bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nontriviality of dynamical Chern-Simons gravity and the standard model
Authors: Alexander Stephon , Bernardo Heliudson , Creque-Sarbinowski Cyril
Published: July 2024

Given the growing interest in gravitational-wave and cosmological parity-violating effects in dynamical Chern-Simons (dCS) gravity, it is crucial to investigate whether the scalar-gravitational Pontryagin term in dCS gravity persists when formulated in the context of the U(1)B−L anomaly in the standard model (SM). In particular, it has been argued that dCS gravity can be reduced to Einstein gravity after “rotating away” the gravitational-Pontryagin coupling into the phase of the Weinberg operator—analogous to the rotation of the axion zero mode into the quark mass matrix. We find that dCS gravity is nontrivial if the scalar field ϕ has significant spacetime dependence from dynamics. We provide a comprehensive consideration of the dCS classical and quantum symmetries relevant for embedding a dCS sector in the SM. We find that, because of the baryon/lepton number chiral gravitational anomaly, the scalar-Pontryagin term cannot be absorbed by a field redefinition. Assuming a minimal extension of the SM, we also find that a coupling of the dCS scalar with right-handed neutrinos induces both the scalar-Pontryagin coupling and an axionlike phase in the dimension-five Weinberg operator. We comment on the issue of gauging the U(1)B−L, the observational effects with these two operators present for upcoming experiments, and the origin of dCS gravity in string theory.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Probing
CP
Violation with Neutrino Disappearance Alone
Authors: Denton Peter B.
Published: July 2024

The best way to probe CP violation in the lepton sector is with long-baseline accelerator neutrino experiments in the appearance mode: the appearance of νe in predominantly νμ beams. Here we show that it is possible to discover CP violation with disappearance experiments only, by combining JUNO for electron neutrinos and DUNE or Hyper-Kamiokande for muon neutrinos. While the maximum sensitivity to discover CP is quite modest (1.6σ with 6 years of JUNO and 13 years of DUNE), some values of δ may be disfavored by >3σ depending on the true value of δ.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Statistical modeling of equilibrium phase transition in confined fluids
Authors: Auti Gunjan , Paul Soumyadeep , Hsu Wei-Lun , Chiashi Shohei , Maruyama Shigeo , Daiguji Hirofumi
Published: July 2024

The phase transition of confined fluids in mesoporous materials deviates from that of bulk fluids due to the interactions with the surrounding heterogeneous structure. For example, adsorbed fluids in metal-organic-frameworks (MOFs) have atypical phase characteristics such as capillary condensation and higher-order phase transitions due to a strong heterogeneous field. Considering a many-body problem in the presence of a nonuniform external field, we model the host-guest and guest-guest interactions in MOFs. To solve the three-dimensional Ising model, we use the mean-field theory to approximate the guest-guest interactions and Mayer's f-functions to describe the host-guest interactions in a unit cell. Later, using Hill's theory of nanothermodynamics, we define differential thermodynamic functions to understand the distribution of intensive properties and integral thermodynamic functions to explain the phase transition in confined fluids. The investigation reveals a distinct behavior where fluids confined in larger pores undergo a discontinuous (first-order) phase transition, whereas those confined in smaller pores experience a continuous (higher-order) phase transition. Furthermore, it is observed that the free-energy barrier for low-density adsorbed fluid (LDAF) to high-density adsorbed fluid (HDAF) phase transitions is lower in confined fluids than in bulk fluids resulting in a lower condensation pressure relative to the bulk saturation pressure. Finally, the integral thermodynamic functions are succinctly presented in the form of a phase diagram, marking an initial step toward a more practical approach for understanding the phase behavior of confined fluids.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Quadrature Squeezing Enhances Wigner Negativity in a Mechanical Duffing Oscillator
Authors: Rosiek Christian A. , Rossi Massimiliano , Schliesser Albert , Sørensen Anders S.
Published: July 2024

Generating macroscopic nonclassical quantum states is a long-standing challenge in physics. Anharmonic dynamics is an essential ingredient to generate these states, but for large mechanical systems, the effect of the anharmonicity tends to become negligible compared with the effect of decoherence. As a possible solution to this challenge, we propose using a motional squeezed state as a resource to effectively increase the anharmonicity. We analyze the production of negativity in the Wigner distribution of a quantum anharmonic resonator initially in a squeezed state. We find that initial squeezing increases the rate at which negativity is generated. We also analyze the effect of two common sources of decoherence—namely, energy damping and dephasing—and find that the detrimental effects of energy damping are suppressed by strong squeezing. In the limit of large squeezing, which is needed for state-of-the-art systems, we find good approximations for the Wigner function. Our analysis is significant for current experiments attempting to prepare macroscopic mechanical systems in genuine quantum states. We provide an overview of several experimental platforms featuring nonlinear behaviors and low levels of decoherence. In particular, we discuss the feasibility of our proposal with carbon nanotubes and levitated nanoparticles.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Crystal structure and characterization of monascin from the extracts of Monascus purpureus-fermented rice
Authors: Xu Jia-Yin , Li Han-Qing , Chen Jian-Ming , Chen Feng-Zheng
Published: July 2024

We present a novel solid form of monascin, an azaphilonoid derivative extracted from Monascus purpureus-fermented rice. The crystal structure, C21H26O5, was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and belongs to the orthorhombic space group P212121. To gain insight into the electronic properties of the short contacts in the crystalline state of monascin, we utilized the Experimental Library of Multipolar Atom Model 2 (ELMAM2) database to transfer the electron density of monascin in its crystalline state. Hirshfeld surface analysis, fingerprint analysis, electronic properties and energetic characterization reveal that intermolecular C—H...O hydrogen bonds play a crucial role in the noncovalent bonding interactions by connecting molecules into two- and three-dimensional networks. The molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) map of the monascin molecule demonstrates that negatively charged regions located at four O atoms are favoured binding sites for more positively charged amino acid residues during molecular recognition. In addition, powder X-ray diffraction confirms that no transformation occurs during the crystallization of monascin.
How can firms achieve sustainable high growth? A case study based on the integrating orchestration of digital elements and traditional resources
Authors: Wang Juanjuan , Zhang Xiao , Chi Yu
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the paths and mechanisms of firms’ sustainable high growth. Firms’ high growth is susceptible to interruption, stagnation or reversal. Thus, how firms can achieve sustainable high growth is an important topic that requires urgent discussion and has significant implications for sustainable economic development and employment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies a longitudinal case study approach to portray the process by which Jiashu orchestrated digital elements with traditional resources to continuously fulfill their user demands and ultimately achieve sustainable high growth.

Findings

This study reveals three resource orchestration strategies: trust-oriented, demand-oriented and efficiency-oriented. These strategies are adopted in an organization’s startup, expansion and maturity periods, respectively. By dynamically integrating and orchestrating digital elements with traditional resources, firms implement a growth strategy with expanding and stacking dimensions, leading to sustainable high growth. The replicability and connectivity resulting from orchestrating digital elements and traditional resources encourage firms to expand their dimensions of growth and achieve sustainable high growth in multiple dimensions.

Research limitations/implications

This study conducts a preliminary exploration of the relationship between the integration of digital and traditional elements and the sustainable high growth of enterprises. A more stable theoretical relationship between the two requires further multi-case studies and empirical analysis for substantiation.

Originality/value

This study first clarifies the concept of sustainable high growth and reveals a unique nonlinear path characterized by growth with expanding and stacking dimensions. The findings contribute to deepening the theories of sustainable high growth and resource orchestration in the digital economy era and offer practical implications for the sustainable high-growth practices of firms.
Textile wastewater: COD removal via Box–Behnken design, Fenton method, and machine learning integration for sustainability
Authors: Turkes Selman , Güney Hakan , Mezarciöz Serin , Sari Bülent , Tetik Selami Seçkin
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The widespread use of washing machines in textile dyeing and finishing boosts product quality while leading to significant wastewater production. This wastewater poses environmental risks due to the textile industry's high pollution levels and water consumption. Sustainability hinges on minimizing water usage and treating wastewater for reuse. This study employs Matlab R2020a and Python 2023 to model experimental designs for treating textile production wastewater using the Fenton oxidation method, aiming to address sustainability concerns in the industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The Fenton oxidation process's efficacy and optimal operating conditions were determined through experimental sets employing the Box–Behnken design. Assessing machine learning algorithms on the data, Matlab R2020a utilized an artificial neural network (ANN), while Python 2023 employed support vector regression (SVR), decision trees (DT), and random forest (RF) models. Evaluation of model performance relied on regression coefficient (R2) and mean square error (MSE) outcomes. This methodology aimed to refine the Fenton oxidation process and identify the most efficient parameters, leveraging a combination of experimental design and advanced computational techniques across different programming platforms.

Findings

The study identified optimal conditions: pH 3, Fe+2 concentration of 0.75 g/L, and H2O2 concentration of 5 mM, yielding 87% COD removal. The Box–Behnken design achieved a high R2 of 0.9372, indicating precise predictions. Artificial neural networks (ANN) and support vector regression (SVR) exhibited successful applications, notably achieving an R2 of 0.99936 and low MSE of 0.00416 in the ANN (LOGSIG) model. However, decision trees (DT) and random forests (RF) proved less effective with limited datasets. The findings underscore technology integration in treatment modeling and the environmental imperative of wastewater purification and reuse.

Originality/value

This study, in which water use and wastewater treatment are evaluated with technological integration such as machine learning and data management, reveals how to contribute to targets 6, 9, 12, and 14 within the scope of UNEP 2030 sustainable development goals.
Corporate governance and capital structure dynamics: evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Farooq Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Imran , Aljabri Qadri , Khan Muhammad Tahir
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of corporate governance on the speed of adjustment (SOA) of capital structure in a developing market, Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The study's sample includes 173 non-financial enterprises that were listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) between 2011 and 2020. The capital structure of the sample companies is determined by the ratio of total debt to total debt plus the market value of equity. Corporate governance is measured by board size, independence, CEO duality, management ownership, blockholders ownership and institutional ownership. A two-step difference GMM model was used to achieve the study's objectives.

Findings

Through applying the reduced form model approach, we discovered that corporate governance variables have a considerable negative impact on the speed of targeted leverage adjustment in sample firms. Additionally, to check the robustness of results, the two-stage technique used to examine this corporate governance-SOA relationship. Furthermore, we discovered that smaller enterprises modify their capital structure more than larger firms. Furthermore, corporations prioritize short-term debt adjustment above long-term debt adjustment.

Practical implications

The study's findings provide further information to company managers and investors on the relationship between corporate governance quality and the pace of adjustment towards targeted leverage across Pakistani enterprises. Furthermore, this study adds new information from growing countries such as Pakistan to the existing literature, which can help regulatory authorities and policymakers improve the quality of corporate governance. It is commonly known that improving the quality of corporate governance practices improves the firm's capital structure, which benefits all stakeholders.

Originality/value

In the context of developing economies, the academic literature lacks research that examine the impact of corporate governance on dynamic capital structure decisions. This study intends to fill this gap.
Study on the lubrication performance of the pitcher plant–like textured surface with various parameters
Authors: Zhang Dongya , Gao Yanping , Wu Pengju , Zhang Yanchao , Wang Liping
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to enhance lubrication performance of the pitcher plant–like textured surface with various parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

A pitcher plant–like structure surface is fabricated on the copper alloy, and the lubrication performance of the pitcher plant–like structure with various parameters is evaluated. In addition, the pressure distribution and oil film load capacity of the pitcher plant–like surface are simulated based on Navier–Stokes equations.

Findings

When the direction of motion aligns with the pitcher plant–like structure, the friction coefficient remains lower than that of the nontextured surface, and it exhibits a decreasing trend with the increasing of the texture width and spacing distance; the lowest friction coefficient (0.04) is achieved with B = 0.3 mm, L = 1.0 mm and θ = 45°, marking a 75% reduction compared to the nontextured surface. Simulation results demonstrate that with the increase in texture width and spacing distance, the oil film load-bearing capacity demonstrates an increasing trend.

Originality/value

Bionic pitcher plants are prepared on the copper alloy to improve the lubrication performance and wear resistance.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-04-2024-0119/
Exploring the heuristics behind the transition to a circular economy in the textile industry
Authors: Dziubaniuk Olga , Ivanova-Gongne Maria , Kaipainen Jenni , Nyholm Monica
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The transition to a circular economy (CE) is a known concern in the context of the textile industry, in which business actors attempt to facilitate circular activities such as textile recycling. However, a lack of established business relationships and networks creates uncertainty for textile circulation. In such business environments, managerial decisions regarding CE may depend not only on normative behaviour but also on heuristics that guide their choices. Since business relationships for textile circularity require interactions between business actors, this study explores how managerial heuristics are shaped in the CE transition within the textile industry and their impact on actors’ interactions within business relationships and networks.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirically, this qualitative study is based on interviews with managers representing companies and organisations engaged in business relationships and networks aimed at a CE transition in the textile industry, as well as on publicly available secondary data.

Findings

The findings indicate that managerial decisions promoting circularity can be influenced by, besides normative information assessment, factors predominant in (1) the business and regulatory environment, (2) managers’ experience and knowledge obtained during interactions within business networks and (3) the internal strategic approaches of business organisations. This study identifies adaptation, experience, interaction and strategy heuristics that may be utilised by managers in making decisions in the context of uncertainty, such as the industrial transition to a CE.

Originality/value

This study expands the knowledge of heuristics applied to managerial decision making in interacting business firms and institutional organisations aiming to facilitate textile recycling and proposes a heuristics toolbox. The study provides an insight into business actors’ interactions, as well as various factors inside and outside the organisations shaping the managerial decisions. By doing this, the study adds to the literature, highlighting the importance of contextualisation and the interrelation between the individual and business environment levels in business-to-business management.
How responsible research can improve management decision making
Authors: Craig Russell , Tourish Dennis
Published: July 2024

Purpose

We encourage CEOs to exercise greater care when using research to inform their decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

For analytical framing, we draw on published literature to highlight three common inadequacies of research in leadership and management (lack of relevance, lack of credibility, and obsession with theory). We distinguish between three broad types of research: responsible research, irresponsible research and aresponsible research.

Findings

When commissioning research or using research findings, CEOs should be guided by a six-point checklist that includes applying the principles of responsible research advocated by the Responsible Research for Business Network.

Originality/value

We believe we are the first authors to propose the concept of aresponsible research
Quality and stability of frying oils and fried foods in ultrasound and microwave–assisted frying processes and hybrid technologies
Authors: Yildiz Aysun Yurdunuseven , Echegaray Noemí , Öztekin Sebahat , Lorenzo José Manuel
Published: July 2024

Frying is a popular cooking method that produces delicious and crispy foods but can also lead to oil degradation and the formation of health‐detrimental compounds in the dishes. Chemical reactions such as oxidation, hydrolysis, and polymerization contribute to these changes. In this context, emerging technologies like ultrasound‐assisted frying (USF) and microwave (MW)‐assisted frying show promise in enhancing the quality and stability of frying oils and fried foods. This review examines the impact of these innovative technologies, delving into the principles of these processes, their influence on the chemical composition of oils, and their implications for the overall quality of fried food products with a focus on reducing oil degradation and enhancing the nutritional and sensory properties of the fried food. Additionally, the article initially addresses the various reactions occurring in oils during the frying process and their influencing factors. The advantages and challenges of USF and MW‐assisted frying are also highlighted in comparison to traditional frying methods, demonstrating how these innovative techniques have the potential to improve the quality and stability of oils and fried foods.
Prevalence, serotype, antimicrobial susceptibility, contamination factors, and control methods of Salmonella spp. in retail fresh fruits and vegetables: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ma Jiaqi , Dai Jinghan , Cao Chenyang , Su Li , Cao Mengyuan , He Yuanjie , Li Mei , Zhang Zengfeng , Chen Jia , Cui Shenghui , Yang Baowei
Published: July 2024

This research presents a comprehensive review of Salmonella presence in retail fresh fruits and vegetables from 2010 to 2023, utilizing data from recognized sources such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The study incorporates a meta‐analysis of prevalence, serovar distribution, antimicrobial susceptibility, and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). Additionally, it scrutinizes the heterogeneous sources across various food categories and geographical regions The findings show a pooled prevalence of 2.90% (95% CI: 0.0180−0.0430), with an increase from 4.63% in 2010 to 5.32% in 2022. Dominant serovars include S. Typhimurium (29.14%, 95% CI: 0.0202−0.6571) and S. Enteritidis (21.06%, 95% CI: 0.0181−0.4872). High resistance rates were noted for antimicrobials like erythromycin (60.70%, 95% CI: 0.0000−1.0000) and amoxicillin (39.92%, 95% CI: 0.0589−0.8020). The most prevalent ARGs were blaTEM (80.23%, 95% CI: 0.5736−0.9692) and parC mutation (66.67%, 95% CI: 0.3213−0.9429). Factors such as pH, water activity, and nutrient content, along with external factors like the quality of irrigation water and prevailing climatic conditions, have significant implications on Salmonella contamination. Nonthermal sterilization technologies, encompassing chlorine dioxide, ozone, and ultraviolet light, are emphasized as efficacious measures to control Salmonella. This review stresses the imperative need to bolster prevention strategies and control measures against Salmonella in retail fresh fruits and vegetables to alleviate related food safety risks.
Design, construction and optimization of formaldehyde growth biosensors with broad application in biotechnology
Authors: Schann Karin , Bakker Jenny , Boinot Maximilian , Kuschel Pauline , He Hai , Nattermann Maren , Paczia Nicole , Erb Tobias , Bar‐Even Arren , Wenk Sebastian
Published: July 2024

Formaldehyde is a key metabolite in natural and synthetic one‐carbon metabolism. To facilitate the engineering of formaldehyde‐producing enzymes, the development of sensitive, user‐friendly, and cost‐effective detection methods is required. In this study, we engineered Escherichia coli to serve as a cellular biosensor capable of detecting a broad range of formaldehyde concentrations. Using both natural and promiscuous formaldehyde assimilation enzymes, we designed three distinct E. coli growth biosensor strains that depend on formaldehyde for cell growth. These strains were engineered to be auxotrophic for one or several essential metabolites that could be produced through formaldehyde assimilation. The respective assimilating enzyme was expressed from the genome to compensate the auxotrophy in the presence of formaldehyde. We first predicted the formaldehyde dependency of the biosensors by flux balance analysis and then analysed it experimentally. Subsequent to strain engineering, we enhanced the formaldehyde sensitivity of two biosensors either through adaptive laboratory evolution or modifications at metabolic branch points. The final set of biosensors demonstrated the ability to detect formaldehyde concentrations ranging approximately from 30 μM to 13 mM. We demonstrated the application of the biosensors by assaying the in vivo activity of different methanol dehydrogenases in the most sensitive strain. The fully genomic nature of the biosensors allows them to be deployed as “plug‐and‐play” devices for high‐throughput screenings of extensive enzyme libraries. The formaldehyde growth biosensors developed in this study hold significant promise for advancing the field of enzyme engineering, thereby supporting the establishment of a sustainable one‐carbon bioeconomy.
An Iron Age village in the Hajjar Mountains of Northern Oman: QA 21 in the Qumayrā microregion
Authors: Szymczak Agnieszka , Iskra Mateusz
Published: July 2024

Excavations at the site of QA 21 near the village of ʿAyn Banī Saʿdah in the Qumayrā microregion yielded new information on Iron Age (IA) II settlement in the Hajjar mountains. Located halfway between the modern towns of Yanqul and Buraymī, in an area with little‐known Iron Age occupation, QA 21 is a c. 2 ha open site scattered with the remains of numerous buildings. The pottery found on the surface is largely of IA II date even though some of the structures can date from a later, possibly Late Islamic period. Excavations of a large IA II house provided a rich and well‐stratified collection of pottery, some stone tools and marine shells. Analysis of the finds’ distribution and the building's construction details revealed functional differences between certain areas of the house. The entire structure can be interpreted as a large village household with domestic, storage and food‐processing areas. The provenance of the ceramic assemblage associated with this household is both regional and local, as indicated by geochemical analysis of the pottery, suggesting that the settlement participated in regional exchange networks.
The future is here: an easy‐to‐use toolkit for integrating genetics into conservation management
Authors: Hogg C. J. , Farquharson K. A. , Brandies P. , Silver L. W. , Ottewell K. , McLennan E. A. , Richmond S. , Belov K.
Published: July 2024

Over the past decade, the development of genetic and genomic tools for conservation management has come forward in leaps and bounds. Once considered a ‘nice to have’, genetic data are fast becoming an essential tool for informing and managing translocations. However, due to the complexity of the field, easily using genetic data for decision‐making and monitoring remains beyond the reach of most managers and conservation biologists. In May 2020, we launched the Threatened Species Initiative (TSI), a programme designed to generate genomic resources for Australia's threatened species. Critical to the project is not only the generation of reference genomes and population genetic data but an online toolkit for conservation managers. The toolkit is a ‘one stop shop’ from collecting samples, to generating and analysing genetic data, to an easily interpretable genetic management report. A series of workflows and pipelines have been developed, including the TSI Biodiversity Portal, that uses point and click web interfaces to easily transfer raw sequence data and assemble genomes, transcriptomes and soon population genetics for management decisions. Here we present how the current toolkit works and provide case study examples for how it is being used to inform translocations and the management of threatened species.
Successful treatment of infantile refractory bullous pemphigoid with baricitinib
Authors: Zhou Weinan , Tan Yidong , Chen Xuanyi , Zhang Wenqing , Sun Zhe , Shen Yihang , Yao Zhirong , Cheng Ruhong , Gu Yan
Published: July 2024

Infantile bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a rare autoantibody‐mediated skin disorder. We report the effective treatment of a 6‐month‐old infant with BP using baricitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, after failure with steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin. The patient achieved full remission and discontinued all medications without any relapses. To our knowledge, this is the first case of baricitinib used in an infant with BP.
Soluble adenylyl cyclase is an acid‐base sensor in rainbow trout red blood cells that regulates intracellular pH and haemoglobin–oxygen binding
Authors: Harter Till S. , Smith Emma A. , Salmerón Cristina , Thies Angus B. , Delgado Bryan , Wilson Rod W. , Tresguerres Martin
Published: July 2024

Aim

To identify the physiological role of the acid‐base sensing enzyme, soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC), in red blood cells (RBC) of the model teleost fish, rainbow trout.

Methods

We used: (i) super‐resolution microscopy to determine the subcellular location of sAC protein; (ii) live‐cell imaging of RBC intracellular pH (pHi) with specific sAC inhibition (KH7 or LRE1) to determine its role in cellular acid‐base regulation; (iii) spectrophotometric measurements of haemoglobin–oxygen (Hb‐O2) binding in steady‐state conditions; and (iv) during simulated arterial‐venous transit, to determine the role of sAC in systemic O2 transport.

Results

Distinct pools of sAC protein were detected in the RBC cytoplasm, at the plasma membrane and within the nucleus. Inhibition of sAC decreased the setpoint for RBC pHi regulation by ~0.25 pH units compared to controls, and slowed the rates of RBC pHi recovery after an acid‐base disturbance. RBC pHi recovery was entirely through the anion exchanger (AE) that was in part regulated by HCO3−‐dependent sAC signaling. Inhibition of sAC decreased Hb‐O2 affinity during a respiratory acidosis compared to controls and reduced the cooperativity of O2 binding. During in vitro simulations of arterial‐venous transit, sAC inhibition decreased the amount of O2 that is unloaded by ~11%.

Conclusion

sAC represents a novel acid‐base sensor in the RBCs of rainbow trout, where it participates in the modulation of RBC pHi and blood O2 transport though the regulation of AE activity. If substantiated in other species, these findings may have broad implications for our understanding of cardiovascular physiology in vertebrates.
Thought contagion? Conspiracy beliefs boost paranoid thoughts
Authors: Molenda Zuzanna , Marchlewska Marta , Karakula Adam , Podsiadłowski Wojciech , Rogoza Marta , Bagrowska Paulina , Szczepańska Dagmara
Published: July 2024

Conspiracy theories accusing specific groups of secret malevolent actions can foster a perception of the world as a dangerous place. In our research, we contend that both adherence and exposure to conspiracy beliefs can serve as a potential cause of certain psychological problems in the form of paranoid thoughts. This hypothesis was tested in three studies conducted among Polish and British participants. In Study 1 (longitudinal, N = 603), we found that conspiracy beliefs exerted a positive overtime effect on paranoid thoughts. Experimental studies 2 (N = 384) and 3 (N = 445), showed that being exposed to conspiracy theories (vs. control stimuli) heightened paranoid thoughts. In Study 3, we proposed a potential mechanism explaining this effect, according to which exposure to conspiracies increased paranoid thoughts via only negative intense emotions. Our work adds to the discussion on the consequences of conspiracy beliefs and has implications for mental health research, underlining the importance of designing interventions limiting the adverse effects of conspiracy beliefs.
Microbiome of psyllids of the family Aphalaridae, including Aphalara itadori, a biocontrol agent against Reynoutria spp.
Authors: Nishino Kyosuke , Inoue Hiromitsu , Hirose Yuu , Nakabachi Atsushi
Published: July 2024

Several European and North American countries have started releasing the Japanese knotweed psyllid, Aphalara itadori (Shinji) (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae), to control the Japanese knotweed, Reynoutria japonica Houtt. (Polygonaceae), and its relatives, which are among the worst invasive exotic plants. However, establishing populations of the currently released strains in the field has not been successful, desiring newly collected lineages. Moreover, little is known about the microbiome of the current strains, which potentially impacts properties as biocontrol agents. Hence, this study analyzed the microbiota of an A. itadori strain newly collected on Honshu Island, Japan, along with related species of the family Aphalaridae, using amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. The localization of symbionts identified in A. itadori was further analyzed using fluorescence in situ hybridization. The results demonstrated that the A. itadori bacteriome, a specialized organ for microbial symbiosis, maintains a dual symbiotic system with the primary symbiont “Candidatus Carsonella ruddii” (Gammaproteobacteria: Oceanospirillales: Halomonadaceae) and the secondary symbiont Sodalis sp. (Gammaproteobacteria: Enterobacterales: Pectobacteriaceae), suggesting that they are evolutionarily stable obligate mutualists for A. itadori. The central area of the bacteriome containing Sodalis comprised uninucleate bacteriocytes with nuclei larger than those of bacteriocytes harboring Carsonella. This observation contrasted previous reports on various psyllid lineages in which secondary symbionts are housed in a central syncytium with nuclei smaller than those of bacteriocytes for Carsonella. No known plant pathogens or parasitic manipulators of insect reproduction were identified in the analyzed A. itadori strain, indicating its suitability as a biocontrol agent, posing a minimum risk to the ecosystem. Besides distinct Carsonella lineages, Sodalis independently acquired by Craspedolepta miyatakeai Klimaszewski and an ambiguous Enterobacterales symbiont in Epheloscyta kalopanacis Loginova were identified. Only Carsonella was found in Togepsylla matsumurana Kuwayama. These results indicate repeated infections and replacements of bacterial symbionts during the evolution of Psylloidea, providing deeper insights into the microbe‐psyllid interactions.
Weighting Content Specifications for the National Medical Licensing Examination via Group Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Hong Xiaomei , Jiang Zhehan , Liu Hanyu , Cai Fen
Published: July 2024

Job and practice analysis is a commonly used method for determining examination content specifications. However, difficulties arise when many domains are present, as mainstream approaches do not fully adhere to the essence of the weighing process, namely a “comparison‐evaluation‐decision” framework for assigning percentage values to the content. Stemming from the principle of comparing multiple criteria for making decisions, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) provides an appropriate solution that circumvents the aforementioned obstacle. We propose using an extended version of AHP called Group AHP (GAHP) to weight content specifications for standardized medical education assessment. Specifically, GAHP is integrated with the Delphi method and expected to aid exam developers in integrating feedback from diverse experienced physicians when determining content specifications for the National Medical Licensing Examination (NMLE) in China. The complete flow of the proposed approach was demonstrated in this study with an application to the NMLE.
First report of the ficus whitefly Singhiella simplex (Singh, 1931) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in Northern Italy and first observation of its association with the parasitoid wasp Encarsia hispida De Santis, 1948 (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) in Europe
Authors: Zugno M. , Tapparo A. , Colombini M. , Galimberti G. , Sacchi S. , Siena F. , Cavagna B. , Ciampitti M. , Giordano L.
Published: July 2024

In February 2024, the ficus whitefly Singhiella simplex (Singh, 1931) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) was first reported in a tropical greenhouse and inside a private house in Northern Italy (Vertemate con Minoprio and Monza, respectively – Lombardy Region). The observed ficus whiteflies caused severe defoliation on different Ficus species including Ficus benjamina and Ficus retusa. Several third and fourth larval instars of Singhiella simplex were associated with the parasitoid wasp Encarsia hispida De Santis, 1948 (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae). Morphological and molecular analyses were performed to identify both S. simplex and E. hispida. Based on current knowledge, this is the first report of the ficus whitefly in Northern Italy as well as the first observation of its association with the parasitoid wasp E. hispida in Europe.
First report of the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797) in Romania
Authors: Cean M. , Taddei A. , Gottsberger R. A. , Reisenzein H. , Georgescu E. I. V.
Published: July 2024

Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797) originates from the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas and has spread to Africa, Asia, Oceania and, more recently, to Europe. This paper provides the first official report of S. frugiperda in Romania. In the southern part of the country, adults of this species were caught in a pheromone trap in November 2023. The identification of fall armyworm was carried out at a morphological and molecular level. Barcode sequences of the Romanian specimens were obtained. No damage was observed in the fields surrounding the trap where the pest was captured. A brief description and information on the economic importance of S. frugiperda are given, mainly for maize, taking into consideration the major importance of this crop in Romania and for the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization region.
Gender inequality, institutional quality and economic outcomes in the European Union
Authors: Nam Hyun‐Jung , Ryu Doojin , Szilagyi Peter G.
Published: July 2024

Our model, which analyses multi‐decade annual data from the European Union, suggests that gender inequality mediates the relationship between institutional quality and economic outcomes. We find that institutional quality significantly influences these outcomes, with positive associations with trade and per capita GDP, and negative associations with innovation. Institutional quality positively (negatively) impacts labour force (educational) inequality. Institutions prioritize reducing labour force inequality to boost trade and per capita GDP but struggle to address educational inequality, which does not similarly contribute to economic growth. Whereas labour force inequality negligibly impacts innovation, educational inequality significantly impedes it.
AP collagen peptides (APCPs) promote hair growth by activating the GSK‐3β/β‐catenin pathway and improve hair condition
Authors: Lee Jung Ok , Kim Yujin , Lee Jung Min , Suk Jang Mi , Jung Inhee , Choi Sun Young , Yoo Kwang Ho , Seok Joon , Kim Beom Joon
Published: July 2024

AP collagen peptides (APCPs) are enzymatically decomposed collagen peptides that contain tri‐peptides such as glycine‐proline‐hydroxyproline. We found that APCPs increased the proliferation of both human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) and human outer root sheath cells (hORSCs). APCPs also stimulated the secretion of several growth factors, including IGFBP‐6, PDGF‐AB, PIGF and VEGF in hDPCs. Moreover, APCPs enhanced the phosphorylation of Akt(Ser473), GSK‐3β(Ser9) and β‐catenin(Ser675), indicating the activation of the GSK‐3β/β‐catenin signalling pathway. Ex vivo culture of human hair follicles (hHFs) tissue and in vivo patch assay revealed that APCPs promoted the elongation of hHFs and the induction of new hair shafts. In a mouse model, APCPs significantly promoted the transition from telogen to anagen phase and prolonged anagen phase, resulting in increased hair growth. APCPs also improved the thickness, amino acid content (cystine and methionine) and roughness of mouse hair. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that APCPs accelerate hair growth and contribute to overall hair health. Therefore, APCPs have the potential to be utilized as a food supplement and ingredient for preventing hair loss and maintaining hair health.
Understanding the Preferences and Considerations of the Public Towards Risk‐Stratified Screening for Colorectal Cancer: Insights From Think‐Aloud Interviews Based on a Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: Dennison Rebecca A. , Clune Reanna J. , Morris Stephen , Thomas Chloe , Usher‐Smith Juliet A.
Published: July 2024

Context

Risk stratification has been suggested as a strategy for improving cancer screening. Any changes to existing programmes must be acceptable to the public.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the preferences and considerations of individuals relating to the introduction of different risk‐based strategies to determine eligibility for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening.

Study Design

Participants completed a discrete choice experiment (DCE) within online interviews. Nine conjoint‐analysis tasks were created, each with two potential CRC screening programmes. The attributes included personal risk of CRC, screening invitation strategy and impact. Participants chose between programmes while thinking aloud and sharing their thoughts. Transcripts were analysed using codebook thematic analysis.

Participants

Twenty participants based in England aged 40–79 years without previous cancer history or medical expertise.

Results

When choosing between programmes, participants first and primarily looked to prioritise saving lives. The harms associated with screening were viewed as a surprise but also felt by most to be inevitable; the benefits frequently outweighed, therefore, harms were considered less important. Risk stratification using individual characteristics was considered a nuanced approach to healthcare, which tended to be preferred over the age‐alone model. Detailed personal risk information could be taken more seriously than non‐personalised information to motivate behaviour change. Although it had minimal impact on decision‐making, not diverting resources for screening from elsewhere was valued. Individuals who chose not to provide health information were considered irresponsible, while it was important that those with no information to provide should not lose out.

Conclusion

Risk‐stratified CRC screening is generally aligned with public preferences, with decisions between possible stratification strategies dominated by saving lives. Even if attributes including risk factors, risk stratification strategy and risk communication contributed less to the overall decision to select certain programmes, some levels more clearly fulfilled public values; therefore, all these factors should be taken into consideration when redesigning and communicating CRC screening programmes.

Patient or Public Contribution

The primary data source for this study is interviews with 20 members of the public (current, past or future CRC screening invitees). Two public representatives contributed to planning this study, particularly the DCE.
Study on filament deflection in lattice porous structures fabricated through direct ink writing
Authors: Zhu Kai , Zhao Xiang , Hao Mingxuan , Yang Daoyuan , Yuan Huiyu
Published: July 2024

Direct ink writing (DIW) technology supersedes traditional mold‐based forming methods, significantly enhancing the fabrication of personalized and customized products with complex structures. This technology particularly excels in achieving precise control over the porosity of porous constructs. This study employs inorganic Al2O3 as raw material, sodium hexametaphosphate as dispersing agent, and inorganic SiO2 micropowder as binding medium to fabricate lattice porous structures. One challenge encountered is the viscoelastic behavior of the extruded filament. When spanning the unsupported segments of the lower layer, the upper extruded filaments are susceptible to deflection or collapse, adversely affecting the porosity and dimensional fidelity of the final specimens. Experimental results revealed that a larger span and smaller modulus will cause the extruded filament to be more prone to deformation at the midpoint. The introduction of 2 wt% polyethylene glycol as a plasticizer mitigates this issue, ensuring nondeflection of the extruded filaments at a span of 6 mm. The deflection model for the extruded filament about span and modulus identifies the minimum modulus necessary to prevent or minimize deflection under given spans, which closely approximates our experimental findings, offering a valuable framework for guiding the production of high‐precision, porosity‐controlled porous structures.
Novel approach for predicting the creep behavior of ceramic fibers using dimensional analysis
Authors: Berman Renan Belli , Almeida Renato Saint Martin , Azmah Hanim Mohamed Ariff , de Pieri Edson Roberto , Al‐Qureshi Hazim Ali
Published: July 2024

A more generalized approach for predicting the steady‐state creep rate of ceramic fibers under extensive stress ranges is proposed. Creep rate equations derived from dimensional analysis, such as Almeida's creep equation and Arrhenius’ creep equation, were evaluated using Buckingham's method, and the corresponding π groups were determined. Subsequently, a new equation is proposed using the usual semi‐empirical constants for the diffusional and power law creep phenomena, along with an additional power law exponent to account for changes in creep mechanisms at higher stresses. The proposed equation was used to fit the creep rate data of the fiber Nextel 720 at various temperatures and constant stress, which demonstrated a good fit with an adjusted R‐squared of .96. Subsequently, the equation was used to predict the creep rate at constant temperature and various stresses, exhibiting an adjusted R‐squared of .77 and .85, depending on the scatter of the used data. The predictive results of the proposed equation were then compared to those obtained using the Arrhenius creep equation, which tends to higher rates at high stresses. In summary, the novel equation can be more efficiently applied in predicting the creep rate of ceramic fibers across a broader spectrum of stress.
“My baby is ready to learn”—The role of infant pointing in redirecting maternal responses to be more informative
Authors: Orr Edna , Kashy Rosenbaum Gabriela
Published: July 2024

Caregivers may perceive pointing as an indication of infants' readiness to learn, thereby increasing their tendency to label objects regardless of the infant's gesture type and context. This was investigated in this study by tracking 35 infants at home at the ages of 11 and 13 months and observing their interactions with their mothers during object manipulation. We focused on four types of communicative gestures: typical giving gestures, gestures contingent on exploration, gestures contingent on play, and pointing. We analyzed maternal response tendencies, including affirmation, naming, discourse, and pretense. The results revealed that when infants reached the age of 13 months, they tripled their pointing production; in turn, the maternal response changed entirely, with naming becoming the preferred response to all types of gestures. Furthermore, when infants were 13 months old and offered an object contingent on play acts, mothers increased their pretense acts sevenfold. Based on the most informative responses to infants among those examined, we argue that an increase in the number of pointing gestures may gradually be associated with the establishment of the maternal perception that an infant is ready to learn and a subsequent increase in naming and pretense production by the mother.