bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fock-Space Delocalization and the Emergence of the Porter-Thomas Distribution from Dual-Unitary Dynamics
Authors: Claeys Pieter W. , De Tomasi Giuseppe
Published: February 2025

The chaotic dynamics of quantum many-body systems are expected to quickly randomize any structured initial state, delocalizing it in the Fock space. In this Letter, we study the spreading of an initial product state in Hilbert space under dual-unitary dynamics, captured by the inverse participation ratios and the distribution of overlaps (bit-string probabilities). We consider the self-dual kicked Ising model, a minimal model of many-body quantum chaos that can be seen as either a periodically driven Floquet model or a dual-unitary quantum circuit. Both analytically and numerically, we show that the inverse participation ratios rapidly approach their ergodic values, corresponding to those of Haar random states, and establish the emergence of the Porter-Thomas distribution for the overlap distribution. Importantly, this convergence happens exponentially fast in time, with a timescale that is independent of system size. We inspect the effect of local perturbations that break dual unitarity and show a slowdown of the spreading in Fock space, indicating that dual-unitary circuits are maximally efficient at preparing random states. Our Letter establishes bridges between the dynamics of many-body systems and random matrix theory through the time evolution of structured initial states and finds natural applications in demonstrating a quantum advantage in random sampling and in benchmarking quantum devices.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Monopole-Fermion Scattering and the Solution to the Semiton–Unitarity Puzzle
Authors: Loladze Vazha , Okui Takemichi
Published: February 2025

We study Polchinski’s “fermion-rotor system” as an accurate description of charged Weyl fermions scattering on a magnetic monopole core in the limit of zero gauge coupling. Traditionally it was thought such scattering could lead to fractional particle numbers (“semitons”). By direct calculations we show those semitonic processes are in fact free propagation, facilitated by composite fermion-rotor operators interpolating the “forbidden” states, effectively “recovering” both ingoing and outgoing states in every lowest partial wave. Nonsemitonic Callan-Rubakov processes are unchanged.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Automated graph-based detection of quantum control schemes: Application to molecular laser cooling
Authors: Dawid Anna , Bigagli Niccoló , Savin Daniel W. , Will Sebastian
Published: February 2025

One of the demanding frontiers in ultracold quantum science is identifying laser cooling schemes for complex atoms and molecules out of their vast spectra of internal states. Motivated by the prospect of expanding the set of available ultracold molecules for applications in fundamental physics, chemistry, astrochemistry, and quantum simulation, we propose and demonstrate an automated graph-based search approach for viable laser cooling schemes. The method is time efficient, reproduces the results of previous manual searches, and reveals a plethora of new potential laser cooling schemes. We discover laser cooling schemes for YO, C2, OH+, CN, and CO2, including surprising schemes that start from highly excited states or do not rely on a strong main transition. A central insight of this work is that the reinterpretation of quantum states and transitions between them as a graph can dramatically enhance the ability to identify new quantum control schemes for complex quantum systems. As such, this approach will also apply to complex atoms and, in fact, any complex many-body quantum system with a discrete spectrum of internal states.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Quasi-Babinet principle in dielectric resonators and Mie voids
Authors: Hamidi Masoud , Koshelev Kirill , Gladyshev Sergei , Valero Adrià Canós , Hentschel Mario , Giessen Harald , Kivshar Yuri , Weiss Thomas
Published: February 2025

Advancing resonant nanophotonics requires novel building blocks. Recently, cavities in high-index dielectrics have been shown to resonantly confine light inside a lower-index region. These so-called Mie voids represent a counterpart to solid high-index dielectric Mie resonators, offering novel functionality such as resonant behavior in the ultraviolet spectral region. However, the well-known and highly useful Babinet's principle, which relates the scattering of solid and inverse structures, is not strictly applicable for this dielectric case as it is only valid for infinitesimally thin perfect electric conductors. Here, we show that Babinet's principle can be generalized to dielectric and magnetodielectric systems within certain boundaries, which we refer to as the quasi-Babinet principle and demonstrate for spherical and more generically shaped Mie resonators. Limitations arise due to geometry-dependent terms as well as material frequency dispersion and losses. Thus, our work not only offers deeper physical insight into the working mechanism of these systems but also establishes simple design rules for constructing dielectric resonators with complex functionalities from their complementary counterparts.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Transparency, nonclassicality, and nonreciprocity in chiral waveguide quantum electrodynamics
Authors: Miao Qingtian , Agarwal G. S.
Published: February 2025

We examine quantum statistical properties of transmission and reflection from a chiral waveguide coupled to qubits for arbitrary input powers. We report on several remarkable features of output fields such as transparency, quantum nonreciprocity, and the second-order correlation function g(2)(0) values less than unity. In particular, for two qubits detuned antisymmetrically with respect to the central waveguide frequency, we find transparency in forward transmission and in photon numbers for arbitrary values of the input powers provided the phase separation between qubits is an integer multiple of π. Values of g(2)(0) less than unity can be reached even for nonzero value of the intrinsic damping by using phase separation different from integer multiple of π, marking the transition from classical to quantum light. We also uncover a different type of critical coupling regime for qubits that enables complete suppression of forward-propagating amplitude transmission at specific driving powers, giving rise to enhanced nonreciprocal effects in both transmission and quantum fluctuations in amplitudes. Forward propagation amplifies the quantum fluctuations in amplitudes, while backward propagation significantly suppresses them. These findings open pathways for controlling light-matter interactions in chiral quantum electrodynamics, with potential applications in quantum information and nonreciprocal quantum devices.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Eat green, be healthy: Gen-Z’s green food purchase intention – moderated by greenwash and fear of pandemic recurrence
Authors: Zhang Yi , Quoquab Farzana , Mohammad Jihad , Tao Yanrui Michael
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The present study aims to investigate factors influencing Gen-Z consumers' “green food purchase intention” and “healthy lifestyle”. Guided by the attribution theory, “perceived usefulness of green food”, “food safety concerns” (internal attributes), “perceived threat of environmental problems” and “green peer influence” (external attributes) are considered the predictors of “attitude towards green food”, which eventually lead to a healthy lifestyle and green food purchase intention. Besides, “fear of pandemic recurrence” and “greenwash” are tested as moderators.

Design/methodology/approach

The Structural Equation Modelling-Partial Least Squares (PLS-SEM) technique was employed for the model testing. An online questionnaire survey was conducted among Gen-Z Chinese adults, which yielded 556 complete, valid responses.

Findings

The findings indicate that “consumers' attitudes towards green food” are positively influenced by “perceived threat of environmental problems”, “perceived usefulness of green food”, “concerns about food safety”, and the influence of “green peers”. In addition, results revealed that “attitude toward green food” exerts a positive effect on “healthy lifestyle” and “green food purchase intention”. The study supports the moderating role of “perceived greenwash” in the relationship between “attitude” and “intention to purchase green food”. However, there was no evidence to support the moderating effect of “fear of pandemic recurrence” in relation to a “healthy lifestyle”.

Originality/value

This study is a pioneer in utilizing the attribution theory to predict the drivers of a “healthy lifestyle” and the “intention to purchase green foods”. Furthermore, this study predicted the moderating influence of “fear of pandemic recurrence” on the relationship between attitude and “healthy lifestyle”, a link that has not been tested in previous research. Furthermore, it introduces a novel examination of the moderating effect of “perceived greenwash” on the relationship between “attitudes” and “purchase intentions”.
Sri Sai Tea: unraveling the forecasting conundrum
Authors: Datta Soumyajyoti
Published: February 2025

Learning outcomes

This case study aims to familiarize the participants with the functioning of the herbal tea industry in an emerging economy like India; understand core concepts, key terminologies and the business relevance of different types of business forecasting; and execute time series forecasting models using MS Excel and interpreting the results.

Case overview/synopsis

This case study unveils an important operational concern faced by Deepshika Das, the production manager at Sri Sai Tea Trading Company located at Cuttack in Odisha, India, about future sales projections. The company was gaining popularity for a unique herbal tea called “Chaa Lemon Tea.” However, the company had been experiencing frequent overstocking and understocking due to inappropriate qualitative forecasting. This case study underscores the importance of the concepts associated with quantitative forecasting. It demonstrates the analysis of time series data, building forecasting models and their interpretations using MS Excel.

Complexity academic level

This case study can be used as a systematic learning tool for postgraduate business school students and master’s level industrial engineering students. This case study can be discussed in courses such as operations and supply chain management, business statistics and quantitative decision-making.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 9: Operations and Logistics.
Paytm’s crossroads: an analyst’s dilemma
Authors: Simon Aneeta Elsa , Ramesh Latha
Published: February 2025

Learning outcomes

This case study enables participants to:▪ To understand the fintech landscape in India and assess how market dynamics can impact Paytm’s valuation.▪ To evaluate the drivers affecting the value of Paytm and arrive at Paytm’s valuation.▪ To critically appraise the investment decision made.

Case overview/synopsis

Rajani Chandran, a seasoned financial analyst, relooks her recommendation of Paytm in light of the recent revocation of its Payment Bank License. Paytm, the flagship service of One97 Communications Ltd., a financial technology company, is a pioneer in the Indian digital payments and financial services market. However, the developments post going public in 2021 were not always favorable. The frequent fallout with Reserve Bank of India brought restrictions on onboarding new customers and ultimately the revocation of the license. This drastic move is of huge concern to those who have invested in the company. Thus, given this backdrop, Rajani initially explored the dynamic landscape of the Indian digital payments and fintech industry, considering macroeconomic factors, competition and regulatory dynamics. She delved into Paytm’s financial performance to gauge its position in the market. The next phase of the careful scrutiny involved arriving at the equity value of the venture using the discounted cash flow model. Finally, Rajani critically appraised the drivers of valuation, incorporating both quantitative and the story she has crafted around Paytm. Consequently, participants in this case study are prompted to evaluate Paytm and arrive at a valuation and furnish a comprehensive recommendation based on their analyses, thus understanding the intricacies of evaluating a fintech company with immense potential. This case study serves as a valuable resource for students seeking to comprehend the complexities of financial analysis and valuation within the context of a dynamic and evolving industry landscape.

Complexity academic level

The case is best suited for a course on Financial Statement Analysis while discussing how the financial statements of new-age tech companies can be analyzed and Business Valuation while introducing DCF valuation. The case serves as a comprehensive example of the multifaceted challenges and considerations that a buy-side analyst should have while valuing a company and pitching an investment within the fintech industry. Designed for second-year MBA students, the case assumes familiarity with financial reporting and strategic management concepts such as Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental (PESTLE) and strength, weakness, opportunity and threat (SWOT) analyses and Business Canvas Model.

Supplementary material

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 1: Accounting and Finance.
Unveiling the gaze: deciphering key factors in selecting knowledge workers through eye-tracking analysis
Authors: Pourhosein Mahshid , Sabokro Mehdi
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the characteristics and visual patterns of successful knowledge workers using quantitative methods, particularly eye-tracking technology. By conducting a systematic review and matching identified factors with theoretical literature, the research aims to uncover key attributes that contribute to the effectiveness of knowledge workers. These insights are intended to improve employee selection processes, ensuring the right candidates are chosen based on their cognitive, behavioral and visual traits.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods approach is employed in this study, consisting of three phases: (1) a systematic literature review identifies key characteristics of successful knowledge workers, (2) these factors are aligned with theoretical frameworks and expert insights to assess their applicability and (3) empirical data is collected through questionnaires and eye-tracking assessments involving ten high-performing site design employees and ten students from Shahid Beheshti University. SPSS software and Tobii Pro Lab tools are used for data analysis to establish correlations between eye movement patterns and attributes of effective knowledge workers.

Findings

The findings reveal that students whose eye movement patterns resemble those of high-performing knowledge workers also share similar cognitive and behavioral characteristics. Identified key attributes include enhanced problem-solving skills, adaptability and effective communication. The study further highlights the potential of eye-tracking technology as a valuable tool in employee selection, offering insights into visual behaviors that correlate with high performance in knowledge work. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the critical traits that optimize organizational performance.

Originality/value

This study presents a novel approach by integrating eye-tracking technology into the knowledge worker selection process. It provides empirical evidence of the visual and cognitive patterns associated with high performance, thereby enhancing the theoretical understanding of knowledge worker selection. The study contributes valuable insights for organizations aiming to refine their hiring practices, emphasizing the importance of both cognitive skills and visual behaviors in candidate assessment. This research lays the groundwork for future studies exploring the intersection of technology and human resource management to optimize workforce effectiveness.
Driving competence across sectors: high-involvement work practices and creative self-efficacy in public and private organizations
Authors: Islam Md Shamirul , Amin Muslim , Karatepe Osman M.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Enhancing employee competence is essential for an organization’s success, but it can be challenging due to the varying work practices across different sectors. This study aims to examine how high-involvement work practices (HIWPs) and creative self-efficacy contribute to competence development in public and private banks. It provides insights into the unique dynamics of each sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 373 bank professionals from Bangladesh were analyzed, comprising 156 individuals from public banks and 217 from private banks. The hypothesized relationships were examined using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Information sharing is a significant driver of competence in private banks, while empowerment is the primary determinant within public banks. Creative self-efficacy mediates this relationship, enhancing the influence of HIWPs on competence development. Furthermore, sectoral variances indicate that employment contracts and organizational contexts play a crucial role in shaping the impact of HIWPs on competence development.

Practical implications

Adapting HIWPs to different sectors’ needs can significantly enhance employee competence and overall organizational performance. By integrating creative self-efficacy into recruitment processes and promoting supportive work environments, organizations can further stimulate intrinsic motivation and facilitate the development of employee competencies. These insights offer practical guidance for HRM practices applicable to public and private sectors.

Originality/value

This research enhances existing literature by elucidating specific antecedents of competence within the banking sector. It provides practical insights for using individual motivators and human resource management strategies across various organizational contexts.
Cultural drivers behind employees neutralizing deviant information systems security behaviors
Authors: Mohammed Yimer , Warkentin Merrill , Beshah Tibebe
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how cultural factors – specifically power distance (PD) and uncertainty avoidance (UA) – affect employees’ use of neutralization techniques to rationalize deviant information systems (IS) behaviors. The goal is to enhance strategies for managing insider threats and improving security policies.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey was used to examine how national culture affects neutralization strategies related to IS misuse. A scenario-based survey was used to gather data from 292 employees, stressing four top ranked IS deviant behaviors in Ethiopian organizations. Using SmartPLS 4.0 software, the study validates measurement and structural models using partial least squares structural equation modeling. It then uses bootstrapping procedures to assess hypotheses that predict the use of justifications in situations of IS misuse.

Findings

The research finds that all four neutralization techniques – appeal to higher loyalty, claim of normalcy, defense of necessity and denial of responsibility – significantly predicted employees’ IS deviant use intention behaviors. PD and UA cultures also significantly influence IS deviant use intention, with neutralization techniques mediating this relationship, validating the model’s predictive relevance.

Research limitations/implications

The reliance on self-reported data and a cross-sectional design may limit the accuracy and causal inference of the findings. Additionally, the focus on Ethiopian respondents may restrict generalizability, highlighting the need for research in diverse contexts. Future studies could explore longitudinal or experimental designs and examine neutralization techniques and knowledge management to understand IS security.

Originality/value

This study introduces a novel model illustrating how cultural values, such as PD and UA, influence employees’ use of neutralization techniques to justify deviant behavior in Ethiopian organizations. It emphasizes the mediating role of these techniques and the need for culturally tailored anti-neutralization strategies and effective security awareness programs.
Buy now, pay later consumer credit behavior: impacts on financing decisions
Authors: Cervellati Enrico Maria , Filotto Umberto , Sgrulletti Dario , Stella Gian Paolo
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The rapid expansion of buy now, pay later (BNPL) services has attracted significant interest from academics, policymakers and industry professionals. This paper aims to explore the BNPL phenomenon from the perspective of consumer behavior, specifically its impact on financial decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is supported by empirical evidence from a survey conducted with 1,457 participants. The survey collected detailed information on participants’ attitudes toward BNPL services, their familiarity with these services and their actual usage patterns. The authors used statistical analysis techniques to examine the relationships between these variables and the likelihood of adopting other consumer credit options. The methodology ensured a comprehensive understanding of how BNPL services influence broader financial behaviors among consumers.

Findings

The authors discovered that personal attitudes toward BNPL, along with familiarity and actual use of these services, significantly influence the likelihood of adopting other consumer credit options. The results highlight the critical role that BNPL services play in influencing consumer financial behaviors and the increased adoption of additional credit instruments.

Practical implications

The findings underscore the importance of understanding consumer attitudes and behaviors toward BNPL services, which can inform the development of policies and practices to manage the growth of these services and their impact on financial decision-making.

Originality/value

This study provides novel insights into the influence of BNPL services on consumer financial behaviors, contributing to the literature on consumer credit and financial decision-making by highlighting the specific role of BNPL in shaping credit adoption trends.
Strategic Reneging and Market Power in Sequential Markets
Authors: Benatia David , de Villemeur Étienne Billette
Published: February 2025

This article investigates the incentives for firms with market power to manipulate markets by strategically reneging on forward commitments. We first study the behavior of a dominant firm in a two‐period model with demand uncertainty. We then use the model's predictions and a machine learning approach to investigate multiple occurrences of reneging on long‐term commitments in Alberta's electricity market in 2010–2011. We find that a supplier significantly increased its revenues by strategically reneging on its capacity availability obligations, causing Alberta's annual electricity procurement costs to increase by as much as $600 million (+17%).
The effect of process monitoring on beyond‐the‐job process improvements
Authors: Schedlinsky Ivo , Schmidt Maximilian , Sommer Friedrich , Wöhrmann Arnt
Published: February 2025

Although it has always been important for firms that employees innovate predefined processes, the working environment in which employees implement these processes has significantly changed. Currently, the working environment is often characterized by employee surveillance; that is, the way in which employees conduct a process is monitored. In the current study, we present the results of an experiment examining the effect of process monitoring on process improvements by employees. Although previous accounting literature has reported negative effects of monitoring techniques on several organizational outcomes, we show that process monitoring can have a positive effect on employees' implementation of process improvements in the absence, but not in the presence, of a firm's error avoidance policy. Without an error avoidance policy, employees are motivated to create a favorable impression in front of management by implementing process improvements. This finding has important implications for business practice. From a broader perspective, we show that the influence of action controls depends on the parameters of a cultural control.
Spironolactone for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Acne in Adult Women: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Kow Chia Siang , Ramachandram Dinesh Sangarran , Hasan Syed Shahzad , Thiruchelvam Kaeshaelya
Published: February 2025

This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of spironolactone for moderate to severe acne in adult women by synthesising data from randomised controlled trials (RCTs). The meta‐analysis demonstrated that spironolactone significantly increased the odds of treatment success, with a pooled odds ratio (OR) of 2.51 compared to placebo or doxycycline. This analysis supports spironolactone as a highly effective treatment for moderate to severe acne in adult women, particularly in hormonally driven cases. Its efficacy, combined with its role as an alternative to long‐term antibiotic therapy, makes it a valuable option for acne management in women population.
Lateglacial and Holocene glacier variations in an active volcanic area, northern Jan Mayen (Nord‐Jan), Norway
Authors: Lyså Astrid , Larsen Eiliv A. , Anjar Johanna , Akçar Naki , Hiksdal Asbjørn , Tassis Georgios
Published: February 2025

Jan Mayen is a volcanic island situated 550 km NE of Iceland. It has been shown previously that the island and probably also shallow shelf areas around it were covered by a contiguous ice cap during the last glaciation. Today, active glaciers exist only in the northern part of the island around the Beerenberg volcano. Until now, information on Lateglacial and Holocene glacier and environmental variations has been sparse. We focus on the northern part (Nord‐Jan), discussing glacier evolution and environmental changes from the Lateglacial to the Holocene. Widespread volcanic activity during the postglacial era resulted in lava flows and volcanic craters amidst glaciogenic deposits, complicating glacial and environmental reconstructions. We suggest that the ice cap covering Jan Mayen separated into two (northern and southern) approximately 20 ka ago, based on observations from glacial striae and terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide exposure dating. Deglaciation of the southern flank of the Beerenberg ice cap was accelerated by initial subglacial volcanic activity, which probably rapidly evolved to protrude above the glacier surface. Subsequently, around 18.9 ka, vertical melting and ice‐marginal recession intensified in Nord‐Jan. A relatively warm period followed thereafter, evidenced by organic material giving a calibrated age of 17 to 16 cal. ka BP. The extent of deglaciation during this period is unknown as the dated material was found redeposited in lake sediments. Several cosmogenic exposure ages from bedrock and glacial erratics correspond to the Lateglacial period. The interpretation of these ages is not obvious, but we favour a hypothesis involving a Lateglacial readvance of the glaciers when lateral moraines were also deposited. Mild conditions, characterized by plant growth and soil formation, prevailed during the Early Holocene. During this period, the lateral moraines formed during the Lateglacial probably disintegrated, leaving only the remnants visible today.
Revisiting concepts of thermal physiology: understanding negative feedback and set‐point in mammals, birds, and lizards
Authors: Mitchell Duncan , Fuller Andrea , Snelling Edward P. , Tattersall Glenn J. , Hetem Robyn S. , Maloney Shane K.
Published: February 2025

The thermoregulatory system of homeothermic endotherms operates to attain thermal equilibrium, that is no net loss or gain of heat, where possible, under a thermal challenge, and not to attain a set‐point or any other target body temperature. The concept of a set‐point in homeothermic temperature regulation has been widely misinterpreted, resulting in such confusion that some thermoregulation specialists have recommended that it be abandoned. But the set‐point concept has enjoyed a resurgence in a different domain, lizard microclimate selection. We review the principles of thermoregulation in homeotherms, endorse a negative feedback system with independent set‐points for individual thermo‐effectors as its core mechanism, and address the misconceptions about homeothermic set‐point. We also explore the concept of set‐point range in lizard microclimate selection and conclude that there is substantial convergence between that concept and the set‐points of homeothermic thermo‐effectors, as thresholds. In neither homeothermic nor lizard thermoregulation is the concept of a unitary set‐point appropriate. We review the problems of measuring the set‐points for lizard microclimate selection. We do not believe that the set‐point concept in thermoregulation should be abandoned just because it has been misinterpreted by some users. It is a valid concept, identifying the threshold body temperatures at which regulatory thermo‐effectors will be activated, to aid in attaining thermal equilibrium.
Benzoyl Peroxide's Sensitisation Potential and Potency in Experimental Methods and Review of Contact Allergy and Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Authors: Egele Kerstin , Drexler Hans , Fartasch Manigé , van Kampen Vera , Merk Hans F. , Nowak Dennis , Schnuch Axel , Uter Wolfgang , Kreis Patricia , Blömeke Brunhilde
Published: February 2025

Positive patch test responses to benzoyl peroxide (BPO) have been reported from patients without and with known exposure. Up to 6.5% were found in the United States and 7.8% in a study including patients from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. We provide an overview of the skin sensitisation potential and potency of BPO based on animal experiments and non‐animal methods. BPO tested positive in Guinea Pig Tests and the Local Lymph Node Assay. Application of the current OECD guideline to identify a skin sensitizer by combining non‐animal method results gave differing outcomes. Moreover, patch test responses of patients to BPO were considered to determine the importance of BPO as a relevant occupational contact allergen. Another well‐known BPO exposure is the topical application to treat acne. Despite widespread use, extensive and long‐term skin exposure, we found for this group only studies reporting few positive patch test reactions. Further, occupational handling of BPO and contact allergy is reported by dental technicians. In‐depth evaluation of the prevalence of contact allergy in different professions with suspected BPO exposure did not reveal an association with occupational handling of BPO. Consequently, a generally increased risk for those professions is not supported.
Pharmacogenetic Information on Drug Labels of the Italian Agency of Medicines (AIFA): Actionability and Comparison Across Other Regulatory Agencies
Authors: Moschella Antonino , Mourou Soumaya , Perfler Samantha , Zoroddu Enrico , Bezzini Daiana , Soru Dorian , Trignano Claudia , Miozzo Monica , Squassina Alessio , Cecchin Erika , Floris Matteo
Published: February 2025

To plan future steps for the implementation and regulation of pharmacogenetic testing, any issue in the management of pharmacogenetic information by regulatory bodies must be identified. In this paper, an analysis of pharmacogenetic information in the summary of product characteristics (SmCPs) of drugs approved by Italian Drug Agency (AIFA) was conducted. Among 4214 SmCPs of 1063 active ingredients, 53.2% (n = 2240) included pharmacogenetic information in at least one section, most frequently for drugs in the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical category “Antineoplastic and immunomodulatory agents”. To contextualize these data in the international scenario, a pharmacogenetic level of actionability, based on AIFA SmCPs, was assigned to 608 drug/gene pairs included in FDA's “Table of Pharmacogenomic Biomarkers in Drug Labels”, according to PharmGKB (The Pharmacogenomics Knowledge Base). Approximately 67% of drug/gene pairs were deemed classifiable: Based on SmCPs phrasing, for half of them the genetic testing was cataloged as “required” or “recommended” (mainly tumor somatic variants), whereas 40% as “actionable” (mostly PK/PD‐related germline variants). The comparison with other regulatory agencies highlighted a discordance in the assigned pharmacogenetic levels of actionability ranging from 1% to 14%. This discrepancy may also point out the need to rethink the language used in AIFA‐approved SmCPs to clarify whether a pharmacogenetic test is necessary or not and for which subjects it has been recommended. For the first time, a detailed evaluation and comparative analysis of the pharmacogenetic information on Italian SmCPs was presented, placing it in an international context and laying the groundwork for rethinking pharmacogenetic indications in AIFA‐approved SmCPs.
Do Elections Promote Conflict? A Quantitative Text Analysis of Postwar Iraqi News Coverage
Authors: Yamao Dai
Published: February 2025

This article seeks to investigate whether conflict‐motivating coverage in newspapers increases during the election period, employing a quantitative text analysis of several major newspapers in postwar Iraq. In the aftermath of the war in Iraq, the exclusion or inclusion of the former Baathist regime emerged as one of the most contentious issues in elections. Consequently, this study analyzes how the exclusion or inclusion of the former regime was asserted during election periods and the degree of emphasis in reporting, aiming to identify conflict‐inspiring coverage during elections. The analysis encompasses over 500,000 articles from various prominent newspapers. In summary, while election cycles typically feature coverage that denies inclusiveness and exacerbates fragmentation, official government‐affiliated newspapers tend to consistently underscore inclusiveness, even during election periods.
How to amend the EU Treaties? Legal ways and deadlocks
Authors: Ritleng Dominique
Published: February 2025

The EU Treaties revision procedures have been conceived according to a federal design. That prompts the making of the following recommendations as to how to amend the EU Treaties:

treaty revision must follow the specific amendment procedures of Article 48 TEU. Amending EU Treaties through Article 49 TEU‐based agreements is not legally feasible.

each treaty amendment recommended by the Group of Twelve must be classified under the proper revision procedure.

the shift from the ‘double unanimity’ requirement to a four‐fifths majority for treaty change should be made but without Member States being thereby bound by treaty revisions, they have not agreed.
WoodAD: A New Dataset and a Comparison of Deep Learning Approaches for Wood Anomaly Detection
Authors: del‐Tejo‐Catala Omar , Perez Javier , Garcia Nicolas , Perez‐Cortes Juan‐Carlos , Del Ser Javier
Published: February 2025

Anomaly detection is a crucial task in computer vision, with applications ranging from quality control to security monitoring, among many others. Recent technological advancements have enabled near‐perfect solutions on benchmark datasets like MVTec, raising the need for novel datasets that pose new challenges for this modelling task. This work presents a novel Wood Anomaly Detection (WoodAD) dataset, which includes defects in wooden pieces that result in challenges for the most advanced techniques applied to other established datasets. This article evaluates such challenges posed by WoodAD with one‐class and few‐shot supervised learning approaches. Our experiments herein reveal that EfficientAD, a state‐of‐the‐art method previously excelling on the MVTec dataset, outperforms all other one‐class learning approaches. Nevertheless, there is room for improvement, as EfficientAD achieves a 0.535 pixel/segmentation average precision (AP) over the complete test set. UNet, a well‐known pixel‐level classification architecture, leveraged few‐shot supervised learning to enhance the pixel AP score, achieving 0.862 pixel/segmentation AP over the entire test set. Our WoodAD dataset represents a valuable contribution to the field of anomaly detection, offering complex image textures and challenging defects. Researchers and practitioners are encouraged to leverage this dataset to push the boundaries of anomaly detection and develop more robust and effective solutions for more complex real‐world applications. The WoodAD dataset has been made publicly available in Kaggle (https://www.kaggle.com/datasets/itiresearch/wood‐anomaly‐detection‐one‐class‐classification).
Novel Creep–Fatigue Interaction Model Based on Kitagawa–Takahashi and a Probabilistic Creep Pore Model
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Duc , Jordan Oliver , Maede Lucas , Beck Tilmann , Kulawinski Dirk
Published: February 2025

The Kitagawa–Takahashi (KT) diagram and the El Haddad equation are widely used to predict the allowable stress range for an internal defect size . This approach discriminates between regions designating nonpropagation and propagation of short and long cracks. However, the KT diagram is incapable of describing the damage under creep conditions, as in that case, the assumption of a time‐independent threshold for fatigue crack propagation is invalid and must be considered as time dependent. The proposed Kitagawa–Takahashi with creep (KTC) method combines pore size distributions predicted by a probabilistic creep pore model with the El Haddad equation. This new approach is suitable to characterize the interaction of creep–fatigue loading. Within this work, modified Wöhler and Haigh diagrams for creep–fatigue at various temperatures are presented and validated with creep–fatigue experiments as well as high‐cycle fatigue (HCF) tests on precrept specimens made from the polycrystalline nickel‐base superalloy 247.
Feasibility and Applicability of Implementing the Framework for Comprehensive Understanding of Structural Stigma in Mental Healthcare Systems: A Case Example of Nepal
Authors: Gurung Dristy , Subedi Bhawana , Acharya Binita , Neupane Mani , Kohrt Brandon A. , Thornicroft Graham , Gronholm Petra C.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Mental health‐related structural stigma is a multifaceted issue that significantly impacts access to quality mental healthcare, particularly in low‐resource settings like Nepal. Therefore, there is a clear need to understand the complexities and identify gaps for targeted interventions through evaluations of various dimensions of structural stigma within healthcare systems. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and applicability of a mental health‐related structural stigma measurement framework through its implementation in Nepal's healthcare system.

Methods

A mixed‐methods approach was employed, involving data mapping, key informant interviews and rating exercises with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, health workers and people with lived experience (PWLEs). A visual analogue scale or Red/Amber/Green (RAG) rating scale was used to rate each indicator within the framework for the level of structural stigma based on the mapped information and their experiences. Data collection was carried out from May to June 2024.

Results

Twenty key informants were interviewed for this exercise. Most indicators within the framework were endorsed as yellow, followed by red by participants referring to mid to high levels of structural stigma within the healthcare system. The findings also revealed that the stakeholders perceived the framework as acceptable and applicable for measuring mental health‐related structural stigma in the healthcare system. However, challenges were noted regarding the clarity of some indicators, limitations of the three‐coloured visual analogue rating and the need for comparator conditions.

Conclusion

The study underscores the measurement framework's value as a tool for identifying and addressing structural stigma in a mental healthcare system in a low‐resource setting. Stakeholder engagement and contextual adaptation are crucial for its successful implementation. The insights gained can inform structural reforms and improve mental health service delivery, ultimately promoting greater equity and access for PWLEs.

Patient Public Contribution

This framework being assessed in this study (FOCUS‐MHS) was developed through extensive consultation with People with Lived Experiences (PWLEs) in Nepal and globally with the Global Mental Health Peer Network along with other stakeholders. Identification of documents, policies and studies, along with qualitative information mapped within the indicators, was informed by PWLEs involved in local study sites and by policymakers and health administrators. The reflections of the study participants—PWLEs, health administrators and policymakers, have guided further refinement of the framework for future use.
The usefulness of transarterial embolization before transurethral resection of bladder tumor for patients with large bladder tumors
Authors: Yamada Yusuke , Taguchi Motohiro , Shimatani Kimihiro , Yanagi Toeki , Kanematsu Akihiro , Kako Yasukazu , Takaki Haruyuki , Yamakado Koichiro , Yamasaki Takashi , Hirota Seiichi , Yamamoto Shingo
Published: February 2025

Objective

To assess the usefulness of transarterial embolization (TAE) before a transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) procedure for large bladder tumors, intra‐ and postoperative outcomes were retrospectively compared between patients with and without TAE before TURBT.

Methods and results

Thirty‐seven patients underwent TURBT for complete resection of bladder tumors with a diameter of 3 cm or greater between January 2013 and December 2023 at the Department of Urology, Hyogo Medical University. For 13, TAE was performed 1 or 2 days before TURBT. In the TAE group, tumor volume was significantly larger [74.1 ± 42.7 (28.9–190.5) cm3 vs. 17.3 ± 14.3 (6.1–69.8) cm3, p < 0.05] and operative time significantly shorter [119 ± 49.8 (74–263) min vs. 143 ± 28.1 (107–218) min, p = 0.012] as compared with the non‐TAE group. Furthermore, the change in hemoglobin level was significantly less in the TAE group [−0.6 ± 0.8 (0.4 to −2.3) mg/dL vs. −1.0 ± 0.7 (0.1 to −3.1) mg/dL, p = 0.008].

Conclusion

TAE before TURBT for a large bladder tumor contributes to less blood loss and shorter operative time, thus allowing resection to be performed safely without serious complications.
The Postapocalyptic Frontier Hero: The (Weird) Western, Cowboy Masculinity, and Regenerative Violence in The Last of Us (2013)
Authors: Pereira Teresa
Published: February 2025

The following article argues that Naughty Dog's The Last of Us is a Weird Western that, despite imaginatively reinventing the Western genre by setting it in a near‐future, postapocalyptic United States, reiterates many of its core tenets. Among these are the inclusion of a cowboy‐like, white, male hero, namely the game's protagonist, Joel Miller, and the depiction of gruesome violence as both regenerative and justified. To conduct this analysis, the article adopts a cultural studies perspective, bringing together different disciplines that engage in the field of American studies, namely literary criticism, film studies, gender studies, and game studies, while also relying heavily on Bogost's concept of procedural rhetoric.
Understanding Health Literacy in Fluid Management in Individuals Receiving Haemodialysis: A Directed Qualitative Content Analysis
Authors: Chen Chen , Zheng Jing , Liu Xu , Liu Jiali , Xie Yeli , Shi Shuna , You Liming
Published: February 2025

Aims

To describe the perspectives of individuals receiving haemodialysis regarding health literacy in fluid management.

Design

A qualitative descriptive approach using directed content analysis of interviews from an explanatory mixed methods study.

Methods

Semi‐structured individual interviews were conducted from September 2020 to February 2021 with 28 individuals receiving haemodialysis who had attended a prior quantitative study. A directed qualitative content analysis approach was used to identify categories and subcategories emerging from the data.

Results

Six categories of health literacy were identified: (1) active health management, (2) engagement with healthcare providers, (3) understanding and support from healthcare providers, (4) social support, (5) health information literacy and (6) navigation of the healthcare system.

Conclusions

Based on their real‐life experience, individuals receiving haemodialysis have unique health literacy needs regarding fluid management. A comprehensive understanding of these unique needs is crucial in creating person‐centered interventions to address inadequate fluid restriction.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Interventions to address inadequate fluid restriction should be person‐centered, considering each individual's unique health literacy needs. This involves conducting a comprehensive assessment of individuals' health literacy needs, empowering individuals to actively engage in health, engaging the entire support network and facilitating health information literacy in line with individuals' preferences.

Impact

This study offers detailed insights into the health literacy needs related to fluid management in individuals undergoing haemodialysis. The findings could inform the development of person‐centered fluid management strategies for these individuals.

Reporting Method

We adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Are we playing the same “research” game in business?
Authors: Fairbanks Joshua C. , Winters Drew B.
Published: February 2025

This study evaluates the limitations of impact factors in assessing journal quality and explores the competitive dynamics of publishing in top‐tier journals across Accounting, Finance, Management, and Marketing. We document notable cross‐disciplinary variations that challenge the effectiveness of impact factors. Our findings suggest that expanding journal lists within business disciplines by adding high‐impact journals can change the competitiveness of top‐tier publications and may lead to imbalances in promotion and tenure (P&T) decisions. This study contributes to the broader discussion on journal quality metrics in business research, advocating for a nuanced approach to achieve fair and accurate assessments across disciplines.