bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scalar bounded-from-below conditions from Bayesian active learning
Authors: Wojcik George N.
Published: May 2024

We present a procedure leveraging Bayesian deep active learning to rapidly produce highly accurate approximate bounded-from-below conditions for arbitrary renormalizable scalar potentials, in the form of a neural network which may be saved and exported for use in arbitrary parameter space scans. We explore the performance of our procedure on three different scalar potentials with either highly nontrivial or unknown symbolic bounded-from-below conditions (the most general two-Higgs doublet model, the three-Higgs doublet model, and a version of the Georgi-Machacek model without custodial symmetry). We find that we can produce fast and highly accurate binary classifiers for all three potentials. Furthermore, for the potentials for which no known symbolic necessary and sufficient conditions on boundedness-from-below exist, our classifiers substantially outperform some common approximate analytical methods, such as producing tractable sufficient but not necessary conditions or evaluating boundedness-from-below conditions for scenarios in which only a subset of the theory’s fields achieve vacuum expectation values. Our methodology can be readily adapted to any renormalizable scalar field theory. For the community’s use, we have developed a package, BFBrain, which allows for the rapid implementation of our analysis procedure on user-specified scalar potentials with a high degree of customizability.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Anharmonic effects in nuclear recoils from sub-GeV dark matter
Authors: Lin Tongyan , Shen Chia-Hsien , Sholapurkar Mukul , Villarama Ethan
Published: May 2024

Direct detection experiments are looking for nuclear recoils from scattering of sub-GeV dark matter (DM) in crystals, and have thresholds as low as ∼10  eV or DM masses of ∼100  MeV. Future experiments are aiming for even lower thresholds. At such low energies, the free nuclear recoil prescription breaks down, and the relevant final states are phonons in the crystal. Scattering rates into single as well as multiple phonons have already been computed for a harmonic crystal. However, crystals typically exhibit some anharmonicity, which can significantly impact scattering rates in certain kinematic regimes. In this work, we estimate the impact of anharmonic effects on scattering rates for DM in the mass range ∼1–10  MeV, where the details of multiphonon production are most important. Using a simple model of a nucleus in a bound potential, we find that anharmonicity can modify the scattering rates by up to two orders of magnitude for DM masses of O(MeV). However, such effects are primarily present at high energies where the rates are suppressed, and thus only relevant for very large DM cross sections. We show that anharmonic effects are negligible for masses larger than ∼10  MeV.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Naturalness-motivated composite Higgs model for generating the top Yukawa coupling
Authors: Chung Yi
Published: May 2024

The large top Yukawa coupling results in the top quark contributing significantly to the quantum correction of the Higgs mass term. Traditionally, this effect is canceled by the presence of top partners in symmetry-based models. However, the absence of light top partners poses a challenge to the naturalness of these models. In this paper, we study a model based on composite Higgs with the top Yukawa coupling originating from dimension-six four-fermion operators. The low cutoff scale of the top quark loop required by the naturalness principle can be realized with a light gauge boson Eμ that connects the hyperfermions and top quarks. A scalarless dynamical model with weakly coupled extended SU(4)EC gauge group is presented. The model features an Eμ boson and a ZE′ boson both at the sub-TeV scale, which lead to a rich phenomenology, especially in the top quark physics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Production of singly charm pentaquarks from meson-baryon interactions in
B
-meson decay
Authors: Li Na , Xing Ye , Jiang Ke-Fan
Published: May 2024

In the paper, we discuss the possible interpretation of the JP=1/2− singly charm pentaquark as hadronic molecules. With the effective Lagrangian method, we further analyze the production properties of singly charm pentaquark from decays of B meson, including strong coupling constants and production branching ratios of the charm pentaquark. Our numerical results show that the branching ratio of production of pentaquark from B meson can reach to order of 10−6.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Holographic batteries
Authors: Biggs William D. , Santos Jorge E.
Published: May 2024

We study a three-dimensional holographic conformal field theory under the influence of a background electric field on a spacetime containing two black hole horizons. The electric background is fixed such that there is potential difference between the two boundary black holes, inducing a conserved current. By constructing the holographic duals to this setup, which are solutions to the Einstein-Maxwell equations with a negative cosmological constant in four dimensions, we calculate, to a fully nonlinear level, the conductivity of the conformal field theory in this background. Interestingly, we find that the conductivity depends nontrivially on the potential difference. The bulk solutions are flowing geometries containing black hole horizons which are non-Killing and have nonzero expansion. We find a novel property that the past boundary of the future horizon lies deep in the bulk and show this property remains present after small perturbations of the temperature difference of the boundary black holes.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Structure of Graphene Grown on Cu(111): X-Ray Standing Wave Measurement and Density Functional Theory Prediction
Authors: Stoodley Matthew A. , Rochford Luke A. , Lee Tien-Lin , Klein Benedikt P. , Duncan David A. , Maurer Reinhard J.
Published: May 2024

We report the quantitative adsorption structure of pristine graphene on Cu(111) determined using the normal incidence x-ray standing wave technique. The experiments constitute an important benchmark reference for the development of density functional theory approximations able to capture long-range dispersion interactions. Electronic structure calculations based on many-body dispersion-inclusive density functional theory are able to accurately predict the absolute measure and variation of adsorption height when the coexistence of multiple moiré superstructures is considered. This provides a structural model consistent with scanning probe microscopy results.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Baryon Electric Charge Correlation as a Magnetometer of QCD
Authors: Ding H.-T. , Gu J.-B. , Kumar A. , Li S.-T. , Liu J.-H.
Published: May 2024

The correlation between net baryon number and electric charge, χ11BQ, can serve as a magnetometer of QCD. This is demonstrated by lattice QCD computations using the highly improved staggered quarks with physical pion mass of Mπ=135  MeV on Nτ=8 and 12 lattices. We find that χ11BQ along the transition line starts to increase rapidly with magnetic field strength eB≳2Mπ2 and by a factor 2 at eB≃8Mπ2. Furthermore, the ratio of electric charge chemical potential to baryon chemical potential, μQ/μB, shows significant dependence on the magnetic field strength and varies from the ratio of electric charge to baryon number in the colliding nuclei in heavy ion collisions. These results can provide baselines for effective theory and model studies, and both χ11BQ and μQ/μB could be useful probes for the detection of magnetic fields in relativistic heavy ion collision experiments as compared with corresponding results from the hadron resonance gas model.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Structural characterization and comparative analysis of polymorphic forms of psilocin (4-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine)
Authors: Zeller Matthias , Parent Stephan , Schultheiss Nate
Published: May 2024

The title compound, C12H16N2O, is a hydroxy-substituted monoamine alkaloid, and the primary metabolite of the naturally occurring psychedelic compound psilocybin. Crystalline forms of psilocin are known, but their characterization by single-crystal structure analysis is limited. Herein, two anhydrous polymorphic forms (I and II) of psilocin are described. The crystal structure of polymorphic Form I, in space group P21/c, was first reported in 1974. Along with the redetermination to modern standards and unambiguous location of the acidic H atom and variable-temperature single-crystal unit-cell determinations for Form I, the Form II polymorph of the title compound, which crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n, is described for the first time. The psilocin molecules are present in both forms in their phenol–amine tautomeric forms (not resolved in the 1974 report). The molecules in Forms I and II, however, feature different conformations of their N,N-dimethyl ethylene substituent, with the N—C—C—C link in Form I being trans and in Form II being gauche, allowing the latter to bend back to the hydroxyl group of the same molecule, leading to the formation of a strong intramolecular O—H...N hydrogen bond between the hydroxyl moiety and ethylamino-nitrogen group. In the extended structure of Form II, the molecules form one-dimensional strands through N—H...O hydrogen bonds from the indole group to the oxygen atom of the hydroxyl moiety of an adjacent molecule. Form II exhibits whole-molecule disorder due to a pseudo-mirror operation, with an occupancy ratio of 0.689 (5):0.311 (5) for the two components. In contrast, Form I does not feature intramolecular hydrogen bonds but forms a layered structure through intermolecular N—H...O and O—H...N hydrogen bonds.
Farmer sentiment and farm service agency direct loan applications
Authors: Fiechter Chad M. , Hughes Megan N. , Atkinson Sarah A. , Mintert James , Langemeier Michael R.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Farmer sentiment may be an important indicator for the agricultural sector, similar to the way that consumer sentiment is linked to the general economy. This study uses the Purdue University–CME Group Ag Economy Barometer to test the degree to which farmer sentiment is correlated with demand for United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA) direct loan applications.

Design/methodology/approach

We estimate the dynamics between farmer sentiment and applications to FSA direct operating or farm ownership loans using monthly measures of farmer sentiment and loan applications from October 2015 to April 2023 and pairwise vector autoregression.

Findings

A negative relationship exists between farmer sentiment and FSA direct operating loan applications. In contrast, a positive relationship exists between farmer sentiment and FSA direct farm ownership loan applications. Together, the estimated nonzero relationships suggests that the Ag Economy Barometer may be a leading indicator for the Agricultural Economy and that FSA loan programs play a nuanced role in the agricultural credit market.

Originality/value

This study uses unique data sources to further the discussion on the link between farmer sentiment and real economic outcomes and the role of an important US Federal Government farmer lending program: FSA direct loans.
Digital twin publications in construction (2017–2023): a bibliometrics-based visualization analysis
Authors: Foudah Alshaymaa , Tarek May , Essam Sarah , El Hawary Mostafa , Adel Kareem , Marzouk Mohamed
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to thoroughly explore and visualize the trends and developments of digital twin (DT) literature in the construction field while revealing future research directions for further exploration and exploitation.

Design/methodology/approach

The research follows a three-stage methodology. First, the bibliographic data is acquired using the Web of Science database. Second, the bibliometric methods are defined to include co-authorship analysis, citation analysis, keywords co-occurrence, thematic mapping while the software tools include MS Excel, VOSviewer and Biblioshiny. Third, analysis and findings include yearly DT publication output, influential DT publications, leading DT contributors, top DT sources and science mapping of DT literature.

Findings

This study identifies top-cited DT publications (35 out of 320) in terms of citations score, local citations score and document average citations per year. Furthermore, the key contributors with respect to authors (58 out of 1147), organizations (55 out of 427) and countries (19 out of 51) are recognized in terms of productivity, influence, activeness and scientific value. Similarly, the major publishing sources (24 out of 58) are identified using the same measures. Regarding science mapping, the DT domain comprises four research frontiers, namely, deep learning and smart city, internet of things and blockchain, DT and building information modeling and machine learning and asset management.

Originality/value

Through a mixed-review strategy, this study introduces a comprehensive analysis of DT literature while avoiding the subjectivity/cognitive bias of traditional review approaches. Moreover, it illuminates the promising and rising DT themes for new/seasoned researchers, institutions, editorial boards and funding agencies.
A framework for aligning training to learner preferences in support of organizational objectives
Authors: Musgrave Jon , Fowler David , Musgrave Jill
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper presents a framework that training professionals may utilize to develop training to align learner preferences with organizational objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors of this paper present a framework they have used throughout the United States to prepare and develop training aligned with organizational objectives and learners' preferences in the workplace.

Findings

This paper highlights the importance of understanding organizational objectives and learner preferences when designing training and provides a framework to assist trainers. Using this framework, the authors have found that they can quickly adjust training sessions to a target audience with a broad range of personalities and preferences with good results.

Originality/value

This framework provides training practitioners with a step-by-step guide for quickly considering the alignment of organizational objectives to learner characteristics to enhance training design.
The middleman dilemma: exploring the relationship between formal ethics and ethics in practice among real estate agents in Sweden
Authors: Engström Rickard , Söderberg Inga-Lill
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between formal ethics and ethics in practice in the empirical context of real estate agents (REAs) working in the residential housing market, including owner-occupied houses and owner-occupied apartments, in Sweden. The paper investigates problems with the Swedish middleman model of real estate agency with regard to the acceptance among REAs of borderline professional behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

We report on a survey distributed to all Swedish licensed residential REAs to investigate their attitudes towards eight scenarios displaying borderline ethical behavior. Firstly, the means of each scenario were calculated, investigating signs of distance between formal ethics and ethics in practice. Secondly, logistic regressions were run for each scenario separately, thereby investigating factors affecting misconduct among REAs.

Findings

The empirical results show a clear difference between formal ethics and ethics in practice and also illustrate that some scenarios of borderline ethical behavior are creating greater problems for the REAs.

Practical implications

In Sweden, the seller is the principal, assigning the REA to sell a house or apartment, but the regulation is clear on the role of the licensed REA as responsible for promoting an informed and fair sales process where the buyer is safe to act without their own representative. Our study contributes with information to policymakers on possible areas for the development of the middleman model.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to empirically investigate the middleman model of a Swedish real estate agency in relation to the business ethics of the agents. The use of scenarios in close relation to the everyday working context of REAs as tests of ethics of practice is also of original methodological value to investigate possible diversions of professionals from national regulations.
An investigation of waqf-based Islamic micro financial institution models to identify the most effective model for Indonesia
Authors: Ascarya Ascarya
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to determine the best waqf-based Islamic microfinancial institution (IMFI) model by first determining various viable waqf-based IMFI models and then evaluating them based on certain criteria to obtain the best model.

Design/methodology/approach

A combination of Delphi and analytic network process (ANP) methods was used. The Delphi method was used to determine various waqf-based IMFI models and validate them, whereas the ANP method was used to evaluate those models to prioritize and find the best model.

Findings

The Delphi results show nine proposed waqf-based IMFI models that have commercial, social or integrated commercial-social orientation, where each could be in the form of a micro bank, micro venture capital (MV) or micro cooperative (MC). Delphi and ANP then determined the strategic, commercial and social criteria to evaluate the models. Finally, the ANP results show that the best waqf-based IMFI models are the integrated waqf-based micro bank, integrated waqf-based MV and integrated waqf-based MC. Integrated waqf-based IMFI provides Islamic microfinance services as well as Islamic social finance services, including waqf, zakat and infaq.

Research limitations/implications

The adoption of waqf-based IMFI could solve the structural problems of IMFIs, such as funding, low capital, mismatch, liquidity, outreach and sustainability.

Practical implications

The conceptual framework and method used in this study can be applied to determine and evaluate waqf-based IMFI models in other countries.

Originality/value

This study begins by determining various viable waqf-based IMFI models and then evaluating them to determine the priority and best waqf-based IMFI model.
Informing the recruitment crisis in policing: Evaluating which incentives can entice the best candidates among college students
Authors: Santos Mateus R. , Jaynes Chae M. , Thomas Danielle M.
Published: May 2024

Research Summary

Scrutiny over the quality of police work continues to increase, at the same time that a recruitment crisis may hinder policing services. Moreover, this crisis exists despite numerous work incentives for officers, which are potentially competitive salaries, early pensions, and legal protections. Using a sample of 604 undergraduate students—a natural recruiting pool for police agencies—this study explores the predictors of students’ interest in a career in policing. In addition, we conducted a randomized survey experiment to identify the effect of work incentives on students’ willingness to apply to be a police officer upon graduation. Specifically, we manipulated the starting salary, years of service until pension eligibility, and the protection afforded against lawsuits. Finally, we tested whether the effect of these incentives differs across the quality of applicants (i.e., grade point average [GPA], ability to pass existing application criteria, and subjective qualities that comprise honesty, teamwork, and compassion) and their preexisting interest in a career in policing. We found that students are generally uninterested in becoming police officers, particularly when their GPA is high. Though the starting salary was the most impactful of all incentives, some lawsuit protection is key for enticing the best students. In contrast, conditions for pension had only modest if any effects.

Policy Implications

Recruiting is key to improving the quality of policing, particularly when many potential candidates are overlooking the career. However, research on the causes and consequences of police recruitment strategies is limited. This study implements rigorous research methods to investigate how to increase the pool of high‐quality applicants to police agencies. Findings support sensible and potentially cost‐effective policy decisions in regard to police recruiting, which should focus on increasing the starting salary, and on more effectively communicating the value of other existing benefits of the career that comprise lawsuit protection and attractive pension plans.
The impact of alcohol on affiliative verbal behavior: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Goodwin Madeline E. , Sayette Michael A.
Published: May 2024

Background

Language is a fundamental aspect of human social behavior that is linked to many rewarding social experiences, such as social bonding. Potential effects of alcohol on affiliative language may therefore be an essential feature of alcohol reward and may elucidate pathways through which alcohol is linked to social facilitation. Examinations of alcohol's impact on language content, however, are sparse. Accordingly, this investigation represents the first systematic review and meta‐analysis of alcohol's effects on affiliative language. We test the hypothesis that alcohol increases affiliative verbal approach behaviors and discuss future research directions.

Methods

PsycInfo and Web of Science were systematically searched in March 2023 according to our preregistered plan. Eligible studies included social alcohol administration experiments in which affiliative verbal language was assessed. We present a random‐effects meta‐analysis that examines the effect of alcohol compared to control on measures of affiliative verbal behavior.

Results

Our search identified 16 distinct investigations (comprising 961 participants) that examined the effect of alcohol on affiliative verbal behavior. Studies varied greatly in methods and measures. Meta‐analytic results demonstrated that alcohol is modestly associated with increases in affiliative verbal behavior (Hedges' g = 0.164, 95% CI [0.027, 0.301], p = 0.019). Study quality was rated using an adapted version of the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies and did not significantly moderate alcohol's effects.

Conclusions

This study provides preliminary evidence that alcohol can increase affiliative verbal behaviors. This effect may be an important feature of alcohol reward. Given heterogeneity in study features, low study quality ratings, and limited reporting of effect size data, results simultaneously highlight the promise of this research area and the need for more work. Advances in language processing methodologies that could allow future work to systematically expand upon this finding are discussed.
KRT5 in‐frame deletion in a family of German Shepherd dogs with split paw pad disease resembling localized epidermolysis bullosa simplex in human patients
Authors: Rietmann Stefan J. , Lange Anja , Soto Sara , Thom Nina , Manz Eberhard , Jagannathan Vidhya , Mayer Ursula , Leeb Tosso
Published: May 2024

Split paw pad disease is a scarcely defined phenotype characterized by skin lesions on the paw pads of dogs. We studied a family of German Shepherd dogs, in which four dogs developed intermittent paw pad lesions and lameness. The paw pads of two of the affected dogs were biopsied and demonstrated cleft formation in the stratum spinosum and stratum corneum, the outermost layers of the epidermis. Whole genome sequencing data from an affected dog revealed a private heterozygous 18 bp in frame deletion in the KRT5 gene. The deletion NM_001346035.1:c.988_1005del or NP_001332964.1:p.(Asn330_Asp335del) is predicted to lead to a loss of six amino acids in the L12 linker domain of the encoded keratin 5. KRT5 variants in human patients lead to various subtypes of epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS). Localized EBS is the mildest of the KRT5‐related human diseases and may be caused by variants affecting the L12 linker domain of keratin 5. We therefore think that the detected KRT5 deletion in dogs represents a candidate causal variant for the observed skin lesions in dogs. However, while the clinical phenotype of KRT5‐mutant dogs of this study closely resembles human patients with localized EBS, there are differences in the histopathology. EBS is defined by cleft formation within the basal layer of the epidermis while the cleft formation in the dogs described herein occurred in the outermost layers, a hallmark of split paw pad disease. Our study provides a basis for further studies into the exact relation of split paw pad disease and EBS.
Eco‐anxiety: Towards a medical model and the new framework of ecolalgia
Authors: Christodoulou Nausicaa , Laaidi Karine , Geoffroy Pierre A.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

In the context of global warming, new terms emerged in the global media and in the psychology field to embody the negative feelings which come along with climate change such as ‘eco‐anxiety’ or ‘solastalgia’. The pathological character of these emotions is denied although medical opinion is often required for helping people to handle them. Also, no proper medical framework in the field exists to study and care for these patients.

Methods

In this narrative review, we aim to (1) analyse the concept of eco‐anxiety by focusing on its history and developed concepts, (2) summarize the different scales built to assess eco‐anxiety and (3) propose a new medical framework.

Results

We came out with a framework based on the transformation of a physiological adaptative behaviour the ‘eco‐distress’. It is composed of three dimensions: eco‐anger, eco‐grief and eco‐worry, it is not debilitating in daily life and promotes coping strategies such as management of negative emotions and pro‐environmental behaviours (PEB). It can transform itself into a pathological state, the ‘ecolalgia’, composed of two core dimensions: eco‐anxiety and eco‐depression, leading to functional impairment and decrease in PEB. If ecolalgia maintains over 15 days, we propose to consider it as a full psychiatric disorder needing medical advice.

Conclusion

This new framework enables a novel approach that is necessary for the improved management of mental health issues related to climate change.
Licence Loss: Revocations of Residential Care Licences in Four Nordic Countries
Authors: Pålsson David , Backe‐Hansen Elisabeth , Gundersen Tonje , Kalliomaa‐Puha Laura , Lausten Mette , Pösö Tarja
Published: May 2024

With placement in residential care, society assumes overall responsibility for a child's daily care, well‐being and development. How public authorities respond to poor care quality is of crucial importance. To guarantee quality care and minimise risks, welfare states increasingly develop different mechanisms and systems to supervise out‐of‐home care. In this article, we analyse how central inspectorates in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden deal with what can be conceived as the last supervisory measure, namely, the revocation of licences. The aim is to describe and analyse how frequently and why national inspectorates in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden withdraw residential care licences. The findings are based on an analysis of all available documented reports on revocation decisions between 2017 and 2021. The findings reveal that, between 2017 and 2021, there were 53 licence suspensions or revocations across the four countries, albeit with variations among the nations. Furthermore, the study shows that residential care units (RCUs) generally have a documented history of interactions with inspectorates. Revocation decisions were often attributed to several reasons, with safety, staff‐related concerns and documentation deficiencies being the primary factors. The findings are discussed based on concepts and theory on regulation and supervision.
Coworking spaces and workplaces of the future: Critical perspectives on community, context and change
Authors: Johns Jennifer , Yates Edward , Charnock Greig , Pitts Frederick Harry , Bozkurt Ödül , Ozdemir Kaya Didem Derya
Published: May 2024

The last decade has witnessed increased demand by employers and workers for greater flexibility, especially regarding remote and hybrid work. There has therefore been a substantial increase in academic interest in coworking, including within business and management studies. We conduct a systematic literature review of research on coworking and coworking spaces (CWS) to argue this field is now sufficiently developed to merit recognition as an important element of discussion surrounding workplaces of the future. We outline the core themes in coworking research and identify three key research weaknesses relating to common understandings of community, context and change. The article then advances a future research agenda based on two avenues of enquiry. First, greater attention needs to be paid to the value propositions of CWS as businesses. Second, the concept of embeddedness should be used to better understand CWS in their local and national contexts, and we argue for a broader, place‐based analytical focus on CWS. We present two possible future scenarios for CWS, based on opposing forces of homogenisation and differentiation, and we outline their relevance for further debate surrounding workplaces of the future.
Retail motor gasoline prices and the interest rate on mortgage loans
Authors: Gill Balbinder Singh
Published: May 2024

A significant negative relationship exists between the price of retail motor gasoline and the interest rate on mortgage loans. Prospective homeowners avoid purchasing a mortgage‐financed home in areas where gasoline prices are rising to avoid endangering their future mortgage payments due to the greater cost of motor fuel consumption. The passage of government regulations and incentives aimed at increasing either the demand for or supply of alternative fuels, lowering the cost for gasoline customers to switch to alternative fuels, lessens the negative impact of gasoline prices on the cost of mortgage credit. Public transit mitigates the negative gasoline price impact.
Microbial life‐history strategies mediate microbial carbon pump efficacy in response to N management depending on stoichiometry of microbial demand
Authors: Yang Liyang , Canarini Alberto , Zhang Wushuai , Lang Ming , Chen Yuanxue , Cui Zhenling , Kuzyakov Yakov , Richter Andreas , Chen Xinping , Zhang Fusuo , Tian Jing
Published: May 2024

The soil microbial carbon pump (MCP) is increasingly acknowledged as being directly linked to soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation and stability. Given the close coupling of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycles and the constraints imposed by their stoichiometry on microbial growth, N addition might affect microbial growth strategies with potential consequences for necromass formation and carbon stability. However, this topic remains largely unexplored. Based on two multi‐level N fertilizer experiments over 10 years in two soils with contrasting soil fertility located in the North (Cambisol, carbon‐poor) and Southwest (Luvisol, carbon‐rich), we hypothesized that different resource demands of microorganism elicit a trade‐off in microbial growth potential (Y‐strategy) and resource‐acquisition (A‐strategy) in response to N addition, and consequently on necromass formation and soil carbon stability. We combined measurements of necromass metrics (MCP efficacy) and soil carbon stability (chemical composition and mineral associated organic carbon) with potential changes in microbial life history strategies (assessed via soil metagenomes and enzymatic activity analyses). The contribution of microbial necromass to SOC decreased with N addition in the Cambisol, but increased in the Luvisol. Soil microbial life strategies displayed two distinct responses in two soils after N amendment: shift toward A‐strategy (Cambisol) or Y‐strategy (Luvisol). These divergent responses are owing to the stoichiometric imbalance between microbial demands and resource availability for C and N, which presented very distinct patterns in the two soils. The partial correlation analysis further confirmed that high N addition aggravated stoichiometric carbon demand, shifting the microbial community strategy toward resource‐acquisition which reduced carbon stability in Cambisol. In contrast, the microbial Y‐strategy had the positive direct effect on MCP efficacy in Luvisol, which greatly enhanced carbon stability. Such findings provide mechanistic insights into the stoichiometric regulation of MCP efficacy, and how this is mediated by site‐specific trade‐offs in microbial life strategies, which contribute to improving our comprehension of soil microbial C sequestration and potential optimization of agricultural N management.
Assessing audit effort in response to exogenous shocks: Evidence from Korea on the impact of enhanced audit standards and COVID‐19
Authors: Kim Jumi , Kim Meehyun , Yoon Yangin , No Won Gyun , Vasarhelyi Miklos A.
Published: May 2024

This study examines the effects of COVID‐19 and the enhanced internal control requirements (Korea Sarbanes‐Oxley or K‐SOX) on audit effort in Korea. The results show that both COVID‐19 and K‐SOX led to increases in audit effort. Regarding the comparative magnitude of these two shocks, COVID‐19 is associated with greater total audit effort, whereas K‐SOX is linked to greater IT audit effort. This study also finds that Big 4 firms negatively moderate the increase in total audit effort and IT audit effort caused by COVID‐19. Additionally, Big 4 firms moderate the effect of K‐SOX on mid‐sized clients. Specifically, Big 4 firms positively moderate the increase in total audit effort, whereas they negatively moderate the increase in IT audit effort caused by K‐SOX. This study also investigates the effects of COVID‐19 and K‐SOX on various ranks of auditors and the effects of these exogenous events observed across different industry sectors. Our findings provide insights into the impact of an unpredicted global health crisis and predicted stringent regulations on audit effort when they occur simultaneously, an area that has never been addressed due to its unprecedented nature.
Polymorphisms of HLA genes and hypersensitivity to penicillin among patients in a Taiwanese population
Authors: Wang Chih‐Chun , Chen I‐Chieh , Lin Guan‐Cheng , Chen Yi‐Ming , Shen Ching‐Hui
Published: May 2024

Penicillin allergy is a potentially life‐threatening condition that is common among patients. However, the genetic associations with penicillin allergy are not yet recognized for prevention or diagnosis, particularly in East Asian populations. We conducted a retrospective case–control study using data from the Taiwan Precision Medicine Initiative and analysing DNA samples to identify eight major MHC Class I and Class II loci. We employed imputation methods for accurate HLA typing and enrolled 17,827 individuals who received penicillin. Logistic regression analyses were utilized to explore associations between HLA genotypes, comorbidities and allergy risk, while simultaneously conducting a subgroup analysis to explore the association between HLA genotypes, comorbidities and the severity of allergic reactions. Our study assigned 496 cases to the penicillin allergy group and 4960 controls to a matched group. The risk of penicillin allergy was significantly higher with HLA‐DPB1*05:01 (OR = 1.36, p = .004) and HLA‐DQB1*05:01 (OR = 1.54, p = .03), with adjusted p‐values of .032 and .24, respectively. Urticaria was identified as a separate risk factor (OR = 1.73, p < .001). However, neither the HLA alleles nor the comorbidities had a significant relationship with the risk of severe penicillin‐induced allergy. HLA‐DPB1*05:01 was found to be significantly associated with penicillin allergy reactions among the Taiwanese population.
Robots and employment: A review
Authors: SHARFAEI Shahab
Published: May 2024

Rapid advances in robotics signal a scientific breakthrough that could have major implications for the world economy and the field of economics. This article reviews recent literature on this topic to examine the evidence from two perspectives. First, I critically review the theoretical literature on the effects of robot adoption on employment and analyse the capacity of different theories to describe these influences. Second, I evaluate the current empirical evidence regarding the impact of robot technology on the economy in terms of employment and reshoring. This exercise highlights the limitations in the literature and points to avenues for future research.
Peer support in intensive care unit follow‐up: A qualitative evaluation
Authors: Glæemose Anne Okkels , Hanifa Ann Louise Bødker , Haslund‐Thomsen Helle
Published: May 2024

Background

Patients formerly admitted to an intensive care unit and their relatives seek information about life after critical illness to understand their symptoms and what to expect as survivors, and they express a desire to talk to others with similar experiences. Various operational models of post‐intensive care peer support exist, and studies have reported potential beneficial mechanisms in patients involved in peer support programs. However, most models have not been formally evaluated.

Aim

To evaluate the content and setting of structured group meetings and explore participants' experiences of meeting peers.

Study Design

A qualitative evaluation combining focused ethnographic observations and semi‐structured interviews with 22 participants attending three intensive care unit café meetings in a university hospital. A thematic analysis was conducted using all data collected.

Findings

Three main themes emerged; ‘Accommodating the diversity of patients and relatives’, ‘A range of possibilities for identification’ and ‘A newfound community’. Findings indicate that the content, setting and timing of the café meetings were of minor concern for the participants. Patients and relatives should attend together because the consequences of surviving a critical illness affect both. Larger groups of participants appeared to increase the likelihood of encountering broad variances in participants' experiences from the critical illness trajectory. The findings indicate that before attending a meeting, the participants did not find previous experiences sufficient in managing their new life situations and they felt alone in their experiences.

Conclusion

Peer support invited participants into a secure community and eased their sense of being alone in their struggles. Meeting peers seemed to be more important than following a specific model of peer support.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

When setting up peer support for former intensive care patients, the most important aspect is to create a secure space for patients and their relatives to meet.
Row1, a member of a new family of conserved fungal proteins involved in infection, is required for appressoria functionality in Ustilago maydis
Authors: Pejenaute‐Ochoa María Dolores , Tomás‐Gallardo Laura , Ibeas José I. , Barrales Ramón R.
Published: May 2024

The appressorium of phytopathogenic fungi is a specific structure with a crucial role in plant cuticle penetration. Pathogens with melanized appressoria break the cuticle through cell wall melanization and intracellular turgor pressure. However, in fungi with nonmelanized appressorium, the mechanisms governing cuticle penetration are poorly understood. Here we characterize Row1, a previously uncharacterized appressoria‐specific protein of Ustilago maydis that localizes to membrane and secretory vesicles.

Deletion of row1 decreases appressoria formation and plant penetration, thereby reducing virulence. Specifically, the Δrow1 mutant has a thicker cell wall that is more resistant to glucanase degradation. We also observed that the Δrow1 mutant has secretion defects.

We show that Row1 is functionally conserved at least among Ustilaginaceae and belongs to the Row family, which consists of five other proteins that are highly conserved among Basidiomycota fungi and are involved in U. maydis virulence. We observed similarities in localization between Row1 and Row2, which is also involved in cell wall remodelling and secretion, suggesting similar molecular functions for members of this protein family.

Our data suggest that Row1 could modify the chitin‐glucan matrix of the fungal cell wall and may be involved in unconventional protein secretion, thereby promoting both appressoria maturation and penetration.
A New Approach to Forecasting the Probability of Recessions after the COVID‐19 Pandemic*
Authors: Camacho Maximo , Ramallo Salvador , Ruiz Manuel
Published: May 2024

Standard recession forecasting based on economic indicators has become unsettled due to COVID‐19 pandemic's limited but influential data. This paper proposes a new non‐parametric approach to computing predictive probabilities of future recessions that is robust to influential observations and other data irregularities. The method simulates forecasts using past data histories embedded into a symbolic space. Then, the forecasts are converted into probability statements, which are weighted by the forecast probabilities of their respective symbols. Using GDP data from G7, our proposal outperforms other parametric approaches in classifying future national business cycle phases, especially including data from 2020 in the sample.
Treatment of Complex Central Talar Fractures with Lateral Plate Combination with Medial Screw Fixation
Authors: He Jinquan , Li Nan , Cao Hongbin , Wang Guixin , Zhao Junwei
Published: May 2024

Objective

The treatment of talar neck and/or body fractures is known to be difficult and challenging, with significant impact on the long‐term functional outcome for the patient. The optimal management, including the choice of surgical approaches and implants, are still under constant discussion. The purpose of the study was to investigate the clinical effects of lateral mini‐plate combined with medial lag screws for the treatment of complicated central talar fractures.

Methods

The data of eight patients with complex central talus fractures treated between June 2019 and January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were six males and two females, ranging in age from 15 to 66 years, with an average age of 37.4 years. There were three cases on the left and five cases on the right. All fractures were comminuted, including talar neck with talar body fracture in seven cases and talar body comminuted with subluxation of subtalar joint in one case. All patients were treated with the anteromedial combined anterolateral approach, lateral talar mini‐plate fixation and medial lag screw fixation. Fracture reduction quality, union time, and complications were recorded, and functional outcomes were evaluated using the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring system.

Results

The time from injury to surgery was 1–6 days, with an average of 3.38 days. The follow‐up period was 34–53 months (mean 44.88 months). All fractures healed with a mean healing time of 16.75 weeks (13–23 weeks). Anatomical reduction was observed in six cases and near in two cases. After operation, there was no loosening or breakage of implant, loss of fracture reduction, and irritation of skin and soft tissue by internal fixation. The average AOFAS score was 87.38 (48–100), with excellent five cases, good two cases and poor one case, and the excellent and good rate was 87.5%. Superficial skin necrosis in one surgical incision healed after dressing exchange. No deep infection occurred. One case (1/8, 12.5%) developed avascular necrosis of the talus without collapse. Posttraumatic arthritis was found in four cases (4/8, 50%).

Conclusion

The utilization of lateral mini‐plates in combination with medial screws for treating complex central talar fractures results in satisfactory reduction and stable fixation, mitigating complications associated with poor reduction. However, due to the absence of an anatomical mini‐plate, pre‐contouring is necessary when applying the lateral plate. This demands a surgeon's thorough familiarity with the anatomical morphology of the talus and proficiency in surgical techniques. Posttraumatic arthritis is the most common complication of complex central talar fractures.
Vagueness, Conditionals and Context Sensitivity
Authors: Beevers Tom
Published: May 2024

I argue that practically all vague language is context sensitive in a covert and unfamiliar way. I first outline a novel puzzle concerning the interaction of conditionals and vagueness. I then argue that the best way of resolving the puzzle is by positing context‐sensitive penumbral connections between sundry parts of language. I argue that these penumbral connections shift through a distinct form of Lewisian accommodation. The upshot is that meaning is a far shiftier thing than has typically been thought.
Multifaceted role and regulation of aquaporins for efficient stomatal movements
Authors: Ding Lei , Fox Ana Romina , Chaumont François
Published: May 2024

Stomata are micropores on the leaf epidermis that allow carbon dioxide (CO2) uptake for photosynthesis at the expense of water loss through transpiration. Stomata coordinate the plant gas exchange of carbon and water with the atmosphere through their opening and closing dynamics. In the context of global climate change, it is essential to better understand the mechanism of stomatal movements under different environmental stimuli. Aquaporins (AQPs) are considered important regulators of stomatal movements by contributing to membrane diffusion of water, CO2 and hydrogen peroxide. This review compiles the most recent findings and discusses future directions to update our knowledge of the role of AQPs in stomatal movements. After highlighting the role of subsidiary cells (SCs), which contribute to the high water use efficiency of grass stomata, we explore the expression of AQP genes in guard cells and SCs. We then focus on the cellular regulation of AQP activity at the protein level in stomata. After introducing their post‐translational modifications, we detail their trafficking as well as their physical interaction with various partners that regulate AQP subcellular dynamics towards and within specific regions of the cell membranes, such as microdomains and membrane contact sites.
Optimizing pediatric periprocedural pain management part I—Evolving ethics and topical anesthetics
Authors: Henkel Emily D. , Haller Courtney N. , Diaz Lucia Z. , Ricles Victoria , Wong Grossman Ashley V. , Nemergut Michael E. , Krakowski Andrew C.
Published: May 2024

Pediatric procedure‐related pain management is often incompletely understood, inadequately addressed, and critical in influencing a child's lifelong relationship with the larger health care community. We highlight the evolution of ethics and expectations around optimizing periprocedural pain management as a fundamental human right. We investigate the state‐of‐the‐art of topical anesthetics, reviewing their mechanisms of action and providing comparisons of their relative safety and efficacy data to help guide clinical selection. In total, this two‐part review offers a combination of conventional approaches and innovative techniques that should be used multimodally—in series and in parallel—to help optimize pain management and provide alternatives to sedation medication and general anesthesia.