement on the measurement of the IVSd thickness between PEM physicians and the pediatric cardiologist (81.25% of cases; 39/48). Disagreement was seen in 18.75% of the cases (9/48). The mean error of disagreement was −0.32, with a 95% confidence interval of −0.37 to −0.28. Overall, the mean error of both agreement and disagreement was −0.046, with 95% confidence interval of −0.08 to −0.01 and P value of 0.008.

Conclusions

Point-of-care ultrasound performed by ultrasound-trained PEM physicians to measure pediatric IVSd thickness has a high diagnostic accuracy with excellent agreement with a pediatric cardiologist.
Sex differences in conditioned pain modulation effects and its associations with autonomic nervous system activities in healthy, younger individuals: a pilot study
Authors: Uzawa Hironobu , Takeuch Shinta , Nishida Yusuke
Published: February 2024

Introduction:

Sex differences in conditioned pain modulation (CPM) have not been sufficiently explored.

Objectives:

This pilot study aimed to examine sex differences in CPM effects and associations between autonomic activities and CPM effects in healthy, younger individuals.

Methods:

University students were recruited from February to March 2021 and divided by sex. They remained seated for 10 minutes as a rest period, then immersed their right hands in cold water for 2 minutes as a cold period. The pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured after each period, presenting the CPM index (%) using the formula: (PPTcold/PPTrest) × 100. Autonomic nervous system variables were calculated using the formula—(autonomic variablecold/autonomic variablerest) × 100—and suffixed by “index” such as low-frequency/high-frequency (LF/HF) index. Some psychological questionnaires were self-recorded. Sex differences in the CPM index were statistically compared, and a simple linear regression analysis between the CPM and autonomic indices was conducted.

Results:

Thirty-two participants were analyzed (14 women and 18 men; aged 21.1 ± 0.6 and 20.9 ± 0.3 years, respectively). Conditioned pain modulation effects were not different at 127.0 ± 19.1% in women and 124.0 ± 18.7% in men. The LF/HF index, LF normalized unit (nu) index (LFnu), and HFnu index had significant predictor variables for the CPM index across overall samples. The LF/HF index and LFnu index were significant predictor variables for the CPM index for women but not for men.

Conclusions:

Conditioned pain modulation effects between groups seem to be similar. The LF/HF and LFnu indices in women were significant, indicating that descending pain modulations in women might be more associated with autonomic activities than those in men.
An Experimental Anatomic CBCT Study on the Correlations Between MB1 and MB2 of the Mesio-Vestibular Root of the Upper First Molars
Authors: Fiorillo Luca , D’Amico Cesare , La Rosa Giusy Rita Maria , Calanna Francesco , Pappalardo Alfio , Pedullà Eugenio
Published: February 2024

This experimental anatomic study aimed to investigate the correlations between the mesio-vestibular canal (MB1) and the second mesio-vestibular canal (MB2) of the mesio-vestibular root of the upper sexts using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging. A total of 24 extracted maxillary first molars were collected and subjected to CBCT imaging. The presence, location, and morphology of MB1 and MB2 canals were evaluated using axial, coronal, and sagittal CBCT sections. The interrelation between MB1 and MB2 canals was assessed, including their separate canals, merging, and division points. Among the 24 maxillary first molars examined, 86.5% demonstrated the presence of an MB2 canal in addition to MB1. The MB2 and MB1 were confluent in 80% of the cases with a confluent height of 4,16 mm. The mean distance between MB1 and MB2 canals was 1.85 mm. This study provides detailed information on the anatomic correlations between MB1 and MB2 canals of the mesio-vestibular root in the upper sexts using CBCT imaging. The high prevalence of MB2 canals suggests their significance in endodontic procedures and emphasizes the importance of thorough exploration and identification during root canal treatment. The knowledge of the location and morphology of these canals can aid in successful endodontic therapy and enhance treatment outcomes.
Function and application of traditional Chinese medicine inheritance calculate system
Authors: Tang Shihuan , Yang Hongjun
Published: February 2024

Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance Calculate System (TCMICS) is a computational tool designed to facilitate the analysis of diseases, symptoms, syndromes, prescriptions, and acupoints based on databases of existing prescriptions, medical cases, or compound formulas. The software, currently updated to version 3.5, comprehensively presents the relationships between diseases, symptoms, syndromes, prescriptions, herbal medicines, and acupoints. TCMICS integrates the functions of importing, retrieving, and analyzing diseases, syndromes, symptoms, tongue manifestations, pulse manifestations, herbal medicines, prescriptions, medical cases, and related information. It includes 7 functional modules: statistical analysis, prescription analysis, symptom analysis, tongue manifestation analysis, pulse manifestation analysis, acupoint analysis, and comprehensive analysis. TCMICS has been recognized by academicians, national TCM veterans, and renowned TCM clinics in Beijing, Shanghai, Guizhou, Shandong, Tianjin, and so on. It is regarded as an important tool for inheriting the academic thoughts and clinical experience of renowned TCM veterans and has been applied to the inheritance of Chinese medical expertise and analysis of TCM literature, as well as the development of TCM products.
The effects of environmental changes on the endocrine regulation of feeding in fishes
Authors: Volkoff Helene
Published: February 2024

Fishes are exposed to natural and anthropogenic changes in their environment, which can have major effects on their behaviour and their physiology, including feeding behaviour, food intake and digestive processes. These alterations are owing to the direct action of environmental physico-chemical parameters (i.e. temperature, pH, turbidity) on feeding physiology but can also be a consequence of variations in food availability. Food intake is ultimately regulated by feeding centres of the brain, which receive and process information from endocrine signals from both brain and peripheral tissues such as the gastrointestinal tract. These endocrine signals stimulate or inhibit food intake, and interact with each other to maintain energy homeostasis. Changes in environmental conditions might change feeding habits and rates, thus affecting levels of energy stores, and the expression of endocrine appetite regulators. This review provides an overview of how environmental changes and food availability could affect feeding and these endocrine networks in fishes.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Endocrine responses to environmental variation: conceptual approaches and recent developments’.
Thyroid hormone links environmental signals to DNA methylation
Authors: Seebacher Frank , Little Alexander G.
Published: February 2024

Environmental conditions experienced within and across generations can impact individual phenotypes via so-called ‘epigenetic' processes. Here we suggest that endocrine signalling acts as a ‘sensor' linking environmental inputs to epigenetic modifications. We focus on thyroid hormone signalling and DNA methylation, but other mechanisms are likely to act in a similar manner. DNA methylation is one of the most important epigenetic mechanisms, which alters gene expression patterns by methylating cytosine bases via DNA methyltransferase enzymes. Thyroid hormone is mechanistically linked to DNA methylation, at least partly by regulating the activity of DNA methyltransferase 3a, which is the principal enzyme that mediates epigenetic responses to environmental change. Thyroid signalling is sensitive to natural and anthropogenic environmental impacts (e.g. light, temperature, endocrine-disrupting pollution), and here we propose that thyroid hormone acts as an environmental sensor to mediate epigenetic modifications. The nexus between thyroid hormone signalling and DNA methylation can integrate multiple environmental signals to modify phenotypes, and coordinate phenotypic plasticity at different time scales, such as within and across generations. These dynamics can have wide-ranging effects on health and fitness of animals, because they influence the time course of phenotypic adjustments and potentially the range of environmental stimuli that can elicit epigenetic responses.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Endocrine responses to environmental variation: conceptual approaches and recent developments’.
Development of Recombinant Proteins for Vaccine Candidates Against Serotype O and A of Foot and Mouth Disease Virus in Bangladesh
Authors: Akter Salma , Rahman M. Shaminur , Islam M. Rafiul , Akther Masuda , Anjume Humaira , Marjia Mafruha , Rahaman Md Mizanur , Hossain M Anwar , Sultana Munawar
Published: February 2024

Frequent vaccine failure leading to recurrent outbreaks of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in livestock populations necessitates the development of a customizable vaccine platform comprising potential antigenic determinants of circulating lineages of FMD viruses. Artificially designed, chimeric peptide-based recombinant vaccines are novel approaches to combat the phylogenetically diverse FMD Virus (FMDV) strains. Among seven recognized serotypes, only serotypes O and A are dominantly circulating in Bangladesh and neighboring countries of Asia, where transboundary transmission, recurrent outbreaks and emergence of novel lineages of FMDV are highly prevalent. The objective of this study was to develop multi-epitope recombinant peptides, procuring immunogenicity against circulating diverse genotypes of FMDV serotypes O and A. Two chimeric peptides, named B1 (41.0 kDa) and B3 (39.3 kDa), have been designed to incorporate potential B-cell and T-cell epitopes selected from multiple FMDV strains, including previously reported and newly emerged sub-lineages. After expression, characterization and immunization of guineapigs with considerable antigen load of B1 and B3 followed by the serological assays revealed the significant protective immunogenicity, developed from the higher (100 µg) doses of both antigens, against most of the currently prevalent serotype O and A strains of FMDV. The efficient expression, antigenic stability, and multivalent immunogenic potency of the chimeric peptides strongly indicate their credibility as novel vaccine candidates for existing serotypes O and A of FMDV in Bangladesh and surrounding territories.
Protein profile of the Escherichia coli strain, BW25113, exposed to two novel iron-halide compounds: Fe(Hampy)2Cl4 and Fe(Hampy)2Br4.
Authors: Abedin Nusrat , Wagner Sarah , Khalkar Yukta Sanjay , Johnson Zulekha , Egbowon Biola F. , Hargreaves Alan J. , Fitzpatrick Anthony J. , Miles Amanda K. , Dafhnis-Calas Felix
Published: February 2024

The mortality rate and economic burden of infections caused by antimicrobial resistant pathogens are increasingly higher. This frustrating scenario emphasizes the urgent need for developing new antimicrobial drugs. We have previously addressed this problem by studying the antimicrobial activity of two novel iron-halide complexes, Fe(Hampy)2Cl4 (iron-tetrachloride) and Fe(Hampy)2Br4 (iron-tetrabromide). Both compounds showed bactericidal and antibiofilm activities against bacteria with an antimicrobial resistance phenotype. Herein, we used a proteomics approach to investigate the protein-expression profile the of a bacteria cell previously exposed to both iron-halide complexes. For this study, the Escherichia coli strain, BW25113, was used as a model to facilitate the rapid identification of deregulated proteins. Heat map analysis of the common deregulated proteins highlighted that both complexes caused downregulation of proteins associated with key metabolic pathways, biofilm formation, cell-envelope biogenesis, and iron ion binding. In addition, network study suggested that the most influential proteins of the tetrachloride activity were those involved in TCA cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, iron ion homeostasis and carbon/secondary metabolism. This protein-protein interaction analysis also hinted that the main drivers of the tetrabromide activity were proteins involved in translation, ribosomal biogenesis, and cell motility. The above results strongly suggested how the presence of different halide ligands could be used to generate compounds with potentially different molecular mechanisms. Importantly, the findings of this study can also be used as a reference for comparing with the protein profile of a bacteria exposed to future variants of the iron-halide complexes.
Streptomyces herbicida sp. nov., a novel actinomycete with antibacterial and herbicidal activity isolated from soil
Authors: Luo Yanfang , Ling Ling , Zhang Kun , Song Zhengke , Zhang Lida , Li Jiaxin , Chen Jie , Xiang Wensheng , Wang Xiangjing , Zhao Junwei
Published: February 2024

A novel actinobacterial strain (NEAU-HV9T) showing antibacterial activity against Ralstonia solanacearum and herbicidal activity against Amaranthus retroflexus L. was isolated from soil sampled in Bama yao Autonomous County, Hechi City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The strain is aerobic and Gram-positive. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain NEAU-HV9T belonged to the genus Streptomyces and showed high 16S rRNA sequence similarity to Streptomyces panaciradicis 1MR-8T (98.90 %), Streptomyces sasae JR-39T (98.89 %) and Streptomyces barringtoniae JA03T (98.69 %) and less than 98.5 % similarity to other members of the genus Streptomyces. The cell wall of strain NEAU-HV9T contained ll-diaminopimelic acid and the whole-cell hydrolysates were galactose, mannose and ribose. The predominant menaquinones were composed of MK-9(H2) and MK-9(H8). The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol. The major fatty acids were C16 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and C17 : 1
 ω8c. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain NEAU-HV9T was 70.6 mol%. Furthermore, the strain could be clearly distinguished from its closely related type strains by the combination of DNA–DNA hybridization results and some phenotypic characteristics. Meanwhile, strain NEAU-HV9T displayed herbicidal activity. Therefore, strain NEAU-HV9T represents a novel species within the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces herbicida sp. nov. is proposed, with strain NEAU-HV9T (=CCTCC AA 2019088T=DSM 113364T) as the type strain.
Compensatory mutations are associated with increased in vitro growth in resistant clinical samples of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Brunner Viktoria M. , Fowler Philip W.
Published: February 2024

Mutations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis associated with resistance to antibiotics often come with a fitness cost for the bacteria. Resistance to the first-line drug rifampicin leads to lower competitive fitness of M. tuberculosis populations when compared to susceptible populations. This fitness cost, introduced by resistance mutations in the RNA polymerase, can be alleviated by compensatory mutations (CMs) in other regions of the affected protein. CMs are of particular interest clinically since they could lock in resistance mutations, encouraging the spread of resistant strains worldwide. Here, we report the statistical inference of a comprehensive set of CMs in the RNA polymerase of M. tuberculosis, using over 70 000 M. tuberculosis genomes that were collated as part of the CRyPTIC project. The unprecedented size of this data set gave the statistical tests more power to investigate the association of putative CMs with resistance-conferring mutations. Overall, we propose 51 high-confidence CMs by means of statistical association testing and suggest hypotheses for how they exert their compensatory mechanism by mapping them onto the protein structure. In addition, we were able to show an association of CMs with higher in vitro growth densities, and hence presumably with higher fitness, in resistant samples in the more virulent M. tuberculosis lineage 2. Our results suggest the association of CM presence with significantly higher in vitro growth than for wild-type samples, although this association is confounded with lineage and sub-lineage affiliation. Our findings emphasize the integral role of CMs and lineage affiliation in resistance spread and increases the urgency of antibiotic stewardship, which implies accurate, cheap and widely accessible diagnostics for M. tuberculosis infections to not only improve patient outcomes but also prevent the spread of resistant strains.
Pain Expectations, Experiences and Coping Strategies Used By Post-operative Patients: A Descriptive Phenomelogical Study
Authors: Sakyi Richard , Boateng Edward Appiah , Diji Abigail Kusi-Amponsah , Afful Kenneth Adjei , Nimoh Vincent Afriyie , Ajanaba Philomena Asakeboba , Adjei Mabel Dorothy , Apiribu Felix , Dzomeku Veronica Millicent
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Post-operative pain is still an unresolved problem worldwide including limited-resource countries such as Ghana. Earlier studies have mainly focused on post-operative pain experiences of patient with little attention on their pain expectations and coping strategies, however exploring these other areas can help to better manage post-operative pain. The current study sought to explore pain expectations, post-operative pain experiences, and coping strategies used by adult surgical patients.

Methods

A descriptive phenomenological design approach was used to study nine purposively sampled surgical patients who were receiving care at a regional hospital in Ghana. Participants were individually interviewed before and during the post-operative period to share their opinions on their pain expectations, postoperative pain experiences and coping strategies. The semi-structured individual interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and content analyzed to generate themes which described participants’ accounts.

Results

Participants comprised of six females and three males; their ages ranged from 24 to 40 years who underwent major surgeries. Three main themes were derived from this study, diverse pain expectations and experiences, post-operative pain effects and post-operative pain coping strategies. The study revealed that participants have different pain expectations and experiences, surgical pain affected their activities of daily living and emotions. Participants coped with the postoperative pain by using personal strategies and seeking support from nurses.

Conclusion

Pain expectation of surgical patients affects their post-operative pain experiences. Surgical patients use coping strategies in their post-operative pain management. More needs to be done in reducing surgical patients’ experience of Post-operative pain.
Distinct quasiparticle interference patterns for surface impurity scattering on various Weyl semimetals
Authors: Xiong Feng , He Chaocheng , Liu Yong , Black-Schaffer Annica M. , Nag Tanay
Published: February 2024

We examine the response of the Fermi arc in the context of quasiparticle interference (QPI) with regard to a localized surface impurity on various three-dimensional Weyl semimetals (WSMs). Our study also reveals the variation of the local density of states (LDOS), obtained by Fourier transforming the QPI profile, on the two-dimensional surface. We use the T-matrix formalism to numerically (analytically and numerically) capture the details of the momentum space scattering in QPI (real-space decay in LDOS), considering relevant tight-binding lattice and/or low-energy continuum models modeling a range of different WSMs. In particular, we consider multi-WSM (mWSM), hosting multiple Fermi arcs between two opposite chirality Weyl nodes (WNs), where we find a universal 1/r decay (r measuring the radial distance from the impurity core) of the impurity-induced LDOS, irrespective of the topological charge. Interestingly, the inter-Fermi arc scattering is only present for triple WSMs, where we find an additional 1/r3 decay as compared to double and single WSMs. The untilted single (double) [triple] WSM shows a straight line (leaf-like) [oval-shaped] QPI profile. The above QPI profiles are canted for hybrid WSMs where type-I and type-II Weyl nodes coexist; however, hybrid single WSM demonstrates strong nonuniformity, unlike the hybrid double and triple WSMs. We also show that the chirality and the positions of the Weyl nodes imprint marked signatures in the QPI profile. This allows us to distinguish between different WSMs, including the time-reversal-broken WSMs from the time-reversal-invariant WSM, even though both of the WSMs can host two pairs of Weyl nodes. Our study can thus shed light on experimentally obtainable complex QPI profiles and help differentiate different WSMs and their surface band structures.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Squeezed correlations of bosons with nonzero widths for expanding sources
Authors: Zhang Yong , Ru Peng
Published: February 2024

We explore the squeezed back-to-back correlation (SBBC) and investigate how the squeezing effect influences the Hanbury-Brown–Twiss (HBT) interferometry using an expanding Gaussian source with nonzero width. The SBBC and HBT of D0 and ϕ mesons with finite in-medium widths are studied. The expanding flow of the source may enhance the SBBC strength of D0D¯0 and ϕϕ in the low momentum region but suppress the SBBC in the larger momentum region. The squeezing effect suppresses the influence of flow on the HBT radii, which is significant for two identical bosons with large pair momentum or with large mass. Due to the squeezing effect, the relationship between the HBT radii and the pair momentum exhibits nonflow behavior for the D0D0 pair. Likewise, nonflow behavior also appears in the HBT radii of ϕϕ with large pair momentum. This phenomenon may bring new insights for studying the squeezing effect.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Strangelets at finite temperature: Nucleon emission rates, interface, and shell effects
Authors: You Hao-Song , Chen Huai-Min , Xu Jian-Feng , Xia Cheng-Jun , Xu Ren-Xin , Peng Guang-Xiong
Published: February 2024

We investigate the properties of strangelets at finite temperature T, where an equivparticle model is adopted with both the linear confinement and leading-order perturbative interactions accounted for using density-dependent quark masses. The shell effects are examined by solving the Dirac equations for quarks in the mean-field approximation, which diminish with temperature as the occupation probability of each single-particle levels fixed by the Fermi-Dirac statistics, i.e., shell dampening. Consequently, instead of decreasing with temperature, the surface tension extracted from a liquid-drop formula increases with T until reaching its peak at T≈20–40  MeV with vanishing shell corrections, where the formula roughly reproduces the free energy per baryon of all strangelets. The curvature term, nevertheless, decreases with T despite the presence of shell effects. The neutron and proton emission rates are fixed microscopically according to the external nucleon gas densities that are in equilibrium with strangelets, which generally increase with T (≲50  MeV) for stable strangelets but decrease for those that are unstable against nucleon emission at T=0. The energy, free energy, entropy, charge-to-mass ratio, strangeness per baryon, and root-mean-square radius of β-stable strangelets obtained with various parameter sets are presented as well. The results indicated in this work are useful for understanding the products of binary compact star mergers and heavy-ion collisions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Study of the pion-mass dependence of
ρ
-meson properties in lattice QCD
Authors: Yu Kang , Li Yan , Wu Jia-Jun , Leinweber Derek B. , Thomas Anthony W.
Published: February 2024

We collect spectra extracted in the I=ℓ=1 ππ sector provided by various lattice QCD collaborations and study the mπ dependence of ρ-meson properties using Hamiltonian effective field theory (HEFT). In this unified analysis, the coupling constant and cutoff mass, characterizing the ρ−ππ vertex, are both found to be weakly dependent on mπ, while the mass of the bare ρ, associated with a simple quark-model state, shows a linear dependence on mπ2. Both the lattice results and experimental data can be described well. Drawing on HEFT’s ability to describe the pion mass dependence of resonances in a single formalism, we map the dependence of the phase shift as a function of mπ and expose interesting discrepancies in contemporary lattice QCD results.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Heavy baryon dark matter from
SU(N)
confinement: Bubble wall velocity and boundary effects
Authors: Gouttenoire Yann , Kuflik Eric , Liu Di
Published: February 2024

Confinement in SU(NDC) Yang-Mills theories is known to proceed through first-order phase transition. The wall velocity is bounded by vw≲10−6 due to the needed time for the substantial latent heat released during the phase transition to dissipate through Hubble expansion. Quarks which are much heavier than the confinement scale can be introduced without changing the confinement dynamics. After they freeze-out, heavy quarks are squeezed into pockets of the deconfined phase until they completely annihilate with antiquarks. We calculate the dark baryon abundance surviving annihilation, due to bound-state formation occurring both in the bulk and—for the first time—at the boundary. We find that dark baryons can be dark matter with a mass up to 103  TeV. We study indirect and direct detection, cosmic microwave background and big bang nucleosynthesis probes, assuming portals to Higgs and neutrinos.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Segmented strings and holography
Authors: Boldis Bercel , Lévay Péter
Published: February 2024

In this paper we establish a connection between segmented strings propagating in AdSd+1 and CFTd subsystems in Minkowski spacetime characterized by quantum information theoretic quantities calculated for the vacuum state. We show that the area of the world sheet of a string segment on the AdS side can be connected to fidelity susceptibility (the real part of the quantum geometric tensor) on the CFT side. This quantity has another interpretation as the computational complexity for infinitesimally separated states corresponding to causal diamonds that are displaced in a spacelike manner according to the metric of kinematic space. These displaced causal diamonds encode information for a unique reconstruction of the string world sheet segments in a holographic manner. Dually the bulk segments are representing causally ordered sets of consecutive boundary events in boosted inertial frames or in noninertial ones proceeding with constant acceleration. For the special case of AdS3 one can also see the segmented stringy area in units of 4GL (G is Newton’s constant and L is the AdS length) as the conditional mutual information I(A,C|B) calculated for a trapezoid configuration arising from boosted spacelike intervals A, B and C. In this special case the variation of the discretized Nambu-Goto action leads to an equation for entanglement entropies in the boundary theory of the form of a Toda equation. For arbitrary d the string world sheet patches are living in the modular slices of the entanglement wedge. They seem to provide some sort of tomography of the entanglement wedge where the patches are linked together by the interpolation ansatz, i.e., the discretized version of the equations of motion for the Nambu-Goto action.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Sea-quark loop contributions to the
d¯−u¯
asymmetry in the proton
Authors: Leinweber Derek B. , Thomas Anthony W.
Published: February 2024

QCD interactions for equal-mass fermion flavors are flavor blind. This fact is often used to state that disconnected sea-quark loop contributions are equal for u and d quarks in the mass symmetric case and therefore these disconnected sea-quark loop contributions cannot contribute to the well-known d¯−u¯ asymmetry in the proton. Instead, it is argued that one must look to the connected sector of lattice QCD correlation functions to find this difference. In this presentation, we note that these statements are true provided unphysical contributions in the sea-quark loop sector are included, contributions from baryons that do not appear in the physical spectrum. To respect the Pauli principle, these unphysical contributions from the disconnected sea-quark loop sector must cancel equally unphysical contributions in the connected sector. The remaining disconnected sea-quark loop contributions no longer have a balance between d¯ and u¯. Upon considering only physically observed baryons in the loop contributions, we illustrate an important contribution from the sea-quark loop sector to d¯−u¯ that enhances the leading connected contribution by 12%.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Integrability Breaking and Bound States in Google’s Decorated XXZ Circuits
Authors: Hudomal Ana , Smith Ryan , Hallam Andrew , Papić Zlatko
Published: February 2024

Recent quantum simulation by Google [Nature , 240 (2022)] has demonstrated the formation of bound states of interacting photons in a quantum-circuit version of the XXZ spin chain. While such bound states are protected by integrability in a one-dimensional chain, the experiment found the bound states to be unexpectedly robust when integrability was broken by decorating the circuit with additional qubits, at least for small numbers of qubits (≤24) within the experimental capability. Here we scrutinize this result by state-of-the-art classical simulations, which greatly exceed the experimental system sizes and provide a benchmark for future studies in larger circuits. We find that the bound states consisting of a number of photons are indeed robust in the nonintegrable regime, even after scaling to the infinite-time and infinite-system size limit. Moreover, we show that such systems possess unusual spectral properties, with level statistics that deviates from the random matrix theory expectation. On the other hand, for low but finite density of photons, we find a much faster onset of thermalization and significantly weaker signatures of bound states, suggesting that anomalous dynamics may only be a property of dilute systems with density of photons in the thermodynamic limit. The robustness of the bound states is also influenced by the number of decoration qubits and, to a lesser degree, by the regularity of their spatial arrangement.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
A study of accounting mechanism from an ethnic lens; a case of Belis marriage in East Sumba, Indonesia
Authors: Hermawan Marko S. , Nomleni Andriani Grace Irene
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study describes the accounting mechanism for an ethnic marriage in East Sumba, Indonesia. Blended with a rich culture of Indonesia’s familial piety (Kekeluargaan), the accounting perspective is argued as a root of Indonesia’s norm and plays an important role in defining accounting mechanisms in the Indonesian context.

Design/methodology/approach

The study observes the Belis traditional marriage in East Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara, in a qualitative approach. About 12 in-depth interviews from indigenous East Sumba sources, a direct field observation and a historical content analysis were used.

Findings

Traditional objects, local caste and spiritual karma are key factors in determining the Belis marital mechanism, which is intertwined with the Kekeluargaan norm. Marriage involves the unification of assets and liabilities bound to the newlyweds and their extended family and neighbors. The Kekeluargaan underpins the cooperation of both sides of the families with the manifestation of the parties concerned and is connected in mutual understanding based on harmony and respect.

Practical implications

This study suggests that accountants in Indonesia should factor in the organizational cultural context. They can do this by fostering relationships, integrating cultural norms into accounting practices and adopting a broader perspective that considers the impact on multiple stakeholders for more effective accounting.

Originality/value

The value of this study challenges the perspective from a non-western point of view that accounting and Kekeluargaan relate to one another and align the role of culture as a context in accounting.
Designing an empathetic user-centric customer support organisation: practitioners’ perspectives
Authors: Sheth Jagdish N. , Jain Varsha , Ambika Anupama
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to develop an empathetic and user-centric customer support service design model. Though service design has been a critical research focus for several decades, few studies focus on customer support services. As customer support gains importance as a source of competitive advantage in the present era, this paper aims to contribute to industry and academia by exploring the service design model.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a theories-in-use approach to elucidate mental models based on the industry’s best practices. In-depth interviews with 62 professionals led to critical insights into customer service design development, supported by service-dominant logic and theory of mind principles.

Findings

The ensuing insights led to a model that connects the antecedents and outcomes of empathetic and user-centric customer service design. The precursors include people, processes and technology, while the results are user experience, service trust and service advocacy. The model also emphasises the significance of the user’s journey and the user service review in the overall service design.

Research limitations/implications

The model developed through this study addresses the critical gap concerning the lack of service design research in customer support services. The key insights from this study contribute to the ongoing research endeavours towards transitioning customer support services from an operational unit to a strategic value-creating function. Future scholars may investigate the applicability of the empathetic user service design across cultures and industries. The new model must be customised using real-time data and analytics across user journey stages.

Practical implications

The empathetic and user-centric design can elevate the customer service function as a significant contributor to the overall customer experience, loyalty and positive word of mouth. Practitioners can adopt the new model to provide superior customer service experiences. This original research was developed through crucial insights from interviews with senior industry professionals.

Originality/value

This research is the original work developed through the key insights from the interview with senior industry professionals.
The effect of justice on hospital workers’ self-efficiency with the mediating role of job stress: a structural equation analysis approach
Authors: Moosavi Saeideh , Ghalenoei Mehran , Maleki Aisa , Kalhor Rohollah
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of the Diamond Justice model on self-efficiency with the mediating role of job stress among the staff of Qazvin hospitals affiliated with Qazvin University of Medical Sciences. This study is a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study conducted among the staff of Qazvin hospitals affiliated with Qazvin University of Medical Sciences in 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

Sampling was performed using the structural equation method. Data collection tools included three sections: demographic information, justice and self-efficiency questionnaire and job stress questionnaire. Data were finally analyzed using SPSS software version 26 and AMOS version 23 at a significance level of 0.05.

Findings

The structural equation model’s standard estimation coefficients show that all existing paths are at a significant level. Finally, the regression analysis showed that justice is inversely related to stress level (ß = −0.185, p = 0.015). Justice is directly related with self-efficiency (ß = 0.282, p < 0.001).

Originality/value

Justice, stress and self-efficacy have been measured in various studies among health workers. However, a fitting model showing these three variables’ interaction was necessary. Therefore, this study tries to conceptualize the multifaceted relationships of the components of these concepts by presenting a model.
E-grocery service loyalty: integrating food quality, e-grocery quality and relationship quality (young customers’ experience with local food)
Authors: Suhartanto Dwi , Dean David , Farhani Iklima
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the loyalty formation model on e-grocery service incorporating food quality, e-grocery quality and relationship quality as determinants of loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative approach was used by using 353 data from young Indonesian customers with purchasing experience of local food through e-grocery service. The hypothesized relationships between variables were tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results confirm that local food quality, e-grocery service quality and the relationship quality elements of a sense of community and attitudinal attachment, are all loyalty drivers. Next, mediation tests reveal that local food quality and e-grocery service quality influence customer loyalty through customers’ attitudinal attachment and a sense of community.

Practical implications

This study recommends that managers of e-grocery services of local food businesses could benefit from the development of attachment and a sense of community among their young clients. Furthermore, to develop loyalty among young customers, offering high-quality local food as well as e-grocery services is suggested.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first examination of the e-grocery service loyalty in the context of local food.
Seismic behaviour of the non-straight steel beams in the structural plans
Authors: Rashidiyan Farshid , Mirghaderi Seyed Rasoul , Mohebbi Saeed , Kavei Sina
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This research study focuses on investigating the seismic performance of non-straight beams in steel structures and exploring the mechanism by which plastic hinges are formed within these beams. The findings contribute to the understanding of their behaviour under seismic loads and offer insights into their potential for enhancing the lateral resistance of the structure. The abstract of the study highlights the significance of corners in structural plans, where non-coaxial columns, diagonal elements or beams deviating from a straight path are commonly observed. Typically, these non-straight beams are connected to the columns using pinned connections, despite their unknown seismic behaviour. Recognizing the importance of generating plastic hinges in special moment resisting frames and the lack of previous research on the involvement of these non-straight beams, this study aims to address this knowledge gap.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines the seismic behaviour and plastic hinge formation of non-straight beams in steel structures. Non-straight beams are beams that connect non-coaxial columns and diagonal elements, or deviate from a linear path. They are usually pinned to the columns, and their seismic contribution is unknown. A critical case with a 12-m non-straight beam is analysed using Abaqus software. Different models are created with varying cross-section shapes and connection types between the non-straight beams. The models are subjected to lateral monotonic and cyclic loads in one direction. The results show that non-straight beams increase the lateral stiffness, strength and energy dissipation of the models compared to disconnected beams that act as two cantilevers.

Findings

The analysis results reveal several key findings. The inclusion of non-straight beams in the models leads to increased lateral stiffness, strength and energy dissipation compared to the scenario where the beams are disconnected and act as two cantilever beams. Plastic hinges are formed at both ends of the non-straight beam when a 3% drift is reached, contributing to energy damping and introducing plasticity into the structure. These results strongly suggest that non-straight beams play a significant role in enhancing the lateral resistance of the system. Based on the seismic analysis results, this study recommends the utilization of non-straight beams in special moment frames due to the formation of plastic hinges within these beams and their effective participation in resisting lateral seismic loads. This research fills a critical gap in understanding the behaviour of non-straight beams and provides valuable insights for structural engineers involved in the design and analysis of steel structures.

Originality/value

The authors believe that this research will greatly contribute to the knowledge and understanding of the seismic performance of non-straight beams in steel structures.
Insights into modeling approaches for boundary- and mixed-lubricated conditions
Authors: Shah Rajesh , Gashi Blerim , Mittal Vikram , Rosenkranz Andreas , Du Shuoran
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Tribological research is complex and multidisciplinary, with many parameters to consider. As traditional experimentation is time-consuming and expensive due to the complexity of tribological systems, researchers tend to use quantitative and qualitative analysis to monitor critical parameters and material characterization to explain observed dependencies. In this regard, numerical modeling and simulation offers a cost-effective alternative to physical experimentation but must be validated with limited testing. This paper aims to highlight advances in numerical modeling as they relate to the field of tribology.

Design/methodology/approach

This study performed an in-depth literature review for the field of modeling and simulation as it relates to tribology. The authors initially looked at the application of foundational studies (e.g. Stribeck) to understand the gaps in the current knowledge set. The authors then evaluated a number of modern developments related to contact mechanics, surface roughness, tribofilm formation and fluid-film layers. In particular, it looked at key fields driving tribology models including nanoparticle research and prosthetics. The study then sought out to understand the future trends in this research field.

Findings

The field of tribology, numerical modeling has shown to be a powerful tool, which is both time- and cost-effective when compared to standard bench testing. The characterization of tribological systems of interest fundamentally stems from the lubrication regimes designated in the Stribeck curve. The prediction of tribofilm formation, film thickness variation, fluid properties, asperity contact and surface deformation as well as the continuously changing interactions between such parameters is an essential challenge for proper modeling.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the major numerical modeling achievements in various disciplines and discusses their efficacy, assumptions and limitations in tribology research.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-03-2023-0076/
Mediating role of green culture and green commitment in implementing employee ecological behaviour
Authors: Noor Faezah Juhari , Yusliza M.Y. , Ramayah T. , Teixeira Adriano Alves , Alkaf Abdur Rachman
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The present work investigated the effect of corporate social responsibility and top management support on employee ecological behaviour (EEB) with the mediating role of green culture and green commitment. Social identity theory (SIT) was used to describe the association between green culture, green commitment and EEB. Further, a conceptual model that summarises the interaction between perceived corporate social responsibility, top management support, green commitment, green culture and the adoption of ecological behaviour was developed.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for a quantitative design using convenience sampling by collecting the data through a structured questionnaire gathered from 308 academics working in five Malaysian higher education institutions.

Findings

Corporate social responsibility and top management support positively influence green culture and commitment. Moreover, green commitment positively influenced EEB and fully mediated the relationship between corporate social responsibility and EEB and between top management support and EEB.

Research limitations/implications

The academic staff of universities was the target population of this research. Nevertheless, universities have a diverse population with complex activities that can affect the implementation of a sustainable workplace within the campus. Future research should also examine non-academic staff, including administrative, technical and operational staff, due to different employees' perceptions.

Originality/value

As far as the authors know, this is the first study to assign the mediator role to green culture in a relationship between top management support and EEB amongst academic staff in the Malaysian context. Future research should consider other intervening variables that influence adopting ecological behaviour.