bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does perceived overqualification lead to cyberloafing? A moderated-mediation model based on social cognitive theory
Authors: Wang Min , Liu Yuqi , Lang Yi
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Based on social cognitive theory, this study aims to investigate the influence of perceived overqualification (POQ) on employees’ cyberloafing behavior. The mediating role of moral disengagement and the moderating roles of organizational identification (OID) and organizational decline are further examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected 740 valid questionnaires from participants across multiple organizations. To minimize common method bias (CMB) and enhance the reliability of the findings, data were gathered at two different time points, with a 30-day interval.

Findings

POQ positively impacts cyberloafing through the mechanism of moral disengagement. Additionally, the indirect relationship between POQ and cyberloafing via moral disengagement is moderated by OID and organizational decline. Specifically, a higher degree of OID weakens the indirect effect of POQ on cyberloafing, while a higher level of perceived organizational decline strengthens this effect.

Originality/value

While most existing studies on cyberloafing focus on insufficient resources, such as role conflict and workload, the authors propose that surplus personal resources, exemplified by POQ, can also lead to cyberloafing. This research contributes to a broader understanding of antecedents of cyberloafing, highlighting the mechanism of ethical considerations and the interplay between personal qualifications, organizational identification and organizational decline.
Analysis of reflection of wave propagation in magneto-thermoelastic nonlocal micropolar orthotropic medium at impedance boundary
Authors: Yadav Anand Kumar , Mahato Hari Shankar , Kumari Sangeeta , Jurczak Pawel
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the plane wave reflection problem in micropolar orthotropic magneto-thermoelastic half space, considering the influence of impedance as a boundary in a nonlocal elasticity.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents the novel formulation of governing partial differential equations for micropolar orthotropic medium with impact of nonlocal thermo-elasticity under magnetic field.

Findings

This study provides the numerical results validation for a particular numerical data and expression for the amplitude ratios of reflected waves and identifies the existence of four different waves, namely, quasi longitudinal displacement

qCLD-wave, quasi thermal wave

qCT-wave, quasi transverse displacement

qCTD-wave and quasi-transverse micro-rotational

qCTM-wave. The study derives the velocity equation giving the speed and phase velocity of these waves. The study also shows that the small-scale size effect gives significant impact on phase velocity.

Research limitations/implications

The graphical analysis examines the variation of speeds and coefficients of attenuation of these waves due to frequency, magnetic field and nonlocal parameters. Also, significant conclusions on the variation of reflection coefficient against nonlocal parameter, frequency, impedance parameter and angle of incidence are provided graphically.

Practical implications

The creation of more effective micropolar orthotropic anisotropic materials which are very useful in the daily life and their applications in earth science are greatly impacted by the findings of this study.

Originality/value

The authors of the submitted document initiated and produced it collectively, with equal contributions from all members.
Intrapreneurship research: What have we learned and where can we go from here?
Authors: Farrukh Muhammad , Ghazzawi Issam
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The study aims to analyze the evolution of intrapreneurship in terms of its productivity and impact while identifying major themes in the literature. It also seeks to suggest future research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs bibliometric analysis utilizing the Scopus database. The study used the number of publications and citations to measure the productivity and impact. In addition, bibliographic coupling was used to map intellectual networking. A content analysis was also performed to identify the antecedents and outcomes of intrapreneurship.

Findings

The study identifies the trends and trajectories of intrapreneurship research in terms of performance and impact. Based on the content analysis of intrapreneurship literature, the study finds outcomes and major domains of antecedents.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the evolving intrapreneurship field by comprehensively analyzing its changing landscape. It offers valuable insights and recommendations for future research, highlighting potential areas for further exploration and deepening the understanding of intrapreneurship within the organizational context.
Digitization strategy and innovation performance of microfinance institutions: mediating role of innovation capability
Authors: Abera Mekuanint , Marvadi Chetana , Suthar Dilipkumar
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the mediating role of innovation capability in the relationship between digital transformation strategy and innovation performance of microfinance institutions in Ethiopia.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 12 microfinance institutions in Ethiopia through self-administered questionnaires. Statistical analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling with AMOS and SPSS. Covariance-based structural equation modeling was used to test the study hypotheses.

Findings

Digital transformation strategy indicators such as (digitization vision, information technology integration, information technology agility and flexibility of information technology) directly affect innovation performance. The innovation capability mediates the relationship between digital transformation strategy indicator (information technology agility) and innovation performance. However, innovation capability does not have mediation effect in the relationship between digital transformation strategy remaining indicators (digitization vision, information technology flexibility and information technology integration) and innovation performance.

Originality/value

The study affirmed the importance of dynamic capability theory and presents noteworthy conclusions applicable to managers, stakeholders, and policymakers. It illuminates how innovation capability serves as a crucial link between digital transformation strategies and innovation performance within microfinance institutions in Ethiopia. This research enhances the current understanding of innovation capability, digital transformation strategy and innovation performance in the literature.
Attenuating workplace cynicism among non-family employees in family firms: influence of mindful leadership, belongingness and leader–member exchange quality
Authors: Razzak Mohammad Rezaur , Bachkirov Alexandre Anatolievich
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Drawing on mindfulness theory, this study attempts to gain insights into whether leader-mindfulness (LM) influences workplace cynicism (WPC) among non-family employees (NFEs) working in small and medium-sized private family firms. Furthermore, the study leverages the self-determination theory to examine if the above relationship is mediated by the belongingness of the NFEs to the organization and leader–member exchange quality (LMXQ).

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework with a set of hypotheses is developed. Using cross-sectional survey data collected from 376 NFEs working in small and medium-sized private family firms in Oman, the hypotheses are tested using structural equation modeling that was analyzed through PLS-SEM.

Findings

The results indicate that LM influences WPC both directly and through the mediating effect of LMXQ. The findings also suggest that, while LM influences belongingness, and that belongingness also mediates the relationship between LM and LMXQ. However, belongingness does not mediate the relationship between LM and WPC, either by itself or serially.

Practical implications

The prevalence of WPC among NFEs in family firms hinders the ability of such organizations to retain talented employees that are outside the family circle. Hence, this study presents nuanced insights to those who manage such organizations, as it reveals that leading the family business mindfully can markedly reduce WPC among NFEs, particularly when LM enhances LMXQ.

Originality/value

The study makes four novel contributions. First, this appears to be the first study at the crossroads of the family business and organizational behavior literature to investigate the under-researched topic of WPC among NFEs in family firms. Second, the study provides insights into the relationship between LM and WPC by developing a conceptual framework that draws on mindfulness theory and self-determination theory. Third, it identifies the mediating role of LMXQ in the link between LM and WPC. Finally, it reveals that, although the belongingness of NFEs to their organization is influenced by LM, it does not automatically influence WPC.
Quantifying the quantile connectedness among Memecoin, Halal ETF and ESG index
Authors: Tabassum Sabia , Rashid Umra , Rabbani Mustafa Raza , Yadav Miklesh Prasad
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the connectedness among Memecoin, Halal exchange traded funds (ETF) and environmental, social and governance (ESG) indexes in different quantiles.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors consider Dogecoin to measure Memecoin while Wahed FTSE USA Shariah ETF (HLAL) and SP Funds S&P 500 Sharia Industry Exclusions ETF (SPUS) are used to represent Halaf ETF. Similarly, iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF (ESGU) and Vanguard ESG US Stock (ESGV) proxy the ESG index ETF. The daily price of these examined markets is considered from January 2, 2020, to January 18, 2024. The quantile vector autoregression is deployed for the empirical computation.

Findings

The result reveals that Memecoin (Dogecoin) emerges as the best diversifier irrespective of various quantiles because it is least connected in terms of recipient and transmission of shock. In addition, the authors observe an intriguing observation that the total connectedness in higher quantile is large, followed by lower quantile.

Originality/value

This study is undertaken considering the novelty in the form of the proxies of examined markets along with natural outbreak (COVID-19) and man-made outbreak (Russia–Ukraine invasion) periods.
The key role of intercultural competencies for effective integration: from theory to practice
Authors: Pinna Pintor Stella , Premazzi Viviana
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore how intercultural competencies impact the employment of young people, and to showcase virtuous examples of practices by the University of Turin and the company Global Mindset Development.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon a comprehensive review of relevant literature, this paper highlights the theoretical foundations of intercultural competencies and their relevance to labor market integration. It examines their multidimensional nature, encompassing knowledge, skills, attitudes and awareness necessary for individuals to effectively navigate and engage with diverse cultural contexts. The paper then presents several good and promising practices realized by the University of Turin and the training and consultancy company Global Mindset Development. Furthermore, it addresses potential challenges associated with developing and implementing intercultural competencies in practice.

Findings

The study enriches the body of literature on the importance of intercultural competencies for young workers acquired through experiences such as international mobility for labor market integration.

Originality/value

The study presents some innovative approaches to training through experiential and mobility training programs. These new examples of practices can inspire further research and implementation.
Real‐world safety and efficacy of biologics in elderly patients with psoriasis: A multicenter observational study
Authors: Ohata Chika , Anezaki Hisataka , Yanase Tetsuji , Katayama Eri , Kaneko Sakae , Saito Kanami , Yamane Mariko , Nakamaru Sei , Tsuruta Noriko , Okazaki Fusako , Ito Kotaro , Kikuchi Satoko , Koike Yuta , Miyagi Takuya , Sugita Kazunari , Nakahara Takeshi , Takezaki Daiki , Saruwatari Hiroshi , Yoshida Yuichi , Yonekura Kentaro , Higashi Yuko , Sawada Yu , Chinuki Yuko , Yamaguchi Kazuki , Imafuku Shinichi
Published: July 2024

Clinical trials of biologics have frequently excluded elderly patients, resulting in inadequate data on their safety and efficacy. Additionally, evidence of their safety and efficacy remains limited, despite some real‐world studies. To assess the safety and efficacy of biologics in elderly patients with psoriasis, we compared these outcomes in younger patients using data from the West Japan Psoriasis Registry (WJPR). The WJPR consists of approximately 30 facilities in Western Japan, including various healthcare settings. This study enrolled 1395 patients who participated in the 2022 follow‐up survey of the WJPR and were either using or had used biologics during the survey. These included 456 patients in the elderly group (≥65 years) and 939 patients in the younger group (<65 years). Treatment‐ending adverse events (TEAEs) occurred in 15.8% and 11.3% of elderly and younger patients, respectively. The incidence rate per 1000 patient‐years (PY) for TEAEs was significantly higher in elderly patients than in younger patients (32.9 vs 23.2, p = 0.0234). Infectious diseases were more prevalent in the elderly group than the younger group; however, no significant difference in the frequency of infectious diseases was found between the two groups (p = 0.0807). Malignant neoplasms occurred significantly more frequently in the elderly group than in the younger group (p = 0.0169). Our results indicate a few concerns about infection when prescribing biologics to elderly patients. Biologics were effective for both elderly and younger patients. We found no significant differences in the proportion of patients with a body surface area score ≤3%, Physician's Global Assessment score 0/1, or Patient's Global Assessment score 0/1, as well as in the mean Dermatology Life Quality Index and the Itch Numerical Rating Scale between the younger and the elderly groups. Overall, our results confirm the appropriateness of using biologics in elderly patients with regard to safety and efficacy.
Management of potassium‐wasting syndrome in the antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum period
Authors: McPhail Connor , Szewczyk Hannah , McCarthy Ana , Wark Tayla , Parange Anupam , Jesudason Shilpanjali
Published: July 2024

Potassium‐wasting syndromes, including Gitelman or Bartter syndrome, require close medical and biochemical review during pregnancy to reduce potentially severe complications, morbidity and mortality. We report a case of severe potassium‐wasting syndrome managed successfully in pregnancy with extremely high oral potassium intake.
Exposure to parental problem drinking during adolescence and symptoms of depression and anxiety in young adulthood: A Swedish national cohort study
Authors: Brolin Låftman Sara , Östberg Viveca , Wahlström Joakim , Ramstedt Mats , Raninen Jonas
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Previous research has shown associations between parental problem drinking and adverse mental health outcomes in children. However, while many studies assess parental alcohol problems based on clinical measures, longitudinal studies that investigate the impact of potentially less severe levels of parental alcohol problems are scarce. The aim of this study was to examine if the existence and severity of child‐reported parental problem drinking in adolescence is associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety in young adult men and women.

Methods

Data was obtained from the Swedish national cohort study Futura01, including 3143 participants born in 2001 who were surveyed in 2017 (age 15–16) and 2022 (age 20–21). Parental problem drinking was measured at age 15–16 with the short version of The Children of Alcoholics Screening Test. Depression and anxiety symptoms were measured at age 20–21 with the Patient Health Questionnaire‐4. Registry information on gender, parental education and parental country of birth were included as covariates.

Results

The results demonstrated an exposure‐response pattern, with greater severity of parental problem drinking associated with an increased probability of reporting depression and anxiety symptoms 5 years later. The association between parental problem drinking and subsequent depression symptoms was however present only in females.

Discussion and Conclusions

Adolescents exposed to parental problem drinking have elevated risks of long‐term adverse mental health. These risks increase with greater severity of parental problem drinking. It is thus crucial with efforts preventing parental problem drinking and efforts promoting health among children and adolescents who are exposed.
Metagenomic insights into nitrogen cycling functional gene responses to nitrogen fixation and transfer in maize–peanut intercropping
Authors: Dong Qiqi , Su Huijie , Sun Yuexin , Zhao Yubiao , Zhou Dongying , Wang Xiaoguang , Jiang Chunji , Liu Xibo , Zhong Chao , Zhang He , Kang Shuli , Zhao Xinhua , Yu Haiqiu
Published: July 2024

The fixation and transfer of biological nitrogen from peanuts to maize in maize–peanut intercropping systems play a pivotal role in maintaining the soil nutrient balance. However, the mechanisms through which root interactions regulate biological nitrogen fixation and transfer remain unclear. This study employed a 15N isotope labelling method to quantify nitrogen fixation and transfer from peanuts to maize, concurrently elucidating key microorganisms and genera in the nitrogen cycle through metagenomic sequencing. The results revealed that biological nitrogen fixation in peanut was 50 mg and transfer to maize was 230 mg when the roots interacted. Moreover, root interactions significantly increased nitrogen content and the activities of protease, dehydrogenase (DHO) and nitrate reductase in the rhizosphere soil. Metagenomic analyses and structural equation modelling indicated that nrfC and nirA genes played important roles in regulating nitrogen fixation and transfer. Bradyrhizobium was affected by soil nitrogen content and DHO, indirectly influencing the efficiency of nitrogen fixation and transfer. Overall, our study identified key bacterial genera and genes associated with nitrogen fixation and transfer, thus advancing our understanding of interspecific interactions and highlighting the pivotal role of soil microorganisms and functional genes in maintaining soil ecosystem stability from a molecular ecological perspective.
“The loving queer gaze”: The epistemological significance of queer joy
Authors: Wright JJ , Falek Joshua
Published: July 2024

This article contends with queer joy as an epistemology to highlight an affective experience that grounds a basis for revising dominant approaches to sexual ethics. Drawing on findings from a mixed‐methods study with 100 2SLGBTQ+ young adults from Canada and the US, we argue that queer and trans people mobilize queer sexual joy as an epistemology of script breaking that led participants to explore freedom and play, enjoy novel forms of care and communality, and to challenge oppression. We found that 2SLGBTQ+ young adults are undermining dominant sexual cultures which perpetuate gender‐based violence through cisheteronormative logics of objectification and dominance. Rather than simply producing misery, normative sex and gender regimes produced a disorientation among 2SLGBTQ+ young adults which was fruitful for breaking sexual scripts and developing approaches to sex and relationships grounded in greater authenticity, creativity, reciprocity, play, and joy. We propose that by taking queer joy as a way of knowing, we may learn how queer and trans people negotiate the performativity of gender and sex, their own bodily knowledge, and the epistemic injustices that have precluded this knowledge from being valued. Pushing against the “joy deficit” in sociology that constrains the field to the study of the misery that minority communities face, this paper not only demonstrates what sociologists might learn from the texture of queer and trans lives, but also how these lessons can help to undermine cisheteronormativity as a root cause of gender‐based violence.
Proximal lateral insertion portal of an intra‐articular arthroscopic stifle lever: A cadaveric study
Authors: Lotsikas Peter J. , Ramsey Harrison D. , Kieves Nina R.
Published: July 2024

Objective

To (1) Describe the proximal lateral insertion portal for the placement of an intra‐articular distraction lever. (2) Assess for associated damage with the insertion of the lever and (3) evaluate the impact of duration of lever use on articular cartilage damage.

Study design

Ex vivo canine cadaveric experimental study.

Animals

Paired canine stifles from seven cadavers (14 stifles from dogs weighing >20 kg).

Methods

A separate 0.5 cm proximal lateral portal was established adjacent to the lateral scope portal. A standard Ventura stifle thrust lever (VSTL) was inserted without removing the arthroscope. In Group A, the VSTL was placed in distraction for 5 min while in Group B the VSTL was placed for 10 min. The stifle joints were disarticulated and evaluated for associated damage to the long digital extensor tendon and iatrogenic articular cartilage injury (IACI) via India ink assay.

Results

No damage to the long digital extensor tendon was noted in any of the specimens during dissection. Superficial IACI was present in all specimens. There were no differences between groups when assessing for overall IACI.

Conclusion

A proximal lateral portal and insertion of a standard VSTL can be performed without removing the arthroscope.

Clinical significance

The use of a proximal lateral lever portal without repositioning the arthroscope was repeatable without damaging the long digital extensor tendon. A duration of up to 10 min in which the thrust lever was engaged did not result in increased visual cartilage damage.
Engineering-Guided Deep Learning of Melt-Pool Dynamics for Additive Manufacturing Quality Monitoring
Authors: Zhang Siqi , Yang Hui , Yang Zhuo , Lu Yan
Published: July 2024

Additive manufacturing (AM) fabricates three-dimensional parts via layer-by-layer deposition and solidification of materials. Due to the complexity of this process, advanced sensing is increasingly employed to facilitate system visibility, leading to a large amount of high-dimensional and complex-structured data. While deep learning brings attractive characteristics for data-driven process monitoring and quality prediction, it is currently limited in the ability to assimilate engineering knowledge and offer model interpretability for understanding process–quality relationships. In addition, due to spatiotemporal correlations in AM, a melt-pool anomaly observed during fabrication is not always indicative of abnormal quality characteristics. There is a pressing need to go beyond pointwise analysis of melt pools and consider spatiotemporal effects for quality analysis. In this paper, we propose a novel feature learning framework guided by engineering knowledge for AM quality monitoring. First, engineering knowledge is integrated with deep learning to delineate various sources of process variations and extract melt-pool features that reflect quality-related relationships. Second, a 3D neighborhood model is designed to characterize spatiotemporal variations of melt pools based on their domain-informed features. The resulting 3D neighborhood profiles enable us to go beyond pointwise analysis of melt pools for capturing process–quality relationships. Finally, we built a regression model to predict internal density variations using 3D neighborhood profiles. Our experiments demonstrate that the proposed framework significantly outperforms traditional hand-crafted method and black-box learning in both the ability to provide quality-related features and predict internal density variations.
Effect of Shear Localization on Surface Residual Stress Distribution in Machining of Waspaloy
Authors: Yang Shenliang , Jin Xiaoliang , Engin Serafettin , Kountanya Raja , El-Wardany Tahany
Published: July 2024

In the machining of high-strength materials, shear localization in serrated chip formation leads to time-varying thermo-mechanical loads exerted by the cutting tool on the machined surface. This results in periodic changes to surface integrity. This article explains the formation mechanism of machined surface microfeatures and residual stress fluctuations associated with serrated chip formation, based on a finite element model of machining Waspaloy using the coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian method. The model is validated by comparing the simulation results with experimentally measured chip morphologies and machined surface profiles. During machining with a constant chip thickness, the machined surface exhibits a uniformly distributed residual stress pattern along the cutting velocity direction. However, increased cutting velocity and serrated chip formation cause periodic shear bands, leading to time-varying location of the stagnation point on the cutting tool. This results in variations in the workpiece material volume and the thermo-mechanical loads in the plowing region. After machining, the periodical variation in the elastic recovery of the plowed material at the bottom of the cutting tool creates waveforms on the finished surface, accompanied by fluctuations in residual stress at the same frequency as chip serration. The simulations quantitatively determine the normal/shear contact force at the tool-workpiece interfaces to reveal the effect of the time-varying stagnation point location on surface topographies and residual stress distributions.
Deep Learning Conceptual Design of Sit-to-Stand Parallel Motion Six-Bar Mechanisms
Authors: Lyu Zhijie , Purwar Anurag
Published: July 2024

The sit-to-stand (STS) motion is a crucial activity in the daily lives of individuals, and its impairment can significantly impact independence and mobility, particularly among disabled individuals. Addressing this challenge necessitates the design of mobility assist devices that can simultaneously satisfy multiple conflicting constraints. The effective design of such devices often involves the generation of numerous conceptual mechanism designs. This paper introduces an innovative single-degree-of-freedom (DOF) mechanism synthesis process for developing a highly customizable sit-to-stand (STS) mechanical device by integrating rigid body kinematics with machine learning. Unlike traditional mechanism synthesis approaches that primarily focus on limited functional requirements, such as path or motion generation, our proposed design pipeline efficiently generates a large number of 1DOF mechanism geometries and their corresponding motion paths, known as coupler curves. Leveraging a generative deep neural network, we establish a probabilistic distribution of coupler curves and their mapping to mechanism parameters. Additionally, we introduce novel metrics for quantitatively evaluating and prioritizing design concepts. The methodology yields a diverse set of viable conceptual design solutions that adhere to the specified constraints. We showcase various single-degree-of-freedom six-bar linkage mechanisms designed for STS motion, presenting them in a ranked order based on established criteria. While the primary focus is on the integration of STS motion into a versatile mobility assist device, the proposed approach holds broad applicability for addressing design challenges in various applications.
Krauklis wave propagation within a complex fracture system: Modeling via a two-dimensional time-harmonic boundary element method
Authors: Nakagawa Seiji
Published: July 2024

Fluid-filled fractures involving kinks and branches result in complex interactions between Krauklis waves—highly dispersive and attenuating pressure waves within the fracture—and the body waves in the surrounding medium. For studying these interactions, we introduce an efficient 2D time-harmonic elastodynamic boundary element method. Instead of modeling the domain within a fracture as a finite-thickness fluid layer, this method employs zero-thickness, poroelastic Linear-Slip Interfaces to model the low-frequency, local fluid–solid interaction. Using this method, the scattering of Krauklis waves by a single kink along a straight fracture and the radiation of body waves generated by Krauklis waves within complex fracture systems are examined.
Designer cellular spheroids with DNA origami for drug screening
Authors: Wei Jiayi , Sun Yueyang , Wang Heming , Zhu Tong , Li Li , Zhou Ying , Liu Quan , Dai Zhen , Li Wenjuan , Yang Taihua , Wang Bingmei , Zhu Changfeng , Shen Xizhong , Yao Qunyan , Song Guangqi , Zhao Yicheng , Pei Hao
Published: July 2024

Current in vitro models struggle to balance the complexity of human diseases with suitability for large-scale drug tests. While 3D cultures simulate human tissues, they lack cellular intricacy, and integrating these models with high-throughput drug screening remains a challenge. Here, we introduce a method that uses self-assembling nucleic acid nanostructures decorated living cells, termed NACs, to create spheroids with a customizable 3D layout. To demonstrate its uniqueness, our method effectively creates designer 3D spheroids by combining parenchymal cells, stromal cells, and immune cells, leading to heightened physiological relevance and detailed modeling of complex chronic diseases and immune-stromal interactions. Our approach achieves a high level of biological fidelity while being standardized and straightforward to construct with the potential for large-scale drug discovery applications. By merging the precision of DNA nanotechnology with advanced cell culture techniques, we are streamlining human-centric models, striking a balance between complexity and standardization, to boost drug screening efficiency.
Beta2 adrenergic receptor–mediated abnormal myelopoiesis drives neuroinflammation in aged patients with traumatic brain injury
Authors: Jiang Rui , Lu Zhichao , Wang Chenxing , Xiao Jun , Liu Qianqian , Xu Xide , Shi Jinlong , Shen Jianhong , Zhu Xingjia , Gong Peipei , Zhuang Qian-Xing , Shi Kaibin , Shi Wei
Published: July 2024

Aged patients often suffer poorer neurological recovery than younger patients after traumatic brain injury (TBI), but the mechanisms underlying this difference remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate abnormal myelopoiesis characterized by increased neutrophil and classical monocyte output but impaired nonclassical patrolling monocyte population in aged patients with TBI as well as in an aged murine TBI model. Retrograde and anterograde nerve tracing indicated that increased adrenergic input through the central amygdaloid nucleus–bone marrow axis drives abnormal myelopoiesis after TBI in a β2-adrenergic receptor–dependent manner, which is notably enhanced in aged mice after injury. Selective blockade of β2-adrenergic receptors rebalances abnormal myelopoiesis and improves the outcomes of aged mice after TBI. We therefore demonstrate that increased β2-adrenergic input-driven abnormal myelopoiesis exacerbates post-TBI neuroinflammation in the aged, representing a mechanism underlying the poorer recovery of aged patients and that blockade of β2-adrenergic receptor is a potential approach to promote neurological recovery after TBI.
Rifabutin central nervous system concentrations in a rabbit model of tuberculous meningitis
Authors: Wasserman Sean , Antilus-Sainte Rosleine , Abdelgawad Noha , Odjourian Narineh M. , Cristaldo Melissa , Dougher Maureen , Kaya Firat , Zimmerman Matthew , Denti Paolo , Gengenbacher Martin
Published: July 2024

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) has a high mortality, possibly due to suboptimal therapy. Drug exposure data of antituberculosis agents in the central nervous system (CNS) are required to develop more effective regimens. Rifabutin is a rifamycin equivalently potent to rifampin in human pulmonary tuberculosis. Here, we show that human-equivalent doses of rifabutin achieved potentially therapeutic exposure in relevant CNS tissues in a rabbit model of TBM, supporting further evaluation in clinical trials.
Efficacy of the FIFA cooling break heat policy during an intermittent treadmill football simulation in hot conditions in trained males
Authors: Brown Harry A , Chalmers Samuel , Topham Thomas H , Clark Brad , Jowett Andrew , Meyer Tim , Jay Ollie , Périard Julien D
Published: July 2024

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) cooling break policy against alternative cooling configurations in attenuating thermal strain during simulated football in the heat.

Methods

12 males (age: 27±6 years, V̇O2peak: 61±7 mL/kg/min) completed five 90 min intermittent treadmill football match simulations in 40°C and 41% relative humidity (32°C wet-bulb globe temperature) with different cooling configurations: regular match without cooling breaks (REG), 3 min breaks without cooling (BRKno-cool), 3 min breaks with cooling (BRKcool: current FIFA policy; chilled fluid ingestion and ice towel across neck and shoulders), 5 min extended half-time without cooling breaks (ExtHTonly) and 3 min cooling breaks with 5 min ExtHT (ExtHTcool). Rectal temperature (Tre), heart rate, whole-body sweat rate (WBSR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded. Data are presented as mean (95% CIs).

Results

Final Trewas lower in BRKno-cool(0.20°C (0.01, 0.39), p=0.038), BRKcool(0.39°C (0.21, 0.57), p<0.001) and ExtHTcool(0.40°C (0.22, 0.58), p<0.001) than REG (39.1°C (38.8, 39.3)). Mean Trewas lower in ExtHTcool(38.2°C (38.0, 38.4)) than BRKcool(38.3°C (38.1, 38.5), p=0.018), BRKno-cooland ExtHTonly(38.4°C (38.2, 38.6), p<0.001) and REG (38.5°C (38.3, 38.7), p<0.001). Mean heart rate was lower during BRKcool(6 beats/min (4, 7), p<0.001) and ExtHTcool(7 beats/min (6, 8), p<0.001) compared with REG. WBSR was comparable across trials (p≥0.07) and RPE was attenuated during BRKcool(0.4 (0.1, 0.7), p=0.004) and ExtHTcool(0.5 (0.2, 0.7), p=0.002), compared with REG.

Conclusion

BRKcooland ExtHTcoolattenuated thermal, cardiovascular and perceptual strain during a simulated football match in the heat. Additional strategies may be required in field settings or under harsher conditions.
Seasonal dynamics of small mammal populations: resource availability and cold exposure interact to govern abundance
Authors: Jolly Samuel R. , Gilbert Jonathan H. , Woodford James E. , Eklund Daniel , Pauli Jonathan N.
Published: July 2024

Organisms in seasonal environments respond to both resources in the summer and environmental conditions in winter. Small mammals, in particular, respond quickly to changes in their environment, with many species reliant on the thermal refuge of the subnivium in the winter. However, there has been little research exploring how resources and cold exposure drive the seasonal dynamics of small mammal populations. We studied the populations of three subnivium-specialist small mammal species in seasonally snow-covered forests in Wisconsin, USA across 5 years during summer and winter. In summer, mast availability and canopy cover governed white-footed mouse ( Peromyscus leucopus Rafinesque, 1818) populations, coarse woody debris drove short-tailed shrew ( Blarina brevicauda Say, 1823) populations, and rainfall influenced red-backed vole ( Myodes gapperi (Vigors, 1830)) abundance. Dietary analysis via stable isotopes revealed that shrews primarily consumed arthropods, and mice predominately consumed hard mast despite interannual changes in availability. In winter, white-footed mice and red-backed vole abundances were negatively related to cold exposure. Short-tailed shrew winter population was positively related to their abundances the previous summer. These small mammals responded to species-specific drivers during the growing and snow seasons. Consequently, shorter snow seasons from climate change appear to be restructuring communities by creating a less hospitable environment for winter-adapted species, likely contributing to their regional declines.
Interpretation of quantum theory in a cosmological perspective
Authors: Prosperi G. M. , Baldicchi M.
Published: July 2024

We reconsider the problem of the interpretation of the quantum theory (QT) in the perspective of the entire universe and of the Bohr's idea that the classical language is the language of our experience and QT acquires a meaning only with a reference to it. We distinguish a classical or macroscopic state, and a quantum or microscopic one that is perceived only through the modifications that it induces in the first. The macroscopic state is specified by a set of variables, a classical energy–momentum tensor and conserved currents, which are supposed to have always a well-defined value. The microscopic state and dynamics are expressed by the usual QT formalism. For the macroscopic variables, a basic distribution of probability is postulated in terms of quantum operators and a statistical operator, what replace the usual probability rule of QT. For the universe, a variance of the ΛCDM model with $$\Omega = 1$$

Ω
=
1

is assumed, one inflaton, a Goldstone type potential, initial time at $$t = - \infty$$

t
=
-
∞

, expectation values of all fundamental fields vanishing for $$t \to - \infty$$

t
→
-
∞

. The scalar fluctuations in the cosmic microwave background is correctly explained, but the absence of the tensor fluctuations remains not understood. This seems to suggest that gravity is a pure classical phenomenon what perhaps could be accommodated in our framework.
Two proposed experiments for the Tachyon-Neutrino theory of dark matter
Authors: Schwartz Charles
Published: July 2024

Recent theory of tachyon neutrinos, providing an explanation for Dark Matter, leads to two sets of experiments for testing that theory. One predicts an enhanced signal in detection of the Cosmic Neutrino Background. The other compares models of Dark Matter used to fit data on galaxy rotation curves and also gravitational lensing. This paper starts with a semi-review of the previous theoretical work. One sees new symmetries in comparing the theory of tachyons to that of ordinary particles. In addition, we present a debunking of the false claim that tachyons would produce a causal paradox; and an apparent contradiction within the new theory, related to Dark Energy, is identified and addressed.
Power Plant Vibration Monitoring and Optimization Using Functional Design of Experiments
Authors: Oguejiofor Benjamin N. , Seo Kangwon
Published: July 2024

In a typical pressurized water reactor nuclear power plant, the condensate pumps contribute to the majority of the feedwater flow to the steam generators, which is converted into steam that spins the turbine generator to produce electricity. Adequate monitoring of the condensate pump feedwater flow is essential not only for the pump’s reliability but also for efficient plant operations overall. This study applies the functional principal component analysis in characterizing the vibration signals generated under six different levels of flow rates of the pump, an environmental factor. The functional design of experiments is then applied to obtain an optimal flow rate according to the target vibration curve. The obtained flow rate is found comparable to the theoretical pump curve’s best efficiency point and is recommended to be used for optimal pump performance and reliability.
Various Near-Fault Ground Motions for Seismic Analysis of High-Speed Railway Track Bridges
Authors: Wang Zheng , Jiang Lizhong , Jiang Liqiang , Zhou Wangbao , Du Yanliang
Published: July 2024

In order to investigate the applicability of the ground motion generated by different methods in the seismic study of high-speed railways, this paper presents a multiple comparative analysis of the ground motion produced by the ground motion prediction equation method (GMPE) and the physically-based seismic simulation method (PBS), taking the Chi-Chi earthquake as an example. First, the ground motions of typical stations were obtained by GMPE and PBS methods and compared with the original seismic records. It is found that the PGAs of the simulated ground motions are closer to the original seismic records, and the median value of the PGAs of the ground motions selected by the GMPE method is slightly larger. There are differences between the two ground motion acceleration response spectra and the original seismic record, but there are also partially valid intervals. After that, the PBS ground motion (PBS-GM), GMPE ground motion (GMPE-GM), and original seismic record (Oril-SR) were inputted into the High-Speed Railway Track Bridge System (HSRTBS) for the dynamic history analysis, respectively. It was found that the PBS-GM overestimated the dynamic response of the HSRTBS at locations closer to the epicenter and underestimated it at locations farther away, but the error was small. In contrast, the GMPE-GM accurately estimates the dynamic response of the HSRTBS at locations moderately close to the epicenter and overestimates it at locations closer to the epicenter but with flat topography. In summary, the PBS-GM has a reliability that is not inferior to that of the GMPE-GM.
Optimized Economic Production Quantity Inventory Model with Weibull Decay, Dynamic Holding Cost Under Varied Demand Scenario and Demand Series Analysis
Authors: Nand Atma
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a sophisticated modification of the economic production quantity (EPQ) model. It incorporates Weibull-distributed progressive deterioration, dynamic holding costs, variable demand, and strong strategies for effectively handling shortages and backlogs. Targeting products that have a short-term expiration but can still be stored for a long time without significant deterioration, the model aims to increase production quantities while lowering overall variable expenses. The extended EPQ model utilizes Maclaurin series approximations to solve ordinary differential equations, effectively capturing the dynamics of inventory under three different demand patterns. The focus of this handle’s situations when the demand for a product changes in a predictable manner over time and considers the likelihood of defective goods during the manufacturing process. This approach provides useful insights for optimizing inventory management and production planning in the manufacturing of goods that are used up or consumed. The usefulness of the model is confirmed in the study through the use of two illustrative instances. Additionally, sensitivity analysis is utilized to suggest potential areas for additional investigation.
Mapping Distributed Ledger Technology Characteristics to Use Cases in Healthcare: A Structured Literature Review
Authors: Hu Shanshan , Schmidt-Kraepelin Manuel , Thiebes Scott , Sunyaev Ali
Published: July 2024

Following the success of the Bitcoin blockchain, distributed ledger technology (DLT) has received extensive attention in health informatics research. Yet, the healthcare industry is highly complex with many different stakeholders, information systems, regulations, and challenges. Thus, DLT may be used in various settings and for different purposes. First surveys have started to synthesize our knowledge of the different use cases, in which healthcare may benefit from DLT implementations. However, an in-depth understanding of whether and how these use cases differ concerning their requirements of DLT characteristics (i.e., technical or administrative design features) is still lacking. In this work, we conducted a structured review of 185 studies on DLT-based applications in healthcare. The results reveal six pertinent use cases, each with its own combination of different purposes that DLT is used for. Furthermore, our study shows that each of these use cases has a unique set of requirements with regard to the most important DLT characteristics. In doing so, we seek to guide practitioners in the development of highly effective DLT-based applications in various healthcare settings and pave the way for future research to investigate the understudied areas of DLT-based applications in healthcare.
Walkin’ Robin: Walk on Stars with Robin Boundary Conditions
Authors: Miller Bailey , Sawhney Rohan , Crane Keenan , Gkioulekas Ioannis
Published: July 2024

Numerous scientific and engineering applications require solutions to boundary value problems (BVPs) involving elliptic partial differential equations, such as the Laplace or Poisson equations, on geometrically intricate domains. We develop a Monte Carlo method for solving such BVPs with arbitrary first-order linear boundary conditions---Dirichlet, Neumann, and Robin. Our method directly generalizes the
walk on stars (WoSt)
algorithm, which previously tackled only the first two types of boundary conditions, with a few simple modifications. Unlike conventional numerical methods, WoSt does not need finite element meshing or global solves. Similar to Monte Carlo rendering, it instead computes pointwise solution estimates by simulating random walks along star-shaped regions inside the BVP domain, using efficient ray-intersection and distance queries. To ensure WoSt produces
bounded-variance
estimates in the presence of Robin boundary conditions, we show that it is sufficient to modify how WoSt selects the size of these star-shaped regions. Our generalized WoSt algorithm reduces estimation error by orders of magnitude relative to alternative grid-free methods such as the
walk on boundary
algorithm. We also develop
bidirectional
and
boundary value caching
strategies to further reduce estimation error. Our algorithm is trivial to parallelize, scales sublinearly with increasing geometric detail, and enables progressive and view-dependent evaluation.
Surface-Filling Curve Flows via Implicit Medial Axes
Authors: Noma Yuta , Sellán Silvia , Sharp Nicholas , Singh Karan , Jacobson Alec
Published: July 2024

We introduce a fast, robust, and user-controllable algorithm to generate surface-filling curves. We compute these curves through the gradient flow of a simple sparse energy, making our method several orders of magnitude faster than previous works. Our algorithm makes minimal assumptions on the topology and resolution of the input surface, achieving improved robustness. Our framework provides tuneable parameters that guide the shape of the output curve, making it ideal for interactive design applications.