bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is amnestic mild cognitive impairment a neuro-immune condition?
Authors: Tran-Chi Vinh-Long , Maes Michael , Nantachai Gallayaporn , Hemrungrojn Solaphat , Solmi Marco , Stoyanov Drozdstoy , Stoyanova Kristina , Tunvirachaisakul Chavit
Published: May 2024

Background

The pathophysiology of amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI) is largely unknown, although some papers found signs of immune activation.

Aims

To assess the cytokine network in aMCI after excluding patients with major depression (MDD) and to examine the immune profiles of quantitative aMCI (qMCI) and distress symptoms of old age (DSOA) scores.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 61 Thai aMCI participants and 60 healthy old adults (both without MDD). The Bio-Plex Pro human cytokine 27-plex test kit and LUMINEX 200 were used to assay cytokines/chemokines/growth factors in fasting plasma samples.

Results

aMCI is characterized by significant general immnosuppression, and reductions in T helper 1 (Th)1 and T cell growth profiles, the immune-inflammatory responses system, interleukin (IL)1β, IL6, IL7, IL12p70, IL13, GM-CSF, and MCP-1 as compared with controls. These 7 cytokines/chemokines exhibit neuroprotective effects at physiologic concentrations. In multivariate analyses, three neurotoxic chemokines, CCL11, CCL5, and CXCL8, emerged as significant predictors of aMCI. Logistic regression showed that aMCI was best predicted by combining IL7, IL1β, MCP-1, years of education (all inversely associated) and CCL5 (positively associated). We found that 38.2% of the variance in the qMCI score was explained by IL7, IL1β, MCP-1, IL13, years of education (inversely associated) and CCL5 (positively associated). The DSOA were not associated with any immune data.

Discussion

A dysbalance between lowered levels of neuroprotective cytokines and chemokines, and relative increases in neurotoxic chemokines are key factors in aMCI. Future MCI research should always control for the confounding effects of affective symptoms.
The Role of Sepsis Care in Rural Emergency Departments: A Qualitative Study of Emergency Department User Perspectives
Authors: Mohr Nicholas M. , Merchant Kimberly A.S. , Fuller Brian M. , Faine Brett , Mack Luke , Bell Amanda , DeJong Katie , Parker Edith A. , Mueller Keith , Chrischilles Elizabeth , Carpenter Christopher R. , Jones Michael P. , Simpson Steven Q. , Ward Marcia M.
Published: May 2024

Objective

Sepsis is a leading cause of hospitalization and death in the United States, and rural patients are at particularly high risk. Telehealth has been proposed as one strategy to narrow rural-urban disparities. The objective of this study was to understand why staff use provider-to-provider telehealth in rural emergency departments (tele-ED) and how tele-ED care changes the care for rural patients with sepsis.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative interview study between March 1, 2022 and May 22, 2023 with participants from upper Midwest rural EDs the tele-ED hub physicians in a single tele-ED network that delivers provider-to-provider consultation for sepsis patients. One interviewer conducted individual telephone interviews, then we used standard qualitative methods based on modified grounded theory to identify themes and domains.

Results

We interviewed 27 participants, and from the interviews we identified nine themes within three domains. Participants largely felt tele-ED for sepsis was valuable in their practice. We identified that telehealth was consulted to facilitate interhospital transfer, provide surge capacity for small teams, to adhere with policy around provider scope of practice, for inexperienced providers, and for patients with increased severity of illness or complex comorbidities. Barriers to tele-ED use and impact of tele-ED included increased sepsis care standardization, provider reluctance, and sepsis diagnostic uncertainty. Additionally, we identified that real-time education and training were important secondary benefits identified from tele-ED use.

Conclusions

Tele-ED care was used by rural providers for sepsis treatment, but many barriers existed that may have limited potential benefits to its use.
Validation and Convergent Validity of the Boston Cognitive Assessment (BOCA) in an Italian Population: A Comparative Study with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in Alzheimer’s Disease Spectrum
Authors: Padovani Alessandro , Caratozzolo Salvatore , Galli Alice , Crosani Luca , Zampini Silvio , Cosseddu Maura , Turrone Rosanna , Zancanaro Andrea , Gumina Bianca , Vicini-Chilovi Barbara , Benussi Alberto , Vyshedskiy Andrey , Pilotto Andrea
Published: May 2024

Background

The Boston Cognitive Assessment (BOCA) is a self-administered online test developed for cognitive screening and longitudinal monitoring of brain health in an aging population. The study aimed to validate BOCA in an Italian population and to investigate the convergent validity with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) in normal controls and subjects within the Alzheimer Disease spectrum.

Methods

BOCA was administered to 150 participants, including cognitively healthy controls (HC, n=50), patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n=50), and dementia (DEM, n=50). The BOCA reliability was assessed using i) Spearman’s correlation analysis between subscales; ii) Cronbach’s alpha calculation, and iii) Principal Component Analysis. Repeated-measures ANOVA was employed to assess the impact of the sequence of test administrations between the groups. BOCA performance between HS, MCI and DEM were compared using Kruskall Wallis test. Furthermore, a comparison was conducted between MCI patients who tested positive for amyloid and those who tested negative, utilizing Mann Whitney’s U-test.

Results

Test scores were significantly different between patients and controls (p<0.001) suggesting good discriminative ability. The Cronbach’s alpha was 0.82 indicating a good internal consistency of the BOCA subscales and strong-to-moderate Spearman’s correlation coefficients between them. BOCA demonstrated strong correlation with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) (rho=0.790, p<0.001).

Conclusions

The Italian version of the BOCA test exhibited validity, feasibility, and accurate discrimination.
Real-World Outcomes and Predictors of Accelerated rTMS Treatment Response for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Authors: DeSouza Danielle D. , Nakano Erica , Hoang Vivian , Hoang Kim , Ling David , Muir Owen , Meng Nathan , DeGaetano Noah , Siddiqi Shan H. , Carreon David
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Accelerated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a high-dose precision-targeted treatment that can induce rapid remission from depressive symptoms with only five days of treatment. However, real-world outcomes and the various demographic, clinical, and treatment variables that influence its effectiveness are not fully known.

Objective

To determine real-world outcomes of accelerated rTMS treatment for treatment-resistant depression and identify predictors of treatment response.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included 226 individuals treated in an outpatient clinic. Demographics, clinical history, and accelerated rTMS treatment parameters were extracted from medical records. Outcomes were evaluated within 1-month of treatment and general linear models examined predictors of treatment response in various subgroups.

Results

Accelerated rTMS demonstrated substantial response rates within the first month (66% with neuronavigation; 63% without neuronavigation). Response rate was independent of the number of antidepressant failures, prior ECT, or prior TMS, illustrating its utility for patients with a high degree of treatment resistance. Significant predictors of positive treatment response included resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)-guided targets and female gender.

Discussion

Accelerated rTMS is effective for treatment-resistant depression in an outpatient clinical setting. fMRI-guided targeting significantly improved outcomes, suggesting that it provides added benefit over conventional targeting. Additionally, female patients showed better responses, in line with previous literature. These findings highlight the value of personalized approaches in clinical practice and warrant further investigation in larger clinical trials.
Informatic tools for diagnosis in dentistry. A compilation review
Authors: Chaple Gil Alain Manuel , Damas Heredia Solanch de la Caridad , Afrashtehfar Kelvin I.
Published: May 2024

The objective of this study was to compile the computer tools available in the scientific literature aimed at diagnosis in dentistry. A scoping review was conducted usingPubMed,Scopus, andWeb of Science. Were include, original researches type articles, Articles that reported the usefulness of a computer/technological tool that helps diagnosis in dental practice, Articles published in the last 20 years (period 2004-2024) and written in English and Spanish. Online toolRayyan®was used to establish homogeneity in the review of the authors on a single online platform where they had access and could centralize the results. Variables were extracted from the articles included in the study. In total, 12648 records were retrieved from the database. After decantation, 39 reports described 36 computer tools used for diagnosis in dentistry. More informatic tools related to "Restorative Dentistry’ have been developed than the rest of the specialties 14 (40%). Python was the predominant programming language, 83.3% of the tools were validated, and 27.8% were free. Informatics tools in dentistry enhance the diagnosis and treatment planning. However, a robust regulatory framework is required for validation prior to clinical implementation. Continuous training of dental professionals using these technologies is crucial to maximize their benefits and ensure optimal patient care. More research is needed to explore the potential of informatics applications in dentistry, their integration into existing health systems, and their accessibility in resource-limited areas.
Determining important features for dengue diagnosis using feature selection methods
Authors: Bria Yulianti Paula , Nani Paskalis Andrianus , Siki Yovinia Carmeneja Hoar , Mamulak Natalia Magdalena Rafu , Meolbatak Emiliana Metan , Guntur Robertus Dole
Published: May 2024

Objectives

This research aims to determine the important features including symptoms and risk factors for dengue diagnosis.

Methods

The dataset for this study is in the form of medical records collected from two hospitals in East Nusa Tenggara Province including Kewapante and Soe hospitals. Feature selection methods including feature importance, recursive feature elimination, correlation matrix from Pearson’s correlation coefficient and KBest were leveraged to determine important features. Important features were also gathered from fifteen Indonesian medical doctors to confirm the results. To obtain the best significant features for dengue prediction, we used six machine learning techniques including logistic regression, k-nearest neighbors, eXtreme gradient boosting, random forests, Naïve Bayes and support vector machines.

Results

The random forest classifier yields the highest accuracy for the best combination of features with the accuracy of 0.93 (LR: 0.90 (0.04), KNN: 0.89 (0.04), XGBoost: 0.91 (0.03), RF: 0.93 (0.04), NB: 0.88 (0.09), SVM: 0.89 (0.04)) and precision of 0.90 (LR: 0.86 (0.22), KNN: 0.67 (0.14), XGBoost: 0.77 (0.13), RF: 0.90 (0.13), NB: 0.66 (0.20), SVM: 0.66 (0.18)). This study shows the significant features for dengue diagnosis including fever, fever duration, headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, shivering, malaise, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, rash, bleeding nose, bitter mouth, temperature and age.

Conclusions

This beneficial information can help society in differentiating dengue from non-dengue diseases including malaria, typhoid fever, COVID-19 and other dengue-like symptoms diseases. This is pivotal to educate society to seek medical advice when dengue symptoms appear.
A disposable female urinal bottle (the EasyWeetm pending) improves patient experience for immobilised females with lower limb fractures.
Authors: Thomas Sian , Booth Sophy , Ellis Peter , Lochab Savneet , Lyttle Mark , Pegrum James
Published: May 2024

Female patients with lower limb fractures often experience pain and loss of dignity when manoeuvred onto a bedpan. Poor bladder management, including urinary catheterisation for convenience, can lead to longer hospital stays and eventual loss of independence. Disposable pulp male urinal bottles have been modified into a shape that accommodates the female perineum but they have not been used consistently, the design has varied depending on the fabricator and no formal evidence supported their use. Using the Model for Improvement process with sequential Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycles we formalised the design and spread the use of the urinal to other hospitals and an ambulance service. This project was inspired by a patient advocate of the female urinal. A local feasibility study focussed on female patients with hip fracture in an emergency department and was followed by a second cycle in both emergency and trauma departments. The final cycle was a multi-institutional study*. The final study cohort was immobilised female patients (n=103) and healthcare professionals supporting them (n= 118). Utility was assessed by feedback on the advantages of the urinal. Healthcare professionals were also asked about impact on their working practices. Acceptability was addressed by asking patients and healthcare professional participants whether they would recommend the urinal. Most patients and healthcare professionals in this trial would recommend the urinal to another patient. Patients felt they suffered less pain from movement and that it was a more dignified way to micturate. Healthcare professionals felt the advantages were potential to reduce the need for urinary catheters, for lifting and log rolling patients. A disposable urinal that accommodates female anatomy and supplies the same advantages as the male urinal bottle (ability to micturate without the need for movement) would have value in many clinical settings.
Reasons for Protocol Deviations & Missed Antibiotic Doses in Patients Undergoing Oncological Endoprosthetic Reconstruction
Authors: Uppal Serena , Farrukh Hadia , Ghert Michelle
Published: May 2024

Background

Research study protocols are critical in study design, however study implementation can be subject to protocol deviations. The Prophylactic Antibiotic Regimens in Tumor Surgery (PARITY) trial assessed prophylactic intravenous antibiotics on the rate of surgical site infection in patients undergoing oncological endoprosthetic reconstruction of the lower extremity. The objective of this study was to identify the protocol deviations – missed antibiotic doses – in the PARITY trial, and determine the causes of the protocol deviations.

Methods

This study is a secondary analysis of the PARITY trial data set. The patients in the original trial were randomized to receive either 24 hours or five days of postoperative intravenous antibiotics, for a total of 15 doses. Patients that missed doses and the reason for each missed dose were recorded in the database and summarized descriptively herein. This data was then compared between clinical sites with high and low volume, between nationalities and between the economic development status of the clinical site location.

Results

The PARITY trial included 604 participants with 218 patients missing at least one antibiotic dose. The most common reason across all clinical sites was that patients were discharged earlier than the five-day protocol. This finding was consistent across high and low volume sites and across clinical sites in areas of different economic development. The reasons for protocol deviations varied across clinical sites of different nationalities.

Conclusions

Protocol deviations – missed antibiotic doses – were common but of minimal severity in the PARITY trial. The most commonly reported reason for missed antibiotic doses was discharge earlier than the five-day protocol and not due to clinical site personnel error. Nevertheless, this study did identify actionable improvements to study protocol adherence such as careful monitoring of drug administration, investigator equipment, and availability of study drug.
Feasibility of penile erection detection through measurements of light reflection of hemoglobin of the penis
Authors: Trip Evelien , Torenvlied Hille , Elzevier Henk , Pelger Rob , Beck Jack
Published: May 2024

Timely and accurate diagnosis of erectile dysfunction (ED) is crucial for effective treatment and early detection of health risks. There is a need for a non-invasive sensor for erection detection. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of penile erection detection through measurements of light reflection of hemoglobin (LRH) of the penis. A penile LRH sensor was developed to measure changes in hemoglobin levels of the flaccid and erected penis as a precursor to the development of a SpO2-sensor. Outcomes from penile duplex and LRH measurements in ED patients were compared in the flaccid state as well as during an erection caused by intravenous injection of alprostadil. Results of ten patients getting a full erection are considered. The results show a difference in LRH values during erections measured on the penis compared to a flaccid penis. This is the first human pilot study to demonstrate a higher LRH during the onset of an artificially induced erection in patients with ED, this tendency should be analyzed in larger studies. This is a promising advancement towards the further development of a much-needed non-invasive sensor that has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis and management of ED.
Evaluation of a Digital Entomological Surveillance Planning Tool for Malaria Vector Control: Three Country Mixed Methods Pilot Study
Authors: Hemingway Charlotte , Gowelo Steven , Opiyo Mercy , Marrenjo Dulcisaria , Maquina Mara , Kaunda-Khangamwa Blessings N. , Kayira Lusungu , Cherkose Teklu , Hailmichael Yohannes , Torres Neusa , Mucavele Estevao , Mintade Muanacha , Candrinho Baltazar , Mzilahowa Themba , Gadisa Endalamaw , Tatarsky Allison , Vajda Élodie A. , Dantzer Emily , Thomsen Edward , Coleman Michael , Lobo Neil
Published: May 2024

Background

Vector control remains the principal method to prevent malaria transmission and has contributed to shrinking the malaria map. However, such gains have stagnated across Africa, underscoring the need to tailor vector control to local drivers of transmission. An Entomological Surveillance Planning Tool (ESPT) was developed to distil normative guidance into an operational decision-support tool to enable cost effective, locally tailored, and evidence-based vector control. To support roll out of the ESPT’s question-based entomological surveillance planning an interactive digital toolkit, eSPT, was developed.

Methods

The eSPT was evaluated with 49 target users in Ethiopia, Malawi, and Mozambique. The eSPT was introduced to participants through facilitated workshops. A mixed-methods, uncontrolled, before and after study investigated the impact of the eSPT on knowledge, self-efficacy and work practices related to entomological surveillance planning. Qualitative methods were used to explore the acceptability and utility of the eSPT.

Results

Quantitative measures showed that the facilitated eSPT workshop increased participants’ knowledge and self-efficacy in question-based entomological surveillance planning. Target users responded positively to the eSPT, describing the software as easy and enjoyable to navigate and use. Respondents from academic institutes, central government and international NGOs reported the eSPT to be a useful training tool and believed it could provide substantial efficiencies in the planning process. Further user testing, customizability and compatibility with mobile devices was recommended to enhance the eSPT’s usefulness as a planning tool, especially at the local government level.

Conclusions

Interactive digital toolkits can be an engaging, efficient, and accessible way to build research and surveillance capacity within relevant organizations and local authorities. This is achieved by combining tailored information and guidance, with functions that enable the development of a planning document, in an easy-to-follow stepwise process. To maximize the usability and usefulness of these toolkits, target users must be centered in the design.
Epistemic Trust, Mistrust and Credulity Questionnaire (ETMCQ) validation in French language: Investigating association with loneliness
Authors: Greiner Christian , Besch Vincent , Bouchard-Boivin Marissa , Hénaff Catherine Le , Von Rohr-De Pree Cécilia , Perroud Nader , Prada Paco , Debbané Martin
Published: May 2024

The concept of epistemic trust is gaining traction in the mental health field. It is thought to play a foundational role as a resilience factor against the development and maintenance of psychopathology by facilitating social learnings useful to navigate in the modern world. The primary aim of this study is to validate in French language the Epistemic Trust, Mistrust, and Credulity Questionnaire (ETMCQ). We further investigate associations with key developmental and psychological factors (childhood trauma, mentalizing and attachment), besides possible mediating roles between childhood traumatic experiences and psychopathology and between loneliness and psychopathology. 302 participants were recruited for analysis via the online survey platform Prolific. Along with ETMCQ, measures of CTQ-SF, RFQ-8, ECR-R, UCLA-LS and SCL-90-R were administered. Confirmatory Factor Analysis and General Linear Model of Mediation were conducted. Our study shows that the ETMCQ represents a valid instrument to assess epistemic trust. We find an adequate replication of the original three-factor solution in a francophone population with a 12-item version, exhibiting satisfactory psychometric properties and external validity. We replicate previous findings that demonstrated epistemic trust’s attachment style related differences, as well as the mediating effect between childhood traumatic experiences and psychopathology. We also observed that epistemic trust mediates the well-described association between loneliness and psychopathology. We add momentum to the framework that considers epistemic trust as key underlying contributor to the maintenance or alleviation of psychopathology. Future research should investigate the ETMCQ in clinical population, where psychopathological expressions are severe, enduring and connected, and where identifying potential intercessors could help target and improve interventions.
Predicting Seizures Episodes and High-Risk Events in Autism Through Adverse Behavioral Patterns
Authors: Kiarashi Yashar , Lantz Johanna , Reyna Matthew A , Anderson Conor , Rad Ali Bahrami , Foster Jenny , Villavicencio Tania , Hamlin Theresa , Clifford Gari D
Published: May 2024

Objective

To determine whether historical behavior data can predict the occurrence of high-risk behavioral or seizure events in individuals with profound Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), thereby facilitating early intervention and improved support. To our knowledge, this is the first work to integrate the prediction of seizures with behavioral data, highlighting the interplay between adverse behaviors and seizure risk.

Approach

We analyzed nine years of behavior and seizure data from 353 individuals with profound ASD. Using a deep learning-based algorithm, we predicted the following day’s occurrence of seizure and three high-risk behavioral events (aggression, self-injurious behavior (SIB), and elopement). We employed permutation-based statistical tests to assess the significance of our predictive performance.

Main Results

Our model achieved accuracies 70.5% for seizures, 78.3% for aggression, 80.2% for SIB, and 85.7% for elopement. All results were significant for more than 85% of the population. These findings suggest that high-risk behaviors can serve as early indicators, not only of subsequent challenging behaviors but also of upcoming seizure events.

Significance

By demonstrating, for the first time, that behavioral patterns can predict seizures as well as adverse behaviors, this approach expands the clinical utility of predictive modeling in ASD. Early warning systems derived from these predictions can guide timely interventions, enhance inclusion in educational and community settings, and improve quality of life by helping anticipate and mitigate severe behavioral and medical events.
Quantum-assisted Hilbert-space Gaussian process regression
Authors: Farooq Ahmad , Galvis-Florez Cristian A. , Särkkä Simo
Published: May 2024

Gaussian processes are probabilistic models that are commonly used as functional priors in machine learning. Due to their probabilistic nature, they can be used to capture prior information on the statistics of noise, smoothness of the functions, and training data uncertainty. However, their computational complexity quickly becomes intractable as the size of the data set grows. We propose a Hilbert-space approximation-based quantum algorithm for Gaussian process regression to overcome this limitation. Our method consists of a combination of classical basis function expansion with quantum computing techniques of quantum principal component analysis, conditional rotations, and Hadamard and tests. The quantum principal component analysis is used to estimate the eigenvalues, while the conditional rotations and the Hadamard and tests are employed to evaluate the posterior mean and variance of the Gaussian process. Our method provides polynomial computational complexity reduction over the classical method.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Optimization of direct-detection quantum illumination
Authors: Brougham Thomas , Jeffers John
Published: May 2024

Quantum illumination uses quantum correlations to improve the detection of objects in the presence of background noise. A simple and common practical approach to quantum illumination is to use threshold detectors to measure the idler mode. We investigate the optimization of these protocols. Surprisingly, we find that there can be an advantage to having a signal detector whose quantum efficiency is significantly less than perfect, one that does not vanish for low object reflectivities or signal strengths. We also show that decreasing the separation between pulses, while keeping the rate of photons transmitted per second fixed, can improve the performance, under appropriate conditions. We further show that postselecting on the idler detector firing is less efficient at object detection than not postselecting.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Effective model for superconductivity in magic-angle graphene
Authors: Hou Disha , Liu Yuhai , Sato Toshihiro , Assaad Fakher F. , Guo Wenan , Wang Zhenjiu
Published: May 2024

We carry out large-scale quantum Monte Carlo simulations of a candidate field theory for the onset of superconductivity in magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene. The correlated insulating state at charge neutrality spontaneously breaks U(1) Moiré valley symmetry. Owing to the topological nature of the bands, skyrmion defects of the order parameter carry charge 2e and condense upon doping. In our calculations we encode the U(1) symmetry by an internal degree of freedom such that it is not broken upon lattice regularization. Furthermore, the skyrmion carries the same charge. The nature of the doping-induced phase transitions depends on the strength of the easy-plane anisotropy that reduces the SU(2) valley symmetry to U(1)×Z2. For large anisotropy, we observe two distinct transitions separated by phase coexistence. While the insulator to superconducting transition is of mean-field character, the U(1) transition is consistent with three-dimensional XY criticality. Hence, the coupling between the gapless charge excitations of the superconducting phase and the XY order parameter is irrelevant. At small anisotropy, we observe a first-order transition characterized by phase separation.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Filamentation of a relativistic proton bunch in plasma
Authors: Verra L. , Amoedo C. , Torrado N. , Clairembaud A. , Mezger J. , Pannell F. , Pucek J. , van Gils N. , Bergamaschi M. , Zevi Della Porta G. , Lopes N. , Sublet A. , Turner M. , Gschwendtner E. , Muggli P. , Agnello R. , Ahdida C. C. , Andrebe Y. , Apsimon O. , Apsimon R. , Arnesano J. M. , Bencini V. , Blanchard P. , Burrows P. N. , Buttenschön B. , Caldwell A. , Chung M. , Cooke D. A. , Davut C. , Demeter G. , Dexter A. C. , Doebert S. , Farmer J. , Fasoli A. , Fonseca R. , Furno I. , Granados E. , Granetzny M. , Graubner T. , Grulke O. , Guran E. , Henderson J. , Kedves M. Á. , Kraus F. , Krupa M. , Lefevre T. , Liang L. , Liu S. , Lotov K. , Martinez Calderon M. , Mazzoni S. , Moon K. , Morales Guzmán P. I. , Moreira M. , Nechaeva T. , Okhotnikov N. , Pakuza C. , Pardons A. , Pepitone K. , Poimendidou E. , Pukhov A. , Ramjiawan R. L. , Ranc L. , Rey S. , Rossel R. , Saberi H. , Schmitz O. , Senes E. , Silva F. , Silva L. , Spear B. , Stollberg C. , Swain C. , Topaloudis A. , Tuev P. , Velotti F. , Verzilov V. , Vieira J. , Walter E. , Welsch C. , Wendt M. , Wing M. , Wolfenden J. , Woolley B. , Xia G. , Yarygova V. , Zepp M. ,   AWAKE Collaboration
Published: May 2024

We show in experiments that a long, underdense, relativistic proton bunch propagating in plasma undergoes the oblique instability, which we observe as filamentation. We determine a threshold value for the ratio between the bunch transverse size and plasma skin depth for the instability to occur. At the threshold, the outcome of the experiment alternates between filamentation and self-modulation instability (evidenced by longitudinal modulation into microbunches). Time-resolved images of the bunch density distribution reveal that filamentation grows to an observable level late along the bunch, confirming the spatiotemporal nature of the instability. We provide a rough estimate of the amplitude of the magnetic field generated in the plasma by the instability and show that the associated magnetic energy increases with plasma density.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Quantum Work Statistics at Strong Reservoir Coupling
Authors: Diba Owen , Miller Harry J. D. , Iles-Smith Jake , Nazir Ahsan
Published: May 2024

Determining the statistics of work done on a quantum system while strongly coupled to a reservoir is a formidable task, requiring the calculation of the full eigenspectrum of the combined system and reservoir. Here, we show that this issue can be circumvented by using a polaron transformation that maps the system into a new frame where weak-coupling theory can be applied. Crucially, this polaron approach reproduces the Jarzynski fluctuation theorem, thus ensuring consistency with the laws of stochastic thermodynamics. We apply our formalism to a system driven across the Landau-Zener transition, where we identify clear signatures in the work distribution arising from a non-negligible coupling to the environment. Our results provide a new method for studying the stochastic thermodynamics of driven quantum systems beyond Markovian, weak-coupling regimes.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Nonlocal Massive Gravity from Einstein Gravity
Authors: Bueno Pablo , Cano Pablo A. , Hennigar Robie A.
Published: May 2024

We present a top-down construction of a three-dimensional nonlocal theory of massive gravity. This “nonlocal massive gravity” (NLMG) is obtained as the gravitational theory induced by Einstein gravity on a brane inserted in anti–de Sitter space modified by an overall minus sign. The theory involves an infinite series of increasingly complicated higher-derivative corrections to the Einstein-Hilbert action, with the quadratic term coinciding with new massive gravity. We obtain an analytic formula for the quadratic action of NLMG and show that its linearized spectrum consists of an infinite tower of positive-energy massive spin-2 modes. We compute the Newtonian potential and show that the introduction of the infinite series of terms makes it behave as ∼1/r at short distances, as opposed to the logarithmic behavior encountered when the series is truncated at any finite order. We use this and input from brane-world holography to argue that the theory may contain asymptotically flat black hole solutions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Physics Ph.D. student perspectives on the importance and difficulty of finding a research group
Authors: Verostek Mike , Miller Casey W. , Zwickl Benjamin M.
Published: May 2024

Joining a research group is one of the most important events on a graduate student’s path to becoming an independent physics researcher and earning a Ph.D. However, graduate students’ perspectives on the experience of finding a research group are not well documented in the literature. Understanding these perspectives is crucial for evaluating whether departments are providing students with adequate support while they search for a research group, and how difficulties during this process contribute to attrition. Semistructured interviews with N=20 first and second year physics Ph.D. students reveal that incoming graduate students see joining a research group as a significant decision, and recognize that it may impact whether they will be able to complete the program. We found that students who struggled to find a group felt isolated and worried about falling behind their peers, whereas students who were able to immerse themselves in a positive group environment reported increased sense of belonging in their programs. The process of finding a research group often held differential importance for students identifying as women and nonbinary, who at times reported having to deprioritize their preferred research topic in order to be part of a more inclusive working environment. Although incoming graduate students characterized joining a research group as a significant decision, they often felt unprepared to make it. Moreover, they perceived an overall lack of guidance and structure from their departments, and characterized coursework as a barrier to searching for a group. Our findings suggest that providing students with better support during their group search process could help improve retention, particularly for traditionally underrepresented students, and improve students’ overall satisfaction in their graduate programs.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Spin-orbit coupled Hubbard skyrmions
Authors: Makuta Ryo , Hotta Chisa
Published: May 2024

When the material phases exhibit topological quantum numbers, they host defects protected by the nontrivial topology. Magnetic skyrmions are such “quantized” objects, and although many of them are metals, they had been most likely treated in theories as purely classical spin states. Here, we show that the electrons described by the Hubbard model with strong spin-orbit couplings can exhibit various nano- or flake-size skyrmions in their ground state. Importantly, the conducting electrons forming Fermi pockets themselves carry textured magnetic moments in both real and momentum space and on top of that possess Chern numbers in their energy bands. This quantum and conducting skyrmion is related to small skyrmions observed in atomic-layered compounds. We clarify how the effective magnetic interactions and magnetic anisotropies are tied to the spin-orbit coupling, and how they influence the stability of skyrmions beyond the phenomenology.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Applying 3D ED/MicroED workflows toward the next frontiers
Authors: Aragon Mahira , Bowman Sarah E. J. , Chen Chun-Hsing , de la Cruz M. Jason , Decato Daniel A. , Eng Edward T. , Flatt Kristen M. , Gulati Sahil , Li Yuchen , Lomba Charles J. , Mercado Brandon , Miller Jessalyn , Palatinus Lukáš , Rice William J. , Waterman David , Zimanyi Christina M.
Published: May 2024

We report on the latest advancements in Microcrystal Electron Diffraction (3D ED/MicroED), as discussed during a symposium at the National Center for CryoEM Access and Training housed at the New York Structural Biology Center. This snapshot describes cutting-edge developments in various facets of the field and identifies potential avenues for continued progress. Key sections discuss instrumentation access, research applications for small molecules and biomacromolecules, data collection hardware and software, data reduction software, and finally reporting and validation. 3D ED/MicroED is still early in its wide adoption by the structural science community with ample opportunities for expansion, growth, and innovation.
Dynamic capabilities for digital transformation in an enterprise business
Authors: Froehlich Cristiane , Reinhardt Luísa Baggio , Schreiber Dusan , Eberle Luciene
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Digital transformation is a process in which organizations use technology as an essential resource to improve performance and increase market reach and results.

Design/methodology/approach

This research aims to verify how dynamic capabilities are configured for the development of strategies and processes necessary for digital transformation. To this end, qualitative research of an exploratory nature was carried out, operationalized through in-depth individual interviews with a semi-structured approach with managers who occupy leadership positions, in addition to a documentary survey of the internal records of the analyzed organization. In data analysis, the content analysis technique was used.

Findings

The main results of the research showed that the dynamic capabilities configured in sensing, seizing and reconfiguring contribute to leveraging digital transformation in the business studied through the reformulation of strategies to integrate and coordinate the implementation of new routines, investments in technological and human resources and actions to change culture with a focus on digital transformation considering the company’s stakeholders.

Originality/value

This transformation affects business models, products, services and processes, as well as the review of strategies, organizational structures and management concepts.
Economic-environmental assessment of emission tax policy in developing countries: evidence from Iran
Authors: Shakerin Shahrokh , Moosavi Seyed Nematollah , Aminifard Abbas
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The present study aims at quantifying the likely impacts of an environmental tax on macroeconomic variables and pollution in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

The computable general equilibrium model, which allows the prediction of the economy-wide effects of any change in policy instruments, is applied.

Findings

The main findings reveal that gross domestic product, private consumption and income in both urban and rural areas will follow a declining trend as a result of environmental tax imposition. In a scenario with the highest level of tax, the predicted percentage change to the gross domestic product and private consumption is estimated at −21.32 and −40.96, respectively. In the same scenario, pollution emissions would decrease by 12.4–22.6% for CO2, CH4 and N2O.

Originality/value

This study uses a general equilibrium model to examine the effects of the carbon tax on environmental issues and household welfare, considering the unique conditions and regulations of Iran. While the related literature examines the CO2 tax, the current study covers more pollutants, including CO2, CH4, N2O, CO, SO2 and NOx. In addition, a distinguishing feature of the current study is that it applies a modified version of the social accounting matrix (SAM) database, which includes the heavy subsidies of energy products. Another significant feature of the current study is that it examines tax policy while tax rates are exerted endogenously (compared to previous studies).
Managerial coaching and innovative work behavior: mediating role of psychological empowerment and moderating role of task interdependence
Authors: Al Nahyan Moza Tahnoon , Al Suwaidi Muna Saeed , Al Zaabi Noora , Al Qubaisi Fatima , Jabeen Fauzia
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Based on the componential theory of organizational creativity and innovation, this study examined the relationship between managerial coaching (MC) and innovative work behavior (IWB). It focused on the mediating role of psychological empowerment and the moderating role of task interdependence.

Design/methodology/approach

The self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from 420 employees of the United Arab Emirates’s public sector organizations. A hierarchical linear model (HLM) with different regression techniques was used.

Findings

The results showed that MC directly influences IWB. The path analysis also revealed that MC has an indirect effect on IWB via psychological empowerment. The moderating role of task independence in MC and IWB was also revealed.

Practical implications

The findings shall provide insights that will help practitioners and academics understand frontline employees' innovative behavior in public sector settings and formulate strategies that will increase the involvement of employees in displaying innovation-based activities at the workplace.

Originality/value

This study adds value to the literature by integrating the componential theory of organizational creativity and innovation in public sector settings.
Integration of quantum physics theories to understand open government data (OGD) adoption by the government
Authors: Alexopoulos Charalampos , Saxena Stuti
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to further the understanding of Open Government Data (OGD) adoption by the government by invoking two quantum physics theories – percolation theory and expander graph theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Extant research on the barriers to adoption and rollout of OGD is reviewed to drive home the research question for the present study. Both the theories are summarized, and lessons are derived therefrom for answering the research question.

Findings

The percolation theory solves the riddle of why the OGD initiatives find it difficult to seep across the hierarchical and geographical levels of any administrative division. The expander graph theory builds the understanding of the need for having networking among and within the key government personnel for bolstering the motivation and capacity building of the operational personnel linked with the OGD initiative. The theoretical understanding also aids in the implementation and institutionalization of OGD in general.

Originality/value

Intersectionality of domains for conducting research on any theme is always a need. Given the fact that there are innumerable challenges regarding the adoption of OGD by the governments across the world, the application of the two theories of quantum physics might solve the quandary in a befitting way.
FDI impact: catalyzing digital capabilities in host nations
Authors: Dang Lan , Merino Fernando
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on national digital capability, specifically differentiating the impact between FDI greenfield and mergers and acquisitions (M&A). The research also investigates factors shaping digital capabilities, encompassing government transparency and absorptive capability, while exploring the mediating influence of absorptive capability in the FDI–digital capability relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

An econometric model has been developed to examine the interrelationship between national digital capability, FDI inflows, national absorptive capability and government transparency. The data set encompasses 55 countries over a period of nine years (2013–2021). National digital capability data is derived from the well-established index published by the World Competitive Centre (WCC). The sources of the explanatory variables align with standard practices, drawing from reputable institutions (UNCTAD and the World Bank, among others).

Findings

The findings reveal a significant positive impact of FDI, particularly in greenfield investments, on national digital capability. Government transparency and research and development (R&D) investment are crucial factors contributing to digital capabilities. Additionally, the absorptive capacity, reflected by R&D investment, also emerges as a potential moderating factor, influencing the impact of FDI inflows on digital capabilities.

Practical implications

The results recommend that policymakers and stakeholders should carefully consider the role of FDI, especially in greenfield investments, as a catalyst for enhancing national digital capability. The findings also underscore the significance of promoting government transparency and directing investments towards R&D to nurture digital capabilities. Moreover, understanding the mediating role of absorptive capability can inform strategies aimed at optimizing the impact of FDI on digital capabilities.

Originality/value

This study contributes uniquely to the existing literature by being the first to systematically explore the influence of FDI on national digital capability. Furthermore, it presents innovative empirical findings on the role of absorptive capability in enhancing the FDI impact on national digital capability, an area that remains relatively uncharted in current literature.
Analysis of barriers for performance measurement system effectiveness in a company: perceptions across hierarchical levels
Authors: Cunha Flávio , Dinis-Carvalho Jose , Sousa Rui M.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify the perception of people in a Portuguese company regarding the main barriers to the effectiveness of the existing performance measurement system (PMS) and whether those perceptions are dependent of people’s hierarchical levels, education levels, work shifts, gender and department.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data was collected through structured interviews (adapted to three levels of interviewees in the company hierarchy) and Likert scale questionnaires. Descriptive statistical analysis of the collected data was performed as well as a chi-square test.

Findings

The results provide an insight on the perception of barriers to the PMS effectiveness in the company. After performing interviews and questionnaires it was possible to identify that the main perceived barriers were: poor communication system and issues on target definition, lack of trained resources, employee involvement, indicators understanding and use for improvement.

Practical implications

This study is the starting point to develop actions aiming to eliminate, or at least mitigate, the impact of the barriers on the PMS effectiveness.

Originality/value

PMSs play an essential role in an organization, so it is essential to identify what hinders its effectiveness. This study opens the discussion by diagnosing the company’s perception of the barriers to PMS effectiveness.