bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accession-specific parent-of-origin dependent and independent genome dosage effects on salt tolerance in
Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Hallahan Brendan F. , Quiroz Luis Felipe , Brychkova Galina , McKeown Peter C. , Spillane Charles
Published: May 2024

Improving the salt stress tolerance of crops is an important goal in plant breeding. Changes in the number of chromosome sets (i.e. ploidy level) cause genome dosage effects which can result in enhanced or novel traits. Maternal inheritance versus paternal inheritance of the same chromosome sets can have differential epigenetic effects on traits of F1 offspring. Hence, genome dosage effects can be parent-of-origin independent or dependent. The model plant
Arabidopsis thaliana
displays both genome dosage and parent-of-origin effects on plant growth under non-stress conditions. Using an isogenic ploidy series of diploid, triploid and tetraploid lines, we investigate the extent of genome dosage effects and their parent-of-origin dependency on
in vitro
salt stress tolerance of seedlings across 10 different
A. thaliana
accessions (genetic backgrounds). We detected genome dosage effects on salt stress tolerance for tetraploid lines in five accessions. In addition, through the generation of isogenic reciprocal F1 triploid lines, both parent-of-origin dependent and independent genome dosage effects on salt stress tolerance were detected. Thus, our results indicate not only that genome dosage balance effects can have significant impacts on abiotic stress tolerance in
A. thaliana
but also that parent-of-origin specific genome dosage effects can affect salt stress tolerance in plants.
Experimental heatwaves reduce the effectiveness of ejaculates at occupying female reproductive tracts in a model insect
Authors: Sales Kris , Thomas Paul , Gage Matthew J. G. , Vasudeva Ramakrishnan
Published: May 2024

Globally, heatwaves have become more common with hazardous consequences on biological processes. Research using a model insect (
Tribolium castaneum
) found that 5-day experimental heatwave conditions damaged several aspects of male reproductive biology, while females remained unaffected. However, females’ reproductive fitness may still be impacted, as insects typically store sperm from multiple males in specialized organs for prolonged periods. Consequently, using males which produce sperm with green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged sperm nuclei, we visualized
in vivo
whether thermal stress affects the ejaculate occupancy across female storage sites under two scenarios; (i) increasing time since insemination and (ii) in the presence of defending competitor sperm. We reconfirmed that sperm from heatwave-exposed males sired fewer offspring with previously mated females and provided new scenarios for
in vivo
distributions of heat-stress-exposed males’ sperm. Sperm from heatwave-exposed males occupied a smaller area and were at lower densities across the females’ storage sites. Generally, sperm occupancy decreased with time since insemination, and sperm from the first male to mate dominated the long-term storage site. Reassuringly, although heated males’ ejaculate was less successful in occupying female tracts, they were not lost from female storage at a faster rate and were no worse than control males in their offensive ability to enter storage sites occupied by competitor sperm. Future work should consider the potential site-specificity of factors influencing sperm storage where amenable.
Design, synthesis and theoretical simulations of novel spiroindane-based enamines as
p
-type semiconductors
Authors: Daskeviciute-Geguziene Sarune , Daskeviciene Maryte , Kantminienė Kristina , Jankauskas Vygintas , Kamarauskas Egidijus , Gruodis Alytis , Karazhanov Smagul , Getautis Vytautas
Published: May 2024

The search for novel classes of hole-transporting materials (HTMs) is a very important task in advancing the commercialization of various photovoltaic devices. Meeting specific requirements, such as charge-carrier mobility, appropriate energy levels and thermal stability, is essential for determining the suitability of an HTM for a given application. In this work, two spirobisindane-based compounds, bearing terminating hole transporting enamine units, were strategically designed and synthesized using commercially available starting materials. The target compounds exhibit adequate thermal stability; they are amorphous and their glass-transition temperatures (>150°C) are high, which minimizes the probability of direct layer crystallization. V1476 stands out with the highest zero-field hole-drift mobility, approaching 1 × 10
−5
cm
2
V s
−1
. To assess the compatibility of the highest occupied molecular orbital energy levels of the spirobisindane-based HTMs in solar cells, the solid-state ionization potential (
I
p
) was measured by the electron photoemission in air of the thin-film method. The favourable morphological properties, energy levels and hole mobility in combination with a simple synthesis make V1476 and related compounds promising materials for HTM applications in antimony-based solar cells and triple-cation-based perovskite solar cells.
The dissection of a despotic society: exploration, dominance and hormonal traits
Authors: Majelantle Tshepiso Lesedi , Ganswindt Andre , Hart Daniel William , Hagenah Nicole , Ganswindt Stefanie Birgit , Bennett Nigel Charles
Published: May 2024

Naked mole-rats (
Heterocephalus glaber
) live in large colonies with one breeding female (queen), one to three breeding males (BMs) and the remainder are non-reproductive subordinates. The animals have a linear dominance rank with the breeders at the top of the hierarchy. We investigated how dominance rank in naked mole-rats differs with exploration (the propensity to explore a novel environment) and related endocrine markers. Exploration behaviour, faecal progestagen metabolite (fPM), faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM), faecal androgen metabolite (fAM) and plasma prolactin concentrations were quantified in breeding, high-, middle- and low-ranked females and males from five naked mole-rat colonies. There were no significant differences between the dominance rank and exploration behaviour. Interestingly, the queens and high-ranking females had higher fGCM and fAM concentrations compared with middle- and low-ranked females. The queens had significantly higher fPM concentrations than all other ranked females, since they are responsible for procreation. In the males, the BMs had higher fGCM concentrations compared with high- and low-ranked males. In addition, BMs and middle-ranking males had overall higher prolactin levels than all other ranked males, which could be linked to cooperative care. Overall, the results suggest that physiological reproductive suppression is linked to high dominance rank.
HBV and HCV prevalence and treatment eligibility assessment at a primary health facility in Ghana
Authors: Madison Adanusa , Adjei George , Agyeman Seth , Banson Cecil , Nyane Benjamin , Arthur Rudolf Aaron , Amoah Samuel , Halm-Lai Faustina , Boadi Dennis , Hagan Oheneba Charles Kofi
Published: May 2024

Background

Viral hepatitis continues to be of global public health importance, especially hepatitis B and C. Hepatitis B and C account for most of the mortality and morbidity attributable to these viral infections. There is lack of accessibility to diagnostic tools, assessment for the eligibility for treatment and treatment in most LMICs, including Ghana. Assessment for HBV treatment is expensive and not widely available throughout Ghana. TREAT-B, a new, affordable and widely available assessment tool for HBV treatment eligibility, offers a cost-effective alternative to the international and local guidelines currently in use.

Aim

To determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV in a cohort of patients and to assess the HBV infected for treatment eligibility.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study of individuals diagnosed with hepatitis B infection was undertaken to assess their eligibility for treatment using local and international treatment guidelines. An additional retrospective review of records of patients screened for hepatitis B and C viruses over the period was undertaken. Questionnaires on socio-demographic were self-administered. Blood was taken for haematological analysis, liver function test, hepatitis B serological tests and DNA extraction for hepatitis B genotyping and drug sensitivity determination.

Results

From the retrospective review, 3358 individuals had complete data for further analysis. Prevalence for HBV and HCV was estimated at 4.3% and 1.9% respectively. Males were 3 times more likely to be HBV positive compared to females (AOR=2.8, 95% CI: 1.8-4.2,p-value < 0.001). Those who were born after the introduction of after the UCVHB had higher odds of having HBV compared to those who were born before (AOR=3.6, 95% CI: 2.5-5.3,p-value < 0.001). Assessment of 74 HBV positive patients found, 20%, 9.5%, 4.7% and 4.7% were eligible for treatment according to the TREAT-B, the WHO simplified, Ghanaian and AASLD guidelines respectively.

Conclusion

The burden of HBV and HCV infections remain high in Ghana and policies must be implemented to treat individuals eligible.
Effectiveness of Leading Pedestrian Intervals for Pedestrian Safety in New York City
Authors: Zadey Siddhesh , Roberts Leah E. , Bushover Brady , Gobaud Ariana N. , Mehranbod Christina A. , Fish Carolyn S. , Eschliman Evan L. , Gao Xiang , Goin Dana E. , Morrison Christopher N.
Published: May 2024

Road traffic crashes are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in large cities. Cities including New York City (NYC) in the United States (US) have implemented a suite of interventions to reduce road traffic crashes. Leading pedestrian intervals (LPIs) are a low-cost physical environmental intervention premised to reduce vehicle-pedestrian crashes by providing pedestrians a head-start over the turning vehicular traffic. Using a spatial ecological panel design, we assessed the impact of LPIs on the risk of total, non-fatal, and fatal pedestrian injuries in NYC from January 2013 to December 2018. For the 36,102 intersection-years studied and 6,017 intersections (2,883 LPI-treated) included in the study, there were 26,033 total injuries of which 291 were fatal. Significant reductions were observed for total (19.4% [95% CI: 11.8%, 26.4%]) and non-fatal injuries (19.6% [11.9%, 26.5%]) but not for fatal injuries. Multiple sensitivity analyses ensured robustness of findings. LPIs may prove to be an effective intervention to improve pedestrian safety outcomes across cities.
Expert Panel Curation of 31 Genes in Relation to Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Mohan Shruthi , McNulty Shannon , Thaxton Courtney , Elnagheeb Marwa , Owens Emma , Flowers May , Nunnery Teagan , Self Autumn , Palus Brooke , Gorokhova Svetlana , Kennedy April , Niu Zhiyv , Johari Mridul , Baneye Maiga Alassane , Macalalad Kelly , Clause Amanda R , Beckmann Jacques S , Bronicki Lucas , Cooper Sandra T , Ganesh Vijay S , Kang Peter B , Kesari Akanchha , Lek Monkol , Levy Jennifer , Rufibach Laura , Savarese Marco , Spencer Melissa J , Straub Volker , Tasca Giorgio , Weihl Conrad C
Published: May 2024

Introduction Limb girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMDs) are a group of genetically heterogeneous autosomal conditions with some degree of phenotypic homogeneity. LGMD is defined as having onset >2 years of age with progressive proximal weakness, elevated serum creatine kinase levels and dystrophic features on muscle biopsy. Advances in massively parallel sequencing have led to a surge in genes linked to LGMD. Methods The ClinGen Muscular Dystrophies and Myopathies gene curation expert panel (MDM GCEP, formerly Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy GCEP) convened to evaluate the strength of evidence supporting gene-disease relationships (GDR) using the ClinGen gene-disease clinical validity framework to evaluate 31 genes implicated in LGMD. Results The GDR was exclusively LGMD for 17 genes, whereas an additional 14 genes were related to a broader phenotype encompassing congenital weakness. Four genes (CAPN3, COL6A1, COL6A2, COL6A3) were split into two separate disease entities, based on each displaying both dominant and recessive inheritance patterns, resulting in curation of 35 GDRs. Of these, 30 (86%) were classified as Definitive, 4 (11%) as Moderate and 1 (3%) as Limited. Two genes, POMGNT1 and DAG1, though definitively related to myopathy, currently have insufficient evidence to support a relationship specifically with LGMD. Conclusions The expert-reviewed assertions on the clinical validity of genes implicated in LGMDs form an invaluable resource for clinicians and molecular geneticists. We encourage the global neuromuscular community to publish case-level data that help clarify disputed or novel LGMD associations.
Assessing the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) of Dengue Fever in Thailand: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Crowley Julia , Liu Bowen , Jan Hanan
Published: May 2024

Dengue fever cases are on the rise in Thailand with increases in flooding events. Studies pertaining to public knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of dengue prevention have frequently been used to better understand the publics’ needs towards dengue. This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of past dengue KAP studies in Thailand. Criteria were developed to determine eligibility, and reviewers independently applied these criteria to identify the 9 eligible studies for the systematic review and the 3 eligible studies for the meta-analysis. Results suggest that the majority of the studies included in the systematic review reported overall low knowledge levels towards dengue prevention in Thailand. This finding was affirmed by the meta-analysis, which concluded that the overall estimate of the proportion of participants with high knowledge of dengue prevention is only 35% (95% CI: 14%-59%). Most of the studies included in the systematic review reported positive attitudes towards dengue prevention, and this finding was also affirmed by the meta-analysis, which concluded that the pooled estimate of the proportion of positive attitudes towards dengue prevention is 61% (95% CI: 43%-77%). Lastly, the majority of studies in the systematic review reported overall poor practices towards dengue prevention. Similarly, the meta-analysis found that the pooled estimate of the proportion of good practices for preventing dengue infection is only 25% (95% CI: 22%-27%).
Exploring and accounting for genetically driven effect heterogeneity in Mendelian Randomization
Authors: Jaitner Annika , Tsaneva-Atanasova Krasimira , Freathy Rachel M. , Bowden Jack
Published: May 2024

Mendelian randomization uses genetic variants as instrumental variables to estimate the causal effect of a modifiable health exposure or drug target on a downstream outcome. A crucial assumption for accurate estimation of the average causal effect in MR, termed Homogeneity, is that the causal effect does not vary across levels of any instrument used in the analysis. In contrast, the science of pharmacogenetics seeks to actively uncover and exploit genetically driven effect heterogeneity for precision medicine. In this paper we consider a recently proposed method for performing pharmacogenetic analysis on observational data (The Triangulation WIthin a STudy (TWIST) framework), and explore how it can be combined with traditional MR approaches to properly characterise average and causal effects and genetically driven effect heterogeneity. We propose two new methods which not only estimate the genetically driven effect heterogeneity but also enable the estimation of a causal effect in the genetic group with and without the risk allele separately. Both methods utilise homogeneity-respecting and homogeneity-violating genetic variants and rely on a different set of assumptions. Using data from the ALSPAC study, we apply our new method to estimate the causal effect of smoking before and during pregnancy on offspring birth weight in mothers whose genetics mean they find it (relatively) easier or harder to quit.
Epigenetic mechanisms of osteoarthritis risk in human skeletal development
Authors: McDonnell Euan , Orr Sarah E , Barter Matthew J , Rux Danielle , Brumwell Abby , Wrobel Nicola , Murphy Lee , Overmann Lynne M , Sorial Antony K , Young David A , Soul Jamie , Rice Sarah J
Published: May 2024

The epigenome, including the methylation of cytosine bases at CG dinucleotides, is intrinsically linked to transcriptional regulation. The tight regulation of gene expression during skeletal development is essential, with ∼1/500 individuals born with skeletal abnormalities. Furthermore, increasing evidence is emerging to link age-associated complex genetic musculoskeletal diseases, including osteoarthritis (OA), to developmental factors including joint shape. Multiple studies have shown a functional role for DNA methylation in the genetic mechanisms of OA risk using articular cartilage samples taken from aged patients. Despite this, our knowledge of temporal changes to the methylome during human cartilage development has been limited.

We quantified DNA methylation at ∼700,000 individual CpGs across the epigenome of developing human articular cartilage in 72 samples ranging from 7-21 post-conception weeks, a time period that includes cavitation of the developing knee joint. We identified significant changes in 8% of all CpGs, and >9400 developmental differentially methylated regions (dDMRs). The largest hypermethylated dDMRs mapped to transcriptional regulators of early skeletal patterning includingMEIS1andIRX1. Conversely, the largest hypomethylated dDMRs mapped to genes encoding extracellular matrix proteins includingSPON2andTNXBand were enriched in chondrocyte enhancers. Significant correlations were identified between the expression of these genes and methylation within the hypomethylated dDMRs. We further identified 811 CpGs at which significant dimorphism was present between the male and female samples, with the majority (68%) being hypermethylated in female samples.

Following imputation, we captured the genotype of these samples at >5 million variants and performed epigenome-wide methylation quantitative trait locus (mQTL) analysis. Colocalization analysis identified 26 loci at which genetic variants exhibited shared impacts upon methylation and OA genetic risk. This included loci which have been previously reported to harbour OA-mQTLs (includingGDF5andALDH1A2), yet the majority (73%) were novel (including those mapping toCHST3, FGF1andTEAD1).

To our knowledge, this is the first extensive study of DNA methylation across human articular cartilage development. We identify considerable methylomic plasticity within the development of knee cartilage and report active epigenomic mediators of OA risk operating in prenatal joint tissues.
Enhancing Sweat Rate for In-Hospital and Home-Based Decongestive Therapy
Authors: Aronson Doron , Nitzan Yaacov , Petcherski Sirouch , Shaul Aviv , Abraham William T. , Burkhoff Daniel , Ben Gal Tuvia
Published: May 2024

Background

Many patients admitted for acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF) are discharged with persistent congestion. Furthermore, the early post-discharge period carries a particularly high risk of readmission and is known as the ‘vulnerable phase’.

Methods

We used a device designed to enhance fluid and salt expulsion via the eccrine sweat glands for decongestion of patients admitted for ADHF. Patients were treated for 1-6 days in the hospital. Following discharge, home therapy continued for 30-60 days at a rate of 1-4 treatments/week. The primary efficacy endpoint for the in-hospital phase was fluid loss of ≥500 mL per ≥4h treatment. Secondary performance endpoints including fluid loss, changes in congestion score, and changes in NT-pro-BNP levels were evaluated for each phase separately.

Results

We studied 15 patients, 12 completing both the hospital and home phases. During the in-hospital and home phases, median weight change due to device therapy was 2.4 Kg [IQR 2.20–3.77] and 3.1Kg [IQR 7.4–0.6 Kg] respectively, and the primary endpoint was met in 86% of patients. During the home treatment, median weight loss was 3.1 Kg [IQR 7.4–0.6 Kg]. Congestion score declined from 6 [IQR 6 to 7] to 4 [IQR 3–6] during the hospital phase (P=0.0007) and to 1 [IQR 1–1.5] at the end of home therapy (P=0.002). Median NT-proBNP levels decreased from 7732 [IQR 4694– 9746] to 4984 pg/mL [IQR 3559–8950](P=0.01) during the hospital phase and to 3596 ng/mL [IQR 1640–5742](P=0.02) at the end of home therapy. Renal function remained stable.

Conclusion

The AquaPass device is useful in enhancing decongestion in hospitalized ADHF patients. Following hospital discharge, device therapy was associated with additional improvement in decongestion without worsening of renal function.
Noncoding de novo mutations inSCN2Aare associated with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Ahsan Mian Umair , Wang Kai
Published: May 2024

Codingde novomutations (DNMs) contribute to the risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASD), but the contribution of noncoding DNMs remains relatively unexplored. Here we use whole genome sequencing (WGS) data of 12,411 individuals (including 3,508 probands and 2,218 unaffected siblings) from 3,357 families collected in Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge (SPARK) to detect DNMs associated with ASD, while examining Simons Simplex Collection (SSC) with 6383 individuals from 2274 families to replicate the results. For coding DNMs,SCN2Areached exome-wide significance (p=2.06×10−11) in SPARK. The 618 known dominant ASD genes as a group are strongly enriched for coding DNMs in cases than sibling controls (fold change=1.51,p=1.13×10−5for SPARK; fold change=1.86,p=2.06×10−9for SSC). For noncoding DNMs, we used two methods to assess statistical significance: a point-based test that analyzes sites with a Combined Annotation Dependent Depletion (CADD) score ≥15, and a segment-based test that analyzes 1kb genomic segments with segment-specific background mutation rates (inferred from expected rare mutations in Gnocchi genome constraint scores). The point-based test identifiedSCN2Aas marginally significant (p=6.12×10−4) in SPARK, yet segment-based test identifiedCSMD1,RBFOX1andCHD13as exome-wide significant. We did not identify significant enrichment of noncoding DNMs (in all 1kb segments or those with Gnocchi>4) in the 618 known ASD genes as a group in cases than sibling controls. When combining evidence from both coding and noncoding DNMs, we found thatSCN2Awith 11 coding and 5 noncoding DNMs exhibited the strongest significance (p=4.15×10−13). In summary, we identified both coding and noncoding DNMs inSCN2Aassociated with ASD, while nominating additional candidates for further examination in future studies.
Single-cell characterization of menstrual fluid at homeostasis and in endometriosis
Authors: Schwalie Petra C. , Bafligil Cemsel , Russeil Julie , Zachara Magda , Biocanin Marjan , Alpern Daniel , Aasna Evelin , Deplancke Bart , Canny Geraldine , Goncalves Angela
Published: May 2024

Progress in detecting and understanding endometrial conditions in women of fertile age, such as endometriosis, has been hampered by the invasiveness of the sample collection procedure. Menstrual fluid (MF) can be sampled non-invasively and could provide a unique opportunity to study the physiological state of tissues in the reproductive system. Despite this potential, the use of MF for diagnostics and research has been limited. Here we establish protocols and assess the feasibility of collecting and processing MF in an outpatient setting. We characterize the cellular contents of MF from 15 healthy women using flow cytometry and single-cell RNA-sequencing, and demonstrate the ability to recover millions of live cells from the different cellular fractions of interest (epithelial, stromal, endothelial, perivascular and blood). Through computational integration of MF with endometrial samples we show that MF sampling is a good surrogate for endometrial biopsy. In a proof-of-principle case-control study, we collect MF from a further 7 women with a diagnosis of endometriosis and 11 healthy controls. Through RNA sequencing of 93 MF samples from these women we highlight important differences betweenex vivoand cultured cells, identify impaired decidualisation, low apoptosis, high proliferation, and both higher and lower inflammatory activity in different subsets of immune cells as distinguishing features of endometriosis patients. Finally, we identify potential novel pan-cell-type biomarkers for this neglected condition.
Epigenetic age deviation and mental health in childhood and adolescence: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Moyakhe L.B. , Dalvie S. , Chalumbila T.C. , Stein D.J. , Koen N.
Published: May 2024

Background

Epigenetic age acceleration (EAA, i.e., higher EA relative to chronological age) may be linked to adverse mental health outcomes in children. Previously, EAA has been associated with advanced physical maturation and early pubertal development in adolescents. However, research on epigenomic changes and mental health outcomes in children remains limited. This systematic review aimed to investigate the associations between epigenetic age deviation (greater or lower EA age relative to chronological age) and mental health outcomes in childhood.

Methods

This systematic review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Relevant terms were used to search the PubMed, Scopus, and PsychINFO (via Ebsco host) online databases. The search commenced between February and September 2022. Only full-text studies published in English, involving participants under 18 years of age, and examining associations between epigenetic age deviation and child mental health outcomes were eligible for inclusion.

Results and conclusion

Among the 4 studies that met the inclusion criteria for this review, 3 studies independently reported significant associations between EAA and internalising behaviour in children and adolescents (aged 4 to 17 years). However, a meta-analysis (OR=1.14, [95% CI, 0.86-1.49]) incorporating a subset of these studies (n=2) did not confirm this finding, though heterogeneity between studies was observed (I2=81%, p=0.022). While the data are not consistent, the findings of this systematic review suggest that EAA holds promise as a potential biomarker for identifying children and adolescents at risk of internalising problems. Given the limited number of studies and the heterogeneity in effect size measures, further work is warranted to explore these preliminary findings.
New dark matter analysis of milky way dwarf satellite galaxies with madhatv2
Authors: Boddy Kimberly K. , Carter Zachary J. , Kumar Jason , Rufino Luis , Sandick Pearl , Tapia-Arellano Natalia
Published: May 2024

We obtain bounds on dark matter annihilation using 14 years of publicly available Fermi-LAT data from a set of 54 dwarf spheroidal galaxies, using spectral information from 16 energy bins. We perform this analysis using our updated and publicly available code , which can be used to test a variety of models for dark matter particle physics and astrophysics in an accessible manner. In particular, we note that including Carina III in the analysis strengthens constraints on s-wave annihilation into two-body Standard Model final states by a factor of ∼3 but broadens the error on the constraint due to the large uncertainty of its J-factor. Our findings illustrate the importance of verifying if Carina III is in fact a dwarf spheroidal galaxy and measuring more precisely its J-factor. More generally, they highlight the significance of forthcoming discoveries of nearby ultrafaint dwarfs for dark matter indirect detection.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Large extra dimensions from higher-dimensional inflation
Authors: Anchordoqui Luis A. , Antoniadis Ignatios
Published: May 2024

We propose the possibility that compact extra dimensions can obtain large size by higher-dimensional inflation, relating the weakness of the actual gravitational force to the size of the observable Universe. Solution to the horizon problem implies that the fundamental scale of gravity is smaller than 1013  GeV, which can be realized in a braneworld framework for any number of extra dimensions. However, requirement of an (approximate) flat power spectrum of primordial density fluctuations consistent with present observations makes this simple proposal possible only for one extra dimension at around the micron scale. After the end of five-dimensional inflation, the radion modulus can be stabilized at a vacuum with positive energy of the order of the present dark energy scale. An attractive possibility is based on the contribution to the Casimir energy of right-handed neutrinos with a mass at a similar scale.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Bell Nonlocality in Classical Systems Coexisting with Other System Types
Authors: Chiribella Giulio , Giannelli Lorenzo , Scandolo Carlo Maria
Published: May 2024

The realistic interpretation of classical theory assumes that every classical system has well-defined properties, which may be unknown to the observer but are nevertheless part of reality and can, in principle, be revealed by measurements. Here we show that this interpretation can, in principle, be falsified if classical systems coexist with other types of physical systems. To make this point, we construct a toy theory that (i) includes classical theory as a subtheory and (ii) allows classical systems to be entangled with another type of system, called anticlassical. We show that our toy theory allows for the violation of Bell inequalities in two-party scenarios where one of the settings corresponds to a local measurement performed on a classical system alone. Building on this fact, we show that measurement outcomes in classical theory cannot, in general, be regarded as predetermined by the state of an underlying reality.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Quick charging of a quantum battery with superposed trajectories
Authors: Lai Po-Rong , Lin Jhen-Dong , Huang Yi-Te , Jan Hsien-Chao , Chen Yueh-Nan
Published: May 2024

We propose charging protocols for quantum batteries based on quantum superpositions of trajectories. Specifically, we consider that a qubit (the battery) interacts with multiple cavities or a single cavity at various positions, where the cavities act as chargers. Further, we introduce a quantum control prepared in a quantum superposition state, allowing the battery to be simultaneously charged by multiple cavities (the multiple-charger protocol) or a single cavity with different entry positions (the single-charger protocol). To assess the battery's performance, we evaluate the maximum extractable work, referred to as ergotropy. The primary discovery lies in the quick charging effect, wherein we prove that the increase in ergotropy stems from the quantum coherence initially present in the quantum control. Moreover, the induced “Dicke-type interference effect” in the single-charger protocol can further lead to a “perfect charging phenomenon”, enabling a complete conversion of the stored energy into extractable work across the entire charging process, with just two entry positions in superposition. Furthermore, we propose circuit models for these charging protocols and conduct proof-of-principle demonstrations on IBMQ and IonQ quantum processors. The results validate our theoretical predictions, demonstrating a clear enhancement in ergotropy.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Efficient survival strategy for zooplankton in turbulence
Authors: Mousavi N. , Qiu J. , Mehlig B. , Zhao L. , Gustavsson K.
Published: May 2024

Zooplankton in a quiescent environment can detect predators by hydrodynamic sensing, triggering powerful escape responses. Since turbulent strain tends to mask the hydrodynamic signal, the organisms should avoid such regions, but it is not known how they accomplish this. We found a simple, robust, and highly efficient strategy that relies on measuring the sign of gradients of squared strain. Plankton following this strategy show very strong spatial clustering, and align against the local flow velocity, facilitating mate finding and feeding. The strategy has the potential to reconcile competing fitness pressures.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Relationship between synthesis method–crystal structure–melting properties in cocrystals: the case of caffeine–citric acid
Authors: Guerain Mathieu , Chevreau Hubert , Guinet Yannick , Paccou Laurent , Elkaïm Erik , Hédoux Alain
Published: May 2024

The influence of the crystal synthesis method on the crystallographic structure of caffeine–citric acid cocrystals was analyzed thanks to the synthesis of a new polymorphic form of the cocrystal. In order to compare the new form to the already known forms, the crystal structure of the new cocrystal (C8H10N4O2·C6H8O7) was solved by powder X-ray diffraction thanks to synchrotron experiments. The structure determination was performed using `GALLOP', a recently developed hybrid approach based on a local optimization with a particle swarm optimizer, particularly powerful when applied to the structure resolution of materials of pharmaceutical interest, compared to classical Monte-Carlo simulated annealing. The final structure was obtained through Rietveld refinement, and first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to locate the H atoms. The symmetry is triclinic with the space group P\overline{1} and contains one molecule of caffeine and one molecule of citric acid per asymmetric unit. The crystallographic structure of this cocrystal involves different hydrogen-bond associations compared to the already known structures. The analysis of these hydrogen bonds indicates that the cocrystal obtained here is less stable than the cocrystals already identified in the literature. This analysis is confirmed by the determination of the melting point of this cocrystal, which is lower than that of the previously known cocrystals.
Do nonlinear and interactive effects exist in live-streaming sellers’ disclosure of two-sided product information on consumers’ trust and purchase intention?
Authors: Jia Minjiang
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study examines the inverted U-shaped relationship between a live-streaming seller’s disclosure of two-sided product information and consumers’ trust in the seller and product. It also explores the interaction between these two types of information disclosure and their impact on purchase intention in the live-streaming sales context.

Design/methodology/approach

An e-questionnaire survey was conducted in China, followed by multiple regression and structural equation modeling analyses.

Findings

The disclosure of both negative and positive product information is positively correlated with consumers’ trust in the seller or product but does not directly affect their purchase intention. Negative information disclosure neither enhances nor diminishes the positive impact of disclosing positive information on consumer trust.

Practical implications

Live-streaming sellers (i.e. retailers or manufacturers) should disclose both positive and negative product information to form consumers’ trust toward them (or products) and enhance sales.

Social implications

Live-streaming sellers often worry about the negative effects of excessive promotions or disclosure of positive or negative product information. However, these negative effects were not statistically significant.

Originality/value

Since some researchers have found nonlinear effects of two-sided product information in other contexts, this study is the first to focus on the impact of live-streaming sellers’ disclosure of two-sided product information on consumers’ trust in the live-streaming sales context rather than on the information per se.
Do AI-powered digital assistants influence customer emotions, engagement and loyalty? An empirical investigation
Authors: Maduku Daniel K. , Rana Nripendra P. , Mpinganjira Mercy , Thusi Philile , Mkhize Njabulo Happy-Boy , Ledikwe Aobakwe
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Digital voice assistants (DVAs) are revolutionising consumers’ interactions with technology and businesses. Whilst research on the adoption of these devices is rapidly expanding, few have explored post-adoption behaviour. To fill this gap, we investigate how functionality and human-like features shape customers’ emotions, engagement and loyalty towards DVAs.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected through a self-administered online survey from 509 DVA users. Structural equation modelling was employed for data analysis.

Findings

The results reveal that distinct human-like and functional factors of DVA independently explain customers’ positive emotions and engagement with DVAs. Positive emotions and engagement significantly impact customer loyalty to DVAs. The study shows that localisation of DVAs has a significant positive moderating influence on the service experience-customer engagement relationship but a negative moderating influence on the anthropomorphism-customer engagement relationship.

Originality/value

Unlike previous research, this study contributes to the literature by delving into post-adoption phenomena. It explains how DVAs’ human-like and functional attributes drive customers’ positive emotional responses, engagement and loyalty towards DVAs. The findings not only unveil new insights into the moderating role of localisation but also provide a crucial understanding regarding the boundary conditions of the influence of anthropomorphism and service experience on customer engagement.
Enhancing SMEs resilience through digital innovation: a stage-based analysis
Authors: Wang Xueyuan , Sun Meixia
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), inherently vulnerable entities, prompting a pivotal question of how to enhance SMEs’ organizational resilience (OR) to withstand discontinuous crises. Although digital innovation (DI) is widely acknowledged as a critical antecedent to OR, limited studies have analyzed the configurational effects of DI on OR, particularly stage-based analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Underpinned by the dynamic capabilities view, this study introduces a multi-stage dynamic capabilities framework for OR. Employing Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), digital product innovation (DPI), digital services innovation (DSI) and digital process innovation (DCI) are further deconstructed into six dimensions. Furthermore, we utilized fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to explore the configuration effects of six DI on OR at different stages, using data from 94 Chinese SMEs.

Findings

First, OR improvement hinges not on a singular DI but on the interactions among various DIs. Second, multiple equivalent configurations emerge at different stages. Before the crisis, absorptive capability primarily advanced through iterative DPI and predictive DSI. During the crisis, response capability is principally augmented by the iterative DPI, distributed DCI, and integrated DCI. After the crisis, recovery capability is predominantly fortified by the iterative DPI, expanded DPI and experiential DSI. Third, iterative DPI consistently assumes a supportive role in fortifying OR.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the extant literature on DI and OR, offering practical guidance for SMEs to systematically enhance OR by configuring DI across distinct stages.
The dark side of co-worker friendship in the restaurant context: roles of gender and promotion focus
Authors: Shoukat Muhammad Haroon , Selem Kareem M. , Khan Mukaram Ali , Shehata Ali Elsayed
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper investigates the focal role of close co-worker friendship in reducing incivility. Furthermore, this paper examines negative workplace gossip as a mediator and gender and promotion focus as moderators.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a time-lagged approach, 553 full-service restaurant front-line co-workers in Greater Cairo responded. Further, the data were analyzed using SmartPLS v.4.

Findings

Promotion focus weakened close co-workers’ friendships, causing them to speak negatively about each other with other co-workers. Multi-group analysis showed that males were more likely to spread negative gossip about their close co-workers and thus were subjected to incivility-related behaviors by their co-workers.

Originality/value

This paper is an early attempt to explore the focal role of promotion focus in the full-service restaurant context. This paper adds to affective events theory (AET) with a limited understanding of explaining and predicting co-worker incivility.
Sustainable new product development based on innovative product opportunity gap for a waste to energy system: pistachio packaging
Authors: Baratian Samira , Fazlollahtabar Hamed
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to perform innovation analysis for a product based on market, design and process dimensions. This integrated approach provides sustainability for product design and development.

Design/methodology/approach

A significant aspect of innovation is investigated to provide energy from the wastes collected in the reverse chain. First, the indicators related to the product opportunity gap were collected and ranked by the structural equation modeling (SEM) method. Indicators with a factor loading above 0.6 are selected and inserted into the proposed mathematical model. The proposed mathematical model was implemented in GAMS 28.2.0 to maximize energy production from waste and minimize the cost of product innovation. A case study on pistachio new packaging process innovation is investigated.

Findings

The results showed that in today’s competitive world where sustainability and the environment are important, the index of converting waste into energy is one of the main indicators of innovation. Consequently, flammability is extracted from the mathematical model as one of the most significant indicators leading to higher energy production with the lowest innovation cost.

Originality/value

New product development (NPD) is significant to sustain market share and satisfy customer needs. Different approaches are proposed to handle NPD, mostly focusing on the customer and design requirements.
Exploring the influence of social media and materialism on impulsive real estate buying decisions among young immigrants in Canada
Authors: Patial Rhytham , Torres Talia Maria-Rosa , Berezan Connor , Talwar Taneshq , Davidson Benny Godwin J.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of social media and materialism on impulsive buying decisions and real estate. Furthermore, the paper examines whether social media correlates with materialism and provides insights that will facilitate a better economic climate.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for the study was collected using an online survey circulated among young immigrants in Canada. A five-point Likert scale was used, followed by structure modeling to test the hypothesis.

Findings

The findings reveal how impulsive buying behaviors are influenced by materialism and social media among young immigrants. The data support two hypotheses since it confirms that social media affects the amount of materialistic wants possessed by respondents and that the higher their levels of materialism, the more likely they are to make impulsive buying decisions, especially when it comes to buying real estate.

Research limitations/implications

As the data was limited to Canada, the findings are limited to this region and could vary across geographic regions. The age group was not considered as a huge factor as minors do not always have the purchasing power in terms of housing.

Practical implications

Materialism, social media and impulsive buying may not always lead to purchasing a home spontaneously. However, one must still consider their financial situation before purchasing anything. The findings in this paper will help customers and consumers of social media to understand what truly drives impulsive buying, resulting in unnecessary purchases.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine the factors affecting impulsive real estate buying decisions among young immigrants in Canada, including social media and materialism.
Sharenting in China: perspectives from mothers and adolescents
Authors: Zhu Lin , Wang Yan , Chen Yanhong
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Mothers sharing images and information on social media about their children is a contemporary cultural norm. While the practice has been heavily discussed in popular media, there is a lack of empirical research examining the phenomenon from the perspectives of parents and adolescent children in China. The current study aims to find out whether or not mothers and their children engage in discussions about sharenting and how adolescents negotiate their privacy concerns with their mothers.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study examined how parents and their children make sense of sharenting via semi-structured interviews with 16 Chinese mothers. In addition, the study enlisted 21 adolescents to examine their perspectives on sharenting. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Results showed that although documentation is articulated as the primary sharenting motivation, identity management is a major drive behind sharenting. The dynamics between mothers and their children, as well as between adolescents and their parents, are also explored regarding the issues of consent, privacy and identity.

Research limitations/implications

This study has theoretical implications for the communication privacy management (CPM) theory, as it underscores the dynamic nature of privacy management, shaped by cultural norms, family dynamics and evolving communication technologies. It also adds value for campaign practitioners to provide education programs on the serious consequences of sharenting.

Originality/value

This research serves as a starting point to further explore a child’s entrance to adulthood as our culture’s first true digital natives who will bear extensive online and offline identities.
Fostering charity sport event runners' identification to drive social media interaction and willingness to donate
Authors: Meeprom Supawat
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of self-identification with the event role on runners' social media interaction and willingness to donate.

Design/methodology/approach

Online survey data from 319 charity sport event participants are used in this study. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to the hypothesis.

Findings

The results suggest that runners' self-identification drives their happiness when participating in CSEs via co-creation and satisfaction. Importantly, runners' happiness positively influences their social media sharing of their positive experiences related to participating in CSEs as well as their willingness to donate the money to non-profit organisations.

Originality/value

This study advances the knowledge about how runners perceive their self-identification when participating in CSEs, which influences their happiness and behavioural responses.