bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pressure weakens coupling strength in In and Sn elemental superconductors
Authors: Khasanov Rustem , Ummarino Giovanni A.
Published: December 2024

The pressure dependence of the thermodynamic critical field Bc in elemental indium (In) and tin (Sn) superconductors was studied by means of muon-spin rotation/relaxation. Pressure enhances the deviation of Bc(T) from the parabolic behavior expected for a typical type-I superconductor, suggesting a weakening of the coupling strength α=〈Δ〉/kBTc (〈Δ〉 is the average value of the superconducting energy gap, Tc is the transition temperature, and kB is the Boltzmann constant). As pressure increases from 0.0 to ≃3.0 GPa,

α

decreases linearly, approaching the limiting weak-coupling Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) value αBCS≃1.764. Analysis of the data within the framework of Eliashberg theory reveals that only part of the pressure effect on α can be attributed to the hardening of the phonon spectra, reflected by a decrease in the electron-phonon coupling constant. Nearly 40% of the effect is caused by an increased anisotropy of the superconducting energy gap.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Modeling of microfocused Brillouin light scattering spectra
Authors: Wojewoda Ondřej , Hrtoň Martin , Urbánek Michal
Published: December 2024

Although micro-focused Brillouin light scattering (BLS) has been used for more than 20 years, it lacks a complete theoretical description. This complicates the analysis of experimental data and significantly limits the information that can be obtained. To fill this knowledge gap, we have developed a semi-analytical model based on the mesoscopic continuous medium approach. The model consists of the following steps: calculation of the incident electric field and the dynamic susceptibility, calculation of the induced polarization, and calculation of the emitted electric field and its propagation towards the detector. We demonstrate the model on the examples of the measurements of thermal and coherently excited spin waves. However, the used approach is general and can describe any micro-focused Brillouin light scattering experiment. The model can also bring new analytical approaches to mechanobiology experiments or to characterization of acoustic wave-based devices.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Topological classification of one-dimensional chiral symmetric interfaces
Authors: MullineauxSanders Harry , Braunecker Bernd
Published: December 2024

We address the topological classification of one-dimensional chiral symmetric interfaces embedded into a two-dimensional substrate. A proof of the validity of a topological classification based on the Green's function by explicit evaluation of the topological invariant is presented. Further, we show that due to entanglement between the in-gap modes and the substrate, the full physics of the substrate that is contained in the Green's function is required. This is done by considering a classification scheme derived from the reduced ground state projector, for which we show that an uncritical handling produces erroneous changes in the topological index due to entanglement driven gap closures. We illustrate our results by applying them to a tight-binding model of a spiral magnetic interface in a s-wave superconductor.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Superposition of
CP
-even and
CP
-odd Higgs resonances: Explaining the 95 GeV excesses within a two-Higgs-doublet model
Authors: Benbrik Rachid , Boukidi Mohammed , Moretti Stefano
Published: December 2024

We propose an explanation for the observed excesses around 95 GeV in the diphoton and ditau invariant mass distributions, as reported by the CMS collaboration at the Large Hadron Collider. These findings are complemented by a long-standing discrepancy in the bb¯ invariant mass at the Large Electron-Positron Collider. Additionally, the ATLAS collaboration has reported a corroborative excess in the diphoton final state within the same mass range, albeit with slightly lower significance. Our approach involves the superposition of CP-even and CP-odd Higgs bosons within the type-III two-Higgs doublet model to simultaneously explain these excesses at 1σ confidence level, while remaining consistent with current theoretical and experimental constraints.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Constraining neutrinophilic mediators at
FASERν
, FLArE, and
FASERν2
Authors: Bai Weidong , Liao Jiajun , Liu Hongkai
Published: December 2024

High energy collider neutrinos have been observed for the first time by the FASERν experiment. The detected spectrum of collider neutrinos scattering off nucleons can be used to probe neutrinophilic mediators with GeV-scale masses. We find that constraints on the pseudoscalar (axial vector) neutrinophilic mediator are close to the scalar (vector) case since they have similar cross section in the neutrino massless limit. We perform an analysis on the measured muon spectra at FASERν, and find that the bounds on the vector mediator from the current FASERν data are comparable to the existing bounds at mZ′≈0.2  GeV. We also study the sensitivities to a neutrinophilic mediator at future Forward Physics Facilities including FLArE and FASERν2 by using both the missing transverse momentum and the charge identification information. We find that FLArE and FASERν2 can impose stronger bounds on both the scalar and vector neutrinophilic mediators than the existing bounds. The constraints on the scalar mediator can reach 0.08 (0.1) for mϕ≲1  GeV with (without) muon charge identification at FASERν2.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Parametrically Long Lifetime of Superdiffusion in Nonintegrable Spin Chains
Authors: McRoberts Adam J. , Moessner Roderich
Published: December 2024

Superdiffusion is surprisingly easily observed even in systems without the integrability underpinning this phenomenon. Indeed, the classical Heisenberg chain—one of the simplest many-body systems, and firmly believed to be nonintegrable—evinces a long-lived regime of anomalous, superdiffusive spin dynamics at finite temperature. Similarly, superdiffusion persists for long timescales, even at high temperature, for small perturbations around a related integrable model. Eventually, however, ordinary diffusion is believed to be asymptotically restored. We examine the timescales governing the lifetime of the superdiffusive regime, and argue that it diverges algebraically fast—both in deviation from the integrable limit, and at low temperature, where we find t*∼T−ζ with an exponent possibly as large as ζ=8. This can render the crossover to ordinary diffusion practically inaccessible.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Diffusionless relaxation of half-skyrmion liquid, hexatic, and crystalline states in a chiral molecular crystal
Authors: Takae Kyohei , Mitsumoto Kota
Published: December 2024

Particles in a crowded environment exhibit slow anomalous diffusion, and their efficient manipulation is important in controlling transport phenomena in complex materials. Skyrmions and half-skyrmions, spatially localized quasiparticles observed in magnetic systems and liquid crystals, also exhibit diffusive motion. They exhibit normal diffusion in dilute conditions. However, the cooperative dynamics and diffusion of skyrmions and half-skyrmions in their condensed liquid, hexatic, and crystalline phases are elusive. Here we show in the half-skyrmion condensed phases that the fusion and fission of half-skyrmions, not their diffusion, are responsible for the primary structural relaxation. The fusion and fission occur due to the nonconserved nature of the quasiparticle number density. The diffusion, which contributes to the secondary structural relaxation, is suppressed by cages formed by surrounding half-skyrmions, whereas enhanced by Mermin-Wagner fluctuation characteristic to two-dimensional systems, leading to subdiffusive motion. Large displacement of half-skyrmions is locally excited by fusion-fission and bond breaking between adjacent half-skyrmions via heterogeneous elastic fields. Furthermore, the motion of half-skyrmions couples with transverse and longitudinal sound wave excitation differently, where the transverse sound wave is more attenuated than the longitudinal one due to the coupling between transverse sound wave and half-skyrmion deformation. We also discuss the relationship between half-skyrmion diffusion in our system and skyrmion diffusion in magnetic systems. Our result provides a qualitative difference in dynamical properties between half-skyrmion gaseous and condensed phases, suggesting the efficient manipulation of high-density half-skyrmions and skyrmions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Enhancing the efficiency of a wavelength-dispersive spectrometer based on a slitless design using a single-bounce monocapillary
Authors: Bzheumikhova Karina , Kayser Y. , Unterumsberger R. , Weser J. , Stadelhoff C. , Beckhoff B.
Published: December 2024

This paper introduces a novel slit-less wavelength-dispersive spectrometer design that incorporates a single-bounce monocapillary with the goal of positioning the sample directly on the Rowland circle, thereby eliminating the need for a traditional entrance slit. This configuration enhances photon throughput while preserving energy resolution, demonstrated in comparative measurements on boron nitride and different lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide cathodes. A common alternative to an entrance slit for limiting the source size on the Rowland circle is a customized design of the beamline involving a focusing optics unit consisting of two Kirkpatrick–Baez mirrors close to the end station. The new slit-less design does not rely on specialized beamlines and can be considered, thanks to the increased efficiency, for spectrometers using laboratory based sources equipped with equivalent optics. The comparative measurements found that the resolving power achieved was E/ΔE = 1085 at 401.5 eV incident energy, and the enhancement in detection efficiency was a factor of 3.7 due to more effective utilization of the X-ray beam.
Managing negative linear compressibility and thermal expansion through steric hindrance: a case study of 1,2-bis(4′-pyridyl)ethane cocrystals
Authors: Patyk-Kaźmierczak Ewa , Szymańska Kornelia , Kaźmierczak Michał
Published: December 2024

Multicomponent crystals have great scientific potential because of their amenability to crystal engineering in terms of composition and structure, and hence their properties can be easily modified. More and more research areas are employing the design of multicomponent materials to improve the known or induce novel physicochemical properties of crystals, and recently they have been explored as materials with abnormal pressure behaviour. The cocrystal of 1,2-bis(4′-pyridyl)ethane and fumaric acid (ETYFUM) exhibits a negative linear compressibility behaviour comparable to that of framework and metal-containing materials, but overcomes many of their deficiencies restricting their use. Herein ETYFUM was investigated at low temperature to reveal negative thermal expansion behaviour. Additionally, a cocrystal isostructural with ETYFUM, based on 1,2-bis(4′-pyridyl)ethane and succinic acid (ETYSUC), was exposed to high pressure and low temperature, showing that its behaviour is similar in nature to that of ETYFUM, but significantly differs in the magnitude of both effects. It was revealed that the minor structural difference between the acid molecules does not significantly affect the packing under ambient conditions, but has far-reaching consequences when it comes to the deformation of the structure when exposed to external stimuli.
Identifying facilitators and barriers associated with caring for individuals with intellectual disability who were at risk of hospital admission
Authors: Morris Rohan , Chadwick Laura , Hasan Syeda , Iqbal Ameera , Patil Dipti
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the experiences of professional carers for people with intellectual disabilities who were “at risk” of hospital admission and to identify factors which were helpful or restrictive in the support received from health-care services during this time.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight professional carers from NHS trusts. Data was analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Three main themes and 11 subthemes were identified. The first theme discusses the processes implemented to facilitate change while the person was at risk of hospital admission. The second theme identifies social and environmental factors increasing risk of hospitalisation. The third theme was the support received by staff.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study was the first to gather and analyse data on carer’s experiences in supporting an individual with intellectual disability who is at risk of hospital admission within the locality of Greater Manchester.
Modelling the future of meat consumption in Poland: an agent-based approach
Authors: Akhavan Hezaveh Shahriar , Adamczyk Dominika , Stasiuk Katarzyna , Maison Dominika
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The global dietary landscape is increasingly witnessing a shift in meat consumption patterns. However, an important question still concerns the direction in which these changes will continue and to what extent, in the near future, most consumers will completely give up meat products in their diet or will only limit their consumption. The second question is who is most susceptible to reducing meat in their diet and who will resist this trend. When looking for an answer to those questions, we employed an agent-based model (ABM) to analyse the data from a nationally representative survey conducted in Poland.

Design/methodology/approach

The model takes into account key factors influencing dietary choices through the channel of social influence, including health and ethical concerns, locus of control, food neophobia and meat eating justification.

Findings

Our simulations indicate the future dominance of reducetarianism, an upswing in vegan/vegetarianism, and a decline in omnivorism. Additionally, distinct dietary trajectories are emerging among different demographic groups, often echoing initial disparities or unveiling new patterns. The study further confirms the importance of individuals as embedded actors in the transformation of the food system.

Originality/value

The results offer a micro-based understanding of the evolution of dietary patterns, highlighting the value of the ABM in forecasting eating behaviour.
The application of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for health and safety management in the construction industry
Authors: Pittri Hayford , Godawatte Godawatte Arachchige Gimhan Rathnagee , Agyekum Kofi , Dompey Annabel Morkporkpor Ami , Botchway Benjamin , Narh Evans
Published: December 2024

Purpose

As construction project designs grow in complexity, the challenges associated with project monitoring also escalate. Therefore, it is recommended that cutting-edge technologies like unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) be incorporated to alleviate some of the issues encountered during the execution of construction projects. This paper examines the utilisation and barriers of UAV applications for health and safety (H&S) management in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a quantitative method for the study, data were collected from 408 construction professionals in the Ghanaian construction industry (GCI) with a questionnaire using the convenience and snowball sampling techniques. The collected data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics.

Findings

The study reveals a low level of UAV adoption in the GCI, with most firms not using UAVs for H&S management. Key barriers identified include technical challenges, high costs, lack of training, limited government support and resistance to new technologies. Despite the recognised potential of UAVs in improving construction safety, their adoption remains limited due to these obstacles. Conclusively, this study recommends measures that would propel the espousal of UAVs for H&S management in the construction industry.

Originality/value

The results of this research shed light on a relatively unexplored area within the construction sector, particularly in a developing country like Ghana. By providing empirical evidence and insights, the study contributes to the broader understanding of how innovative technologies can be leveraged for H&S management in emerging economies.
The linkage of frontline employees’ neuroticism, rumination and negative affect: a moderated moderated mediation model
Authors: Hu Wan-Hsien , Lin Chen-Ju
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Drawing on response style theory and conservation of resources theory, this study aims to examine how neuroticism indirectly influences negative affect via rumination, and whether this mediating effect is moderated directly by individual resources (i.e. emotion regulation) and indirectly by social resources (i.e. perceived organizational support [POS]).

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 181 valid responses were collected using two-wave self-reported questionnaires in Taiwan, and the research hypotheses were tested using partial least squares regression.

Findings

The results showed that when both emotion regulation and POS are low, neuroticism has a positive indirect effect on negative affect via rumination. However, this effect weakens or becomes insignificant under other conditions.

Originality/value

The findings of this study offer a more in-depth examination of the relationships among the traits, rumination, negative affect and both internal and external resources of frontline employees in the service industries. Neuroticism, as a personality trait, is not easily changed. Therefore, helping frontline employees at service sites improve their rumination, training them to regulate their emotions and enhancing the POS can be useful strategies for managers and human resource departments to pursue.
Is income inequality – conflicts nexus moderated by the quality of governance? Insight from sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Olaoye Olumide Olusegun , Omokanmi Olatunde Julius , Tabash Mosab I.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study is twofold. First, the study examines the effect of income inequality on conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Second, the study unveils the role of governance in income inequality – conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts the ordinary least square estimation technique (OLS) as the baseline model. However, given that so many panel data models exhibit some form of cross-sectional and temporal dependence, the study also adopts the Driscoll–Kraay cross-sectional and spatial-consistent covariance matrix estimator.

Findings

The study finds that income inequality fuels conflicts in SSA. Similarly, the results show that an increase in the quality of governance reduces conflicts. Importantly, the result shows that the quality of governance mitigates the negative effects of income inequality on conflicts in SSA. The research and policy implications are discussed.

Originality/value

The study examines the role governance in income inequality – conflicts nexus in SSA.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-01-2024-0055
An interpersonal perspective to study workplace favoritism and employees’ motivation to hold multiple jobs
Authors: Mishra Sovanjeet , Singh Anupriya , Srivastava Shalini
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The reasons for employees’ multiple jobholding have often been explored from economic and aspirational standpoints, and the role of workplace conditions that may encourage employees’ multiple jobholding remains largely overlooked. We examine the linkage between workplace favoritism and employees’ multiple jobholding motivations. Utilizing the conservation of resources as our theoretical framework, we also explored the underlying role of job insecurity and psychological contract violation.

Design/methodology/approach

We collected data using qualitative and quantitative methods. To gauge multiple jobholding motivations, we collected data from employees in Indian organizations using both qualitative (N = 44) and quantitative (N = 180, N = 205, N = 251) methods. A mediation model was tested using two-wave data gathered from 251 employees working with varied organizations located in North India. Variance-based SmartPLS was used to test the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

A positive and significant association was found between workplace favoritism and employees’ multiple jobholding motivations. Job insecurity and psychological contract violation emerged as significant mediators in this process.

Originality/value

Through qualitative and quantitative studies, we developed and tested a measure of employees’ motivations to hold multiple jobs. The study uncovers the role of adverse workplace conditions in encouraging these motivations and sheds light on how workplace favoritism translates into employees’ holding multiple jobs.
Capacity development for small-scale women entrepreneurs and corporate social responsibility in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region
Authors: Uduji Joseph Ikechukwu , Okolo-Obasi Nduka Vitalis Elda , Uduji Joy Ukamaka , Emengini Emeka Steve , Odoh Longinus Chukwudi , Iyadi Rollins Chiyem
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the multinational oil companies’ (MOCs) corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Nigeria. Its special focus is to investigate the impact of the global memorandum of understanding (GMoU) on capacity development for small-scale women entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a survey research technique, aimed at gathering information from a representative sample of the population, as it is essentially cross-sectional, describing and interpreting the current situation. A total of 768 women respondents were sampled across the rural areas of the Niger Delta region in Nigeria.

Findings

The results from the use of a combined propensity score matching and logit model indicate that though, a meagre part of the CSR intervention is targeted specifically for capacity empowerment of women, the CSR of the MOCs using the GMoU model has recorded little but significant success in building capacity of women in the areas of enhancing educational status, reduction in socio-economic barriers, access to credit, starting personal business enterprises, undertaking paid employment and generally enhancing means of livelihoods.

Practical implications

This suggests that if CSR interventions are not tailored to enhanced opportunities for women, they may contribute towards reducing the participation of women in economic, political and social development and, by extension, damping efforts of reducing poverty and achieving the sustainable development goals in the Niger Delta.

Social implications

This implies that the private sector, generally, can play an important role in addressing some of the logistical and cultural challenges that face rural women, and promote gender diversity and more equal access to economic opportunity through the CSR programmes in host communities.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the inequality debate in small-scale entrepreneurship and inclusive growth literature from the CSR perspective. It concludes that business has an obligation to help in solving problems of public concern.
Functional responses of Mediterranean flora to fire: A community‐scale perspective
Authors: Leys Bérangère A. , Leydet Michelle , Meineri Eric , Saatkamp Arne , Violle Cyrille
Published: December 2024

Fire regime is predicted to change, particularly in Mediterranean climate regions, towards more severe and frequent fire events. From a predictive perspective, trait‐based ecology offers a comprehensive framework to characterize vegetation responses to fire. Since fires induce erosion and decrease soil nutrients, species' functional traits and their distribution at community level should reflect these changes. Despite a vast literature focused on plant traits involved in resistance to fire, quantification of community trait responses to fire is lacking, particularly for traits that are linked to resource strategies.

Here, we emphasis on plant traits related to morphology (height, specific leaf area, stem and wood density) and resource acquisition strategies (leaf nitrogen, leaf dry mass, seed dry mass). We compiled three different databases compiling vegetation, fire and functional traits for the flora of Southern France. We analysed the relationships between these three components at both species and community levels.

Fire numbers and area burnt did not impact species trait distributions. At community level, a clear pattern emerged between the number of fires and the distribution of different traits considered, with two main axes: on the positive PC2 axis vegetative height and seed mass; and on negative PC1 axis leaf carbon and positive PC1 axis nitrogen content and leaf area. We also showed that vegetative height is positively correlated to the aridity index distribution in the region studied.

Synthesis: We analysed the relationships among fire, vegetation and functional traits, at both species and community levels. Altogether, there are highly significant direct relationships between the number of fires and leaf area (negatively) as well as seed mass (positively). For woody communities, wood density is also highly positively significant related to the number of fires. Overall, these findings suggest that fire may have an important impact on the functional response of plant communities, while not apparent when looking at individual species. Further, this research paves new ground to better understand the mechanisms behind trait convergence and the way plant communities respond to different environmental pressures.
Safety of Fertility Treatments in Women With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Data From a Prospective Population‐Based Study
Authors: Dernoncourt Amandine , Guettrot‐Imbert Gaëlle , Sentilhes Loïc , Besse Marie Charlotte , Molto Anna , Queyrel‐Moranne Viviane , Besnerais Maelle Le , Lazaro Estibaliz , Tieulié Nathalie , Richez Christophe , Hachulla Eric , Sarrot‐Reynauld Françoise , Leroux Gaëlle , Orquevaux Pauline , London Jonathan , Sailler Laurent , Souchaud‐Debouverie Odile , Smets Perrine , Godeau Bertrand , Pannier Emmanuelle , Murarasu Anne , Berezne Alice , Goulenok Tiphaine , Morel Nathalie , Mouthon Luc , Duhaut Pierre , Guern Véronique Le , Costedoat‐Chalumeau Nathalie ,   The Gr2 Study Group
Published: December 2024

Objective

To assess safety of fertility treatments in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Design

Data from the multicentre French observational GR2 (Groupe de Recherche sur la Grossesse et les Maladies Rares) study (2014‐ongoing).

Setting

Seventy‐six centres in France.

Population

All pregnancies in women with SLE enrolled in the GR2 study, conceived before 1 August 2022, with available end‐of‐pregnancy data and known conception type, were included; that is, 577 spontaneous and 53 assisted pregnancies.

Methods

A comparative analysis of spontaneous and assisted pregnancies was conducted. Logistic regression was used to determine if fertility treatments were independently associated with live birth prognosis, adjusting for confounders (e.g., maternal age). Kaplan–Meier analysis compared cumulative incidences of disease flares and adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs), with confounding factors adjusted using a Cox regression model.

Main Outcome Measures

Live birth, disease flares, and APOs.

Results

The mean age was older (35.8 vs. 32.3 years, p < 1 × 10−4), and twins were more frequent in assisted pregnancies (5/50, 10.0% vs. 20/554, 3.6%; p = 0.047). Lupus disease was clinically inactive at baseline in 51 (96.2%) assisted pregnancies (vs. n = 511, 89.6%; p = 0.15), with 35 of 45 (77.8%) having no chronic damage (vs. 448/513, 87.3%; p = 0.07). The live birth rate was similar between assisted and spontaneous pregnancies (n = 46, 86.8% vs. n = 505, 87.5%; p = 0.83), with no statistical difference in the incidence of lupus flares and APOs. These results remained consistent after adjusting for confounding factors.

Conclusions

Fertility treatments in women with mostly well‐controlled SLE did not appear to increase risks of maternal and neonatal complications, supporting current recommendations.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02450396
An accurate IDMS‐based method for absolute quantification of phytohemagglutinin, a major antinutritional component in common bean
Authors: Li Lan , Chu Zhanying , Ning Kang , Zhu Manman , Lu Chenze , Zhai Rui , Xu Pei
Published: December 2024

Phytohemagglutinin (PHA), a natural tetramer comprising PHA‐E and PHA‐L subunits that preferentially bind to red and white blood cells, respectively, constitutes a significant antinutritional and allergenic factor in common bean seeds. The accurate measurement of PHA content is a prerequisite for ensuring food safety inspections and facilitating genetic improvements in common bean cultivars with reduced PHA levels. Currently, mainstream methods for PHA quantification involve hemagglutination assays and immunodetection, but these methods often require fresh animal blood and lack specificity and accuracy. In this study, we present a novel liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry/MS‐based method for PHA quantification, leveraging the advantages of isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS). Two signature peptides each for PHA‐E and PHA‐L, along with a common signature peptide, were identified and employed for quantification, allowing differentiation between PHA‐E and PHA‐L subunits. The incorporation of amino acid analysis isotope IDMS enabled accurate determination of the synthetic signature peptides' purity during measurement, enhancing metrological accuracy. In addition, the trichloroacetic acid–acetone protocol was established as the optimized method for total protein extraction from dry bean seeds. Quantitative analysis of PHA‐E and PHA‐L subunits in six common bean varieties using the developed method demonstrated excellent linearity (R2 > 0.999), sensitivity (limit of detection and quantitation as low as 2.32 ng·mg−¹ and 7.73 ng·mg−¹, respectively), recovery (94.18%–104.47%), and precision (relative standard deviation < 3.45%). Collectively, we offer a precise and highly reproducible method that may be used as a standard for the determination of PHA content in common beans and other agricultural products containing PHA.
Efficacy and safety of a 72‐h infusion of prostacyclin (1 ng/kg/min) in mechanically ventilated patients with pulmonary infection and endotheliopathy—protocol for the multicenter randomized, placebo‐controlled, blinded, investigator‐initiated COMBAT‐ARF trial
Authors: Søe‐Jensen Peter , Clausen Niels E. , Bestle Morten H. , Andersen Lars P. K. , Lange Theis , Johansson Pär I. , Stensballe Jakob
Published: December 2024

Background

Acute respiratory failure (ARF) is common in critically ill patients, and 50% of patients in intensive care units require mechanical ventilation [3, 4]. The COVID‐19 pandemic revealed that COVID‐19 infection induced ARF caused by damage to the microvascular pulmonary endothelium. In a randomized clinical trial, mechanically ventilated COVID‐19 patients with severe endotheliopathy, as defined by soluble thrombomodulin (sTM) ≥ 4 ng/mL, were randomized to evaluate the effect of a 72‐h infusion of low‐dose prostacyclin 1 ng/kg/min or placebo. Twenty‐eight‐day mortality was 21.9% versus 43.6% in the prostacyclin and the placebo groups, respectively (RR 0.50; CI 0.24 to 0.96 p = .06).

The aim of the current trial is to investigate if this beneficial effect and safety of prostacyclin also are present in any patient with suspected pulmonary infection requiring mechanical ventilation and concomitant severe endotheliopathy.

Materials and Methods

This is a multi‐center, randomized, blinded, clinical investigator‐initiated phase 3 trial in mechanically ventilated patients with suspected pulmonary infection and severe endotheliopathy, as defined by sTM ≥4 ng/mL. Patients are randomized 1:1 to a 72‐h infusion of low‐dose prostacyclin (iloprost) 1 ng/kg/min or placebo (an equal volume of saline). Four‐hundred fifty patients will be included.

The primary endpoint is 28‐day all‐cause mortality. Secondary endpoints include 90‐day mortality, days alive without vasopressor, mechanical ventilation, and renal replacement therapy in the ICU within 28 and 90 days, and the number of serious adverse reactions or serious adverse events within the first 7 days.

Discussion

This trial will investigate the efficacy and safety of prostacyclin vs. placebo for 72‐hours in mechanically ventilated patients with any suspected pulmonary infection and severe endotheliopathy, as defined by sTM ≥4 ng/mL. Trial endpoints focus on the potential effect of prostacyclin to reduce 28‐day all‐cause mortality.
Is it the right time to promote competency‐based European Training Requirements in Ophthalmology? A European Board of Ophthalmology survey
Authors: Dormegny Lea , Prior Filipe Helena , Dormegny‐Jeanjean Ludovic Christophe , Stopa Marcin , Aclimandos Wagih , Asoklis Rimvydas , Atilla Huban , Creuzot‐Garcher Catherine , Curtin Denise , Cvenkel Barbara , Flanagan Lisa , Ivekovic Renata , Kivelä Tero T. , Martinez Costa Rafael , Ní Dhubhghaill Sorcha , Priglinger Siegfried , Strong Brendan , Sturmer Joerg , Tassignon Marie José ,   Ophthalmology ETR working group, Maino Anna , Bourcier Tristan
Published: December 2024

Purpose

To report national practices and recent progress in competency‐based medical education (CBME) implementation in ophthalmology across European countries.

Methods

A 30‐question online survey was emailed to European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) ophthalmology section delegates, European Board of Ophthalmology Diploma (EBOD) examiners and presidents of ophthalmology societies affiliated with UEMS/EBO.

Results

A total of 230 ophthalmologists with an average age of 54.7 years [30–77] and from 28 countries completed the survey. Half of them had been involved as medical educators for more than 10 years. The majority (74%) exercised their educational role in a University Hospital. Ninety six percent of them dedicated less than 50% of their activity to teaching. A third dedicated more than a half of their activity to patient care. The teaching of skills reported (medical, surgical, research, attitudinal and theoretical knowledge) was significantly better applied than their assessment. While 91% of the respondents found it necessary to harmonize European Training Requirements (ETR) in ophthalmology, competency‐based education concepts were rarely implemented in their country (for instance, 8% for CBME; 6% for entrustable professional activities (EPAs) and 3% for ETR).

Conclusions

Despite considerable diversity in European residency programmes, post‐graduate medical education leaders in ophthalmology agree on the need to find a platform for equivalence in the content of the basic training requirements that constitute the professional identity of a practicing ophthalmologist.
Isolating the role of researcher observation on reactivity to the measurement of physical activity
Authors: König Laura M. , Pasko Kristen , Baga Kiri , Harsora Raj , Arigo Danielle
Published: December 2024

Reactivity to physical activity (PA) measurement may result from the introduction of a measurement device, researcher observation, or both. Accessing data from prior to study enrollment afforded the rare opportunity to compare behavior during versus prior to participation. This study introduced researcher observation among adults who owned their own PA monitoring device, to test whether measurement reactivity can also be observed in experienced PA trackers, by comparing their data from before versus after the introduction of observation. In addition, the salience of researcher observation was manipulated to test for potential effects. Participants were 252 adults in the U.S. They completed two electronic surveys 14 days apart, in which they recorded steps per day as collected by their PA monitors over the previous 14 days. At the end of the first survey, they were randomized to view messages, which differed in emphasis on repeating entry of step data (i.e., “low” vs. “high” salience of researcher observation). Daily step counts did not change between 14‐day reporting periods, though patterns differed by gender and starting level of PA. Patterns did not differ between experimental conditions. Overall, introducing researcher observation without introducing an unfamiliar measurement device results in no meaningful reactivity with respect to PA.
Feasible Techniques Named “Pure” Robotic Simple Hysterectomy With 4 Robotic Arms “4+0” Mode for Hysterectomy in da Vinci Xi
Authors: Ota Kuniaki , Ota Yoshiaki , Kawamura Shogo , Fujiwara Hitomi , Tasaka Keitaro , Okamoto Hana , Morimoto Yumiko , Saito Wataru , Sugihara Mika , Koike Eiji , Shiota Mitsuru , Shimoya Koichiro
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The three‐arm approach is mainly selected, despite the multiple robotic arms in da Vinci Xi. This type of surgical setup may provide less autonomy to the console surgeon and result in greater dependence on the bedside surgical assistant. Therefore, the 4th arm is used instead of the assist port, which is why we developed “pure” robot simple hysterectomy (PRSH) as a novel surgical technique, in which all ports are operated by robotic arms.

Materials and Surgical Technique

After pneumoperitoneum was established, trocars were inserted under visual control: three 8 mm robotic ports on the same horizontal line spaced 8 cm apart at the level of the endoscope port. The 2nd arm was used to insert the endoscope, and the fenestrated bipolar forceps in the 1st arm and Maryland bipolar forceps in the 3rd arm were operated using the double bipolar method. In this technique, the uterine manipulator is not used because the Cadiere forceps in the 4th arm manipulate the uterus. For suturing, the 3rd arm was equipped with a SutureCut needle driver from Maryland bipolar forceps, which enabled suturing and thread cutting. Suction and intra‐abdominal transport of the needle was introduced into the abdominal cavity by pulling out the instrument in the 3rd arm. Hence, since all robotic arms are used for all ports, we named this technique “pure” robot simple hysterectomy.

Discussion

The routine use of a fourth robotic arm “4+0” mode during PRSH provides the operating surgeon with greater independence during critical phases of the procedure without requiring a uterine manipulator and assistant.

Trial Registration

5043‐03
Olutasidenib demonstrates significant clinical activity in mutated IDH1 acute myeloid leukaemia arising from a prior myeloproliferative neoplasm
Authors: De Botton Stéphane , Récher Christian , Cortes Jorge , Curti Antonio , Fenaux Pierre , Peterlin Pierre , Pigneux Arnaud , Yee Karen , Wei Andrew , Mims Alice , Schiller Gary , Chao Mwe Mwe , Tian Hua , Watts Justin M.
Published: December 2024

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) arising from a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) is more aggressive and less responsive to therapies compared to de novo AML. Olutasidenib, an oral small‐molecule inhibitor of mutated IDH1 (mIDH1), showed encouraging and durable responses in a phase 1/2 study of adults with post‐MPN mIDH1 AML. Patients received olutasidenib 150 mg BID monotherapy or in combination with azacitidine. Primary end‐points: safety and best response defined as complete remission (CR), CR with partial haematological recovery or morphological leukaemia‐free state (MLFS). Analysis included 15 patients with post‐MPN mIDH1 AML; 10 had relapsed or refractory AML and five had newly diagnosed AML. Six were treated with olutasidenib monotherapy and nine in combination with azacitidine. Treatment emergent adverse events occurred in 15 patients, three of whom discontinued therapy. CR: 40% (n = 6/15); median duration of response: 15.6 months (range: 1.7–44.3); CR with incomplete haematological recovery: 13% (n = 2/15); MLFS: 7% (n = 1/15); composite complete remission (CRc): 53% (n = 8/15); and overall response rate (ORR): 60% (9/18). Median duration of CRc and ORR: 13.15 (range: 2.4–48.7) and 14.3 months (range: 2.4–48.7), respectively, and median overall survival: 13.8 months (95% confidence interval: 3.70–23.7). Olutasidenib demonstrated encouraging response rates with a manageable safety profile for patients with post‐MPN mIDH1 AML.
Strengthening Morale and Motivation in the Public Service in Turbulent Times
Authors: Levasseur Karine , Rounce Andrea , Wranik Wiesława Dominika
Published: December 2024

The public service in Canada has undergone major changes and experienced significant pressures in the last decade. These changes and pressures create conditions of uncertainty, and alongside workplace policies, arrangements, leadership, and culture, affect the morale of current public servants and future public service motivation. This issue requires immediate attention because the morale of the public service determines the performance and quality of service delivery to citizens, as well as making the public service a good place to work. This research note prescribes a pathway for reform: 1. Define problems of morale and motivation; 2. Create a time‐limited task force with the goal of creating a permanent entity to address motivation and morale; and 3. Collaborate with current and future public servants to provide professional development.
Development of a Self‐Care Autonomy in Health Scale for Late Adolescents
Authors: Mikhaylova Oxana , Denis Popov , Maria Chepeleva , Anastasia Bochkor , Ekaterina Serebrennaya , Polina Osipova
Published: December 2024

Background

This paper describes the development of the Self‐Care Autonomy in Health Scale for Late Adolescents (SAHSLA) for use with general samples. It addresses concerns regarding the nonclinical efficacy of self‐care health scales for adolescents, particularly their ability to discriminate between lower levels of self‐care.

Methods

A survey was constructed based on literature review and subsequently evaluated in two studies. Parents (N = 57, 53 parents of girls, 4 of boys, Mage = 15.96) participated in Study 1, which investigated the internal with Cronbach's alpha and coefficient omega (ω), and convergent validity with regard to adolescent age. In Study 2, the SAHSLA scores of adolescents (N = 339, 268 girls, 73 boys, Mage = 15.87) were examined using confirmatory factor and convergent validity analyses in relation to age, gender, smoking and alcohol consumption patterns, and self‐compassion assessments.

Results

In Study 1, the scale total and a child's age did not substantially correlate. Both omega and alpha were moderate. Study 2 revealed a two‐factor model with physical and psychological components. There were minor yet statistically significant associations found between self‐judgement and psychological SAHSLA. Physical SAHSLA was not connected with age, overidentification, isolation or self‐judgement, but it was statistically strongly correlated with total self‐compassion.

Conclusions

The scale and study findings can be applied to health monitoring and interventions in schools and adolescent campaigns aimed at alcohol‐ and tobacco‐use cessation.
Evaluating approaches for integrating species distributions in spatial conservation planning
Authors: Winiarski Jason M. , Shipley Amy A. , Fowler Drew N. , Palumbo Matthew D. , Straub Jacob N.
Published: December 2024

Map‐based decision support tools (DSTs) that use species distributions are an important means of identifying priority areas for conservation. The Wisconsin Waterfowl Habitat Conservation Strategy (WWHCS) uses a DST to identify priority ecological landscapes and watersheds to guide waterfowl habitat projects. The WWHCS DST relies on waterfowl habitat suitability layers derived through expert opinion in lieu of species distributions, a common approach in DSTs. Given the subjectivity of expert opinion, model‐driven species distributions such as those available from community science projects could provide more reliable information and better identify areas for waterfowl conservation. Here, we explore the application of relative abundance products available through the eBird Status and Trends project as an alternative to expert‐derived habitat suitability layers in the WWHCS DST. Our objectives were to compare seasonal species distributions from habitat suitability models (expert‐derived) and species distribution models (eBird‐derived) and determine whether differences influenced DST prioritizations. Correlations between expert‐ and eBird‐derived distributions were generally low to moderate for breeding and fall layers (ρ: −0.03–0.76), and lowest for spring (ρ: −0.49–0.72). There was also minimal agreement among top‐ranked ecological landscapes (40%) and watersheds (28%) between the two versions of the DST. Finally, we compare tradeoffs and suggest a model‐driven approach for the WWHCS DST. However, additional work validating eBird relative abundance against professional surveys and empirical studies evaluating waterfowl habitat selection and vital rates are important future considerations for the DST and waterfowl habitat conservation in Wisconsin.
Environmental drivers of arthropod communities across the endangered predator Gambelia sila's current and historic range
Authors: Braun Jenna , Westphal Michael , Goldgisser Marina , Padula Kevin , Ramirez Kathryn , English John , Evans Jason , Statham Mark , Fesnock Amy , Lortie C. J.
Published: December 2024

Describing the habitat needs of endangered species is a major focus of applied conservation research. The blunt‐nosed leopard lizard (Gambelia sila (Stejneger, 1890)) is a flagship endangered species endemic to the San Joaquin Valley of California, USA. Arthropods are an important component of G. sila's diet and of many other listed vertebrate species in Californian drylands. We examined the drivers of abundance, richness, and composition across the current and extirpated ranges of the blunt‐nosed leopard lizard G. sila for four arthropod communities: ground‐active, shrub‐canopy active, open area active, and aerial. We found no evidence for lower arthropod abundance or species richness at sites from which G. sila has been extirpated. In contrast, the ground‐active arthropod and beetle communities were less abundant at sites with current populations of G. sila after accounting for environmental variation. Thus, prey availability—at least at the community level and for the taxonomic groups considered—would not likely be a factor constraining future repopulation efforts for G. sila into its historical range. Beta‐diversity partitioning analyses indicated that a regional approach to conservation is necessary to conserve arthropod biodiversity across the San Joaquin Valley. Increasing aridity lowered abundance and species richness at fine scales for most communities tested and was also related to spatial composition across the region. Thus, in terms of G. sila conservation and restoration, sites with the lowest current and projected future aridity should be prioritized to maximize the abundance and richness of co‐occurring ground‐active arthropod and beetle communities.