bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance implications of match between social media–enabled interactions and contracts in interfirm governance
Authors: Feng Chao , Yu Jinjun , Fan Yajing , Chen Hui
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Integrating transaction costs economics and task-technology fit theory, this study distinguishes two categories of social media–enabled interactions, namely task-related interactions and tie-related interactions, and explores the match between these two and firms' use of contracts in achieving safeguarding and coordinating purposes in interfirm governance.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies were conducted to test the hypotheses. In Study 1, this study collaborated with a professional market research firm and collected responses from Chinese manufacturing firms in a survey. In Study 2, this study designed a scenario-based experiment and collected 239 participants from the Credamo platform.

Findings

This study categorized social media–enabled interactions into task-related interactions and tie-related interactions and conducted two studies to reveal that the safeguarding purpose of contract specificity is amplified by tie-related interactions, whereas the coordinating purpose of contract specificity is strengthened by task-related interactions.

Research limitations/implications

This study assumes that firms permit and encourage the use of social media. However, some firms might prohibit the use of social media due to risk issues, or their partners may be prohibited from using social media.

Practical implications

Given that social media–enabled interactions have joint effects with contracts in achieving safeguarding and coordinating purposes, a firm's employees should match their goals with an appropriate type of social media–enabled interactions.

Originality/value

This study enriches the interfirm governance literature by uncovering the roles of these two types of interactions in matching contract specificity to achieve safeguarding and coordinating purposes, which provides actionable insights for managers in governing interfirm relationships.
Implications of algorithmic management on careers and employment relationships in the gig economy – a developing country perspective
Authors: Adekoya Olatunji David , Mordi Chima , Ajonbadi Hakeem Adeniyi , Chen Weifeng
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the implications of algorithmic management on careers and employment relationships in the Nigerian gig economy. Specifically, drawing on labour process theory (LPT), this study provides an understanding of the production relations beyond the “traditional standard” to “nonstandard” forms of employment in a gig economy mediated by digital platforms or digital forms of work, especially on ride-hailing platforms (Uber and Bolt).

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted the interpretive qualitative approach and a semi-structured interview of 49 participants, including 46 platform drivers and 3 platform managers from Uber and Bolt.

Findings

This study addresses the theoretical underpinnings of the LPT as it relates to algorithmic management and control in the digital platform economy. The study revealed that, despite the ultra-precarious working conditions and persistent uncertainty in employment relations under algorithmic management, the underlying key factors that motivate workers to engage in digital platform work include higher job flexibility and autonomy, as well as having a source of income. This study captured the human-digital interface and labour processes related to digital platform work in Nigeria. Findings of this study also revealed that algorithmic management enables a transactional exchange between platform providers and drivers, while relational exchanges occur between drivers and customers/passengers. Finally, this study highlighted the perceived impact of algorithmic management on the attitude and performance of workers.

Originality/value

The research presents an interesting case study to investigate the influence of algorithmic management and labour processes on employment relationships in the largest emerging economy in Africa.
On the road to halting corruption: SNC-Lavalin
Authors: Gosselin Anne Marie , Berthelot Sylvie
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Just like human beings, some companies engage in recurrent bad behaviour that negatively impacts their stakeholders and their prospects for long-term survival. For example, some firms become caught up in a vortex of corruption. SNC-Lavalin, a large Canadian consulting engineering company, is an example of one organisation that embarked on this path. Since then, the company has taken numerous steps to overcome its persistent problems with corruption. The object of this study is to determine whether these steps can be compared to the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which is recognised for helping individuals overcome addiction to alcohol and drugs.

Design/methodology/approach

To examine events at SNC-Lavalin between 2000 and 2022, the authors carry out an in-depth examination of internal and external documentation. Three sources of data are used: archival documents, news articles and corporate documentation.

Findings

The results of the analysis show that the AA 12-step program seems to correspond to the steps SNC-Lavalin has taken over time. The “organisational” version of this program that the authors have developed could be useful to advisers of companies that are struggling with other types of bad behaviour and wish to stamp it out. These bad behaviours include the exploitation of vulnerable manpower, the exploitation of consumers through planned obsolescence or aggressive sales practices and pollution in all its forms.

Research limitations/implications

The study has certain limitations. It should be noted that the analyses were limited to public information. In addition, given the quantity of public information available for the period from 2009 to 2022, a methodical approach to selecting the sources of information elements was applied, which inevitably entailed ignoring other sources of information (e.g. television, radio and internet).

Originality/value

This study adds to previous work by providing an original and global perspective of the steps taken by a large international consulting engineering firm to overcome its recurring corruption problems. The parallel drawn with AA’s 12-step programs seems to correspond surprisingly well to the steps taken by the company. This parallel can potentially serve as a roadmap for advisers who have to counsel companies on recurring misconduct that has harmful repercussions for their stakeholders.
CEO busyness and investment efficiency: evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Harymawan Iman , Rahayu Nadia Klarita , Kamarudin Khairul Anuar , Wan Ismail Wan Adibah , Ratri Melinda Cahyaning
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the relationship between the level of busyness of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and investment efficiency in the context of emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample includes firms listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2010 to 2018 using ordinary least square estimation.

Findings

The findings suggest that companies led by busy CEOs tend to exhibit lower investment efficiency, thus providing support for the hypothesis that as CEOs’ commitments increase, their ability to concentrate on the company diminishes. Furthermore, our analysis reveals that companies with busy CEOs tend to demonstrate a greater tendency to over-invest, potentially in response to market pressures to showcase strong performance. A more in-depth examination of the data shows that the negative impact of busy CEOs on investment efficiency is especially noticeable in firms lacking risk and management committees (RMC).

Practical implications

These findings have substantial practical implications for the structuring and composition of corporate boards. They highlight the significance of conducting comprehensive assessments to gain insights into the external commitments of incoming CEOs.

Originality/value

This study underscores the importance of establishing RMC.
I became a leader by coincidence: specialised nurses as leaders in the field of mental health and substance abuse
Authors: Lysfjord Else Marie , Skarstein Siv
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine nurses’ motivation for leadership and explore important challenges nurses face in leadership positions.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 nurses in leading positions. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Findings

Nurse leaders are recruited from clinical settings, and the transition process from clinical nurse to leader is demanding. Their motivation for leadership seems to be in human values and caring for others. Lack of strategic focus might be a challenge. Nurses in leadership positions emphasize the importance of good relationships with the staff and require an increased focus on strategic leadership.

Research limitations/implications

Studies have revealed the frustration associated with the role of a nursing leader. According to an evaluation of a clinical leadership development programme, nurses were found to be inadequately prepared for their roles. They had not experienced positive role models, they felt overwhelmed and they regarded colleagues and nursing management structures as unsupportive. There is a need for further research into effective measures to strengthen nurse managers.

Practical implications

The role of leaders has changed over time. There are now increasing requirements and objectives with regard to laws, action plans, improvement projects and cost-effectiveness. A nurse leader has both many tasks and great responsibility. Good leadership relies on skilled nurse leaders meeting statutory requirements in patient care and delivering good quality and patient-safe services. Engaging in process-oriented guidance, such as mentoring, is one way to become more aware of oneself as a professional leader (Mathena, 2002).

Originality/value

By identifying and understanding the specific challenges that nurse leaders face, this study can contribute to the development of interventions and strategies to improve leadership practices, thereby enhancing organizational effectiveness.
Institutions and macroeconomic indicators: entrepreneurial activities across the world
Authors: Kara Oğuz , Altinay Levent , Bağış Mehmet , Kurutkan Mehmet Nurullah , Vatankhah Sanaz
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Entrepreneurial activity is a phenomenon that increases the economic growth of countries and improves their social welfare. The economic development levels of countries have significant effects on these entrepreneurial activities. This research examines which institutional and macroeconomic variables explain early-stage entrepreneurship activities in developed and developing economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted panel data analysis on the data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) surveys covering the years 2009–2018.

Findings

First, the authors' results reveal that cognitive, normative and regulatory institutions and macroeconomic factors affect early-stage entrepreneurial activity in developed and developing countries differently. Second, the authors' findings indicate that cognitive, normative and regulatory institutions affect early-stage entrepreneurship more positively in developed than developing countries. Finally, the authors' results report that macroeconomic factors are more effective in early-stage entrepreneurial activity in developing countries than in developed countries.

Originality/value

This study provides a better understanding of the components that help explain the differences in entrepreneurship between developed and developing countries regarding institutions and macroeconomic factors. In this way, it contributes to developing entrepreneurship literature with the theoretical achievements of combining institutional theory and macroeconomic indicators with entrepreneurship literature.
Measuring the impact of loneliness, physical activity, and self esteem on the health of the retired people
Authors: Sharma Eliza , Prince John Ben
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to measure the impact of loneliness, physical activity (PA) and self-esteem on the health of retired people and also checks the moderating role of living arrangements and gender of the elderly people on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Four standardized scales were used in the study to measure four different constructs: Self-Worth Questionnaire, UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3, General Health Questionnaire-28 and Physical Activity Scale for Elders. Structural equation modelling was applied to the four constructs.

Findings

The study concluded that loneliness has a negative and significant impact on the health of retired people, while self-esteem and PA have a positive and significant impact on their health.

Originality/value

The study is among the few to include multiple instruments to measure abstract parameters in the field of health care. The paper brings out implications not just for academicians but also for policymakers, considering the complex situation prevailing in the emerging economy.
Rail vehicle axlebox roller bearing life and failure analysis based on the Hertz contact theory, finite element modeling, and field observations
Authors: Javanmardi Davood , Rezvani Mohammad Ali
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Bearings are critical components used to support loads and facilitate motion for rotating and sliding parts of the machinery. Bearing malfunctions can cause catastrophic failures. Hence, failure analysis and endeavors to improve bearing performance are essential discussions for worldwide designers, manufacturers and end users of vital machinery. This study aims to investigate a type of roller bearing from the railway industry with premature failures. The task arises because locomotives’ maintenance and service life quality are vital to railway operations while providing transportation services for the nation. To assist in maintaining the designated locomotives, the present study scrutinizes the causes of failure of heavy-duty roller bearings from locomotive bogie axleboxes.

Design/methodology/approach

It is intended to inspect this bearing service life and statistically scrutinize its design parameters to reveal the failures’ shortcomings and origins. The significant measures include examinations of their failures’ primary and vital factors by comparing them with a real-life service history of 16 roller bearings of the same type. The bearings come from the axleboxes of a locomotive bogie with an axle load of 20 tons. The bearing loads are estimated using the EN13104 standard document and confirmed by the finite element method using ABAQUS engineering software. To validate the finite element modeling results, the bearings’ stress analysis is performed using the Hertzian contact theory that demonstrated perfect conformity. The said methods are also used to search for the areas susceptible to failures in these bearings. With the inclusion and exploitation of the bearing maintenance conditions and the logbook recordings of the locomotives for the past seven years, the critical cause for this type of bearing’s failures is surveyed and discussed.

Findings

With the inclusion and exploitation of the bearing maintenance conditions and the logbook recordings of the locomotives for the past seven years, the critical cause for this type of bearing’s failures is surveyed and discussed. As a crucial result, it is found that deprived maintenance and inadequate lubrication are the root causes of the loss of the selected bearings.

Originality/value

For the designated locomotives, the origins of the heavy-duty roller bearing failures and its design shortcomings are revealed by examining and comparing them with a real-life service history of many of the same types of bearings. The novelty of the research is in using the combination of the methods mentioned above and its decent outcome.
Why are we surprised by extreme weather, pandemics and migration crises when we know they will happen? Exploring the added value of contingency thinking
Authors: Ekengren Magnus
Published: November 2023

This article attempts to explain why governments are surprised when extreme weather, pandemics and migration crisis hit their own country despite their good knowledge of these global threats. With the help of the contingency concept, the article explores the reasons behind these surprises by introducing a new category of threats that complements the ones in the existing literature on surprise. It adds the concept of ‘known—corporally unknown’ threats to the list of known‐unknowns, unknown‐unknowns as a way to emphasize the difference between abstract knowledge of ‘facts and figures’ (of e.g., global warming) and the acquiring of knowledge through personal, bodily experience (tangere) (of flooding and draughts). The article demonstrates how Swedish decision‐makers—despite their good scientific knowledge and warning signals from abroad—were surprised by the migration crisis of 2015 and the Covid‐19 pandemic in 2020 because they had not been in direct touch with massive flows of refugees or pandemics of that scale before. The article ends by discussing new ways of acquiring knowledge about global threats for a deeper, corporally anchored, preparedness for the surprises and contingencies to come.
A theory of triage
Authors: Bognar Greg
Published: November 2023

This paper provides a general framework for conceptualizing triage for intensive care unit admissions in public health emergencies such as the COVID‐19 pandemic. It applies this framework to some of the guidelines issued during the pandemic and addresses some controversial issues, including the role of age, the use of lives or life years, and the relevance of quality of life considerations. The paper defends a view on which triage protocols for public health emergencies should aim to maximize the number of life years saved, may take into account age as a proxy, and should ignore quality of life considerations.
Parental request for familial carrier testing in early childhood: The genetic counseling perspective
Authors: Southwick Sabrina V. , MacFarlane Ian M. , Long Catherine , Pillai Nishitha R. , Tryon Rebecca
Published: November 2023

Professional guidelines generally caution against carrier testing in minors, though prior research indicates parents request and providers sometimes facilitate testing for unaffected siblings of a child affected by a genetic disorder. We investigated the perspectives of genetic counselors in North America regarding carrier testing prior to adolescence. Practicing genetic counselors (n = 177) responded to an electronic survey assessing their willingness to facilitate testing in four hypothetical scenarios and their evaluation of parental motivations. Participants did not find parental arguments for testing persuasive, and most were unwilling to facilitate carrier testing in children. A significant interaction effect indicated the presence of nonactionable carrier‐associated health risks in adulthood made participants significantly less hesitant when the mode of inheritance was X‐linked. Participants considered parental motivations that center the child's interests as significantly more persuasive. This study suggests genetic counselors are resistant to carrier testing for familial disorders in young children and tend to align with current guidelines, yet they recognize nuance in various cases. Further investigation into this topic is warranted to support genetic counselors facing these requests as the ethics of pediatric carrier testing continues to be debated.
Can Monetary Policy Undo Asset‐freezing Sanctions?
Authors: Song Hengxu , Wang Pengfei
Published: November 2023

This article investigates the macroeconomic consequences of foreign asset‐freezing sanctions, a tool utilized by several Western nations amid recent geopolitical tensions. Specifically, it examines the repercussions of such sanctions on open economies, finding that they may experience a sharp recession and currency crisis. To quantify the impact, we develop a new Keynesian dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model with financial frictions and an asset‐freezing channel for an open economy. We also calibrate our model to capture the unique structures of the Russian economy. The quantitative analysis of the model demonstrates that an abrupt asset‐freezing sanction would lead to large output losses and high inflation increases. Our counterfactual examination reveals that higher elasticity of import substitution and lower elasticity of export substitution could alleviate the impact of foreign sanctions, whereas more aggressive monetary policy may have positive but limited stabilization effects. Notably, the monetary authority must navigate a trade‐off between stabilizing output and managing inflation resulting from the cash‐in‐advance channel.
Capital Account Liberalization and International Corporate Bond Issuance: Transaction‐level Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Xiao , Luo Yongwen , Zhu Ziyan
Published: November 2023

This paper provides transaction‐level evidence about the impact of capital account liberalization on firms' bond issuance in the international financial market. Using bond issuance data for firms headquartered in China between 2014 and 2018, we showed that domestic private firms issued more bonds abroad than foreign‐invested enterprises after restrictions were largely relaxed, controlling for possible confounding shocks such as monetary policy, local credit market shocks, US interest rate, carry trade, and global uncertainty shocks measured by the Chicago Board Option Exchange's Volatility Index. We found that domestic firms did not increase the overall volume of bond issuance but just had a higher portion of international bond issuance. We also found that domestic firms with higher tangible asset ratios tended to issue more bonds abroad. Our results suggest that targeted liberalization policy could effectively stimulate firms to issue bonds abroad. Policymakers need to monitor closely firms that issue more bonds abroad and thus have greater exposure to global shocks, incorporate these financial risks into policy design, and safeguard financial stability more effectively.
Increased radiopharmaceutical uptake in skeletal muscle in 26 flat racing and endurance horses (2017–2021)
Authors: Carnicer David , Robotham Katie , Al Muhairi Hesa , Tejedor M. Teresa , Mendoza Luis , Coudry Virginie
Published: November 2023

Background

Increased radiopharmaceutical uptake (IRU) in skeletal muscle in horses has been previously reported but only a few authors describe its location in detail.

Objectives

To describe and document the distribution of IRU in skeletal muscle in a population of flat racing and endurance horses.

Study design

Retrospective descriptive study.

Methods

Bone phase nuclear skeletal scintigraphy studies of 17 endurance and 9 racehorses with IRU in skeletal muscle were reviewed. The affected muscles were described and differences between endurance and flat racing horses were analysed. Ultrasonographic appearance of the muscles with IRU was also described when available.

Results

A total of 22 hindlimb scans (14 endurance horses, 8 racehorses) and 7 forelimbs scans (5 endurance horses, 2 racehorses) were analysed. In the hindlimbs, IRU was most frequently observed in the semitendinosus muscle in endurance horses (7/14, 50%) and in the gluteus medius muscle in racehorses (4/8, 50%). Bilateral IRU in the same muscle was often observed (11/22, 50%) in the hindlimbs. In 87.5% of the studies with IRU in the biceps femoris (7/8) or the semitendinosus muscles (7/8), the IRU was bilateral. In the forelimbs, IRU was most frequently observed in the triceps brachii (2/5, 40%) and latissimus dorsi (2/5, 40%) muscles in endurance horses and in the brachiocephalicus muscle in racehorses (2/2, 100%). The distribution of the skeletal muscles with IRU was more varied in endurance than in flat racehorses. No statistically significant difference was found in the distribution of the skeletal muscles with IRU between endurance and racehorses.

Conclusions

Even though no statistical differences between groups could be demonstrated, this study describes the frequent location of IRU in muscle in the semitendinosus of endurance horses and in the gluteus medius of flat racehorses included in this study. The distribution of muscles with IRU was more variable in endurance horses.
High‐power short‐duration versus low‐power long‐duration ablation for pulmonary vein isolation: A substudy of the AWARE randomized controlled trial
Authors: Joza Jacqueline , Nair Girish M. , Birnie David H. , Nery Pablo B. , Redpath Calum J. , Sarrazin Jean‐Francois , Champagne Jean , Bernick Jordan , Wells George A. , Essebag Vidal ,   other members of the AWARE Study Consortium (Augmented Wide Area Circumferential Catheter Ablation for Reduction of Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence)
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Pulmonary vein isolations (PVI) are being performed using a high‐power, short‐duration (HPSD) strategy. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy and safety outcomes of an HPSD versus low‐power, long‐duration (LPLD) approach to PVI in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

Patients were grouped according to a HPSD (≥40 W) or LPLD (≤35 W) strategy. The primary endpoint was the 1‐year recurrence of any atrial arrhythmia lasting ≥30 s, detected using three 14‐day ambulatory continuous ECG monitoring. Procedural and safety endpoints were also evaluated. The primary analysis were regression models incorporating propensity scores yielding adjusted relative risk (RRa) and mean difference (MDa) estimates.

Results

Of the 398 patients included in the AWARE Trial, 173 (43%) underwent HPSD and 225 (57%) LPLD ablation. The distribution of power was 50 W in 75%, 45 W in 20%, and 40 W in 5% in the HPSD group, and 35 W with 25 W on the posterior wall in the LPLD group. The primary outcome was not statistically significant at 30.1% versus 22.2% in HPSD and LPLD groups with RRa 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI]) 0.55–1.10; p = .165). The secondary outcome of repeat catheter ablation was not statistically significant at 6.9% and 9.8% (RRa 1.59 [95% CI 0.77–3.30]; p = .208) respectively, nor was the incidence of any ECG documented AF during the blanking period: 1.7% versus 8.0% (RRa 3.95 [95% CI 1.00–15.61; p = .049) in the HPSD versus LPLD group respectively. The total procedure time was significantly shorter in the HPSD group (MDa 97.5 min [95% CI 84.8–110.4)]; p < .0001) with no difference in adjudicated serious adverse events.

Conclusions

An HPSD strategy was associated with significantly shorter procedural times with similar efficacy in terms of clinical arrhythmia recurrence. Importantly, there was no signal for increased harm with a HPSD strategy.
The impacts of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in facial cleanser on facial skin microbiome and lipidome
Authors: Zhao Huabing , Yu Fanglu , Wang Congcong , Han Zhaoying , Liu Shulin , Chen Dongxiao , Liu Dongqing , Meng Xuan , He Xihong , Huang Zhengmei
Published: November 2023

Background

The human skin microbiome and lipidome are essential for skin homeostasis and barrier function, and have become a focus in both dermatological and cosmetic fields. However, the influence of surfactants commonly used in cosmetic products on the skin resident microbiome and lipidome remains poorly characterized.

Methods

We conducted self‐control experiments to systematically study the effects of surfactant (sodium lauroyl sarcosinate [SLS]) on facial skin. Wrinkles, pores, porphyrins, and superficial lipids were examined to evaluate the biophysical state of skin. Quantitative real‐time PCR was used to detect the numbers of bacteria and fungi. The diversity and structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbiomes were assessed using 16S rDNA and ITS amplicon sequencing, respectively. Moreover, 22 lipids were identified to evaluate lipidome variations. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis.

Results

SLS in facial cleanser did not extensively influence skin biophysical parameters, but caused a decrease in porphyrin. After using the SLS‐added facial cleanser for 3 weeks, the alpha diversity of the prokaryotic microbial community decreased significantly, while the eukaryotic microbial community showed a continuous downward trend but no statistically significant. A shift in the structure of prokaryotic microbiome was observed as a result of SLS exposure, mainly reflected by the increase in Acinetobacter, Escherichia‐Shigella, Streptococcus, and Ralstonia, while the SLS had little effect on the structure of the eukaryotic microbiome. Furthermore, SLS exposure had a great impact on skin lipidome, mainly manifested by the increase of phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and phosphatidylcholine (PC), and the decrease of ceramides. Spearman's correlations analysis showed that Escherichia‐Shigella, Pseudomonas, and Acinetobacter are positively correlated with PG and PC; however, the correlation is not statistically significant.

Conclusion

In this study, we found the SLS in facial cleanser primarily affected lipidome and the prokaryotic microbiome of facial skin. These findings are useful for reminding us to be vigilant about the ingredients in personal care products, even the common ingredients, and designing effective formulations for repairing ecological balance of skin.
IL‐10‐induced STAT3/NF‐κB crosstalk modulates pineal and extra‐pineal melatonin synthesis
Authors: Córdoba‐Moreno Marlina O. , Santos Gabriela Christine , Muxel Sandra M. , dos Santos‐Silva Débora , Quiles Caroline L. , Sousa Kassiano D. S. , Markus Regina P. , Fernandes Pedro Augusto C. M.
Published: November 2023

Immune‐pineal axis activation is part of the assembly of immune responses. Proinflammatory cytokines inhibit the pineal synthesis of melatonin while inducing it in macrophages by mechanisms dependent on nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation. Cytokines activating the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathways, such as interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), modulate melatonin synthesis in the pineal, bone marrow (BM), and spleen. The stimulatory effect of IFN‐γ upon the pineal gland depends on STAT1/NF‐κB interaction, but the mechanisms controlling IL‐10 effects on melatonin synthesis remain unclear. Here, we evaluated the role of STAT3 and NF‐κB activation by IL‐10 upon the melatonin synthesis of rats' pineal gland, BM, spleen, and peritoneal cells. The results show that IL‐10‐induced interaction of (p)STAT3 with specific NF‐κB dimmers leads to different cell effects. IL‐10 increases the pineal's acetylserotonin O‐methyltransferase (ASMT), N‐acetylserotonin, and melatonin content via nuclear translocation of NF‐κB/STAT3. In BM, the nuclear translocation of STAT3/p65‐NF‐κB complexes increases ASMT expression and melatonin content. Increased pSTAT3/p65‐NF‐κB nuclear translocation in the spleen enhances phosphorylated serotonin N‐acetyltransferase ((p)SNAT) expression and melatonin content. Conversely, in peritoneal cells, IL‐10 leads to NF‐κB p50/p50 inhibitory dimmer nuclear translocation, decreasing (p)SNAT expression and melatonin content. In conclusion, IL‐10's effects on melatonin production depend on the NF‐κB subunits interacting with (p)STAT3. Thus, variations of IL‐10 levels and downstream pathways during immune responses might be critical regulatory factors adjusting pineal and extra‐pineal synthesis of melatonin.
Helping behaviours of community members towards older adults and the related factors: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Igarashi Ayumi , Matsumoto Hiroshige , Suzuki Haruno , Takaoka Manami , Kugai Haruna , Sakka Mariko , Yamamoto‐Mitani Noriko
Published: November 2023

Background

Community members can play important roles in helping older adults in their community. This study aimed to clarify the actual situation of community members' helping behaviours towards older adults and examine the related factors.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted using an online survey system with a sample of 1000 community members in the Tokyo metropolitan area selected using quota sampling. Participants were asked about their experiences with helping an older adult, involvement with older adults with dementia, knowledge of dementia and care resources in the community, and perceptions regarding the community. Content analysis was used to classify participants' freely answered responses about helping behaviours, with logistic regression analysis subsequently used to examine the related factors.

Results

Community members provided older adults with various types of spontaneous help, including help with walking (20.0%), accident care (16.8%), giving directions to a destination (11.6%), accompanying them to a destination (12.9%), and support in daily life (10.4%). In the multinominal logistic regression analysis, advanced helping behaviours were associated with having a family member with dementia, experiences involving people living with dementia, knowledge of dementia and community support centres, and a stronger sense of community integration (P < 0.05). The reasons for not being able to help included being physically unable to (42.5%), not feeling responsible (19.3%), not knowing how to help (17.4%), and hesitating to help (14.4%).

Conclusion

The results suggest that providing learning opportunities for community members could further promote their helping behaviours for older adults. These could include interacting with older adults, especially those living with dementia; promoting a sense of community integration; or receiving training in helping actions. Such efforts could support the development of an effective community‐based care system for older adults.
The scalp prefrontal–limbic functional connectivity moderates stress‐related rumination effects on stress recovery
Authors: Luo Yu , Li Jinjin , Zhang Yu , Pan Wenhao
Published: November 2023

Background

Mood disorders are often associated with hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction, and rumination has been implicated in delayed cortisol recovery. However, research findings on the impact of rumination on cortisol recovery have been inconsistent. The moderating effects of scalp prefrontal–limbic connections on the relationship between rumination and cortisol recovery may explain these discrepancies.

Method

Acute stress was induced by a 5‐min simulated job interview. Salivary samples and affective ratings were collected at seven pre‐determined time points. After the simulated job interview, 35 healthy adult participants were randomly assigned to either the rumination condition (n = 17) or the distraction condition (n = 18).

Results

Inducing stress and rumination led to increased cortisol levels, negative mood, and state rumination. Compared with the distraction group, the rumination group displayed delayed cortisol recovery and decreased scalp prefrontal–limbic connectivities, that is, left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (LVLPFC) and left temporal area (LTMP) [ps < .05], and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (RDLPFC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) [ps < .05]. The relationship between rumination and cortisol recovery was moderated by connectivities between the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (LDLPFC) and LTMP, RDLPFC and LTMP, LDLPFC and ACC, and RDLPFC and ACC [B = −0.98 to −0.35, SE = 0.15–0.34, ps < .05]. Higher rumination combined with reduced scalp prefrontal–limbic connectivities to predict delayed cortisol recovery.

Conclusion

The current findings suggest that scalp prefrontal–limbic connectivity is a neural underpinning related to emotion regulation for the effects of state rumination on stress recovery. These findings also provide a potential target for non‐invasive intervention in HPA axis dysregulation.
Primary Care Supervision: A Community of Practice
Authors: Ogbeide Stacy A. , Ingram Mercedes , Lloyd‐Hazlett Jessica
Published: November 2023

Background

The goal of this project was to determine the feasibility of a Community of Practice (CoP) model to support behavioural health (BH) clinical supervisor professional development.

Approach

Fourteen supervisors participated in 13 CoP‐focused workshops focused on supervision within the Primary Care Behavioural Health (PCBH) model over a 4‐year period. These workshops occurred twice a semester (in person and virtually) for supervisors hosting students participating in a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Behavioural Health Workforce Education Training (BHWET) grant. The program focused on preparing masters‐level clinical mental health counselling students to function as Behavioural Health Consultants (BHCs) in primary care settings in rural and urban areas. Supervisors completed post‐workshop surveys on their satisfaction with the content and the impact of the workshop content on building their PCBH supervision skills.

Evaluation

Supervisors were satisfied with the content presented during the CoP workshops as well as indicated improvements in their confidence with providing supervision within the PCBH model. Areas of improved confidence and competence included supervision in integrated health care settings, topics discussed in primary care, and telehealth visits.

Implications

Overall, this demonstrates an approach to building supervisor confidence in working with pre‐licensure trainees within the PCBH model. CoP workshops show promise as an approach that institutions of higher education and health care organisation can adopt to improve clinical teaching and supervision in primary care as well as support supervisors in the community who work with trainees in primary care.
Discussion: A Comment on “The Trousers Fracture Test for Viscoelastic Elastomers” (Shrimali, B., and Lopez-Pamies, O., 2023, ASME J. Appl. Mech., 90(7), p. 071010)
Authors: Ciavarella M.
Published: November 2023

The Rivlin–Thomas classical energy balance model for tearing tests suggests that the fracture energy Γ is proportional to the work of the external load in the legs (potential energy), for not too large stretches in the legs, so the increase of Γ with loading rate is observed or measured, but not really explained by the model. Shrimali and Lopez-Pamies (SLP) have recently built a theory on viscoelastic fracture from recent experimental evidence of a critical (stretch rate-independent) stretch on nucleation of cracks in the pure shear tests. The theory in other words incorporates this evidence in an otherwise energy-based criterion. In the paper “The trousers fracture test for viscoelastic elastomers” (ASME J. Appl. Mech., 2023, 90(7), p. 071010), they seem to obtain the critical (stretch rate-independent) stretch condition for the case of trouser tests (applying their theory from a long enough crack) both in nucleation and steady-state propagation. This outcome seems reasonable since for a linear material, looking at the elastic limit cases of very slow and very fast rates, it would produce an increase of the load, and hence of the fracture energy, proportional to the increase of the modulus, which is in line with what has been found experimentally, although possibly in contrast with classical rate-independent cohesive models, at least for crack nucleation.
Unsteady Pre-Stall Behavior in a Centrifugal Compressor With Vaned Diffuser
Authors: Suzuki Yutaro , Fujisawa Nobumichi , Ohta Yutaka
Published: November 2023

Unsteady pre-stall behavior in a centrifugal compressor with a vaned diffuser was investigated by experimental and numerical analysis. The pre-stall disturbances occurred at a slightly higher flow coefficient at the stall point in the diffuser region. Five disturbances occurred in the circumferential direction, and each rotated at approximately 1.7%N at this flow coefficient. Numerical analysis showed that five stall cells rotated at approximately 2.0%N within the diffuser passage. To understand this pre-stall phenomenon, we focused on the rotation mechanism and initiation process of the five-cell rotating stalls. Each of the five-cell stalls was found to rotate by the following mechanism. When the preceding low-velocity region moved to an adjacent passage, the high-velocity region was circumferentially pushed by the low-velocity area and reached the following passage. The incoming flow collided with the backflow around the throat area, and the flow bent at the diffuser inlet of the passage. Consequently, the incidence angle toward the adjacent passage increased, and a separation was induced at the leading edge of the succeeding diffuser vane. Subsequently, the mass flowrate of the succeeding passage started to decrease. These phenomena occurred sequentially, causing the five-cell stalls to rotate. Five stationary low-velocity regions that did not rotate were observed before the initiation of the five-cell rotating stalls. When the outlet mass flowrate decreased, a one-cell rotating stall appeared within the diffuser passage. It provided a low-energy fluid to the diffuser passages where the low-velocity regions existed. Subsequently, five low-velocity regions were clearly formed, which started rotating according to the rotating mechanism explained above.
Errata: “Natural Frequencies of Plate Supported Thermowells” [ASME J. Pressure Vessel Technol., 137(2), p. 024502; DOI: 10.1115/1.4028703]
Authors: Bartran David S.
Published: November 2023

Correcting an error in the Timoshenko beam equations shown.
Optimizing Wearable Device and Testing Parameters to Monitor Running-Stride Long-Range Correlations for Fatigue Management in Field Settings
Authors: Fuller Joel T. , Thewlis Dominic , Wills Jodie A. , Buckley Jonathan D. , Arnold John B. , Doyle Eoin , Doyle Tim L.A. , Bellenger Clint R.
Published: November 2023

Purpose: There are important methodological considerations for translating wearable-based gait-monitoring data to field settings. This study investigated different devices’ sampling rates, signal lengths, and testing frequencies for athlete monitoring using dynamical systems variables. Methods: Secondary analysis of previous wearables data (N = 10 runners) from a 5-week intensive training intervention investigated impacts of sampling rate (100–2000 Hz) and signal length (100–300 strides) on detection of gait changes caused by intensive training. Primary analysis of data from 13 separate runners during 1 week of field-based testing determined day-to-day stability of outcomes using single-session data and mean data from 2 sessions. Stride-interval long-range correlation coefficient α from detrended fluctuation analysis was the gait outcome variable. Results: Stride-interval α reduced at 100- and 200- versus 300- to 2000-Hz sampling rates (mean difference: −.02 to −.08; P ≤ .045) and at 100- compared to 200- to 300-stride signal lengths (mean difference: −.05 to −.07; P < .010). Effects of intensive training were detected at 100, 200, and 400 to 2000 Hz (P ≤ .043) but not 300 Hz (P = .069). Within-athlete α variability was lower using 2-session mean versus single-session data (smallest detectable change: .13 and .22, respectively). Conclusions: Detecting altered gait following intensive training was possible using 200 to 300 strides and a 100-Hz sampling rate, although 100 and 200 Hz underestimated α compared to higher rates. Using 2-session mean data lowers smallest detectable change values by nearly half compared to single-session data. Coaches, runners, and researchers can use these findings to integrate wearable-device gait monitoring into practice using dynamic systems variables.
An extremely energetic cosmic ray observed by a surface detector array
Authors:   Telescope Array Collaboration* †, Abbasi R. U. , Allen M. G. , Arimura R. , Belz J. W. , Bergman D. R. , Blake S. A. , Shin B. K. , Buckland I. J. , Cheon B. G. , Fujii T. , Fujisue K. , Fujita K. , Fukushima M. , Furlich G. D. , Gerber Z. R. , Globus N. , Hibino K. , Higuchi R. , Honda K. , Ikeda D. , Ito H. , Iwasaki A. , Jeong S. , Jeong H. M. , Jui C. H. , Kadota K. , Kakimoto F. , Kalashev O. E. , Kasahara K. , Kawata K. , Kharuk I. , Kido E. , Kim S. W. , Kim H. B. , Kim J. H. , Kim J. H. , Komae I. , Kubota Y. , Kuznetsov M. Y. , Lee K. H. , Lubsandorzhiev B. K. , Lundquist J. P. , Matthews J. N. , Nagataki S. , Nakamura T. , Nakazawa A. , Nonaka T. , Ogio S. , Ono M. , Oshima H. , Park I. H. , Potts M. , Pshirkov S. , Remington J. R. , Rodriguez D. C. , Rott C. , Rubtsov G. I. , Ryu D. , Sagawa H. , Sakaki N. , Sako T. , Sakurai N. , Shin H. , Smith J. D. , Sokolsky P. , Stokes B. T. , Stroman T. S. , Takahashi K. , Takeda M. , Taketa A. , Tameda Y. , Thomas S. , Thomson G. B. , Tinyakov P. G. , Tkachev I. , Tomida T. , Troitsky S. V. , Tsunesada Y. , Udo S. , Urban F. R. , Wong T. , Yamazaki K. , Yuma Y. , Zhezher Y. V. , Zundel Z.
Published: November 2023

Cosmic rays are energetic charged particles from extraterrestrial sources, with the highest-energy events thought to come from extragalactic sources. Their arrival is infrequent, so detection requires instruments with large collecting areas. In this work, we report the detection of an extremely energetic particle recorded by the surface detector array of the Telescope Array experiment. We calculate the particle’s energy as

244
±
29
 

stat
.

 

−
76

+
51

syst
.

 exa–electron volts

(~40 joules). Its arrival direction points back to a void in the large-scale structure of the Universe. Possible explanations include a large deflection by the foreground magnetic field, an unidentified source in the local extragalactic neighborhood, or an incomplete knowledge of particle physics.
Rhodium catalyzed tunable amide homologation through a hook-and-slide strategy
Authors: Zhang Rui , Yu Tingting , Dong Guangbin
Published: November 2023

Preparation of diverse homologs from lead compounds has been a common and important practice in medicinal chemistry. However, homologation of carboxylic acid derivatives, particularly amides, remains challenging. Here we report a hook-and-slide strategy for homologation of tertiary amides with tunable lengths of the inserted carbon chain. Alkylation at the α-position of the amide (hook) is followed by highly selective branched-to-linear isomerization (slide) to effect amide migration to the end of the newly introduced alkyl chain; thus, the choice of alkylation reagent sets the homologation length. The key step involves a carbon-carbon bond activation process by a carbene-coordinated rhodium complex with assistance from a removable directing group. The approach is demonstrated for introduction of chains as long as 16 carbons and is applicable to derivatized carboxylic acids in complex bioactive molecules.
A fluctuating solution to the dolomite problem
Authors: García-Ruiz Juan Manuel
Published: November 2023

Episodes of dissolution and crystal growth stoke the formation of a common carbonate mineral
Breaking a bottleneck for thermoelectric generators
Authors: Xu Bo , Tian Yongjun
Published: November 2023

A phase diagram–based screen identifies optimal interface materials for devices that convert heat into electricity
Giving birth gives birth to neurons
Authors: Kempermann Gerd
Published: November 2023

In mice, pregnancy results in new neurons that support recognition of pups
Fern proteins show promise against crop pests
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: November 2023

These and other ancient plants may provide alternatives to chemical insecticides