bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primordial black holes from first-order phase transition in the singlet-extended SM
Authors: Gonçalves Dorival , Kaladharan Ajay , Wu Yongcheng
Published: February 2025

Supercooled first-order phase transition (FOPT) can lead to the formation of primordial black holes (PBHs). This scenario imposes stringent requirements on the profile of the effective potential. In this work, we use the singlet extended Standard Model (xSM) as a benchmark model to investigate this possibility at the electroweak scale. The PBHs formed during a supercooled FOPT have a narrow mass distribution around the mass of Earth. This distribution is closely tied to the temperature at which the PBHs form, corresponding to the FOPT at the electroweak scale. This scenario can be probed with microlensing experiments, space-based gravitational wave detectors, and collider experiments. Remarkably, the future space-based gravitational wave detector LISA will hold the potential to either confirm this scenario that leads to PBH formation across the observable Universe in the xSM or completely rule it out. Interestingly, our findings suggest that PBHs within the xSM framework may align with observations of the six ultrashort timescale events reported by the OGLE microlensing experiment.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Generalized Lindblad master equation for neutrino evolution
Authors: Stankevich Konstantin , Studenikin Alexander , Vyalkov Maksim
Published: February 2025

A new theoretical framework, based on the quantum field theory of open systems applied to neutrinos, has been developed. This framework aims to describe the neutrino evolution in external environment, taking into account the effect of neutrino quantum decoherence. We have applied this approach to investigate a novel mechanism for neutrino quantum decoherence, which arises due to the neutrino decay into a lighter neutrino state and a massless particle, as well as the inverse process of absorption of a massless particle by a neutrino. We derived the new generalized Lindblad master equation for the neutrino evolution that accounts for neutrino transitions between states with different momenta. We also demonstrate that studying of neutrino quantum decoherence through this master equation provides a unique possibility to determine or limit the neutrino decay width. On this basis we obtained the constraint on neutrino lifetime τ2m2>1.83×10−10  seV (for the case of the Dirac neutrino scalar decay and neutrino degenerate hierarchy).

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Revisiting subregion holography using OPE blocks
Authors: Nath Mrityunjay , Sahoo Satyabrata , Sarkar Debajyoti
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we revisit the entanglement wedge representation of AdS3 bulk fields in terms of CFT operator product expansion (OPE) blocks for a general class of blocks. Given a boundary interval and its associated causal diamond, the OPEs involve boundary operators with or without spin, and located either at spacelike or timelike edges of the diamond. Only for a subset of these cases, can the OPE block be dual to a geodesic bulk field. We show that when applied to de Sitter, a suitable combination of Euclidean OPE blocks can represent a dS scalar integrated over the timelike extremal surfaces, which play an important role in defining pseudoentropy. We also work out some simple higher dimensional examples.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Complete Dispersive Evaluation of the Hadronic Light-by-Light Contribution to Muon
g−2
Authors: Hoferichter Martin , Stoffer Peter , Zillinger Maximilian
Published: February 2025

Hadronic light-by-light (HLbL) scattering defines one of the critical contributions in the Standard Model prediction of the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon. In this Letter, we present a complete evaluation using a dispersive formalism, in which the HLbL tensor is reconstructed from its discontinuities, expressed in terms of simpler hadronic matrix elements that can be extracted from experiment. Profiting from recent developments in the determination of axial-vector transition form factors, short-distance constraints for the HLbL tensor, and the vector–vector–axial-vector correlator, we obtain aμHLbL=101.9(7.9)×10−11, which meets the precision requirements set by the final result of the Fermilab experiment.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Function smoothing regularization for precision factorization machine annealing in continuous variable optimization problems
Authors: Endo Katsuhiro , Takahashi Kazuaki Z.
Published: February 2025

Solving continuous variable optimization problems by factorization machine quantum annealing (FMQA) demonstrates the potential of Ising machines to be extended as a solver for integer and real optimization problems. However, the details of the Hamiltonian function surface obtained by the factorization machine (FM) have been overlooked. This study shows that in the widely used case where real numbers are represented by a combination of binary variables, the function surface of the Hamiltonian obtained by FM can be very noisy. This noise interferes with the inherent capabilities of quantum annealing and is likely to be a substantial cause of problems previously considered unsolvable because of the limitations of FMQA performance. The origin of the noise is identified and a simple, general method is proposed to prevent its occurrence. The generalization performance of the proposed method and its ability to solve practical problems is demonstrated.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
The association between virtual communication and leadership in the post-pandemic era: the role of emotional intelligence
Authors: Chouhan Vikram Singh , Shukla Abhishek
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The study aims to examine the association between virtual communication effectiveness (VCE), leadership effectiveness (LE) and the role of emotional intelligence (EI) in the post-pandemic era.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted among 305 employees in the Indian IT sector using an online questionnaire. Data were analyzed using reliability, validity and moderated regression analysis.

Findings

The findings reveal that VCE is a significant predictor of LE. EI plays a significant moderating role between VCE and LE.

Originality/value

This study establishes the role of EI in pre-empting LE. Furthermore, it results in the advancement of improved tools for the selection, training and development of leadership talent. Research on virtual communication (VC) and EI enhances our understanding of effective leadership. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present research is one of the first to link and standardize various practices of VC, and EI to increase LE in the post-pandemic era.
Data-driven identification method for bolt looseness of complicated tower structure
Authors: Gao Yingbo , Yan Bo , Yang Hanxu , Deng Mao , Lv Zhongbin , Zhang Bo , Liu Guanghui
Published: February 2025

Purpose

A transmission tower usually experiences bolt loosening under long-term alternating cyclic load, which may lead to collapse of the tower in extreme operating conditions. The paper aims to propose a data-driven identification method for bolt looseness of complicated tower structures based on reduced-order models and numerical simulations to perceive and evaluate the health state of a tower in operation.

Design/methodology/approach

The equivalent stiffnesses of three types of bolt joints under various loosening scenarios are numerically determined by three-dimensional finite element (FE) simulations. The order of the FE model of a tower structure with bolt loosening is reduced by means of the component modal synthesis method, and the dynamic responses of the reducer-order model under calibration loads are simulated and used to create the dataset. An identification model for bolt looseness of the tower structure based on convolutional neural networks driven by the acceleration sensors is constructed.

Findings

An identification model for bolt looseness of the tower structure based on convolutional neural networks driven by the acceleration sensors is constructed and the applicability of the model is investigated. It is shown that the proposed method has a high identification accuracy and strong robustness to data noise and data missing. Meanwhile, the method is less dependent on the number and location of sensors and is easier to apply in real transmission lines.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a data-driven identification method for bolt looseness of a complicated tower structure based on reduced-order models and numerical simulations. Non-linear relationships between equivalent stiffness of bolted joints and bolt preload depicting looseness are obtained and reduced-order model of tower structure with bolt looseness is established. Finally, this paper investigates applicability of identification model for bolt looseness.
Framework for detecting, assessing and mitigating mental health issue in the context of online social networks: a viewpoint paper
Authors: Roggendorf Polina , Volkov Andrei
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The development and presentation of a framework that integrates modern methods for detecting, assessing and mitigating mental health issues in the context of dynamic and adverse changes in social networks.

Design/methodology/approach

This viewpoint is based on a literature review of current advancements in the field. The use of causal discovery and causal inference methods forms the foundation for applying all the techniques included in the framework (machine learning, deep learning, explainable AI as well as large language models and generative AI). Additionally, an analysis of network effects and their influence on users’ emotional states is conducted.

Findings

The synergy of all methods used in the framework, combined with causal analysis, opens new horizons in predicting and diagnosing mental health disorders. The proposed framework demonstrates its applicability in providing additional analytics for the studied subjects (individual traits and factors that worsen mental health). It also proves its ability to identify hidden factors and processes.

Originality/value

The proposed framework offers a novel perspective on addressing mental health issues in the context of rapidly evolving digital platforms. Its flexibility allows for the adaptation of tools and methods to various scenarios and user groups. Its application can contribute to the development of more accurate algorithms that account for the impact of negative (including hidden) external factors affecting users. Furthermore, it can assist in the diagnostic process.
Surviving a cognitive crisis at work: understanding the causes and consequences of cognitive dissonance
Authors: Shah Javaid Ali , Lacaze Delphine
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, most of the previous studies have primarily studied the cognitive dissonance outcomes of a single organization’s employees and have used a quantitative approach to study cognitive dissonance. This study attempts to improve this shortcoming and explores the cognitive dissonance in employees of different workplaces. Furthermore, multiple previous related studies focused on a specific stage rather than the whole process of cognitive dissonance. Current study tends to explain the process by systematically postulating the antecedents and conflicts faced by employees that cause cognitive dissonance and effect their personal and professional lives.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from two samples, i.e. France and Pakistan. A total of 30 interviews were performed to collect data about employees’ work environments and dissonant situations. Gioia’s methodology of two-order thematic analyses was used, and multiple themes were produced that were embedded in the context of cognitive dissonance.

Findings

The qualitative study revealed that the employees exposed to cognitive dissonance suffered in both professional and individual lives in different manners (physically and mentally).

Practical implications

This study contributes significantly to cognitive dissonance theory by highlighting the powerful urge for dissonance reduction during dissonant experiences. It also emphasizes the detrimental influence of work contextual factors, such as unfairness and injustice on employee positivity. This study suggests that researching dissonance reduction strategies can be a valuable resource for effective organizational interventions. By promoting a workplace where employees, stakeholders and organizational agents can cooperate and communicate effectively in decision-making processes.

Originality/value

In the current paper, the authors considered improving the cognitive dissonance theory, primarily conceptual inadequacies and its connection with work ethics. As a better comprehension of the methodological perspectives is imperative to future hypothetical advancement, the authors proposed some approaches to address these deficiencies.
Competitive and polyphonic reactivity to accountability pressures in digital public sector reporting: insights from Italian state museums
Authors: Agostino Deborah
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study investigates the reactions of public sector organisations to the accountability pressures of online dashboards and the impact of this reactivity on reporting systems. This study explores the concept of “reactivity,” which explains changes in organisational behaviours in reaction to being evaluated, observed or measured.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a case study methodology to investigate organisations’ reactivity to an online dashboard within the Italian system of state museums. Data were gathered through a real-time dashboard initiated in 2019, complemented by interviews, participant observations and secondary sources collected over a period of three years.

Findings

The results indicate that online dashboards provoke a divergent but coexistent response: competitive reactivity when museums modify their behaviours to improve performance disclosed in the online dashboard, and polyphonic reactivity when museums question the algorithm’s validity and accuracy on the basis of the online dashboard. This finding reveals the emergence of layered accountability, with organisations balancing public expectations and hierarchical standards through manipulation and boycott, thereby giving rise to a decoupled system of measures.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the literature on public sector accountability by highlighting the dual nature of reactivity, both conforming to and resisting the imposed metrics. This study enhances our understanding of the interplay between digital accountability mechanisms and organisational responses, offering insights into the complexities of adapting to real-time, data-driven environments in the public sector.
Prioritisation of barriers in the journey of regenerative tourism – a DEMATEL perspective
Authors: Agarwal Alpana , Ojha Ravindra
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Humans are the most significant entity in the fast-growing tourism ecosystem. Paradoxically, many of the environmental crises caused by tourism are the consequences of anthropocentrism. Therefore, initiatives for regenerative tourism are imperative. This paper aims to identify and understand the key barriers and their interrelationships under regenerative tourism and provide recommendations for progress.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature review and focus group approach identified barriers to regenerative tourism. Then, the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) methodology was applied to analyse the strength and cause-and-effect interrelationships between the barriers.

Findings

The scatter plot and digraph of the data set from DEMATEL have provided useful insights. The strongest barrier is the absence of an evolved comprehensive framework for regenerative tourism for each location. A linear mindset and lack of a single-window approach for regenerative initiatives are the two cause barriers. The two strongest effect barriers are the lack of symbiotic relationship/management between various entities in the tourism ecosystem, and operational barriers focused only on short-term routine business objectives.

Practical implications

The DEMATEL approach has brought out useful stakeholder insights. It has set the priorities for focus based on the degree of interrelationship strength and the relationship’s kind (cause or effect). It has provided stakeholders for futuristic regenerative tourism.

Originality/value

Application of the DEMATEL approach for analysing the cause-and-effect dynamics between the twelve barriers to the future of regenerative tourism.
Caring for innovation: practices of compassion in health and social care
Authors: Manfrini Caterina , Duff Cameron
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Across the public sector, and especially in the delivery of health and social care and support, practicing innovation is a difficult and seldom rewarding activity. The organisational barriers inhibiting innovation adoption in healthcare settings have been widely discussed. What is less well understood is what motivates staff to persist with innovation efforts despite these barriers. This paper contributes to recent studies of the role of care and compassion in innovation processes within social care settings not only to generate new insights into the motivations underpinning innovation efforts but also to help illuminate how staff overcome barriers to innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

We crafted a series of vignettes from our recent ethnographic studies of innovation across the health and social care sectors in Australia and Denmark, involving semi-structured interviews, observation and field notes. Within the Danish case, we explore an instance involving a formal organisational focus on identifying and sustaining innovation within local service deliver. With the Australian case, we present an informal approach, where the process of identifying and sustaining innovation derives from moments of spontaneous employee engagement and initiative.

Findings

Reflecting on the examples of “frugal innovation” presented in these vignettes, the major contribution of this study is to situate care and compassion as critical social, affective and material aspects of the practice of innovation in health and social care settings. Our analysis indicates how the practice of innovation is shaped by diverse relations of caregiving, where compassion emerges as a key source of motivation, aspiration and application that inspires staff to seek novel solutions to enduring healthcare challenges.

Originality/value

We develop our argument with reference to recent interdisciplinary orientations to care and compassion in the healthcare literature, incorporating contributions from feminist scholars and the ongoing articulation of feminist care ethics in the study of innovation.
Lived experiences and the structure of shared leadership in entrepreneurial firms: delegation, empowerment and performance
Authors: Chandranathan Preman
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss findings from a study which explored the lived experiences of leadership among owner-managers and employees of growing entrepreneurial firms. In doing so it contributes to the conceptual development of entrepreneurial leadership via shared leadership theory and qualitative empirical material.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilised a qualitative, interpretivist and comparative case study approach. Findings were developed from the analysis of 38 interviews conducted with organisational members of 5 entrepreneurial firms located in the northwest of England.

Findings

The findings illustrate an understanding of shared entrepreneurial leadership, which is premised upon organisational ownership and characterized by three mutually interacting forms of influence in the settings of interest. These three forms of influence are: (1) hierarchical downward influence, which includes (2) empowerment as a means of enabling employees so they are positioned to influence work processes and (3) lateral peer influence within teams.

Research limitations/implications

This paper also highlights the importance of organisational ownership as a contextual factor that may influence entrepreneurial leadership. It offers recommendations for further research in this regard to develop entrepreneurial leadership research.

Practical implications

For practitioners, this paper highlights the dynamics of a more collectivist approach to leadership and how this might be practiced within entrepreneurial firms. The findings illustrate more trust, delegation and empowerment on the part of hierarchical leaders and mutuality and co-performance on the part of organisational members as all involved work collaboratively towards objectives associated with venture-building.

Originality/value

This paper contributes a contextualised, nuanced account of shared leadership processes and dynamics in owner-managed, growth-oriented entrepreneurial firms, representing the first to do so via qualitative insights in entrepreneurial leadership research.
Ethical financial management: code of ethics quality and the cost of debt
Authors: Petruzzella Felice , Giakoumelou Anastasia , Raimo Nicola , Marrone Arcangelo , Vitolla Filippo
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The growing focus on corporate ethics, driven by a series of high-profile corporate scandals, has highlighted the necessity for companies to adopt high-quality ethical codes, thereby drawing significant attention from academic literature. Under the lens of agency theory, this study aims to investigate the impact of the quality of ethical codes on the cost of debt.

Design/methodology/approach

A scoring model was used to assess the quality of ethical codes across 110 listed firms within the S&P 500 index. Subsequently, a linear regression model was employed to examine the influence of ethical code quality on the cost of debt.

Findings

The findings reveal a negative relationship between the quality of ethical codes and the cost of debt. This suggests that companies demonstrating a stronger ethical commitment, as evidenced by the adoption of high-quality ethical codes, gain financial benefits through more favorable financing conditions.

Practical implications

This study offers valuable practical implications for firms. By demonstrating the negative relationship between high-quality ethical codes and the cost of debt, it provides firms with a compelling incentive to develop such codes. In this regard, this study emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the conscientious and effective implementation of ethical codes over their mere formal adoption.

Originality/value

This study makes significant contributions to the academic literature. Firstly, it enhances knowledge regarding ethical code quality by conducting an in-depth analysis of a diverse sample of leading US-listed companies. Secondly, it highlights the financial advantages associated with the development of high-quality ethical codes. Thirdly, it broadens the application of agency theory to explain the complex relationship between ethical code quality and the cost of debt.
Projects benefit realisation through sustainable innovation: drivers and challenges
Authors: Paravano Alessandro , Locatelli Giorgio , Trucco Paolo
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Projects are increasingly becoming the key means of benefits realisation through sustainable innovation. Yet, the literature has predominantly focused on the “sustainability of projects”, emphasising traditional project short-term success metrics like time, cost and quality. This narrow perspective falls short of explaining how organisations should leverage sustainable innovation to generate broader project benefits. Our research addresses this gap by taking the recent “sustainability by project” conceptualisation. We answer the questions: (RQ1) “How do projects realise benefits through sustainable innovation?” and (RQ2) What are the drivers and challenges for organisations developing these projects?”

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical context is the European Space Economy. We performed a single case study regarding the European Space Agency Business application program, which aims to foster sustainable innovation to realise the benefits to society. Following a grounded theory approach, we conducted and analysed 44 interviews with managers and triangulated them with secondary data.

Findings

We build a theoretical framework explaining how projects realise benefits through sustainable innovation. We found that the drivers for benefits realisation are (1) envisioning a common sustainable future and (2) opening to the project ecology. Challenges are (1) struggling to take off sustainable innovation and (2) having a short-sighted view of the future. We also identified the practices and conditions managers consider antecedents of the drivers and challenges.

Practical implications

Managers may implement the identified practices to activate key drivers and navigate challenges in achieving project benefits through sustainable innovation. Policymakers could utilise these insights to shape policies that foster a project ecology conducive to sustainable innovation and long-term benefit realisation.

Originality/value

Our paper contributes to reconciling sustainable innovation and project benefit realisation. We offer a new empirical-grounded perspective to pivot from the “sustainability of projects” toward the “sustainability by projects”, showing the drivers and challenges for project benefits realisation.
Streamers and viewers in live-streaming e-commerce: a social learning perspective
Authors: Hao Shuaikang , Chen Hao
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The prevalence of live-streaming e-commerce leads to massive impulse purchases. Based on social learning theory, this study proposes a research model to explore the effect of streamers and viewers on impulsive buying by influencing consumers’ certainty perception.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a questionnaire (N = 285) to collect data and conducts a partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) analysis to examine our research hypotheses.

Findings

Our results indicate that streamers and viewers improve product demand certainty and product quality certainty, but their effects on streamer quality certainty vary. In addition, product quality certainty is positively associated with impulsive buying, whereas streamer quality certainty and product demand certainty show a negative effect. Streamers can only drive impulse purchases by increasing product quality certainty, but the influence of viewers on consumers’ impulsive buying is fully mediated by product quality certainty and streamer quality certainty.

Originality/value

Our findings contribute to the literature on live-streaming e-commerce (LSE) by identifying the differential effects of streamers and viewers on impulsive buying. In addition, we broaden the area of certainty research in the LSE field to include product quality certainty, streamer quality certainty and product demand certainty and evaluate these certainty aspects as three psychological mechanisms that drive consumers’ impulse purchases.
Females’ perception on the safety levels of urban alleys in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
Authors: Xu Tengyun , Aziz Faziawati Abdul , Ujang Norsidah , Shahidan Mohd Fairuz , Hasna Mohd Fabian , Safar Mohamed , Aiblu Aymen
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to understand females’ perception on the safety level of urban alleys in Bukit Bintang area, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and thus identify the common safety features present in the alleys.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a quantitative approach, based on the descriptive analysis of the safety data, the mean and median were calculated to identify the alleys with higher safety levels and to extract their common features.

Findings

These alleys had certain safety features in common, such as open views, high walls or buildings on both sides, a sense of community or business presence, adequate lighting, human and vehicle presence, safety facilities, cleanliness and moderate greenery.

Originality/value

The study identified these features as key contributors to improved safety levels, which in turn enhance the perception of safety among female users. The findings might assist policymakers or urban planners in managing and building urban alleys in a more effective and safe manner.
Improving Resolution of Near Surface Structure Imaging Based on Elastic Full Waveform Inversion
Authors: Wang Yihao , Xue Zhiwen , Bradford John , Gase Andrew
Published: February 2025

Estimating structure of pyroclastic deposits plays an important role in the interpretation of volcanic geology and evaluation of potential hazard. We aim to invert near surface seismic data to produce high‐resolution images of pyroclastic density current deposits resulting from the 18 May 1980 volcanic eruption at Mount St. Helens, Washington, USA. Elastic full waveform inversion is a popular data fitting method used to estimate seismic properties of the earth. Due to the great challenges in the convergence of elastic full waveform inversion when inverting high‐frequency and complex near‐surface land seismic data, we develop a specific workflow to improve the resolution of velocity models that progress from traveltime inversion and surface wave inversion to full elastic full waveform inversion. The final inverted models include fine‐scale feature structures that compare favourably to an adjacent outcrop. The final data fitting shows significant improvement with normalized waveform misfit decreasing from 1 to 0.4.
Effect of Comprehensive Individualised Interventions on the Clinical Outcomes of Patients With Recurrent Implantation Failure: A Single‐Centre Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Li Yuan , Zhao Qi , Fan Xiangxiu , Ma Shujuan , Lin Ge , Gong Fei
Published: February 2025

Objective

The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of comprehensive individualised interventions on the clinical outcomes of patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF), as few studies have evaluated their effectiveness.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary hospital, from June 2016 to December 2022.

Population

Overall, 1546 patients with RIF underwent endometrial biopsy during implantation.

Methods

The comprehensive individualised interventions were conducted on the basis of the endometrial histological dating, endometrial CD138 count, endometrial immune‐cell proportion and endometrial microbiota testing.

Main Outcome Measures

Cumulative ongoing pregnancy rate (cOPR).

Results

The median number of failed transfer cycles was 3 (range, 2–12), and the cOPR was 58.0%. The rates of window of implantation (WOI) displacement, CD138 positivity, imbalanced endometrial immune‐cell proportion, endometrial microbiota testing, multiple factors and unexplained RIF were 34.0%, 9.3%, 7.5%, 4.1%, 32.4% and 12.7%, respectively. The cOPRs of the individualised frozen embryo transfers in patients having RIF with WOI displacement, WOI CD138 positivity, imbalanced endometrial immune‐cell proportion, endometrial microbiota testing, multiple factors and unexplained RIF were 64.1%, 57.6%, 55.1%, 38%, 64.2% and 34.5%, respectively. After adjusting for basic characteristics through logistic regression analysis, the cOPRs of the WOI displacement group, WOI CD138 positive group and immune‐cell proportion imbalanced group remained higher than that of the unexplained RIF group. However, the cOPR was comparable between the endometrial microbiota testing and unexplained RIF groups.

Conclusion

Comprehensive individualised interventions may improve clinical outcomes for patients with RIF, warranting further investigation.
Association of Zona Pellucida Gene Variants With Female Infertility: A Retrospective Genetic Analysis
Authors: Sa Sha‐wei , Wang Li‐li , Ma Qian‐hong
Published: February 2025

Objective

We investigated the clinical characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of patients with zona pellucida (ZP) gene variants undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment, to identify variants associated with female infertility.

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

University‐based reproductive medicine centre.

Population

Twelve patients in whom only empty follicles or degenerated oocytes were retrieved after controlled ovulation stimulation and for whom no successful pregnancies were achieved after ART treatment.

Methods

Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) and Sanger sequencing were performed on DNA obtained from peripheral blood of the patients. The VCF files generated by the Genome Analysis Toolkit were functionally annotated using SnpEff with reference to the refSeq, gnomAD, dbSNP, InhouseSNP, ClinVar and dbNSFP databases.

Main Outcome Measures

American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) annotation of the SnpEff results was performed using InterVar.

Results

We identified 14 ZP variants, including eight novel variants. These included heterozygous variants in ZP1, ZP2 and ZP3. These findings contribute to the understanding of ZP gene variants and their roles in the diagnosis of an abnormal ZP.

Conclusions

ZP gene variants are associated with female infertility, which can potentially affect ART outcomes. Therefore, ZP gene variant screening should be performed in female patients experiencing ART failure with pertinent clinical and laboratory indicators to guide personalised treatment and enhance fertility outcomes. However, further research is required to confirm the functional impact of these variants.
Pesticide regulatory homogeneity and firms' import decisions: Evidence from EU‐Swiss agri‐food trade
Authors: Fiankor Dela‐Dem Doe , Shingal Anirudh
Published: February 2025

Country‐specific variations in food standards often reflect national regulatory traditions, but they also disrupt trade by increasing associated costs and limiting market access. Aligning such standards between countries should reduce or eliminate the additional market access costs and enhance trade. Yet, whereas evidence abounds on the trade effects of country‐specific public mandatory food standards, relatively little is known about the trade effects of regulatory homogeneity across countries. Exploiting the EU–Swiss trade relationship and data on maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides, we assess the channels that explain the effects of regulatory homogeneity of standards on agri‐food imports. Estimating a reduced‐form gravity model, we find that similarity in Swiss‐EU MRLs on a product‐pesticide pair increases Swiss product‐level imports from the EU by 10%. This consists of a 7.7% increase in the average import value per product per firm, a 1.4% increase in the number of product varieties imported and a 0.6% increase in the number of importing firms. Regulatory homogeneity also increases import volumes by 9.4% and decreases import prices by 1.6%. Accounting for firm heterogeneity, we find more pronounced trade effects for smaller firms. These findings are confirmed in firm‐product level estimations, where we also find that the import‐enhancing effects increase with increasing regulatory heterogeneity. Our results imply that even with mutual recognition, there remains a preference for imports that align with domestic standards. In terms of policy implications, our findings show that regulatory homogeneity enhances food security by increasing product variety and lowering prices.
Quantitative food allergen risk assessment: Evolving concepts, modern approaches, and industry implications
Authors: Liu Wenfeng , Yang Qian , Wang Zhongliang , Wang Jian , Min Fangfang , Yuan Juanli , Tong Ping , Li Xin , Wu Yong , Gao Jinyan , Chen Hongbing
Published: February 2025

Food safety is crucially linked to the food system, ensuring safe production, handling, and distribution to protect public health. Food allergy has been considered as a public health and food safety issue. Despite being widely regarded as a prevailing strategy for managing food allergies, strict food avoidance faces challenges due to allergen cross‐contact in the food supply chain and the potential for inaccurate allergen labeling. Hence, a scientific approach to assess allergen risk in this context is imperative. In this review, a novel approach to managing food allergies, referred to as quantitative food allergen risk assessment, is presented. This discussion covered the evolving concepts and modern analytical approaches. Moreover, this review delves into the current application of quantitative food allergen risk assessment. Finally, a valuable tool for food allergen risk assessment in the food industry, Voluntary Incidental Trace Allergen Labelling (VITAL), was introduced. The establishment of a globally harmonized and standardized quantitative food allergen risk assessment framework could facilitate the promotion of international harmonization of allergen labeling, support food allergic consumers in making safe food choices, and safeguard the health of allergic individuals across various regions and ethnicities. The implementation of food allergen risk assessment could ensure both food supply chain safety and guide the establishment of acceptable allergen cross‐contact levels, enhancing food safety and bolstering the integrity and sustainability of the food system.
Phylosymbiosis and Parallel Geographical Patterns in the Gut Microbiota of Desert‐Dwelling Amphibians and Reptiles
Authors: Zhu Wei , Chang Liming , Zhao Chunlin , Cai Bo , Sui Lulu , Shen Cheng , Li Hanqi , Wang Bin , Jiang Jianping
Published: February 2025

Variation patterns in gut microbial diversity among host species and populations offer valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying environment–host–microbiome interactions. However, the extent to which host phylogeny and geography drive these variation patterns in animal gut microbiota remains an open question. Amphibians and reptiles are important models to address this issue. Using 194 gut microbial samples of three amphibian and four reptile species inhabiting the Tarim Desert, we demonstrated phylosymbiosis in these animals, which was associated with heterogeneous selection and dispersal limitation. In interpopulation comparisons, Bufotes pewzowi and Teratoscincus przewalskii exhibited geography‐dependent variations in their gut microbiota, particularly in relation to longitude and annual precipitation. These geographical patterns were linked to the heterogeneous selection of microbiota. Interestingly, the microbiota of B. pewzowi and T. przewalskii showed parallel variations with longitude, suggesting common selective pressures on amphibian and reptile microbiota. Finally, we found host genetic background did not account for the geographical pattern in their gut microbiota, even though it was also associated with geographical factors. This suggested environment–microbe interaction as a potential and independent ecological pathway mediating the associations between the environment and animals. Overall, these findings extend our understanding of variation patterns in gut microbiota and shed light on the underlying mechanisms.
Germinated/fermented legume flours as functional ingredients in wheat‐based bread: A review
Authors: Chinma Chiemela Enyinnaya , Ezeocha Vanessa Chinelo , Adedeji Olajide Emmanuel , Jolayemi Olusola Samuel , Onwuka Queeneth Ijeoma , Ilowefah Muna Abdulsalam , Adebo Janet Adeyinka , Rosell Cristina M. , Bamidele Oluwaseun Peter , Adebo Oluwafemi Ayodeji
Published: February 2025

Refined wheat breads are consumed throughout the world as an energy‐dense staple food. The consumption of refined wheat bread has raised concerns among health‐conscious consumers. This has partly stimulated research interest in the inclusion of functional ingredients such as germinated/fermented legume flour in the development of nutritious and healthy breads to drive innovations in the bakery industry and overcome sustainability problems. Nevertheless, the inclusion of germinated/fermented legume flours cannot be a direct replacement of refined wheat, because processing requirements must be met. This critical review analyzes the impact of germinated/fermented legume flour on the rheological characteristics, nutritional quality, health‐promoting, and technological properties of wheat‐based bread for improved nutrition and health, identifying current challenges. The macroconstituent changes and the increasing enzyme activity produced during germination/fermentation influence the functionality of wheat dough and the resultant bread quality. Substitution of up to 20% germinated legume flour caused detrimental effects on technological properties of the bread, whereas better technological properties were recorded with up to 20% fermented legume flour. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to provide detailed insight on this observation. Germinated/fermented legume flour could serve as a functional ingredient for the development of nutritious and healthy breads. In fact, breads containing germinated/legume flour are rich in quality protein, dietary fiber, micronutrients, phytochemicals, and bioactive constituents and low in glycemic index with improved sensory properties compared to 100% wheat bread. Nonetheless, information on the bioavailability of nutrients in breads containing germinated/fermented legumes using in vivo studies and profiling the metabolites therein are scarce in the literature.
StratPal: An R package for creating stratigraphic paleobiology modelling pipelines
Authors: Hohmann Niklas , Jarochowska Emilia
Published: February 2025

The fossil record is an important source of information to understand biological processes that take place over timescales not accessible to human observation or experiments. Fossil data are not a perfect reflection of past biological change, but a joint expression of stratigraphic, ecological, evolutionary and taphonomic effects. Stratigraphic paleobiology is a field dedicated to identifying these effects and accounting for them.

We present StratPal, a R package in which stratigraphic, ecological, evolutionary and taphonomic modules can be combined into modelling pipelines for stratigraphic paleobiology.

We describe the types of data that can be modified and transformed using this approach and briefly discuss potential extensions.

As working examples, we show how the pipeline can be used to model clustering of last occurrences at hiatuses and condensation surfaces, leading to artefactual ‘extinction events’ caused by stratigraphic gaps.
Cross‐asset time‐series momentum strategy: A new perspective
Authors: Xu Dezhong , Li Bin , Singh Tarlok , Park Jung Chul
Published: February 2025

We propose a new investment strategy, the improved cross‐asset time‐series momentum (I‐XTSM) strategy, to predict future returns and make investments. Using data on 25 investment portfolios and common commodities for the period from January 1990 to December 2023, we find that the I‐XTSM strategy increases profitability substantially in the stock market and avoids momentum collapse effectively. We also document that its profitability is driven by the predictive power of the industrial metal assets' past signals. Even after considering transaction costs and market exposure, the I‐XTSM demonstrates superior performance and explains the excess profits of other momentum strategies.
Receiving Information on Machine Learning‐Based Clinical Decision Support Systems in Psychiatric Services Increases Staff Trust in These Systems: A Randomized Survey Experiment
Authors: Perfalk Erik , Bernstorff Martin , Danielsen Andreas Aalkjær , Østergaard Søren Dinesen
Published: February 2025

Background

Clinical decision support systems based on machine learning (ML) models are emerging within psychiatry. To ensure their successful implementation, healthcare staff needs to trust these systems. Here, we investigated if providing staff with basic information about ML‐based clinical decision support systems enhances their trust in them.

Methods

We conducted a randomised survey experiment among staff in the Psychiatric Services of the Central Denmark Region. The participants were allocated to one of three arms, receiving different types of information: An intervention arm (receiving information on clinical decision‐making supported by an ML model); an active control arm (receiving information on standard clinical decision process without ML support); and a blank control arm (no information). Subsequently, participants responded to various questions regarding their trust/distrust in ML‐based clinical decision support systems. The effect of the intervention was assessed by pairwise comparisons between all randomization arms on sum scores of trust and distrust.

Results

Among 2838 invitees, 780 completed the survey experiment. The intervention enhanced trust and diminished distrust in ML‐based clinical decision support systems compared with the active control arm (Trust: mean difference = 5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 2%; 9%], p value < 0.001; Distrust: mean difference = −4% [−7%; −1%], p value = 0.042) and the blank control arm (Trust: mean difference = 5% [2%; 11%], p value = 0.003; Distrust: mean difference = −3% [−6%; −1%], p value = 0.021).

Conclusion

Providing information on ML‐based clinical decision support systems in hospital psychiatry may increase healthcare staff trust in such systems.
‘I was there because I needed to be there’: A qualitative study of the experience of older adults hospitalised with COVID‐19 in Australia
Authors: Cheong David , Ní Chróinín Danielle , Chiang Lynn , Rolls Kaye
Published: February 2025

Objectives

To explore the experiences of older adult patients hospitalised with COVID‐19 infection by identifying any issues they encountered, how they were able or unable to adapt, as well as their opinion of such issues.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted by inviting a purposive sample of older adults from a metropolitan tertiary hospital in Sydney, Australia, to undertake semi‐structured telephone interviews. Data was analysed using a thematic approach and adhered to the COREQ guidelines.

Results

A total of 16 participants were interviewed. Three predominant themes were identified from their described experiences. The majority accepted that hospitalisation was necessary for their recovery. The use of single isolation rooms affected their psychological state; however, this could have impacted them either positively or negatively. The quality of nursing care received elicited emotions of self‐worth and participants also reported a variety of experiences ranging from positive to negative.

Conclusions

This study identified common themes of situational acceptance and the psychological impacts of both isolation and nursing care quality as important towards the overall experience amongst older adults who had been hospitalised with COVID‐19. Opportunities to improve the patient experience were also identified, and practical next steps such as tailoring the type and delivery of care to individual patient needs and preferences may assist in this.