bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sixfold Way of Traversable Wormholes in the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev Model
Authors: García-García Antonio M. , Sá Lucas , Verbaarschot Jacobus J. M. , Yin Can
Published: February 2024

In the infrared limit, a nearly anti–de Sitter spacetime in two dimensions (AdS2) perturbed by a weak double trace deformation and a two-site (q>2)-body Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev (SYK) model with N Majoranas and a weak 2r-body intersite coupling share the same near-conformal dynamics described by a traversable wormhole. We exploit this relation to propose a symmetry classification of traversable wormholes depending on N, q, and r, with q>2r, and confirm it by a level statistics analysis using exact diagonalization techniques. Intriguingly, a time-reversed state never results in a new state, so only six universality classes occur—A, AI, BDI, CI, C, and D—and different symmetry sectors of the model may belong to distinct universality classes.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Contact line length dominance in evaporation of confined nonspherical droplets
Authors: Oh Gun , Lim Jae-Hong , Kang Sung Hoon , Weon Byung Mook
Published: February 2024

Free droplets are spherical within capillary lengths and become nonspherical when trapped in a confined space. Confined nonspherical droplets are as common as spherical droplets. Yet, their evaporation dynamics are not fully understood because of their geometrical complexity. We use monochromatic synchrotron x-ray microtomography to investigate the evaporation dynamics of confined nonspherical water droplets trapped by micropillars based on three-dimensional geometrical information with time. We find two types of confined nonspherical droplets: Wenzel droplets with single-sided air-water interfaces, and Cassie-Baxter droplets with double-sided interfaces. Both droplets show similar sphericity at large volumes but approach different ones at small volumes: Wenzel droplets follow a thin film limit, whereas Cassie-Baxter droplets follow a spherical sessile limit. Despite the geometrical complexity of confined nonspherical droplets, the vapor diffusion mechanism suggests that the evaporative flux is maximal at the contact line, which governs the evaporation dynamics, as proven by observations. The proportionality of the evaporation rate to the contact line length demonstrates the contact-line-length-dominant evaporation dynamics of confined nonspherical droplets. The findings of this study can unify the evaporation mechanism for spherical sessile and confined nonspherical droplets, even with geometric complexity.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Theory of Quantum Super Impulses
Authors: Jarzynski Christopher
Published: February 2024

A quantum impulse is a brief but strong perturbation that produces a sudden change in a wave function ψ(x). We develop a theory of quantum impulses, distinguishing between and impulses. An ordinary impulse paints a phase onto ψ, while a super impulse—the main focus of this paper—deforms the wave function under an invertible map, μ:x→x′. Borrowing tools from optimal-mass-transport theory and shortcuts to adiabaticity, we show how to design a super impulse that deforms a wave function under a desired map μ and we illustrate our results using solvable examples. We point out a strong connection between quantum and classical super impulses, expressed in terms of the path-integral formulation of quantum mechanics. We briefly discuss hybrid impulses, in which ordinary and super impulses are applied simultaneously. While our central results are derived for evolution under the time-dependent Schrödinger equation, they apply equally well to the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation and thus may be relevant for the manipulation of Bose-Einstein condensates.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Bank capital and liquidity creation in Sub-Saharan Africa: the role of quality institutions
Authors: Bawuah Isaac
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the relationship between bank capital and liquidity creation and further examines the effect that institutional quality has on this relationship in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Design/methodology/approach

The data comprise 41 universal banks in nine SSA countries from 2010 to 2022. The study employs the two-step system generalized methods of moments and further uses alternative estimators such as the fixed-effect and two-stage least squares methods.

Findings

The empirical results show that bank capital has a direct positive and significant effect on liquidity creation. In addition, the positive effect of bank capital on liquidity creation is enhanced, particularly in a strong institutional environment. The results imply that nonconstraining capital regulatory policies bolster bank solvency, improve risk-absorption capacity and increase liquidity creation.

Practical implications

This study has several policy implications. First, it provides empirical evidence on the position of banks in SSA on the financial fragility and risk-absorption hypothesis of bank capital and liquidity creation debates. This study shows that the effect of bank capital on liquidity creation in SSA countries is positive and supports the risk-absorption hypothesis. Second, this study highlights that a country's quality institutions can complement bank capital to increase liquidity creation. In addition, this study highlights that nonconstraining capital regulatory policies will bolster bank solvency, improve risk-absorption capacity and increase liquidity creation.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study is that it introduces the country's quality institutional environment into bank capital and liquidity creation links for the first time in SSA.
Firm-specific investor sentiment and earnings management: evidence from Brazil
Authors: Esteves Alexandre , Piccoli Pedro
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of firm-specific investor sentiment on Brazilian companies’ accrual-based earnings management between 2010 and 2018. The paper aims to bring deeper insight into the relationship between the investor expectations and managers’ decision-making in an emerging market.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the quantitative approach and apply a multiple linear regression model to test the relationship among the abnormal accruals, the firm-specific investor sentiment index and the control variables. The final sample includes data from 175 companies, between 2010 and 2018.

Findings

These results reveal a negative association between firm-specific investor sentiment and accrual-based earnings management, which could mean that the risk propensity of managers to manipulate earnings increases when they face known losses in the capital market.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings provide a valuable understanding of how emerging capital market expectations can influence managerial decisions, such as accrual-based earnings management. The geographical area of study was limited to only Brazil.

Originality/value

Previous studies on developed markets show that market-wide investor sentiment positively influences accrual-based earnings management. However, the present study shows that the firm-specific investor sentiment index has a significant and negative relationship with Brazilian companies’ earnings manipulation, whereas market sentiment indicates contradictory relationship in previous studies in the country.
Understanding consumers’ intentions to use QR code menus in the post-COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Koay Kian Yeik , Ang KerSoon
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the factors influencing consumers’ intentions to use QR code menus in the post-COVID-19 pandemic using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology and rational choice theory as the theoretical foundations.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a survey method, 200 data are collected from consumers who had used QR code menus in the past. Partial least squares structural equation modelling is used to analyse the data.

Findings

Our findings show that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, habit and perceived privacy protection have a significant positive influence on intentions. However, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation and perceived privacy risk do not have a significant influence on intentions.

Originality/value

This study further extends the work of previous studies by using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model, with additional two new predictors, namely perceived privacy protection and perceived privacy risk, to understand consumers’ intentions to use QR code menus.
Able or disabled: why should neurodiverse students experience improved access to public universities? An exploratory study
Authors: Mousa Mohamed , Ayoubi Rami , Puhakka Vesa
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to answer the question: To what extent should neurodiverse students experience improved access to public universities in Egypt and why?

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic qualitative research method was used with data collected through semi-structured interviews with 44 educators in four universities in Egypt. A thematic approach was implemented to analyze the collected data.

Findings

The addressed educators believe that greater representation of neurodiverse students in their schools should be a priority for the following four reasons: first, neurodiverse students represent a promising new market segment schools could benefit from; second, recruiting more neurodiverse students represents a chance for schools and faculties to prove the social role they can undertake; third, schools can benefit from the unique skills many neurodiverse students have, particularly in mathematical and computational skills; and fourth, the greater the representation of neurodiverse students, the more research projects and funding opportunities educators can obtain.

Originality/value

This paper contributes by filling a gap in diversity management, higher education and human resources management in which empirical studies on the representation of neurodiverse individuals in public universities have been limited so far.
Mapping the future of frugal innovation research through CAQDAS technique
Authors: Quintino Sant’Ana Júlia , De Montreuil Carmona Linda Jessica , Gomes Giancarlo
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to answer the following research question: What are the opportunities for future research concerning the Frugal Innovation (FI) phenomenon? To address this, the authors propose a novel approach to literature review on the topic. They do so in view of synthesising scholars’ recommendations for subsequent studies. They also advocate that it is time to contribute to the establishment of the FI field by mapping the future of this approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) to connect past and future research on FI. After the screening process of the documents extracted from multiple databases, they performed a bibliometric analysis to provide an overview of the field. Furthermore, the lexical analysis and descending hierarchical analysis were generated through the IRAMUTEQ software to identify the clusters for future research on FI.

Findings

This research not only demonstrates the current state of the art of FI literature but also identifies a research agenda with six categories of opportunities for further studies on the topic: frugal consumer behaviour; establishment of the field; sustainable impact; approaches to different contexts; implementation processes; and challenges for value creation.

Originality/value

The FI phenomenon is receiving increasing attention from scholars in the management field due to its socioeconomic and managerial implications, especially after the Covid-19 outbreak. Therefore, the findings benefit scholars striving to expand the scope of FI research, as well as entrepreneurs, managers and organisations aiming to enhance their social responsibility to reduce their environmental impact.
To buy or not to buy? Green packaging, gender differences and the intention to purchase
Authors: Leong Choi-Meng , She Long , Lim Tze-Yin , Wong Ngiik Moi
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the gender differences in purchase intention towards green packaging product. The paper extended the theory of planned behaviour by unravelling the dynamics of quality, product attributes, and green packaging as part of strategic elements for the marketing mix.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional-survey-based questionnaire research design was used to collect data from a total of 212 adults from Malaysia. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to assess the measurement and the proposed research model.

Findings

The results showed that perceived quality and product attributes had a positive relationship with attitude towards green packing products without significant difference between female and male groups. Interestingly, this study found a significant difference between males and females in terms of the attitude and subjective norms towards intention to purchase green packaging product. Subjective norms had a positive relationship with attitude while perceived behavioural control had a positive relationship with purchase intention without significant gender differences.

Originality/value

The findings of this study contribute to the limited body of knowledge in the area of purchasing green packaging products and provide useful information to industry practitioners about gender differences in purchasing green packaging products. Also, the current study provided new insights to the academician by looking into the dimension of green marketing mix elements which influence consumer behaviour.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-04-2023-0249.
Unraveling the path: assessing compliance and impact of accounting education in Libya with IES 3 standards on students' academic performance
Authors: Masli Abdulhakim , Alfatiemy Mohamed , Elshahoubi Ismail , Elheddad Mohamed
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the extent of compliance of university accounting programs in Libya with the International Education Standard (IES 3) and the extent of the impact of the skills included in programs of accounting education in Libya aligned with IES 3 requirements on students' academic performance and then to identify factors that can hinder the implementation of professional skills in accounting education in Libya.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was prepared and circulated among accounting graduates from public universities in Libya. A total of 116 useable responses were received from many of these universities. An exploratory factor analysis based on a pairwise polychoric correlation matrix was carried out to validate the scale. Also, it applies the regression analysis for a robustness check.

Findings

The findings indicate that the skills included in accounting education programs in Libya partially comply with the instructions of IES 3 (Intellectual, Interpersonal and Communication, Personal and Organizational). They provide empirical evidence that the accounting education program in Libya is a partial tool for implementing professional skills in accounting education in Libya. The findings of this study also show that there is no statistically significant relationship between the skills included in programs of accounting education in Libya aligned with IES 3 requirements and the academic performance of students.

Practical implications

Findings may help the government, higher education officials and accounting faculty members in Libya pay more attention to accounting education to improve its effectiveness and meet the requirements of IES 3. Therefore, it fills an information gap in the accounting literature by investigating university accounting programs and their compliance with IES 3 in Libya, a context that is still poorly understood.

Originality/value

Little is known about accounting education in the Middle East and North African (MENA) countries, where the literature shows that little research has been conducted on accounting students in the countries of this region, particularly in Libyan universities.
The role of digital skills in the acceptance of artificial intelligence
Authors: Vitezić Vanja , Perić Marko
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The service industry is facing the huge impact of digital transformation, in which artificial intelligence (AI) plays one of the most important roles. This study aims to expand the understanding of the AI acceptance framework and confirm whether consumers’ digital skills have a moderating effect on the research model.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses were tested using a data set of 1,641 individuals. Partial least squares structural equation modeling and multi-group analysis were used to estimate the model.

Findings

The results indicate that antecedent factors influence consumers’ willingness to use AI devices in services. The two groups of different digitally savvy respondents differ because the influence of anthropomorphism, social influence and hedonic motivation on respondents’ perceived efforts to use AI devices in service delivery depends on respondents’ digital skills.

Originality/value

The novel contribution of this study is reflected in a comprehensive model that explains the moderating effect of individual digital skills on willingness to use AI devices. The attitudes of experienced and digitally skilled consumers are valuable and highlight some important theoretical, practical implications and future lines of research.
Add a seat for another actor in the business network! Consumer communities’ roles for fashion sustainable new ventures
Authors: Monteverde Giulia , Runfola Andrea
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to integrate the consumption perspective within the Industrial Marketing and Purchasing (IMP) debate. The study delves into how consumer communities can be conceived like other network business actors. The perspective of sustainable new ventures (SNVs) in the fashion industry is adopted, considering their specific connection with consumer communities.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a multiple case study methodology, this paper uses a qualitative approach. Data collection mainly relies on interviews conducted with 10 SNVs in the fashion industry; this sector is a fertile ground for studying sustainability and consumer communities. For data analysis, the abductive approach of systematic combining is applied.

Findings

The paper identifies four distinct types of consumer communities and four roles that they can assume as business actors in the business network. Owing to their engagement in these specific roles, consumer communities become part of the SNVs’ network, akin to other business-to-business players.

Originality/value

This study represents one of the initial endeavors to introduce consumption into the IMP theoretical framework. In this paper’s conceptualization, consumer communities are groups of consumers and collective actors in the business network. Additionally, this study advances the research on sustainability as a network concept by including consumer communities’ roles in business networks.
Pension funding gaps: do mandated external governance mechanisms matter?
Authors: England Trevor
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine whether and how the experience of specialized external governance mechanisms mandated by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 – the actuary and auditor – affect pension plan funding.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses data from annual pension plan regulatory reports (Form 5500), Form 10-K filings, Form DEF 14A filings (company proxy statements) and publicly available data sources. The hand-collected data include information related to the pension plan’s actuary and auditor and various pension plan data disclosed in the company’s financial statement footnotes.

Findings

The author finds that more experienced actuaries and auditors are associated with better funded pension plans, especially when the company has higher financial risk or lower board independence. Additional analyses indicate that companies with more experienced actuaries and pension plan auditors are more likely to make higher annual pension plan contributions and hold fewer Level 3 fair value assets.

Originality/value

The dearth of pension plan governance research generally focuses on whether and how internal governance mechanisms affect pension plan funding. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first empirical study of the relationship between external pension plan governance mechanisms and pension plan funding.
Use of carboxymethyl cellulose, Klucel G, gum Arabic and zinc oxide nanoparticles nanocomposite as strength agents for inked papyrus
Authors: Mazen Bataa Sayed Mohamed , Ismail Badawi Mohamed , Ali Hassan Rushdya Rabee , Ali Mahmoud , Mohamed Wael S.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to detect the effect of some natural cellulosic polymers in their nano forms with the addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles on restoring the lost mechanical strength of degraded papyrus without any harmful effects on the inks.

Design/methodology/approach

In the current study, the USB digital microscopy, scanning electron microscope, measurement of mechanical properties (tensile and elongation), pH measurement, color change and infrared spectroscopy were undertaken for the samples before and after treatment and aging.

Findings

In the current study, the USB digital microscopy, scanning electron microscope, measurement of mechanical properties (tensile and elongation), pH measurement, color change and infrared spectroscopy were undertaken for the samples before and after treatment and aging.

Originality/value

The effect of strengthening materials was studied on cellulose and carbon ink, which makes this study closer to reality as the manuscript is the consistent structure of cellulose and inks, whereas most of the literature stated the impact of consolidation materials on the strengthening the cellulosic supports without attention to their impact on inks.
Core charitable purpose and voluntary CSR activities in charity organisations: do they conflict?
Authors: Knott Stephen , Wilson John P.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

A charity’s core purpose is legally mandated and delivery thereof is not a corporate social responsibility (CSR) activity which, by definition, is voluntary in nature. Any CSR activity not required by law should be “incidental” and be an outcome of a core purpose/object and not a focus of activity. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to address the lack of research into voluntary CSR activities conducted by charities so that charities might have a clearer operating platform and do not involuntarily contravene legislation.

Design/methodology/approach

This was an exploratory investigation using purposive sampling of senior leaders in UK charities. This study uses a case study approach to identify pragmatic areas of concern and also identify practical actions.

Findings

The conventional hierarchical ordering of Carroll’s CSR pyramid (1991) for profit-focussed organisations were found to be inconsistent with those for charitable organisations which were: ethical, legal, economic and philanthropic/voluntary/incidental.

Research limitations/implications

This was an exploratory study and would benefit from further investigation.

Practical implications

Corporate social responsibility actions undertaken by charities need to be carefully evaluated to ensure that they comply with the core charitable purpose or are incidental.

Social implications

Many employees in charities are motivated by social justice; however, they need to be cautious that they do not exceed the core purpose of the charity.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no research was identified which has addressed the fundamental issue of charities’ core purposes and the extent to which charities might legally undertake CSR activities.
Anxieties about International Law: Law Debenture v Ukraine
Authors: Teo Marcus
Published: February 2024

The idea that international law is received into the common law to some greater or lesser extent persists in contemporary accounts of the English constitution. In The Law Debenture Trust Corporation plc v Ukraine, however, a majority of the Supreme Court held – in circumstances ripe for its reception – that international law had no place in the English common law of duress and contractual defences. This note explains why, after Law Debenture, international law's reception into English law seems practically impossible. It then sketches an alternative account of how international law can be invoked in English proceedings – never truly received into English law, but instead applied as the lex causae under a choice of law rule for inter‐state issues – which proves more theoretically satisfying and practically meaningful, and which also provides a better path to the outcome reached in Law Debenture.
Protein‐based active films: Raw materials, functions, and food applications
Authors: Liu Mengzhuo , Zhang Xiaohan , Wei Afeng , Li Hanyu , Zhang Huajiang , Zheng Li , Xia Ning , Wang Jing
Published: February 2024

Biopolymer packaging materials are an emerging trend in food packaging due to their degradability, nontoxicity, low cost, and low environmental stress; moreover, some properties of biopolymer packaging are better than those of traditional packaging. Proteins are a type of natural biopolymer packaging film matrix, and enhancing the packaging properties of proteins has been a focus of research. Preparing protein‐active packaging films by adding natural active substances with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and nanoparticles to protein‐based films to provide more significant antimicrobial, antioxidant, and UV‐blocking effects is essential in food packaging and demonstrates the potential of using proteins in active food packaging applications. In recent years, the origin of natural actives, their mechanism of action, and their release from active packaging films have attracted much attention. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of protein film matrices for active packaging, natural antimicrobial agents, and natural antioxidants and discuss the potential of such active films in the packaging field. The sources of natural antimicrobial active substances and natural antioxidant active substances in packaging materials, their mechanisms of action, and their effects after being used to modify protein active films are summarized. The biorelease functions of protein active films with antimicrobial and antioxidant effects and their applications for various types of food are highlighted to understand the current effects of protein active films in food packaging.
Measurement and calibration of gluten pellets discrete element parameters at varied moisture content
Authors: Ben Zongyou , Sun Xiao , Zhu Rui , Zhang Xubo , Bai Yu , Yang Duoxing , Chen Kunjie , Dong Yan
Published: February 2024

To quickly calibrate the discrete element parameters (DEP) of pellets with different moisture content (MC), the angle of repose (AoR) was taken as the target value to conduct experimental and simulation research on gluten pellets. The experimental method obtained the intrinsic parameters, contact parameters, and AoR of pellets with different moisture content. The parameters differed significantly under different moisture content (p < 0.05). The AoR‐MC model (R2 = 0.987) was established. The Plackett–Burman test, steepest ascent test, and center compound test were carried out to establish the AoR‐DEP model (R2 = 0.969) with a relative error less than or equal to 2.07%. The MC‐DEP model was derived, and verified by the side plate lifting method with a relative error less than or equal to 2.58%. This paper provides a new method for calibrating DEP under different moisture content.
Effect of different sterilization methods on the appearance, composition, and flavor of sugarcane juice
Authors: Chen Ronghua , Yu Min , Jiang Bo , Chen Jingjing
Published: February 2024

Cold‐pressed sugarcane juice (SCJ) is a beverage rich in vitamins, carbohydrates, and antioxidants. Various sterilization methods impact fruit juice's appearance, nutrients, and flavor. Hence, this study aims to assess how different sterilization techniques affect the flavor, appearance, and nutritional value of SCJ. Freshly prepared SCJs were subjected to two sterilization methods: pasteurization (referred to as PTG) and autoclaving (referred to as HTHP). The pasteurization process was carried out at 63°C for 30 min, whereas the HTHP process was applied at 115°C for 30 min. The appearances, Brix value, colors, sugar, organic acid content, and aromatic compounds were determined. The Brix and pH values of the juice show little variation across different heat treatments. The color index of PTG was similar to that of the control group, whereas the L* value of HTHP increased about 21%, resulting in a significant color change. The glucose and fructose contents of HTHP were 7.03 and 5.41 mg/mL, which were much higher than those of PTG (3.26 and 2.33 mg/mL) and control group (3.33 and 2.48 mg/mL). A total of 77 aromatic compounds were identified in the SCJ after various heat treatments. Among them, pentanoic acid, octanal, and β‐damascenone were the most abundant substances contributing to the overall flavor in the control group, PTG, and HTHP. Pasteurization preserved the original flavor of the juice, whereas autoclaving triggered the Maillard reaction, forming pyrazine and furan‐like compounds that altered the SCJ's flavor. In conclusion, pasteurization retained SCJ's original characteristics, whereas HTHP induces changes in nutrition and imparts a distinct flavor.
A search dilemma for market niches: Korea and Taiwan in a time of US‐China high‐tech decoupling
Authors: Wong Chan‐Yuan , Russell Christopher J.
Published: February 2024

South Korea and Taiwan are nimble, mid‐sized economies known for their critical technological competencies in high‐tech industries like semiconductors. These industries have been crucial for their business diversification and specialisation. During the period of globalisation from the 1980s to the 2010s, both nations rapidly climbed the economic ladder. However, the emergence of US‐China trade tensions in the late 2010s disrupted the global landscape. The decoupling of high‐tech value chains in favour of inward‐oriented industrial policies presented a dilemma for semiconductor firms in Korea (e.g. Samsung Electronics) and Taiwan (e.g. TSMC). This paper provides an overview of recent changes in their semiconductor industries and discusses the concerns surrounding industrial value migration. It explores the strategic technological ventures taken by both economies to navigate this uncertain environment.
Condors scavenge on fish at the land–water interface in the Andean foothill of southern Bolivia
Authors: Pizarro Ríos Ludmila , Pizarro Ríos César A. , Méndez Diego
Published: February 2024

There is very little information on Andean condors scavenging on fish. Here we report five events of condors feeding on fish carrion in the Bolivian Chaco Serrano in three consecutive years. In 2019, 2020, and 2021, condors were observed feeding on discarded fish from local fishermen, 3 km west of Villa Montes, in the ‘El Angosto’ section of the Pilcomayo River. Fishing, mainly for sábalo (Prochilodus lineatus), is the most important economic activity in that part of the Pilcomayo basin and its discards explain fish carrion availability there, while driving scavengers to feed on this resource. We believe that fish carrion abundance, the intensity of intra‐ and interspecific competition for access to carrion, and overall carrion availability hierarchically influence the fact that condors feed on fish, something we will investigate later based on the observations reported here. From a conservation perspective, the main consequence of scavengers feeding on fish from the Pilcomayo is that they could be getting heavy metal poisoning. Heavy metal poisoning is a serious threat with widely known negative effects for wildlife. Our observations should serve to promote comprehensive bio‐monitoring of the Pilcomayo basin, using approaches such as One Health, and emphasizing the importance of coexistence between humans and the rest of biodiversity, with the Andean Condor as the flagship species.
Independent and interactive effects of diet and entomopathogenic microsporidia on an outbreaking forest insect defoliator
Authors: Flaherty Leah , Preti Flavio , Ishangulyyeva Guncha , Erbilgin Nadir , Whidden Taylar , Evenden Maya
Published: February 2024

Insect herbivore diet mediates interactions with entomopathogens, yet this is relatively unexplored for microsporidia. Here, we examine a diet‐mediated tri‐trophic interaction between an outbreaking forest defoliator, forest tent caterpillar (FTC) Malacosoma disstria Hübner and Nosema sp. microsporidia.

We conducted two experiments where diet quality was manipulated by incorporating lyophilized aspen (Populus tremuloides Michaux) foliage into an artificial diet, which was compared to a standard artificial diet. Diet quantity varied between fully fed and partially starved conditions, simulating an outbreak scenario. Microsporidia infection occurred naturally or was induced via experimental inoculation. We assessed FTC survival, microsporidia infection and load, and sublethal effects of treatments on FTC traits.

Plant secondary metabolite concentrations in aspen‐augmented diets varied between experiments. In Experiment 1, the aspen‐augmented diet contained lyophilized aspen foliage with low concentrations of secondary metabolites, which increased FTC survival and reduced microsporidia infection. Diet quality and infection load also interactively influenced adult wing traits in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, the aspen‐augmented diet contained lyophilized aspen foliage with higher concentrations of secondary metabolites, which negatively affected FTC. No diet‐mediated interactions with microsporidia were observed in Experiment 2.

Diet quality (Experiments 1 and 2), diet quantity (Experiment 2) and microsporidia infection (Experiments 1 and 2) directly influenced FTC survival and/or had sublethal effects on FTC that may have cascading effects on population dynamics and dispersal.

We demonstrated that diet quality can mediate interactions between FTC and microsporidia, but these interactions depend on the defensive chemistry of the FTC diet. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report diet‐mediated interactions between an outbreaking forest pest and microsporidia and one of only a few studies to examine this tri‐trophic interaction among Lepidoptera.
Navigating, being tricked, and blaming oneself—A meta‐synthesis of youth's experience of involvement in online child sexual abuse
Authors: Stänicke Line Indrevoll , Reiremo Gry Katrin , Scheie Sebastian Istad , Jessen Reidar Schei , Jensen Tine K.
Published: February 2024

Social media use is an integrated part of youth's social life, enabling access to knowledge and social exploration, but it also increases the risk of experiencing online child sexual abuse (OCSA). Quantitative reviews of OCSA provide insights into prevalence, risk factors, and mental health outcomes, but we have limited knowledge about how youth experience OCSA. This study aims to synthesize qualitative studies on youth's (12–24 years of age) first‐person experiences of OCSA. We conducted a systematic database search and included 16 studies. The meta‐synthesis resulted in three meta‐themes: (1) “Navigating in a digital world – feeling safe and understood,” (2) “Being lured, tricked, and caught up in online child sexual abuse,” and (3) “Facing the consequences – feeling powerless and blaming oneself.” Although the studies included most females, findings apply to all genders and across ages. The results highlight how online sexual engagement is a way to explore social and sexual relationships and address a basic need to be understood and supported. However, when trust is misused, developmental tasks related to autonomy and agency may be shattered, replaced with shame and self‐blame. These findings point to the need to openly and nonjudgementally address OCSA so that it can be disclosed, and the psychological impact can be addressed.
Thymoma‐associated autoimmune encephalitis with myasthenia gravis: Case series and literature review
Authors: Su Miao , Luo Qiuyan , Wu Zichao , Feng Huiyu , Zhou Hongyan
Published: February 2024

Objectives

This comprehensive review aimed to compile cases of patients with thymoma diagnosed with both autoimmune encephalitis (AE) and myasthenia gravis (MG), and describe their clinical characteristics.

Methods

Clinical records of 3 AE patients in the first affiliated hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University were reviewed. All of them were diagnosed with AE between 1 November 2021 and 1 March 2022, and clinical evidence about thymoma and MG was found. All published case reports were searched for comprehensive literature from January 1990 to June 2022.

Results

A total of 18 cases diagnosed with thymoma‐associated autoimmune encephalitis (TAAE) and thymoma‐associated myasthenia gravis (TAMG) were included in this complication, wherein 3 cases were in the first affiliated hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University and the other 15 were published case reports. 5/18 patients had alpha‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor antibody (AMPAR‐Ab) in their serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). All of them had positive anti‐acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR‐Ab). And 12/18 patients showed a positive response to thymectomy and immunotherapy. Besides, thymoma recurrences were detected because of AE onset. And the shortest interval between operation and AE onset was 2 years in patients with thymoma recurrence.

Conclusions

There was no significant difference in the clinical manifestations between these patients and others with only TAMG or TAAE. TAAE was commonly associated with AMPAR2‐Ab. Significantly, AE more commonly heralded thymoma recurrences than MG onset. And the intervals of thymectomy and MG or AE onset had different meanings for thymoma recurrence and prognoses of patients.
Alterations in cortical volume and complexity in Parkinson's disease with depression
Authors: Yuan Jiaying , Liu Yujing , Liao Haiyan , Tan Changlian , Cai Sainan , Shen Qin , Liu Qinru , Wang Min , Tang Yuqing , Li Xu , Liu Jun , Zi Yuheng
Published: February 2024

Aims

The aim of this study is to investigate differences in gray matter volume and cortical complexity between Parkinson's disease with depression (PDD) patients and Parkinson's disease without depression (PDND) patients.

Methods

A total of 41 PDND patients, 36 PDD patients, and 38 healthy controls (HC) were recruited and analyzed by Voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) and surface‐based morphometry (SBM). Differences in gray matter volume and cortical complexity were compared using the one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and correlated with the Hamilton Depression Scale‐17 (HAMD‐17) scores.

Results

PDD patients exhibited significant cortical atrophy in various regions, including bilateral medial parietal–occipital–temporal lobes, right dorsolateral temporal lobes, bilateral parahippocampal gyrus, and bilateral hippocampus, compared to HC and PDND groups. A negative correlation between the GMV of left precuneus and HAMD‐17 scores in the PDD group tended to be significant (r = −0.318, p = 0.059). Decreased gyrification index was observed in the bilateral insular and dorsolateral temporal cortex. However, there were no significant differences found in fractal dimension and sulcal depth.

Conclusion

Our research shows extensive cortical structural changes in the insular cortex, parietal–occipital–temporal lobes, and hippocampal regions in PDD. This provides a morphological perspective for understanding the pathophysiological mechanism underlying depression in Parkinson's disease.
Making observations: Co‐design of an observation tool for and with maker educators
Authors: Wardrip Peter Samuelson , White Annie , Bank Alison , Brahms Lisa
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we share and reflect on the co‐development of an assessment tool for educators; an observation tool to identify evidence of learning and engagement in a museum and library makerspaces. Through a collaborative and iterative design process with educators, we co‐developed, revised, and refined an observation tool to be used by maker educators, researchers, and evaluators. Through this process, we evolved roles that leveraged the strengths and perspectives of both the researchers and educators involved. We also discuss implications for co‐design as an approach for professional learning of informal educators.
Policies for recovery from drug use: Differences between public stigma and perceived stigma and associated factors
Authors: Luo Tingyu , Xu Shuping , Zhang Kun
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Public stigma towards people who use drugs is widespread and places obstacles in way of their recovery. Previous studies have used different approaches to measure public stigma, resulting in a notable gap in the understanding of the relationship between it and its associated factors. Some studies measure public stigma by assessing stigma perceived by those who use drugs, while others investigate attitudes towards them among the general public. This study aimed to compare perceived and public stigma, and factors related to these two variables.

Methods

The study comprised a cross‐sectional survey in China of two samples: males who used drugs (N = 257) and the general public (N = 376). The survey assessed demographic variables, social distance, public stigma and perceived stigma of those who use drugs. The data were analysed using t‐tests and linear regression.

Results

Public stigma was significantly higher than perceived stigma. The findings indicated that gender, knowledge of drugs, family relationships with people who use drugs, attributions of drug use and social distance were significantly related to levels of public stigma. Among those who use drugs, perceived stigma was significantly correlated with age, marital status, duration of drug abstinence and social distance.

Discussion and Conclusions

Findings indicate that public stigma undermines the recovery of people who use drugs and highlight the importance of interaction between them and the social environment. The study also underscores the necessity of developing policies to enhance their integration into mainstream culture and provide access to social support and life activities.
Spillover in higher‐order moments across carbon and energy markets: A portfolio view
Authors: Ahmed Rizwan , Bouri Elie , Hosseini Seyedmehdi , Hussain Shahzad Syed J.
Published: February 2024

Motivated by the occurrence of extreme events and nonnormality of returns, we examine the spillovers among the conditional volatility, skewness and (excess) kurtosis of European Union allowances (EUA), Brent oil, natural gas, coal, electricity and clean energy markets. The jointly estimated spillover index in the system of the three higher‐order moments is notably high, exceeding the spillover index estimated for each individual moment separately. This suggests that spillovers across moments in the carbon‐energy system are important for the sake of completeness of the spillover analysis, and should not be ignored. The performance of the portfolio improves after considering higher‐order moments.
Effect of surface roughness and polishing orientation on fatigue life and fracture fatigue entropy
Authors: Hebert John , Khonsari M. M.
Published: February 2024

The effect of surface roughness and polishing orientation on fatigue life is investigated. Fully reversed bending fatigue tests are conducted on ASTM A1008 specimens having surface roughness asperities ranging from mirror finish (Ra = 0.05 μm) to coarse (Ra = 1.5 μm). Two polishing directions (i.e., orientations) are examined. For the range of roughness values tested, the results suggest that polishing orientation has a strong influence on fatigue life. Specifically, within the range of surface roughness values tested, fatigue life was found to be relatively insensitive to surface roughness asperities when the roughness orientation was parallel to the direction of surface stress but sensitive to surface roughness asperities when the orientation crossed the direction of surface stress. Results are generalized using the concept of fracture fatigue entropy (FFE). It is shown that, unlike fatigue life, FFE is independent of polishing orientation, a noteworthy result. To explain the behavior of FFE in relation to surface roughness asperities, a fatigue thermodynamics theory is presented that hypothesizes that all specimens of the same material fail at equivalent entropy levels.
Adrenal insufficiency in hemodialysis patients—An under‐recognized problem: A case series
Authors: Shah Krupa , Wong Jeffrey , Mac Kathy , Lau Namson S. , Wong Vincent M. , Makris Angela
Published: February 2024

Adrenal insufficiency is an uncommon disorder and presents with non‐specific symptoms. Identifying adrenal insufficiency in patients with chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis is increasingly difficult as there is a significant overlap of the signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency with those seen in chronic kidney failure. We highlight this diagnostic uncertainty in a case series of three patients with chronic kidney disease requiring hemodialysis as renal replacement therapy from a single center identified as hypoadrenal. Steroid replacement improved symptoms and hemodynamic parameters. Increased vigilance for adrenal insufficiency in dialysis patients is necessary. It is likely under recognized in hemodialysis patients given their multi‐morbidity.
Randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled cosmetic trial of a topical first‐in‐class Neutraligand targeting the chemokine TARC/CCL17 in mild‐to‐moderate atopic dermatitis
Authors: Frossard Nelly , Coïc Alexandra , Saguet Thibaut , Coïc Alain , Himbert Franck , Do Quoc Tuan , Galzi Jean‐Luc , Suehs Carey , Guillaumet Gerald , Bonnet Pascal , Bernard Philippe
Published: February 2024

Background

Atopic dermatitis has a marked economic impact and affects the quality of life. A cosmetic compound with an innovative strategy is proposed here as a small chemical neutraligand, GPN279 (previously identified as a theophylline derivative), that binds and potently neutralizes the TARC/CCL17 chemokine, activating the Th2 cell‐expressed CCR4 receptor.

Objective

Our objective was to evaluate the safety and activity of topically applied GPN279 in mild‐to‐moderate atopic dermatitis patients in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel group trial. Such cosmetic active ingredient targeting dry skin with an atopic tendency would open a parallel strategy to the pharmaceutical approach, in particular for mild to moderate subjects, as an alternative to reduce the evolution towards severe forms of atopy.

Methods

This 4‐week trial included adults with mild‐to‐moderate atopic dermatitis, according to the SCORAD index. Patients were randomized into two groups treated by topical applications of either an emulsion containing 0.44% GPN279 in placebo on skin lesions or the placebo (4.56% glycerin). Clinical activity was evaluated with the SCORAD as the primary objective. As secondary objectives, POEM, erythema, skin moisturization, its barrier function (TEWL) and safety were evaluated.

Results

Twenty‐one patients in each group completed the study. SCORAD was significantly improved in the GPN279 group vs. placebo. GPN279 also significantly improved POEM, induced a rapid and significant decrease of erythema, and improved skin moisture. GPN279 and placebo were well tolerated throughout the study.

Conclusion

A cosmetic cream comprising the CCL17 neutraligand GPN279 improved the skin barrier and physiology criteria in patients with mild‐to‐moderate atopic dermatitis.