bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular grammars of intrinsically disordered regions that span the human proteome
Authors: Ruff Kiersten M , King Matthew R , Ying Alexander W , Liu Vicky , Pant Avnika , Lieberman Whitney E , Shinn Min Kyung , su xiaolei , Kadoch Cigall , Pappu Rohit V
Published: February 2025

Intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) of proteins are defined by functionally relevant molecular grammars. This refers to IDR-specific non-random amino acid compositions and non-random patterning of distinct pairs of amino acid types. Here, we introduce GIN (Grammars Inferred using NARDINI+) as a resource, which we have used to extract the molecular grammars of all human IDRs and classified them into thirty distinct clusters. Unbiased analyses of IDRome-spanning grammars reveals that specialized IDR grammar features direct biological processes, cellular localization preferences, and molecular functions. IDRs with exceptional grammars, defined as sequences with high-scoring non-random features, are harbored in proteins and complexes that enable spatial and temporal sorting of biochemical activities. Protein complexes within the nucleus recruit specific factors through top-scoring IDRs. These IDRs are frequently disrupted via cancer-associated mutations and fusion oncoproteins. Overall, GIN enables the decoding of sequence-function relationships of IDRs and can be deployed in IDR-specific and IDRome-wide analyses.
CaMKKβ regulates transcription factor Elf2 gene methylation to maintain endothelial junctional barrier integrity
Authors: Wang Dong-Mei , Yang Juan , Ansari Mohammad Owais , Arbieva Zarema , Maienschein-Cline Mark , Natarajan Viswanathan , Malik Asrar B , Tiruppathi Chinnaswamy
Published: February 2025

The expression of endothelial-enriched receptor tyrosine kinase Tie2 and vascular endothelial cadherin VE-cadherin in endothelial cells (EC) is essential for maintaining endothelial barrier integrity and vascular homeostasis. The Ets family of transcription factors plays a critical role in regulating the expression of Tie2 and VE-cadherin in EC. However, the transcriptional regulation of these factors remains poorly understood. In this study, we performed whole genome methylation analysis and found that the gene encoding the Ets family transcription factor Elf2/Nerf2 was hypermethylated in Camkkβ-deficient (Camkkβ−/−) mice. Notably, these mice exhibited significantly reduced mRNA and protein levels of Elf2, Tie2, and VE-cadherin, along with uncontrolled lung vascular injury following LPS challenge. Additionally, either depletion of CaMKKβ in human lung microvascular endothelial cells or EC-specific deletion of Camkkβ in mice led to a decrease in the expression of Elf2, Tie2, and VE-cadherin. Furthermore, administration of the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-azacytidine (5 AZA) or EC-specific expression of wildtype CaMKKβ but not the kinase-defective mutant restored the expression of Elf2, Tie2, and VEcadherin in Camkkβ−/− mice. We find that under baseline conditions, methyl CpG binding protein MeCP2 repressed Elf2 expression in EC. Importantly, in EC-restricted Elf2 knockout mice (Elf2DEC), lung endothelial barrier integrity was compromised due to dramatically reduced levels of Tie2 and VE-cadherin. Together, these findings underscore the crucial role of CaMKKβ in regulating endothelial junctional barrier integrity by controlling Elf2 expression.
Linking Motor Working Memory to Explicit and Implicit Motor Learning
Authors: Hillman Hanna , McClure Taylor , McDougle Samuel David
Published: February 2025

While explicit and implicit motor learning have been widely studied, the extent to which working memory for recent movements -- motor working memory (MWM) -- contributes to these processes remains unclear. Previous research suggests that visuospatial working memory may facilitate explicit motor learning but is either uninvolved in or detrimental to implicit learning. Here, we ask if and how these findings extend to non-visual MWM. Based on recent work pointing to separate effector-independent and effector-specific MWM codes, we hypothesized that: (1) explicit motor learning processes would correlate with effector-independent MWM, and (2) implicit motor learning processes would correlate with effector-specific MWM. To test these hypotheses, human participants completed both a MWM task and a visuomotor adaptation task. Our results revealed significant correlations between the quality of effector-independent MWM and the degree of explicit motor learning, extending previous findings on visuospatial working memory. Additionally, we present evidence supporting our second hypothesis, that effector-specific MWM correlates with implicit motor learning.
Optimization of the Compact Linear Collider rings-to-main-linac at 380 GeV
Authors: Zhao Yongke , Latina Andrea
Published: February 2025

The baseline configuration of the Compact Linear Collider’s rings-to-main-linac sections has been optimized for the 380 GeV center-of-mass energy stage, and some outstanding issues in previous designs have been resolved. In particular, the bunch compressors have been redesigned to reduce power consumption and cost. The impact of the bunch phase error from the damping ring to the main linac has been investigated and optimized. A complete and improved set of beam-based alignment methods is outlined, and detailed realistic simulations showing its effectiveness in addressing static imperfections such as element misalignment and magnet strength errors are presented.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Practicable model for phonon spectroscopy at atomic resolution in scanning transmission electron microscopy for thick crystalline specimens
Authors: Barthel Juri , Allen Leslie J.
Published: February 2025

We generalize a recently proposed theory for atomic resolution phonon spectroscopy in scanning transmission electron microscopy, which explicitly includes the dependence of the spectrum on probe position, to apply to thick specimens, where probe channeling is important. We also take into account anisotropy due to atoms of the same species exhibiting different vibrational modes. This approach considers the contribution from individual atoms to the spectrum. Simulations to explore the dependence of the spectrum, in particular of its shape, on the probe position and thickness are carried out for the perovskite SrTiO3, which has recently been experimentally investigated, and computational efficiency is discussed.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Simple nonparametric reconstruction of parton distributions from limited Fourier information
Authors: Dutrieux Hervé , Karpie Joseph , Orginos Kostas , Zafeiropoulos Savvas
Published: February 2025

Some calculations of parton distributions from first principles only give access to a limited range of Fourier modes of the function to reconstruct. We present a physically motivated procedure to regularize the inverse integral problem using a Gaussian process as a Bayesian prior. We propose to fix the hyperparameters of the prior in a meaningful physical fashion, offering a simple implementation, great numerical efficiency, and allowing us to understand and keep control easily of the uncertainty of the reconstruction.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Discrete dark matter with light Dirac neutrinos
Authors: Borah Debasish , Das Pritam , Karmakar Biswajit , Mahapatra Satyabrata
Published: February 2025

We propose a new realization of light Dirac neutrino mass and dark matter (DM) within the framework of a non-Abelian discrete flavor symmetry based on A4 group. In addition to A4, we also consider a Z2 and an unbroken global lepton number symmetry U(1)L to keep unwanted terms away while guaranteeing the Dirac nature of light neutrinos. The field content, their transformations, and flavon vacuum alignments are chosen in such a way that the type-I Dirac seesaw generates only one light Dirac neutrino mass while the other two masses arise from scotogenic contributions at one-loop. This leads to the Dirac scoto-seesaw framework, a generalization of the widely studied scoto-seesaw model to Dirac neutrinos. The symmetry breaking of A4 leaves a remnant Z2 symmetry responsible for stabilizing DM. Dirac nature of light neutrinos introduces additional relativistic degrees of freedom

Δ

N

eff

within reach of cosmic microwave background experiments.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Bs0→μ+μ−
in a flavor violating extension of MSSM
Authors: Meng Kai-Kai , Zhang Hai-Bin , Yang Jin-Lei
Published: February 2025

B meson rare decays play a crucial role in exploring new physics beyond the standard model. In this study, we explore the rare decay process Bs0→μ+μ− in a flavor violating extension of the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM), namely, the μ-from-ν SSM (μνSSM). Combined with the decay B¯→Xsγ, the numerical results indicate that the μνSSM can successfully accommodate the experimental data for Bs0→μ+μ− and additionally narrow down the parameter space.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Local nearby bifurcations lead to synergies in critical slowing down: The case of mushroom bifurcations
Authors: Fucho-Rius Mariona , Maretvadakethope Smitha , Haro Àlex , Alarcón Tomás , Sardanyés Josep , Pérez-Carrasco Rubén
Published: February 2025

The behavior of nonlinear systems near critical transitions has significant implications for stability, transients, and resilience in complex systems. Transient times, τ, become extremely long near phase transitions (or bifurcations) in a phenomenon known as critical slowing down, and are observed in electronic circuits, circuit quantum electrodynamics, ecosystems, and gene regulatory networks. Critical slowing down typically follows universal laws of the form τ∼|μ−μc|β, with μ being the control parameter and μc its critical value. For instance, β=−1/2 close to saddle-node bifurcations. Despite intensive research on slowing down phenomena for single bifurcations, both local and global, the behavior of transients when several bifurcations are close to each other remains unknown. Here, we investigate transients near two saddle-node bifurcations merging into a transcritical one. Using a nonlinear gene-regulatory model and a normal form exhibiting a mushroom bifurcation diagram we show, both analytically and numerically, a synergistic, i.e., nonadditive, lengthening of transients due to coupled ghost effects and transcritical slowing down. We also show that intrinsic and extrinsic noise play opposite roles in the slowing down of the transition, allowing us to control the timing of the transition without compromising the precision of timing. This establishes molecular strategies to generate genetic timers with transients much larger than the typical timescales of the reactions involved.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Stability of persistent currents in superfluid fermionic rings
Authors: Xhani Klejdja , Barresi Andrea , Tylutki Marek , Wlazłowski Gabriel , Magierski Piotr
Published: February 2025

We investigate the stability of persistent currents in superfluid fermionic gases confined to a ring geometry. Our study, conducted at zero temperature using time-dependent density functional theory, cover interaction regimes from strong (unitary Fermi gas) to weak (Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer regime) couplings. Stability is tested against the presence of an external defect within the ring. The dissipation mechanism associated with vortex generation is present in all interaction regimes. Vortex emission is accompanied by Cooper pair breaking, which occurs even beyond the vortex core in the weakly interacting regime. The pair-breaking mechanism prevents the imprinting of a persistent current with a winding number above a threshold, which decreases as the system approach the BCS regime. Our study reveals the existence of two types of critical winding numbers above which currents cease to be persistent in Fermi superfluids: one related to the proliferation of quantum vortices and the other to the onset of the pair-breaking mechanism.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Diffraction of walking drops by a standing Faraday wave
Authors: Primkulov Bauyrzhan K. , Evans Davis J. , Frumkin Valeri , Sáenz Pedro J. , Bush John W. M.
Published: February 2025

The Kapitza-Dirac effect is the diffraction of quantum particles by a standing wave of light. We here report an analogous phenomenon in pilot-wave hydrodynamics, wherein droplets walking across the surface of a vibrating liquid bath are deflected by a standing Faraday wave. We show that, in certain parameter regimes, the statistical distribution of the droplet deflection angles reveals a diffraction pattern reminiscent of that observed in the Kapitza-Dirac effect. Through experiments and simulations, we show that the diffraction pattern results from the complex interactions of the droplets with the standing wave. Our study highlights nonresonant effects associated with the detuning of the droplet bouncing and the bath vibration, which are shown to lead to drop speed variations and droplet sorting according to the droplet's phase of impact. We discuss the similarities and differences between our hydrodynamic system and the discrete and continuum interpretations of the Kapitza-Dirac effect, and introduce the notion of ponderomotive effects in pilot-wave hydrodynamics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Harnessing quantum chaos in spin-boson models for all-purpose quantum-enhanced sensing
Authors: Zhang Y. , Zuñiga Castro J. C. , Lewis-Swan R. J.
Published: February 2025

Many-body quantum chaos has immense potential as a tool to accelerate the preparation of entangled states and overcome challenges due to decoherence and technical noise. Here, we study how chaos in the paradigmatic Dicke model, which describes the uniform coupling of an ensemble of qubits to a common bosonic mode, can enable the rapid generation of non-Gaussian entangled spin-boson states without fine-tuning of system parameters or initial conditions. However, the complexity of these states means that unlocking their utility for quantum-enhanced sensing with standard protocols would require the measurement of complex or typically inaccessible observables. To address this challenge, we develop a sensing scheme based on interaction-based readout that enables us to implement near-optimal quantum-enhanced metrology of global spin rotations or bosonic displacements using only spin measurements. We show that our approach is robust to technical noise and imperfections and thus opens new opportunities to exploit complex entangled states generated by chaotic dynamics in current quantum science platforms such as trapped-ion and cavity-QED experiments.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Alpha particle production from novel targets via laser-driven proton-boron fusion
Authors: Molloy D. P. , Orecchia D. , Tosca M. , Milani A. , Valt M. , McNamee A. , Fitzpatrick C. R. J. , Kantarelou V. , Kennedy J. P. , Martin P. , Nersisyan G. , Biliak K. , Protsak M. , Nikitin D. , Borghesi M. , Choukourov A. , Giuffrida L. , Kar S. , Maffini A. , Passoni M. , Picciotto A. , Margarone D.
Published: February 2025

Novel targets were implemented in the beam-driven (in-target) proton-boron fusion with beneficial characteristics (chemical composition and density) compared to the commonly used boron nitride. A fusion-generated alpha particle flux of up to (5×107sr−1J−1) was generated via the proton-boron fusion reactions when irradiating the targets with a moderate laser system (10J, 800fs, 1019Wcm−2). Normalized by laser energy, the alpha particle flux generated in this experiment is comparable with the highest alpha particle yields reported in the literature. We present experimental results with supporting simulations and calculations of the expected alpha particle yield.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Whom to punish? Examining observers’ reactions to customer mistreatment by hospitality employees
Authors: Golossenko Artyom , Huang Jiayan , Liu Hongfei , Tran Hai-Anh , Evanschitzky Heiner
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to explore how witnessing a hospitality employee mistreating a customer impacts observers’ revenge-seeking behavior, directed not only at the offending employee but also at innocent employees.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducts four online experiments to test the proposed relationships involving 881 UK adults.

Findings

Observing hospitality employees mistreating customers prompts observers to view the guilty employee as harmful, triggering revenge-seeking behavior. This perception of harmfulness also extends to innocent employees, leading observers to seek revenge against them. However, empowering fellow customers during the recovery process reduces observers’ intent to seek revenge against both guilty and innocent employees. In addition, the results reveal the black sheep effect, where shared group membership between the observing customer and the guilty employee results in harsher punishment for the latter, particularly when the mistreatment targets an out-group customer.

Practical implications

The findings offer practical guidance for hospitality companies on how observers’ perceptions of employees can reshape service evaluations and influence restorative approaches. Service recovery efforts should extend beyond directly affected customers to include those who witnessed the incident.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explain how observers appraise the mistreatment of fellow customers and how this influences their perceptions and revenge-seeking behavior toward both guilty and innocent employees.
The current insurance practices employed to manage flood risk in the global built environment and their applicability to Sri Lanka
Authors: Sanduni Ashvini H.G.D. , Gunasekara N.K. , Fernando W.C.D.K. , Prasanna Raj
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examin the challenges and issues surrounding flood insurance in Sri Lanka, which can provide valuable insights into how such programs can be effectively implemented in developing countries. It is essential to consider the role of insurance companies, the potential financial burdens and how these practices can be integrated into urban planning to create a more resilient built environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Published literature was referred to collect information on insurance schemes practiced worldwide. Semi-structured interview transcripts were analyzed, followed by a thematic analysis of the case study.

Findings

The findings from this study show that most private insurers in Sri 3Lanka are reluctant to provide insurance coverage to high-risk flood-affected communities. Additionally, the flood insurance program introduced by the government in 2016 and 2017 is not functioning anymore because of the insufficient funds allocated to execute such assistance programs. As a remedial measure, developing a national flood insurance scheme is proposed, supported by a strong aid program from international donors and public–private partnerships with government and private insurance companies. As New Zealand, Canada and Indonesia practiced, cross-subsidization and offering discounts for premiums for policyholders who have taken some mitigatory measures are the main findings from the comprehensive literature review.

Originality/value

One of this study’s main contributions is to identify the key areas that need to be developed in the existing nature of flood insurance in developing countries, including Sri Lanka. These key areas were identified from the feedback of private insurers and the literature on current insurance practices.
Conceptualizing blended learning models as a sustainable and inclusive educational approach: an organizational dynamics perspective
Authors: Shaya Nessrin , AbuKhait Rawan , Madani Rehaf , Ahmed Vian
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The theoretical landscape surrounding the contribution of digital transformation to sustainability in higher education institutions is lacking in literature. Blended learning has gained popularity and poises for further growth as a sustainable and inclusive mode of learning that will shape the future of education. This study aims to investigate the organizational critical success factors that ensure high-quality blended learning opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected through an online student survey and semistructured interviews with academic leaders and faculty members.

Findings

Exploratory factor analysis and multiple linear regression revealed five main contributing factors to a successful overall hybrid experience, namely, faculty support, cognitive flexibility, learner self-actualization, student engagement and sense of belonging. In the results, students were satisfied with their gained skills, knowledge and engagement, and have succeeded in developing cognitive flexibility, self-actualization and sense of belonging. Faculty support was the strongest determinant. The presence of certain organizational dynamics, comprising management support of those with sustainability mindset, effective communication, blended leadership qualities and adequate faculty personality traits, presents as a major predictor to quality learning opportunities.

Originality/value

The theoretical landscape surrounding the contribution of digital transformation to sustainability in higher education institutions is lacking in literature, which emphasizes the novel aspects of this study. In particular, it contributes by determining the overall level of research on the subject, theoretical stances in this area and potential avenues for further investigation.
Teaching systemic design to foster sustainability learning in non-design curricula
Authors: Pereno Amina , Aulisio Asja
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Circular economy and sustainable development in rural areas are phenomena that call for new skills and knowledge encompassing methods and tools to foster systemic thinking. Over the past 20 years, the design discipline has significantly turned towards complexity, advocating a “designerly” approach to systems thinking that brings the focus closer to humanity. This paper aims to present a successful teaching module on systemic design as a case research study for designers and non-designers in a cross-disciplinary educational context.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors detail a European case study where four universities conducted a cross-disciplinary online training programme on sustainability and circular economy in rural areas for higher education students. This paper discusses a teaching module in systemic design that integrated theoretical learning with practical teamwork within a short timeframe. The programme involved collaboration with industrial partners and promoted varied interaction patterns in an intercultural teamwork activity.

Findings

Educational outcomes were assessed by examining students’ projects and conducting a survey to gauge learners’ perspectives. This paper showcases the potential of teaching systemic design outside traditional design arenas and the personal and professional benefits accessible to non-designers. In addition, it discusses the challenges of learning in an interdisciplinary, intercultural environment, as well as the limitations and potentials of digital learning tools.

Originality/value

This knowledge is valuable for educators in higher education and professionals seeking to establish sustainability initiatives and teaching strategies that address emerging skills related to systems and design thinking. The educational experience described here underscores the significance and effectiveness of cross-disciplinary online training through digital platforms to facilitate international collaboration in sustainability education.
The moderating effect of corporate characteristics on the relationship between climate change risk disclosure and corporate value: evidence from Egypt
Authors: Abd-Elhaleim Ahmed Hamed Mahmoud , Elawadly Heba Saad Hassan , Hikal Heba Mousa Mousa , Srour Abeer Abd-Elkreem Ibrahim
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of climate change risk disclosure (CCRD) on Corporate Value while exploring how corporate characteristics such as size, financial performance and leverage may moderate this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used a sample of 50 companies from the EGX100 index on the Egypt Stock Exchange, covering the years 2018–2022 (250 observations). For the first hypothesis, the authors use ordinary least squares regression, while for the other hypotheses, the authors use the PROCESS program developed by Andrew F. Hayes to analyze moderation.

Findings

The findings indicate a negative association between CCRD and corporate value. However, the extent of this influence can vary depending on the company’s characteristics. Specifically, CCRD negatively affects the value of small-sized, less profitable and highly leveraged corporates. Conversely, it positively impacts the value of large-sized, more profitable and less leveraged corporates.

Research limitations/implications

The findings have significant implications for stakeholders in Egypt and similar developing countries. This significance stems from the substantial impact of CCRD on corporate value. CCRD can heighten investors’ perception of risk as a new risk factor, potentially leading to increased corporate risk. Therefore, CCRD is vital in identifying corporate value reflected in stock prices.

Originality/value

As far as we know, this is the pioneering study in Egypt to offer new evidence on how CCRD affects corporate value. It investigates the moderating role of corporate characteristics, such as corporate size, financial performance and leverage, in this relationship.
Love me, love my endorsed brand: unveiling the impact of Generation Z fan’s celebrity worship on online brand advocacy
Authors: Suprawan Lokweetpun , Oentoro Wanny , Suttharattanagul Sarinya L.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the interrelationship among consumers, celebrities and brands within social media environments. It proposes a theoretical framework based on an integrative approach that combines parasocial relationship theory and the meaning transfer model.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected data from 342 Generation Z fans, and structural equation modeling was used for the analysis.

Findings

The results revealed that social media use strongly affects celebrity worship, but its impacts on brand love and online brand advocacy are weak. Celebrity worship significantly influences brand love; however, the relationship with online brand advocacy is nonsignificant, highlighting the crucial mediating role of brand love. The mediating effects of celebrity worship and brand love significantly strengthened the relationship between social media use and online brand advocacy.

Originality/value

By using an integrative approach, this study advances the understanding of the dynamics of consumer–brand relationships, revealing the serial mediating path that highlights the roles of celebrity worship and brand love.
Forty-five years of research on diversity, equity and inclusion in management
Authors: Park Cho Hyun , Park Sunyoung , Kwon Bora
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to review the overall trends in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) research in the management field.

Design/methodology/approach

We performed a scoping review to comprehensively understand how DEI research has been conducted and to inform future research and practices in the management field. We reviewed 725 articles published from 1976 to 2022 in SSCI-indexed management journals. We examined publication profiles (number of articles and research focus), publication tendency (journals and years), chronological publication trends, work environments (traditional vs remote/virtual work settings) and dimensions of DEI, including age, gender, race and culture.

Findings

We identified six common DEI research themes: (1) DEI management and practice, (2) perspectives on DEI, (3) team/group diversity, (4) DEI conceptualization, (5) leadership for DEI and (6) DEI climate. Finally, discussion, implications and recommendations for future research are presented.

Originality/value

Our research provides a comprehensive outline of the DEI research and suggests future directions to contribute to and advance knowledge on DEI in the management field.
Design and simulation study of a MEMS-based three-dimensional combined hydrophone for UUV applications
Authors: Cheng Nuo , Li Haoxuan , Wang Renxin , Zhang Peng , Jia LiCheng , Zhang Guojun , Zhang Wendong , Yang Yuhua
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to present the design of a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS)-based three-dimensional combined vector hydrophone tailored for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). The proposed design addresses the left-right ambiguity inherent in conventional MEMS hydrophones and enhances acoustic sensing capabilities to support improved UUV performance in underwater environments.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel MEMS-based three-dimensional vector hydrophone (M3DH) is proposed, integrating a highly sensitive MEMS chip with a piezoelectric ceramic-based scalar channel. A theoretical model of the hydrophone’s packaging was developed, and its acoustic performance was analyzed through COMSOL Multiphysics 6.2 simulations. Experimental validation of the hydrophone’s sensitivity and directional characteristics was conducted in a standing wave tank.

Findings

The MEMS-based three-dimensional combined hydrophone (M3DH) achieved a triaxial vector channel sensitivity of −175.6 dB at 800 Hz (re 1 V/µPa) and a scalar channel sensitivity of −186.3 dB (0 dB = 1 V/µPa). In addition, at 500 Hz, the vector channel exhibited a distinct “8”-shaped directivity pattern, whereas the scalar channel maintained a circular omnidirectional response. The hydrophone demonstrated excellent acoustic performance in three-dimensional space, effectively providing comprehensive acoustic information for small underwater platforms.

Originality/value

This research addresses the left-right ambiguity issue in MEMS hydrophones by presenting an MEMS-based three-dimensional combined hydrophone designed for integration into UUVs, offering an innovative solution to enhance underwater acoustic sensing capabilities in small platforms.
From pavement to pixels: unpacking the virtual marathon event’s perceived experience, challenges and its implications
Authors: Sjukriana Juke , Amir Ahmad Fitri , Mior Shariffuddin Nur Shahirah , Hanafiah Mohd Hafiz
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study critically explores the perceived experience and challenges of runners in virtual marathon events. It aims to unravel the implications of virtual marathons and their intersections with broader socio-cultural and technological trends, addressing gaps in scholarly discourse.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilised qualitative online in-depth interviews (ODIs) with ten avid runners through purposive and snowball sampling. Data analysis involved thematic analysis through ATLAS.ti version 20 software.

Findings

Participants highlighted the novelty, accessibility and cost-effectiveness of virtual marathons, emphasising their health benefits and reduced environmental impact. However, challenges such as health and safety concerns, motivation and technical issues were noted, calling for improved event management and technical support.

Research limitations/implications

The study contributes to sporting event research, showcasing the adaptability of the event industry through virtual marathons. It emphasises the role of technology in enhancing event experiences and addressing participant needs, highlighting opportunities for health and wellness tourism and crisis resilience in the sector.

Originality/value

This research adds to the evolving discourse on sporting events, specifically virtual marathons, and offers insights into their role in sports management. It calls for further studies addressing limitations to enhance understanding and impact assessment in virtual marathon participation.
Thick perception
Authors: Chase Zachary J. , Thompson Gregory A.
Published: February 2025

We advance an anthropological approach to human visual experience that opposes reductive conceptions founded on notions of historically and socio‐culturally abstract and unsituated subjects. Instead, we propose that vision is part of an ongoing semiotic relation between seeing subjects and visual contexts that are not just psychological but also socio‐historical and cultural. We engage with the other articles in this special section to argue that human vision works by seeing together. People calibrate their seeing with that of those around them, thereby shaping what's seen and the seeing subjects themselves. These processes are accomplished through overlapping (or “thick”) circuits of intromission and social “extromission” (i.e., actions appropriate to the things seen within specific socio‐historical trajectories), so that mutuality of seeing is integral to “mutuality of being.” Understanding seeing processes requires historical and ethnographic investigations of the varieties of visual experience that extend far beyond biophysical mechanisms. The other papers in this section consider the apprenticeship of skilled visions, an account for a vision of the Virgin of Guadalupe in a Chicago underpass, the semiotics of perspective and the tactility of seeing in Tamil cinema, and the role of engineers’ theories of vision in their efforts to develop a prosthetic retina.
Biomechanical Comparison of a Novel Facet Joint Fusion Fixation Device With Conventional Pedicle Screw Fixation Device: A Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Sun Feilong , Qiu Haiyang , Ji Yufei , Wang Longchao , Lei Wei , Zhang Yang
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The biomechanics of a novel facet joint fusion device is unknown. The objective of this study is to analyze and compare the biomechanical properties of a novel facet joint fusion device integrated with oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) to those of a conventional pedicle screw fixation device, employing finite element analysis.

Methods

A comprehensive three‐dimensional finite element model of the L3‐S1 lumbar spine was developed and validated. Based on this model, three surgical groups were created: OLIF combined with the bilateral facet joint fusion fixation (BFJFF + OLIF), unilateral pedicle screw fixation (UPSF + OLIF), and bilateral pedicle screw fixation (BPSF + OLIF), focusing on the L4‐L5 level. A torque of 7.5 Nm was applied to simulate vertebral activities under six conditions: flexion, extension, lateral bending (left and right), and axial rotation (left and right). The maximum displacement at the L4‐L5 segment was then calculated. The maximum stress values were recorded at the L4‐L5 interbody fusion cage and the L3‐L4 and L5‐S1 segments.

Results

When compared to the other two models, the BFJFF + OLIF model exhibited the smallest maximum displacement value at the L4‐L5 segment across all six working conditions. The BFJFF + OLIF model also demonstrated the lowest maximum stress value at the L4‐L5 segment interbody fusion cage under flexion, as well as left and right lateral bending and axial rotation conditions when compared with the other models. However, under the extension condition at the L4‐L5 interbody fusion cage, the BPSF + OLIF model showed the lowest maximum stress value. At the adjacent L3‐L4 segments, the BFJFF + OLIF model registered the lowest maximum stress value during flexion and left lateral bending conditions. At L3‐L4, under extension and right lateral bending conditions, the UPSF + OLIF model exhibited the lowest maximum stress value. Under left axial rotation at the L3‐L4 segment, both the BFJFF + OLIF and UPSF+OLIF models demonstrated the smallest maximum stress values. Under right axial rotation at the L3‐L4 segment, the BPSF + OLIF model recorded the smallest maximum stress value. Concurrently, at the L5‐S1 segment, the BFJFF + OLIF model presented the lowest maximum stress value under conditions of flexion, as well as left and right lateral bending and axial rotation. In the L5‐S1 segment during the extension condition, the UPSF+OLIF model exhibited the lowest maximum stress value.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that the novel device, when combined with OLIF, achieves 360° lumbar fusion by fusing the lumbar facet joints, thereby enhancing spinal stability post‐fusion. Concurrently, stress on adjacent segments was diminished. The findings suggest that this device may serve as a novel internal fixation method. It may provide a new option for the surgical treatment of patients with low back pain in the future.
Optimized thermoelectric performance of porous Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 thin films through rapid thermal processing
Authors: Tian Xujiang , Zhang Rensheng , Yang Jiapeng , Liang Shaojun , Zhu Hanming , Yue Song
Published: February 2025

Porous thermoelectric (TE) materials have attracted considerable interest due to their excellent TE performance and mechanical properties. Porous Bi2Te3-based thin films could trigger the energy filtering effect to realize synergetic optimizations of electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient. Rapid thermal processing (RTP) is a high-efficient annealing technique to modulate film microstructures. Herein, a series of porous Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 thin films were prepared by magnetron sputtering through deposition with substrate heating and subsequent RTP at various temperatures and heating rates. The crystallinity, preferential orientation, and surface morphology could be readily modified, which affect the electrical transport properties distinctly. The configuration of annealing temperature of 623 K and heating rate of 30 K/min leads to the best power factor of 687 μW m−1 K−2, mainly due to the substantially improved mobility via microstructure decorating. This result confirms that the RTP is a feasible and economic strategy to optimize the TE performance of porous thin films.
Prosody-modulated and vowel-dependent nasal merger in Taiwan Mandarin
Authors: Chiu Chenhao , Lu Yu-An , Lin Kuei-Hong , Jin Shao-Jie
Published: February 2025

While Taiwan Mandarin alveolar and velar nasal codas are reported to lose their place contrast in a vowel-dependent fashion (i.e., more pervasive merging in the /iN/ context, followed by the /əN/ context, and no merging in the /aN/ context), other acoustic cues, such as vowel nasalization, have been reported to preserve the contrast. Results from our ultrasound experiment, in which Taiwan Mandarin speakers produced nasal codas in both focused and unfocused conditions, showed that the place contrast was most vulnerable to merger in /iN/ and /əN/ contexts and was not enhanced by focus. Instead, pre-nasal vowel nasalization emerged as a contrastive cue, especially in the highly merged /iN/ context in both focus conditions, suggesting a possible shift from place contrast to nasality contrast in production. A follow-up identification experiment revealed that speakers did not yet utilize the nasalization cues reliably to perceptually identify nasal codas, indicating a mismatch in the perception-production link.
Effectiveness of inhaled therapies in asthma among adults in Northern Sri Lanka, a low-income and middle-income country: a prospective observational study
Authors: Guruparan Yalini , S Navaratinaraja Thiyahiny , Selvaratnam Gowry , Sri Ranganathan Shalini
Published: February 2025

Background

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) alone, or combined with long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA), are recommended for chronic asthma. Limited access to inhaled medications hinders effective control of asthma in low-income and middle-income countries.

Objective

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of inhaled therapies in a cohort of adult patients with asthma who were receiving treatment in a tertiary hospital in Northern Sri Lanka.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted among adult patients with asthma on either ICS alone or ICS/LABA combination for at least 3 months. Participants were followed up for 6 months, with two follow-up interviews conducted 3 months apart. The primary outcome measure was asthma control, assessed by a locally validated asthma control patient-reported outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures included the use of short-acting beta2-agonists (SABA) and the percentage of patients required nebulisations and hospitalisations. McNemar’s test was used to determine the statistical significance. A p value≤0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Of the 1094 participants, 827 (76%) were on ICS monotherapy and 267 (24%) were on ICS/LABA. Though there were no changes in the treatment, progressive improvement in asthma control was observed from baseline to second follow-up in both ICS (54%–72%) and ICS/LABA (76%–81%) groups. Significant improvement in asthma control (p<0.001) and SABA overuse (p<0.001) at both follow-ups and nebulisation (0.008) at the first follow-up were observed in the ICS group.

Conclusion

Both ICS monotherapy and ICS/LABA were effective in controlling asthma. Though control was greater with ICS/LABA, the effect of additional monitoring during the follow-up was higher and significant in ICS monotherapy. Considering the low access to ICS/LABA, a treatment package comprising ICS plus non-pharmacological approaches could be a more realistic and cost-effective treatment strategy in the local context. ICS/LABA could be reserved for patients who fail to respond. However, this observation needs to be confirmed by interventional studies.
Concussion knowledge and attitude of English youth rugby players: the RUCKAS-YOUTH survey
Authors: Silver David , Faull-Brown Rachel , McClusky Russell , Brown Nicola , Patterson Stephen , Stokes Keith , Kemp Simon P T
Published: February 2025

Objective

This cross-sectional study describes the concussion knowledge and attitudes of male and female 14–18 year-old school rugby union players in England.

Methods

Data from 515 (male 421, female 94) players from 19 schools were collected via the specifically designed Rugby Union Concussion Knowledge and Attitude Survey (RUCKAS-YOUTH) between 2019 and 2022. Knowledge and attitude questions were grouped into themes and analysed against primary cohorts of sex, school status and age group and secondary cohorts of stated Rugby Football Union (RFU) education conduction, concussion history and rugby experience. Associations between knowledge and attitudes were then explored.

Results

No association between total concussion knowledge and attitude was found. Mean concussion knowledge was 79.3% (26.2/33±2.9). The mean concussion attitude safety score was 76% (129.3/170±14.8). RFU ‘Don’t Be a HEADCASE’ module completion was low (16.9%) and was not associated with concussion knowledge. Private school participants reported significantly safer attitudes towards concussion (77.8%, 132.2±14.0) than state school pupils (74.5%, 126.6±15.1), but not greater concussion knowledge. Male and female participants held similar knowledge and attitudes towards concussion, as did participants across the age spectrum. Concussion attitude safety was significantly greater in players with 7–15 years of playing experience than in the younger cohort (U=27 563.0 p=0.005).

Conclusion

The RUCKAS-YOUTH survey provides a detailed description of UK youth rugby concussion knowledge and attitudes. The survey results indicate that attitudes towards concussion, particularly those that influence symptom disclosure, should be a primary focus of concussion risk reduction interventions once key gaps in knowledge are addressed.
To compare the effect and durability of the effect of corrective exercise and manual therapy focused on the back versus hip on disability, function, pressure pain, pain map, health and psychological status of the elderly with chronic back and hip pain: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Khabiri Mobina , Letafatkar Amir , Hosseinzadeh Mahdi
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a protocol for a randomised control trial to compare the effect and durability of the effect of corrective exercise, and manual therapy focused on the back versus hip versus back and hip on disability, function, pressure pain threshold, pressure pain mapping, health and psychological status of the elderly with chronic back and hip pain. A total of 75 elderly participants will be assigned randomly into three groups, including back-focused exercises (n=25), hip-focused exercises (n=25) and back-focused and hip-focused exercises (n=25). Primary outcomes (disability and function) and secondary outcomes (pressure pain threshold, pressure pain mapping, health status and psychological factors) will be evaluated before, immediately after and 6 months after the 8 week exercise intervention. The data will be analysed using a general linear model repeated measures analysis of variance including both within and between factors (three groups*three times) with Bonferroni adjustments used as a post-hoc test at a significant level of 0.05. This trial will demonstrate whether back versus hip versus back-focused and hip-focused manual therapy can better improve the disability, function, pressure pain threshold, pressure pain mapping, health and psychological status of the elderly with chronic back and hip pain. If successful, this study’s findings and information will potentially have implications for addressing back and hip pain in the elderly population by an alternative multidisciplinary approach. Trial registration number: IRCT20220911055941N1.
Non-commutativity in modified loop cosmology
Authors: Mohammadi Abolhassan
Published: February 2025

In this study, we explore the pre-inflationary dynamics of the universe using a non-commutative extension of the mLQC-I framework. By incorporating a scalar field potential, we show that key features of Loop Quantum Cosmology (LQC), such as the quantum bounce and the super-inflationary phase, are preserved. Numerical solutions to the modified Hamiltonian equations, with initial conditions set at the quantum bounce, reveal that the universe’s early expansion rate is sensitive to the shape of the potential. For a chaotic potential, the inclusion of non-commutativity results in a faster expansion rate, whereas for the Starobinsky potential, the expansion rate decreases with increasing non-commutative parameter

$$\theta $$

θ

. Additionally, higher values of

$$\theta $$

θ

lead to an increased time derivative of the Hubble parameter, causing a shorter yet more expansive super-inflationary phase. Over time, Hubble parameters for different values of

$$\theta $$

θ

converge. For the Starobinsky potential, the Hubble parameter consistently decreases with larger

$$\theta $$

θ

, resulting in a prolonged super-inflationary stage. The study also addresses the validation of the Hamiltonian constraint during the evolutionary time.
Quasinormal modes of a d-dimensional regular black hole featuring an integrable singularity
Authors: Dong Zhongzhinan , Zhang Dan , Fu Guoyang , Wu Jian-Pin
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we exhaustively investigate the quasinormal modes (QNMs) of a probe scalar field over a d-dimensional regular black hole (BH) characterized by the parameter A. The quasinormal frequencies (QNFs) exhibit different behaviors with respect to the parameter A for

$$d=4$$

d
=
4

and

$$d>4$$

d
>
4

. Firstly, the trends of QNFs with respect to A exhibit completely opposite patterns for the case of

$$d=4$$

d
=
4

and

$$d>4$$

d
>
4

. Secondly, in the four-dimensional regular BH, a non-monotonic behavior with respect to A is observed in the imaginary part of the fundamental modes with vanishing angular quantum number. In contrast, for nonzero angular quantum number or

$$d>4$$

d
>
4

, non-monotonic behavior is observed only in the overtones. Thirdly, an overtone outburst accompanied by an oscillatory patter is observed only in the case of

$$d>4$$

d
>
4

, but not in

$$d=4$$

d
=
4

.