bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of raceway surface topography based on solid lubrication on temperature rise characteristics of HIPSN full ceramic ball bearings
Authors: Li Songhua , Huang Shanhang , Wei Chao , Sun Jian , Wang Yonghua , Wang Kun
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to understand the influence of raceway surface topography on the temperature rise characteristics of silicon nitride (Si3N4) full ceramic ball bearing and improve its service life.

Design/methodology/approach

The arithmetic average height Sa, skewness Ssk and kurtosis Sku in the three-dimensional surface roughness parameters are used to quantitatively characterize the surface topography of the raceway after superfinishing. The bearing life testing machine is used to test the Si3N4 full ceramic ball bearing using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) cage under dry friction conditions, and the self-lubricating full ceramic ball bearing heat generation model is established.

Findings

With the decrease of Sa and Ssk on the raceway surface and the increase of Sku, the average height of the raceway surface decreases, and the peaks and valleys tend to be symmetrically distributed on the average surface, and the surface texture becomes tighter. This kind of raceway surface topography is beneficial to form a thin and uniform filamentous PTFE transfer film with a wide coverage area on the raceway surface based on consuming less cage materials and improving the temperature rise characteristics of hot isostatic pressing silicon nitride full ceramic ball bearings.

Originality/value

The research results provide a theoretical basis for the reasonable selection of Si3N4 ring raceway processing technology and have important significance for improving the working characteristics and service life of Si3N4 full ceramic ball bearings under dry friction conditions.
High climbing and obstacle-crossing performance intelligent tracked inspection robot for cable trenches
Authors: Dong Linjie , Zhang Renfei , Liu Xiaohan , Li Jie , Wang Xingsong , Mengqian Tian
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Regular cable trench inspection is crucial, and robotics automation provides an efficient and safer alternative to manual labor. However, existing robots have limited capabilities in traversing obstacles and lack a mechanical arm for detecting cables and equipment. This study aims to develop an intelligent robot for cable trench inspection, enhancing obstacle-crossing abilities and incorporating a mechanical arm for inspection tasks.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents an intelligent robot for cable trench inspection, featuring a six-degree-of-freedom mechanical arm mounted on a six-track chassis with four flippers. The robot's climbing and obstacle-crossing stability, as well as the motion range of the mechanical arm, are analyzed. The positioning, navigation and remote monitoring systems are developed. Experiments, including climbing and obstacle-crossing performance tests, along with navigation and positioning system tests, are conducted. Finally, the robot's practicability is verified through field testing.

Findings

Equipped with flipper tracks, the cable trench inspection robot can traverse obstacles up to 30 cm high and maintain stable locomotion on 30° slopes. Its navigation system enables autonomous operation, while the mechanical arm performs cable current detection tasks. The remote monitoring system provides comprehensive control of the robot and environmental parameter monitoring in cable trenches.

Originality/value

The front and rear flipper tracks enhance the robot's ability to traverse obstacles in cable trenches. The mechanical arm addresses cable current and equipment contact detection issues. The navigation and remote monitoring systems improve the robot's autonomous operation and environmental monitoring capabilities. Implementing this robot can advance the automation and intelligence of cable trench inspections.
Do mandatory and voluntary adoption of integrated and sustainability reporting influence value creation?
Authors: Asadi Maryam , Mansourfar Gholamreza , Homayoun Saeid , Didar Hamzeh
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how integrated reporting quality (IRQ), as well as comprehensive disclosure score (CDS) (i.e. incorporating integrated and sustainable reporting quality), impacts value creation differently between companies operating under mandatory versus voluntary adoption of these reporting frameworks.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample comprises 1,195 firm-year observations (international data set) from 2018 to 2022, which are divided into groups based on mandatory vs voluntary adoption of the international integrated reporting framework (IIRF) and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB). Furthermore, regression analysis is used in the analyses.

Findings

The findings revealed a significant and positive relationship between IRQ and value creation on a global scale. In addition, unlike voluntary adoption of the IIRF, mandatory adoption of it showed a significant and positive relationship between IRQ and value creation. Furthermore, an increase in the CDS had a greater impact on value creation compared to IRQ. Finally, in contrast to companies with voluntary adoption of both IIRF and SASB, companies with mandatory adoption of them exhibited a significant and positive relationship between these reports and value creation.

Practical implications

The findings have practical implications for various stakeholders. First, by enhancing the awareness and understanding of integrated reporting and sustainability reporting among users, these results can facilitate more informed economic decision-making and enable a more accurate assessment of a company's potential for value creation. Second, these findings can contribute to the development of more effective and tailored reporting guidelines that align with the nuances of value creation dynamics in different contexts. Ultimately, this research can lead to improvements in reporting practices and regulatory frameworks, benefiting both companies and their stakeholders.

Social implications

The study's social implications are significant as it offers insights into the global debate surrounding the adoption of the IIRF and the objectives of the merger involving the Value Reporting Foundation and the International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation. The findings provide a concrete basis for evaluating the value of adopting the IIRF and inform discussions on the future of reporting standards and practices.

Originality/value

Furthermore, it stands as one of the pioneering endeavors to investigate the value creation aspects of CDS. These unique aspects make a substantive contribution by expanding the frontiers of knowledge in the realm of corporate reporting and financial implications, offering novel insights and opportunities for further research in this crucial domain.
High dietary advanced glycation end products (dAGEs) intake is associated with obesity risk in college students
Authors: Kılınç Gül Eda , Güleç Atila
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the estimated levels of diet advanced glycation end products (dAGEs) intake and obesity in university students.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study included 301 university students aged 18–30 years. dAGEs was estimated using a food frequency questionnaire, for 549 routinely consumed food items and were reported by dividing total energy intake. Dietary intake and sociodemographic data were collected using validated questionnaires, and the anthropometric characteristics were measured. The relationship between anthropometric measurements and dAGEs intake was examined by binary logistic regression.

Findings

A total of 43.2% of the participants had high levels of dAGEs. A significant decreasing trend was found in the percentage of carbohydrate intake compared to the increasing trend in dAGEs consumption (p = 0.005). The percentage of fat intake and meat consumption were significantly higher in participants with the highest consumption, compared with the lowest consumption of dAGEs (p = 0.006). According to the dAGEs classification of participants, body mass index, waist circumference and energy intake were found to be significantly related in all model groups. Accordingly, the increase in body mass index, waist circumference and energy intake were determined as a risk factor in those with high dAGEs intakes.

Originality/value

The findings of this study emphasized that higher intake of dAGEs was associated with an increased risk of obesity parameters in college students.
Exploring the role of additive manufacturing in the prosthetic supply chain: qualitative evidence
Authors: Al-Masa’fah Wasan , Abushaikha Ismail , Bwaliez Omar M.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the enhancement in prosthetic supply chain capabilities resulting from the implementation of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies. The study presents an emerging model outlining the key areas that undergo changes when integrating 3D printing technologies into the prosthetic supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a qualitative approach, data were collected through field observations and 31 in-depth interviews conducted within various Jordanian organizations associated with the prosthetic industry and 3D printing technologies.

Findings

The findings suggest that the adoption of 3D printing technologies improves the prosthetic supply chain’s capabilities in terms of customization, responsiveness, innovation, environmental sustainability, cost minimization and patient empowerment. The study sheds light on the specific areas affected in the prosthetic supply chain following the adoption of 3D printing technologies, emphasizing the overall improvement in supply chain capabilities within the prosthetic industry.

Practical implications

This study provides recommendations for governmental bodies and prosthetic organizations to maximize the benefits derived from the use of 3D printing technologies.

Originality/value

This study contributes as the first of its kind in exploring the impact of 3D printing technology adoption in the Jordanian prosthetic industry, elucidating the effects on the supply chain and identifying challenges for decision-makers in an emerging market context.
‘I feel like they understand me a bit more’: The experiences of young people with borderline personality disorder following their parents taking part in a mentalisation‐based intervention for parents and carers (MBT‐FACTS)
Authors: Benetti Celeste , Whitehead Richard , Hopkins Liza
Published: August 2024

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a distressing mental illness that is overrepresented in adolescents and youth and which was previously thought difficult to treat. Families and carers of those with BPD can also experience high levels of distress and burden and can struggle in their support of those with BPD. The Families and Carers Training and Support (FACTS) program is an innovative skills and education program for family members and carers of someone with BPD informed by mentalisation‐based treatment (MBT) principles. To address a gap in the research, the present study aimed to see what effect, if any, a carer‐focused intervention has on the young people with BPD themselves. To assess this, interviews were conducted with eight young people whose family members participated in the program. Overall, the young people felt there had been positive changes during and after their family members' participation in the program. They felt the communication with their family members improved; they also felt more understood and that they had more space and freedom in the home and that the tension in the household decreased. Additionally, several young people felt they would have liked to be more involved in the process and to take part in the program alongside their family members. The findings indicate that interventions focusing on building understanding and self‐awareness in carers of those BPD can be important in ameliorating the challenging impact of BPD on young people and their families.
‘We're trying to get out of here, that's what we're doing’: A Bourdieusian examination of ‘choice’ in the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Authors: Dearn Elroy , Ramcharan Paul
Published: August 2024

The notion of choice underpinning Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has its origin in neoliberal assumptions about the inherent value of market choice in human services reform and in the disability movement's advocacy for the right to self‐determination. Little is known about how people in institutional settings experience choice in the NDIS context. Based on a critical ethnographic study, this article explores the choices made by 12 people with psychosocial disability living in two Victorian supported residential services (SRS). The study found that despite the goal of most participants being to move into independent accommodation, 2 years after the start of the roll‐out of the NDIS, most participants were still living in SRS. Adopting a Bourdieusian conceptual framework, we show that the choices participants made were constrained by the institutional field in which they were living, their low capitals, and their relative powerlessness. This novel application of the concepts of field, habitus, and capitals in the NDIS context has implications for debates about the impact of marketisation and personalisation on individuals with limited agency. The findings have implications for policy and practice in other institutional settings and jurisdictions where public service delivery is framed around the notion of choice.

Points for practitioners

This research shows that a key choice for residents with psychosocial disability living in SRS was to move into independent housing. However, choice over their housing goals was constrained by living in an institutional setting and their relative powerlessness.

Residents in these settings and NDIS participants living in other segregated institutional settings will need independent housing and living navigators if they are to find pathways into independent housing.
Antecedents and outcomes of enabling HR practices: The paradox of consistency and flexibility
Authors: Pak Jongwook , Heidarian Ghaleh Hossein , Ma Zhenzhong , Akhtar Muhammad Naseer
Published: August 2024

Reconciling competing demands for consistent HR implementation and providing individualized supervisor support to employees has always been a challenge in strategic human resource management. Given that there is burgeoning evidence that frontline managers (FLMs) are at the center of HR implementation, we examine how the organization helps FLMs reconcile demands for consistent HR implementation and deliver individualized support to those under their supervision. With the data from 181 FLMs and 311 employees reported to these FLMs, we find that FLMs' perceived enabling HR practices mediate the relationship between high‐performance work systems and FLMs' willingness to be flexible (WTBF). Furthermore, WTBF mediates the relationship between FLMs' perceived enabling HR practices and consistent HR implementation and between FLMs' perceived enabling HR practices and employees' individualized support. Our study offers new insights by highlighting that an effective HR system is not merely improving FLMs' HR competency and knowledge but capturing FLMs' WTBF in carrying on a broad range of HR tasks. Furthermore, our study provides an expanded and novel understanding that FLMs will likely face two opposite HR tasks that coexist and should be dealt with simultaneously as a pair. We then discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings and suggest future research directions.
The impact of COVID‐19‐related national lockdowns on alcohol‐related traffic collisions, injuries, and fatalities in Lithuania
Authors: Lange Shannon , Jiang Huan , Miščikienė Laura , Tran Alexander , Štelemėkas Mindaugas , Rehm Jürgen
Published: August 2024

Background

The national lockdowns that occurred all over the world in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic have been found to have impacted alcohol use. The aim was to evaluate the impact of COVID‐19‐related national lockdowns on alcohol‐related traffic collisions, injuries, and fatalities in Lithuania.

Methods

Using monthly data from the Lithuanian Road Police Service for January 2004 to December 2022, we performed interrupted time‐series analyses using a generalized additive model to evaluate the impact of COVID‐19‐related national lockdowns on alcohol‐related traffic collisions, injuries, and fatalities. In Lithuania, the COVID‐19‐related lockdowns occurred from March 2020 to June 2020 and from November 2020 to June 2021.

Results

Although overall rates for traffic collisions and injuries decreased during the COVID‐19‐related lockdowns in Lithuania, these lockdowns were associated with a 3.21% (95% CI: 1.19%, 5.23%) increase in the relative proportion of alcohol‐related traffic collisions and a 2.46% (95% CI: 0.12%, 4.80%) increase in the relative proportion of alcohol‐related traffic injuries. The association between the lockdowns and alcohol‐related traffic fatalities was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The COVID‐19‐related national lockdowns in Lithuania were associated with a decrease in the overall rate of traffic collisions and injuries, but an increase in the relative proportion of alcohol‐related traffic collisions and injuries.
Unraveling the smokescreen of ESG disclosure debate: Shedding light on excessive ESG disclosure and economic risk
Authors: Khanchel Imen , Lassoued Naima
Published: August 2024

This paper investigates the correlation between excessive ESG disclosure and economic risk, measured through the cost of capital. We analyze a sample comprising 430 S&P 500 US firms over 12 years, from 2011 to 2022. Our findings show that excessive ESG disclosure is associated with a reduction in the cost of capital. Specifically, the environmental and social dimensions of ESG disclosure exhibit explanatory power in decreasing the cost of capital, with the environmental dimension demonstrating particularly strong influence. Conversely, excessive governance disclosure shows no significant impact. Additionally, our study shows that CSR assurance serves as a negative moderator in the relationship between excessive ESG disclosure (including overall excessive ESG score, and environmental and social dimensions) and economic risk.
Are companies ethically justified in offering nonmedical egg freezing as an employee benefit?
Authors: Espinosa‐Herrera Alejandro , Pietrini‐Sanchez Maria‐Jose
Published: August 2024

All over the world, many companies are including oocyte cryopreservation for nonmedical reasons, also popularly known as nonmedical egg freezing (NMEF), within their employee benefits packages. However, it is important to ask whether companies are ethically justified in offering NMEF as a benefit for their employees. The inclusion of NMEF within companies' employee benefits packages could be ethically justified in two ways. On the one hand, company‐sponsored NMEF can serve as a strategy to mitigate or eliminate gender inequalities in the workplace, such as female underrepresentation in positions of authority and leadership and the so‐called work/motherhood conflict. On the other hand, company‐sponsored NMEF can be a means to expand women's reproductive autonomy by making egg freezing accessible to those women who are not able to afford it otherwise. This article calls into question these ethical justifications. We argue that by offering NMEF as an employee benefit, companies maintain current workplace inequalities and impose an option for women with multiple risks and externalities. Therefore, companies' offering of NMEF benefits cannot be ethically justified. Furthermore, we argue that companies that offer NMEF benefits incur fiduciary responsibilities related to the physiological, emotional, psychological, and financial costs of the use of company‐sponsored NMEF.
Off‐target effects of statins: molecular mechanisms, side effects and the emerging role of kinases
Authors: Lagunas‐Rangel Francisco Alejandro , Liepinsh Edgars , Fredriksson Robert , Alsehli Ahmed M. , Williams Michael J. , Dambrova Maija , Jönsson Jörgen , Schiöth Helgi B.
Published: August 2024

Statins are one of the most important classes of drugs. In this analytical review, we elucidate the intricate molecular mechanisms and toxicological rationale regarding both the on‐ (targeting 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase [HMGCR]) and off‐target effects of statins. Statins interact with a number of membrane kinases, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), erb‐b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (HER2) and MET proto‐oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase (MET), as well as cytosolic kinases, such as SRC proto‐oncogene, non‐receptor tyrosine kinase (Src) and show inhibitory activity at nanomolar concentrations. In addition, they interact with calcium ATPases and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα/NR1C1) at higher concentrations. Statins interact with mitochondrial complexes III and IV, and their inhibition of coenzyme Q10 synthesis also impairs the functioning of complexes I and II. Statins act as inhibitors of kinases, calcium ATPases and mitochondrial complexes, while activating PPARα. These off‐target effects likely contribute to the side effects observed in patients undergoing statin therapy, including musculoskeletal symptoms and hepatic effects. Interestingly, some off‐target effects of statins could also be the cause of favourable outcomes, relating to repurposing statins in conditions such as inflammatory disorders and cancer.
Prediction of Drug‐Induced Liver Injury: From Molecular Physicochemical Properties and Scaffold Architectures to Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Zhao Yulong , Zhang Zhoudong , Kong Xiaotian , Wang Kai , Wang Yaxuan , Jia Jie , Li Huanqiu , Tian Sheng
Published: August 2024

The process of developing new drugs is widely acknowledged as being time‐intensive and requiring substantial financial investment. Despite ongoing efforts to reduce time and expenses in drug development, ensuring medication safety remains an urgent problem. One of the major problems involved in drug development is hepatotoxicity, specifically known as drug‐induced liver injury (DILI). The popularity of new drugs often poses a significant barrier during development and frequently leads to their recall after launch. In silico methods have many advantages compared with traditional in vivo and in vitro assays. To establish a more precise and reliable prediction model, it is necessary to utilize an extensive and high‐quality database consisting of information on drug molecule properties and structural patterns. In addition, we should also carefully select appropriate molecular descriptors that can be used to accurately depict compound characteristics. The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the prediction of DILI. First, we conducted a comparative analysis of the physicochemical properties of extensively well‐prepared DILI‐positive and DILI‐negative compounds. Then, we used classic substructure dissection methods to identify structural pattern differences between these two different types of chemical molecules. These findings indicate that it is not feasible to establish property or substructure‐based rules for distinguishing between DILI‐positive and DILI‐negative compounds. Finally, we developed quantitative classification models for predicting DILI using the naïve Bayes classifier (NBC) and recursive partitioning (RP) machine learning techniques. The optimal DILI prediction model was obtained using NBC, which combines 21 physicochemical properties, the VolSurf descriptors and the LCFP_10 fingerprint set. This model achieved a global accuracy (GA) of 0.855 and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.704 for the training set, while the corresponding values were 0.619 and 0.674 for the test set, respectively. Moreover, indicative substructural fragments favorable or unfavorable for DILI were identified from the best naïve Bayesian classification model. These findings may help prioritize lead compounds in the early stage of drug development pipelines.
Global, Regional and National Burden of Paediatric Atopic Dermatitis: A Trend and Geographic Inequalities Analysis
Authors: Cao Xueshan , Wang Minmin , Zhou Mengge , Mi Yuanqi , Guo Qi , Fan Yanbin , Guo Yang
Published: August 2024

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic skin disorder in children. We aimed to investigate trends and regional disparities of burden in paediatric AD at global, regional and national levels, and to explore potential associated factors.

Methods

Based on data from Global Burden of Disease study 2019, we assessed trends in burden of AD aged <19 years from 1990 to 2019, including prevalent and incident cases, age‐standardised prevalence and age‐standardised incidence. For potential associated factors, correlations of above trends and indexes of socio‐economic status (sociodemographic index, SDI) and health service coverage (universal health coverage index, UHCI) were evaluated. We conducted decomposition analysis to understand the net contribution of population‐level factors and their contribution proportions on changes of prevalent and incident cases, including age structure, population change and epidemiological change.

Results

Global prevalent and incident cases of paediatric AD increased by about 5.7 and 0.7 million between 1990 and 2019, respectively. Global age‐standardised prevalence and incidence decreased by −0.17% (−0.19% to −0.16%) and −0.12% (−0.13% to −0.11%) per year from 1990 to 2019, respectively. Regionally, the highest increase of prevalent and incident cases was in low SDI region (by 96.77% and 84.85%); the highest decrease of age‐standardised prevalence and incidence was in high SDI regions (by −0.20% and −0.27% per year). The correlation analyses identified significant negative correlations between trends and SDI and UHCI. Population change was a major driver of case rise; epidemiological change and age structure showed negative impact of case rise. Regional disparities in contribution of three population‐level factors were seen, including net contribution direction (positive or negative) and contribution proportion levels.

Conclusion

Global paediatric AD case numbers increased, primarily due to population growth. Prevalence and incidence decreased slightly. Geographic inequalities were seen. Developing region‐specific strategies targeting potential factors is essential to reduce paediatric AD burden.
Pandemic of sensitivity to acrylate containing nail cosmetic among young Israeli women? Result of patch testing 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate in the European baseline series
Authors: Hilewitz D. , Trattner A. , Reiter O. , Uvaidov V. , Noyman Y. , Solomon Cohen E. , Hackett A. , Mimouni D. , Snast I.
Published: August 2024

Background

2‐Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) was added into the European baseline series (EBS) in 2019. There is limited data regarding the frequency, relevance, and sources of exposure to HEMA.

Objectives

To investigate the frequency and clinical relevance of positive reactions to HEMA in the EBS in Israel, and explore sources of exposure.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study that included all patients who underwent patch testing with the EBS in a tertiary center in Israel between 2020 and 2023. Positive reactions to HEMA were stratified by sex, six age groups, and year of study. Sources of exposure to HEMA as well as occupational data were recorded.

Results

A total of 1671 consecutive patients underwent HEMA patch testing, with 135 (8.1%) showing positive reactions to HEMA (130 females, 5 males). The prevalence in women (11.0%) was significantly higher compared to men (1.0%) (p < 0.001). Stratification by age and sex revealed the highest frequency of HEMA sensitivity of 16.7% among women younger than 30 years of age, with odds ratio of 2.3 (95%CI: 1.6–3.3, p < 0.001) compared to older women. There was an increase in frequency among women between the years 2022 and 2023 when compared to 2020–2021 (OR 1.7, 95%CI: 1.5–2.1, p < 0.01) attributable to COVID‐19 pandemic and social restrictions. Among men the frequency fluctuations over the study period and age categories were nonsignificant. 111 (84%) were judged to be of clinical relevance and nail cosmetics was responsible for 95% of them. Of 111 patients with relevant reaction (110 females, 1 males), 20 (18%) had occupational contact dermatitis (18 nails stylists, 2 dentists). Other culprit products included sanitary pads (n = 4), medical adhesives (n = 3), and paints (n = 2).

Conclusion

We report the highest frequency of HEMA sensitivity to date of 8.1%, that was most common among young women and in vast majority of cases was attributable to nail cosmetics. Our findings reflect the popularity of nail cosmetics in Israel as well as the global trend of increasing sensitivity to (meth)acrylates.
The effect of expansion of nurse practitioner scope of practice on early COVID‐19 deaths
Authors: Chung Bobby W. , Trudeau Noah J.
Published: August 2024

Public safety is often used as an argument against expanding scope of practice (SOP) for nurse practitioners, despite the benefit of filling unmet health care demand. As a response to the COVID‐19 Pandemic, some states expanded SOP for nurse practitioners to accommodate the unprecedented healthcare challenge. We analyze the effect of the expansion of SOP on daily COVID‐19‐related mortality, exploiting the quasi‐random state policy changes at the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Checking different model specifications, we do not find evidence that expanding SOP for nurse practitioners during the pandemic causes adverse effects on patients measured by COVID‐19 mortality.
Appropriability, institutions, and welfare in a Tullock contest
Authors: Lahkar Ratul
Published: August 2024

We model institutional development through Tullock contests. We define appropriability in terms of the extent to which high effort can enable agents to acquire control of the resource in the contest. At low appropriability, all agents share the resource equitably at the Nash equilibrium. Hence, institutions are inclusive and have a high aggregate payoff and equality. Social welfare is high. However, with high appropriability, the strongest agents exclude others from the resource. Institutions are then exclusive. Excessive rent seeking by the strongest agents reduces payoffs but increases inequality. Social welfare is low. We also establish the robustness of the Nash equilibrium under the best response dynamic.
A comprehensive review of long‐distance hover fly migration (Diptera: Syrphidae)
Authors: Reynolds Samm K. , Clem C. Scott , Fitz‐Gerald Blair , Young Andrew D.
Published: August 2024

Hover flies (Diptera: Syrphidae) are a group of insects containing many migratory species that provide critical ecosystem services including pollination, decomposition and biological control. Their migratory behaviour remains largely overlooked and unacknowledged, but an influx of contemporary research is beginning to shift this.

The goal of this review is to summarise and synthesise the past 150+ years of global hover fly migration research from over 50 papers in multiple languages. Here, we provide comprehensive evidence for hover fly migration through the lens of the methodologies used for studying these phenomena, the biological mechanisms for migration and the associated ecological and economic impacts. We also include an inventory of all recognised migratory species and discuss taxonomic patterns.

In total, we compiled accounts of 46 species that are considered migratory, most of which were sourced from Europe. Recent reports, however, have also described hover fly migration in North America, Asia, the Middle East and Australia. Approximately 70% of these species are from the subfamily Syrphinae, which are important biological control agents.

The migratory behaviour of hover flies has substantial impacts on ecosystem services and may be linked to long‐distance gene flow for many angiosperms via pollen transportation. These insects are also likely redistributing biological control services at a continental scale on an annual basis, which has major repercussions for the management of crop pests such as aphids. The sensitivity of hover fly migration to anthropogenic impacts is not well known, but shifting climatic conditions, pollution and increased habitat fragmentation are likely impactful and should be further explored.

Despite recent advances and increased interest in the subject, hover fly migration remains understudied and many major knowledge gaps continue to persist.
The P3 event‐related potential increases when humans learn a strategy for motor adaptation
Authors: Korka Betina , Stenner Max‐Philipp
Published: August 2024

Human motor learning involves cognitive strategies in addition to implicit adaptation. Differences in systems‐level neurophysiology between strategy‐based and implicit learning remain poorly understood. We asked how the P3 event‐related potential, an electroencephalography signal known to increase during early motor learning, relates to strategy‐based learning and implicit adaptation. We re‐analysed data from two experiments, in which participants (n = 64) reached towards a visual target, with online visual feedback replacing vision of their moving hand. We induced learning by rotating the visual feedback. In the first experiment, feedback rotations were turned on during pairs of two consecutive trials, interspersed between non‐rotated trials. In one condition, feedback was rotated relative to the actual movement, allowing participants to develop a re‐aiming strategy on the second trial of each pair, while it was rotated relative to the target in the other condition, rendering re‐aiming futile. P3 amplitude increased in the first rotated trial in both conditions, but this increase was more pronounced in the re‐aiming condition. In the second experiment, a constant visuomotor rotation was turned on for many consecutive trials. We instructed one group beforehand how to re‐aim successfully, while the other group had to develop a strategy by themselves. P3 amplitude increased during early adaptation only in the latter group. These findings collectively suggest that in the context of motor learning, the P3 ERP is associated with a need to develop, or adjust, a cognitive strategy.
Enhanced functional brain network integration in mild cognitive impairment during cognitive task performance: A compensatory mechanism or a result of neural disinhibition?
Authors: Požar Rok , Martin Tim , Giordani Bruno , Kavcic Voyko
Published: August 2024

Although previous studies have observed increased global network integration during tasks in persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), the association between this integration and actual task performance has remained unexplored. Understanding this link is crucial for uncovering the underlying mechanism behind these changes in network integration and their potential role in MCI. Here, to find such a link, we investigated brain network integration derived from electroencephalography recordings during a visual motion discrimination task in older adults with MCI and those with normal cognition. We focused on a critical period just before stimulus presentation, which is known to be important for task performance. Our results revealed that during this period, MCI patients exhibited increased network integration compared to controls. Interestingly, increased integration was associated with worse task performance in the MCI group, suggesting it was not beneficial. No such association was found in the control group. Notably, this difference existed despite similar overall task performance between the groups. This suboptimal integration pattern during the cognitive task might reflect network de‐differentiation due to disinhibition in MCI patients. Collectively, our study highlights the potential of analysing network integration during tasks to identify cognitive impairment and suggest a distinct role for network integration in MCI patients compared with healthy controls.
Ten years of urea fertilization alter the pqqC‐harbouring community and increase soil inorganic phosphorus mobilization
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhang Hui , Xu Cong , Zhong Yuehua , Xu Xianju , Yuan Jie , Wang Jidong , Zhang Yongchun
Published: August 2024

The bacterial communities that harbour the pyrroloquinoline quinone gene (pqqC‐harbouring bacteria communities) play a pivotal role in the mobilization of inorganic phosphorus (Pi). However, there is limited knowledge regarding the connection between soil pqqC‐harbouring bacterial communities and Pi fractions, as well as the factors that can regulate them, particularly under different fertilization strategies in the agricultural soil. High‐throughput sequencing was used to investigate the pqqC‐harbouring communities from the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) season in a 9‐year field experiment, including without fertilization (control), nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertilization (NK), NPK fertilization (NPK) and the combined application of chemical NPK and organic fertilizer (NPKM), and to explore their relationships with Pi fractions and their regulatory factors. Long‐term N fertilization and crop type substantially changed the community composition of pqqC‐harbouring bacteria but had no effect on their diversity. In two crop seasons, long‐term N fertilization significantly increased the content and proportion of moderately labile Pi (aluminium‐ and iron‐bound P) and available P (AP) and significantly decreased the proportion of recalcitrant Pi (calcium‐bound P) compared with the control. Specifically, AP increased by 79%–778%, Fe‐P by 64%–88%, and Al‐P by 71%–308%, while Ca‐P decreased by 10%–59%. N fertilization increased the relative abundance of Micromonospora, which was significantly positively correlated with moderately labile Pi and AP. Moreover, the relative abundance of some Streptomyces increased by 391% in the sweet potato season, and they were positively correlated with AP. Structural equation modelling revealed that the interplay between the pqqC‐harbouring community composition and Pi mobilization was mainly governed by pH, underscoring the role of pH in shaping the communities of Pi‐mobilizing microbes and their effect on Pi mobilization processes. This study emphasized how N fertilization and crops reshape Pi‐mobilizing microbial communities, which in turn affects Pi mobilization and P availability. Overall, these findings offer valuable insights into optimizing P cycles and availability through N fertilization strategies.
Oscillatory and nonoscillatory sleep electroencephalographic biomarkers of the epileptic network
Authors: Latreille Véronique , Corbin‐Lapointe Justin , Peter‐Derex Laure , Thomas John , Lina Jean‐Marc , Frauscher Birgit
Published: August 2024

Objective

In addition to the oscillatory brain activity, the nonoscillatory (scale‐free) components of the background electroencephalogram (EEG) may provide further information about the complexity of the underlying neuronal network. As epilepsy is considered a network disease, such scale‐free metrics might help to delineate the epileptic network. Here, we performed an analysis of the sleep oscillatory (spindle, slow wave, and rhythmic spectral power) and nonoscillatory (H exponent) intracranial EEG using multiple interictal features to estimate whether and how they deviate from normalcy in 38 adults with drug‐resistant epilepsy.

Methods

To quantify intracranial EEG abnormalities within and outside the seizure onset areas, patients' values were adjusted based on normative maps derived from the open‐access Montreal Neurological Institute open iEEG Atlas. In a subset of 29 patients who underwent resective surgery, we estimated the predictive value of these features to identify the epileptogenic zone in those with a good postsurgical outcome.

Results

We found that distinct sleep oscillatory and nonoscillatory metrics behave differently across the epileptic network, with the strongest differences observed for (1) a reduction in spindle activity (spindle rates and rhythmic sigma power in the 10–16 Hz band), (2) a higher rhythmic gamma power (30–80 Hz), and (3) a higher H exponent (steeper 1/f slope). As expected, epileptic spikes were also highest in the seizure onset areas. Furthermore, in surgical patients, the H exponent achieved the highest performance (balanced accuracy of .76) for classifying resected versus nonresected channels in good outcome patients.

Significance

This work suggests that nonoscillatory components of the intracranial EEG signal could serve as promising interictal sleep candidates of epileptogenicity in patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy. Our findings further advance the understanding of epilepsy as a disease, whereby absence or loss of sleep physiology may provide information complementary to pathological epileptic processes.
Rule of law backsliding within the EU: The case of informal readmissions of third‐country nationals at internal borders
Authors: Pistoia Emanuela
Published: August 2024

The essay deals with the enhancement of the legal framework for informal readmissions at internal borders enshrined in the former Schengen Border Code (now Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders), which in turn requires enhancement of bilateral police cooperation. It focuses on the impact of the new rules on the prohibition on police controls equivalent to border checks to highlight that the case‐law of the Court of Justice on the matter creates a huge grey area which is critical for the ideal of a border‐check‐free Union. Increased use of video surveillance and other technologies also faces the legal bottleneck of prohibition on police controls having equivalent effects to border checks, as well as raising serious concerns about fundamental rights. It is argued that the situation resulting from these amendments to the former Schengen Border Code should be considered in terms of an impending rule of law crisis at internal borders.
The regulation of AI‐based migration technologies under the EU AI Act: (Still) operating in the shadows?
Authors: Stewart Ludivine Sarah
Published: August 2024

While Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a key element in supporting the migration and border management policies of the European Union and its Member States, so far, AI‐based migration technologies have been tested and implemented with limited public scrutiny. In this context, the EU AI Act holds the promise of a regulation in line with the protection of fundamental rights and the rule of law. While Member States are bound by existing EU legislation when deploying AI, the Act represents the first attempt to regulate this technology in migration and border management. This paper examines the evolution of the Act throughout the negotiation process and its potential to hold actors involved in AI‐driven migration technology accountable, thereby promoting the rule of law. It argues that while the regulation offers promising and important elements, a closer examination brings to light important concerns about its ability to ensure accountability.
Low cycle fatigue behavior of AZ31 magnesium alloy joined by friction stir welding
Authors: Türkan Murat , Karakaş Özler , Berto Filippo
Published: August 2024

This study, aims to weld the 5.2 mm thick AZ31 magnesium alloy with conventional friction stir welding at the highest joining efficiency. As a result of the experiments, 88% joining efficiency in tensile strength has been obtained at 1250 rpm, 400 mm.min−1 welding parameter. As a result of micro–macrostructure photographic examinations of the samples joined with these parameters, it is seen that the joining is fully realized. Samples joined with these parameters have been used in fatigue tests. According to the strain‐controlled low cycle fatigue test results performed on welded and base metal samples, the base metal samples have exceeded the 50,000‐cycle limit without failure, with an elongation rate of 0.3%, and the welded samples with an elongation rate of 0.2%. Low cycle fatigue parameters of welded and base metal samples have been obtained according to the Coffin‐Manson‐Basquin equation.
Does the inclusion of crop and forestry components in forage‐based systems affect the ruminal fermentation and methane production of Marandu palisadegrass?
Authors: Monteiro Alyce , Gomes Fagner J. , Hoslchuch Solange G. , Almeida Otávio G. , Pedreira Bruno C. , Abdalla Adibe L.
Published: August 2024

Understanding how forage can be utilized in the rumen is important for optimizing system efficiency. We aimed to evaluate the ruminal fermentation parameters and methane (CH4) production of Marandu palisadegrass [Brachiaria (syn. Urochloa) brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R. D. Webster] growing in monoculture or in integrated systems. The experiment was conducted over 3 years to evaluate four systems [livestock (L), livestock‐forestry (LF), crop‐livestock (CL), and crop‐livestock‐forestry (CLF)] during the dry and rainy seasons. In the dry season, palisadegrass in CLF presented the greater crude protein (CP) and the lesser neutral detergent fibre (NDF) concentrations. The greatest gas volume was produced in L, while LF and CL reduced CH4 production compared to L. The greatest ammoniacal‐nitrogen concentration, propionate and valeric acid proportions, and degradability of NDF were in CLF. In the rainy season, palisadegrass in LF and CLF presented the greater CP concentration and the lesser CH4 production. Integration of crop and forestry components in a forage‐based livestock system affected ruminal fermentation parameters of Marandu palisadegrass, consequently, reducing CH4 production. In addition, the inclusion of a forestry component enhanced forage CP concentration. Integrated systems can improve ruminal fermentation, supporting sustainable livestock production and optimizing forage utilization.
Paths to status among public research universities in the United States, 2010–2021
Authors: Taylor Barrett J. , Cantwell Brendan
Published: August 2024

Although universities are often characterised as ‘elite’, institutions can attain status in multiple dimensions—reputation, research, money and selectivity. We studied 21st century public universities in the United States, using latent profile analysis to identify which universities followed each path to status. Most universities pursued none, and very few pursued all four. Membership in the four groups was stable over time, indicating limited mobility.
Antibody feedback regulation
Authors: Heyman Birgitta
Published: August 2024

Antibodies are able to up‐ or downregulate antibody responses to the antigen they bind. Two major mechanisms can be distinguished. Suppression is most likely caused by epitope masking and can be induced by all isotypes tested (IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, IgG3, IgM, and IgE). Enhancement is often caused by the redistribution of antigen in a favorable way, either for presentation to B cells via follicular dendritic cells (IgM and IgG3) or to CD4+ T cells via dendritic cells (IgE, IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b). IgM and IgG3 complexes activate complement and are transported from the marginal zone to follicles by marginal zone B cells expressing complement receptors. IgE–antigen complexes are captured by CD23+ B cells in the blood and transported to follicles, delivered to CD8α+ conventional dendritic cells, and presented to CD4+ T cells. Enhancement of antibody responses by IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b in complex with proteins requires activating FcγRs. These immune complexes are captured by dendritic cells and presented to CD4+ T cells, subsequently helping cognate B cells. Endogenous feedback regulation influences the response to booster doses of vaccines and passive administration of anti‐RhD antibodies is used to prevent alloimmunization of RhD‐negative women carrying RhD‐positive fetuses.