bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple Pareto-optimal solutions of the dissipation-adaptation trade-off
Authors: Tabanera-Bravo Jorge , Godec Aljaž
Published: January 2025

Adaptation refers to the ability to recover and maintain “normal” function on perturbations of internal or external conditions and is essential for sustaining life. Biological adaptation mechanisms are dissipative, i.e., they require a supply of energy such as the coupling to the hydrolysis of ATP. Via evolution the underlying biochemical machinery of living organisms evolved into highly optimized states. However, in the case of adaptation processes two quantities are optimized simultaneously, the adaptation speed or accuracy and the thermodynamic cost. In such cases one typically faces a trade-off, where improving one quantity implies worsening the other. The solution is no longer unique but rather a —the set of all physically attainable protocols along which no quantity can be improved without worsening another. Here we investigate Pareto fronts in adaptation-dissipation trade-offs for a cellular thermostat and a minimal ATP-driven receptor-ligand reaction network. We find convex sections of Pareto fronts to be interrupted by concave regions, implying the coexistence of distinct optimization mechanisms. We discuss the implications of such “compromise-optimal” solutions and argue that they may endow biological systems with a superior flexibility to evolve, resist, and adapt to different environments.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
How does original equipment manufacturing brand disclosure affect purchase intention? The mediating role of brand competence and brand warmth
Authors: Ge Hong , Wang Wei , Wang Yuting , Tan Ran
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are increasingly discoursing well-known brands to support their own brands. This study explores how original equipment manufacturing (OEM) brand disclosure affects willingness to buy (WTB) by examining the mediation effect of perceived brand competence (PBC) and perceived brand warmth (PBW), as well as the moderating effects of product type and consumer self-esteem (CSE).

Design/methodology/approach

This study builds on signal theory and the stereotype content model to theorize the mediating role of PBC and PBW between OEM brand disclosure and WTB. A 2×2 between-subjects experiment with 442 participants was conducted, employing ANOVA, seemingly unrelated regression and moderated mediation tests to examine the hypotheses.

Findings

OEM brand disclosure is positively related to WTB through PBC and PBW. Specifically, PBC’s mediation effect on OEM brand disclosure is stronger than that of PBW. Additionally, the mediation effect of OEM brand disclosure on WTB via PBC is moderated by product type and CSE.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing brand self-disclosure and brand spillover literature by opening the black box of how OEM brand disclosure affects WTB and reveals the underlying mechanisms of PBC and PBW. It offers valuable insights for OEMs to leverage previous OEM brands to support their own brands by improving PBC and PBW and is more beneficial for consumers with high self-esteem and experience products.
Gender economic inclusion and sustainable development in Africa
Authors: Tchamyou Vanessa , Edoh Ofeh M. , Asongu Simplice
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study investigates how gender economic inclusion affects sustainable development in Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is focused on 42 African countries for the period 2000–2019. It argues that enhancing gender economic inclusion in all sectors of society promotes and sets a better pace for the attainment of sustainable development in Africa. The gender economic inclusion variable used is the number of females employed as a ratio of the working-age population. The study employs the generalized method of moments as the main analysis method alongside the ordinary least squares technique.

Findings

The results show that gender economic inclusion has a negative effect on sustainable development in Africa, but they reveal contradictions when income groups are taken into consideration. Specifically, the middle-income group in Africa experiences a positive effect of gender economic inclusion on sustainable development.

Practical implications

As policy implications, this study recommends that policy makers in low-income countries in Africa do everything within their reach to have equitable gender-inclusive societies, that is, to narrow the gap between the already wealthy class of women and the poor. This could be done by having more women included in different economic sector activities, in order to create a more conducive atmosphere for sustainable development.

Originality/value

The study has complemented the existing literature by assessing the nexus between gender economic inclusion and sustainable development in Africa.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-06-2024-0498
Gamification affordances in self-health management: perspectives from achievement satisfaction and gamification exhaustion
Authors: Sun Jiayue , Gu Yadi , Gu Dongxiao , Su Kaixiang , Wang Xiaoyu , Liang Changyong , Yang Xuejie
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Gamification has been widely applied in mobile fitness apps to motivate users to exercise continuously. Based on the affordances–psychological outcomes–behavioral outcomes framework, this study explores the roles of three specific gamification affordances (competition, visibility of achievement and interactivity) in self-health management (continuous use behavior and health behavior) from the perspectives of achievement satisfaction and gamification exhaustion.

Design/methodology/approach

We test the research model using a structural equation model (SEM) with 505 self-reported data points. Furthermore, we apply fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to explore configurations of gamification affordances associated with self-health management behavior, reinforcing the SEM results.

Findings

Results indicate that competition, visibility of achievement and interactivity can enhance achievement satisfaction, which further boosts self-health management behavior. However, competition and interactivity can also cause gamification exhaustion, which undermines self-health management behavior to some extent. Overall, the positive impacts of the three affordances outweigh the negative impacts.

Practical implications

This study provides new insights for relevant practitioners on designing gamification affordances, aiding the sustainable development of mobile fitness apps and their long-term effects on self-health management. Visibility of achievement should be emphasized, and competition and interactivity should be thoughtfully designed to minimize their negative effects.

Originality/value

This study extends the affordances–psychological outcomes–behavioral outcomes framework and the literature on gamification and health management by applying both SEM and fsQCA methodologies to examine the relationship between specific gamification affordances and self-health management behavior.
Building belief, achieving balance: how organizational climate fosters self-efficacy for a fulfilling work–life
Authors: Fayaz Ishret , Gulzar Farzana
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study investigates how the organizational climate influences work–life balance (WLB) among women employees in universities across Jammu and Kashmir, with a focus on the mediating role of self-efficacy.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a quantitative research design, this study utilized a survey methodology to collect data from women employees in 11 universities within Jammu and Kashmir. The study analyzed responses from 587 participants through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS 4.0.

Findings

The findings underscore the significant positive impacts of organizational climate dimensions – autonomy, integration, involvement, support, training and welfare – on work–life balance. Self-efficacy was found to partially mediate the relationships between organizational climate dimensions and work–life balance, underscoring its role in enhancing employees’ capacity to manage work and personal life. The study highlights the importance of a supportive organizational climate in fostering self-efficacy and, subsequently, achieving a satisfactory work–life balance among women employees in academic settings.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the existing literature by exploring the nuanced relationship between organizational climate, self-efficacy and work–life balance, specifically among women employees in the educational sector of Jammu and Kashmir. By highlighting self-efficacy as a critical mediator, the study offers novel insights into the mechanisms through which organizational climate affects work–life balance, providing valuable implications for policy and practice in educational institutions.
Virtual personalities, real bonds: anthropomorphised virtual influencers’ impact on trust and engagement
Authors: Goel Pooja , Garg Aashish
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to understand the relationship among the anthropomorphic features, perceived authenticity on customer engagement and electronic word of mouth using the integration of realism and trust theory in the context of virtual influencers (VI). This research also investigates the moderation of brand familiarity on both focal aspects of trust (cognitive and affective), anthropomorphic cues and perceived authenticity.

Design/methodology/approach

A mall-intercept survey approach was used to collect the responses using a structured survey from 377 respondents from India. The proposed model was tested using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The findings indicate that physical and cognitive anthropomorphic features and perceived authenticity influence cognitive trust. However, affective trust is only influenced by perceived authenticity. Apart from this, higher levels of trust in VI contribute towards higher customer engagement and lead to sharing electronic word of mouth. Finally, brand familiarity moderates the relationship between emotional cues and affective trust.

Practical implications

The popularity of VI is driving companies to redesign their marketing strategies. Due to the limitations of human influencers, companies are allocating budgets for VI-based marketing strategies. However, it is still unclear how consumers perceive VI as a brand endorser and what would be its implications. This study suggests that consumers are looking for anthropomorphic cues such as physical, cognitive and emotional cues of humanness in the VI, along with authentic content shared through them to instil their trust. Once the trust is built, consumers will be engaged and say positive things about VI.

Originality/value

This study fills the gap by examining how anthropomorphic features and perceived authenticity contributed to both dimensions of trust (cognitive and affective), further enhancing customer engagement and electronic word of mouth. This research also examined the moderation of brand familiarity on the relationship between trust and its antecedents.
Differentiating behavioural styles in cases of violent knife crime in England and Wales
Authors: Partington Zoe , Walsh R. Stephen , Labhardt Danielle
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Knife-enabled crime in England and Wales has increased by 7% in the year ending December 2023. Such increases in incidents are cause for concern due to the potential for significant injury and loss of life. This study aims to propose a model of differentiation of offending across 70 cases of violent knife crime (VKC) committed in England and Wales between 2015 and 2020 to inform preventative strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Incident data was collected from online news articles and offender, victim and offence characteristics were recorded. Characteristics were subject to a non-metric multi-dimensional scaling procedure, smallest space analysis (SSA) to differentiate behavioural styles.

Findings

Regional interpretation of the SSA identified three distinct themes (Intimate Partner Violence, Gang-Influenced and Reactive Violence) that related to distinct styles of offending. Classification according to identified offence theme was possible for 69% of cases. Findings are discussed with reference to Social Identity Approach and Criminal Narrative Theory. Potential future research is discussed with recognition of the need to further differentiate offending behaviour in cases of reactive violence.

Practical implications

The theorical and practical implications are discussed with consideration of how the findings may inform preventative strategies as part of a public health approach.

Originality/value

While SSA has been used to differentiate behavioural styles across several types of crime, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first instance in which the method has been used to differentiate behavioural styles across cases of VKC.
A contribution towards developing a sustainable model for enhancing entrepreneurial performance: identifying the mediating role of innovative work behaviour
Authors: Rathee Vijay , Mittal Preeti , Kumar Ashish
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have contributed substantially to the global entrepreneurial environment and economic growth, particularly within emerging economies. However, the success rate of these enterprises is relatively low in most developing countries, particularly India. Therefore, this study aims to contribute towards creating a sustainable model for enhancing entrepreneurial performance by examining the impact of entrepreneur digital literacy, entrepreneurial attitude and innovative work behaviour on their sustainable performance. It also explores the role of innovative work behaviour as a mediator in the relationship between entrepreneurial digital literacy, attitude and SMEs’ sustainable performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from a sample of 329 entrepreneurs registered with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade portal in India using snowball random sampling and was analysed via the structural equation modelling technique.

Findings

The findings reveal that entrepreneurial digital literacy and attitude play a robust and critical role in supporting innovation and SMEs’ long-term success, respectively. Entrepreneurial digital literacy equips individuals with the skills to navigate digital tools effectively, fostering innovation within SMEs and enabling them to adapt to evolving market demands. Similarly, a positive entrepreneurial attitude, characterised by a proactive and risk-taking mindset, is essential for driving SMEs’ long-term success by facilitating growth and adaptation in competitive business environments. Moreover, the relationship between entrepreneurial digital literacy, attitude and sustainable performance was found to be partially mediated by innovative work behaviour. Innovative work behaviour, including creativity, proactivity and risk-taking, is a bridge, translating digital literacy and entrepreneurial mindset into tangible outcomes that contribute to sustainable entrepreneurial performance and resilience in dynamic market conditions.

Originality/value

The described research work offers a valuable contribution to the field by integrating digital literacy and entrepreneurial attitude within the context of entrepreneurship. Exploring how innovative work behaviour mediates the relationship between digital literacy, entrepreneurial attitude and sustainable entrepreneurial performance contributes to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms driving success in today’s digital economy.
Influence of supermarket self-checkout service quality, customer vulnerability and risk perception during emerging pandemics on Australian customer behaviour
Authors: Singh Gurmeet , Slack Neale , Sharma Shavneet
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study investigates how the COVID-19 pandemic, as a unique environmental factor, influences Australian supermarket customers’ satisfaction and behavioural loyalty intentions through contactless self-checkout systems (SCSs). It examines the role of customer perceptions of service quality and vulnerability in shaping these outcomes and explores how customer perceptions of COVID-19 risk moderate these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) theoretical framework, this research analyses responses from 428 Australian supermarket customers who use contactless self-checkout systems. The study integrates service quality and customer vulnerability as stimuli, examines their impact on customer satisfaction (the organism) and assesses how these factors influence customers' behavioural loyalty intentions (the response). Additionally, it explores how customer risk perceptions related to COVID-19 act as a moderator within these relationships.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that both SCS service quality and customer vulnerability significantly enhance customer satisfaction, positively affecting behavioural loyalty toward the supermarket. Furthermore, the study reveals that higher levels of perceived COVID-19 risk strengthen the impact of customer vulnerability on customer satisfaction and the effect of customer satisfaction on loyalty intentions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the underexplored area of SCS usage and customer perceptions of service quality during an emerging pandemic among Australian consumers. It uniquely combines elements of consumer vulnerability and pandemic-related risk perceptions with traditional service quality metrics to offer new insights into customer behaviour in the retail sector. The study’s insights are valuable for supermarket management and marketing practices, particularly in adapting to and capitalizing on changes in consumer behaviour in response to global crises.
Co‐administration of polyethylene glycol with binge ethanol reduces markers of intestinal and hepatic inflammation in C57BL/6J mice by diminishing ethanol absorption through the intestinal wall
Authors: Ryu Tom , Yang Keungmo , Choi Byung Young , Cho Won Gil , Chung Beom Sun
Published: January 2025

Background

Therapeutic options for managing intestinal and hepatic inflammation associated with alcohol consumption, a prevalent health problem worldwide, remain unavailable. This study examines the potential efficacy of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in mitigating the intestinal and hepatic damage, employing a mouse model for assessment.

Methods

First, the mixture of ethanol (4 g/kg body weight) and PEG (2 g/kg body weight) or an equivalent volume of vehicle was administered orally alcohol consumption.

Results

Acute alcohol consumption was found to damage not only the liver but also the small intestine, as evidenced by histological findings and mRNA expression analysis of inflammatory cytokines. We also identified impaired motor function in the mouse model of binge drinking. Interestingly, PEG significantly mitigated both the impaired motor function and the injury and inflammation of the small intestine following binge drinking in mice. Furthermore, PEG exhibited hepatoprotective effects, as indicated by reduced hepatic enzyme levels in serum, less liver injury observed through H & E staining, and decreased neutrophil infiltration within the liver.

Conclusions

Collectively, these findings suggest that co‐administration of PEG with binge ethanol could serve as an effective therapeutic strategy to prevent intestinal and hepatic inflammation.
Diagnostic accuracy of qualitative gastric ultrasound assessment for detecting high gastric fluid volume in children: a prospective randomised study
Authors: Cercueil Eloïse , Henriet Anaïs , Barbe Corwyn , Santos Machado Guinter , Bouvet Lionel
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The diagnostic accuracy of gastric ultrasound in children has not been assessed thoroughly. We aimed to determine the sensitivity and specificity in children of a qualitative ultrasound examination of the gastric antrum in the supine 45° semi‐recumbent position and a clinical algorithm for detecting a gastric fluid volume > 1.25 ml.kg‐1, reported to represent an ‘at‐risk stomach’ for pulmonary aspiration.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, observer‐blinded, randomised trial in healthy children fasted according to current pre‐operative guidelines. An initial ultrasound assessment of gastric contents ensured that the stomach was empty. Children then drank a specific volume of water (0; 0.6; 1; 1.25; 1.5; or 2 ml.kg‐1). Gastric ultrasound was performed after 3 min of fluid ingestion, in children lying supine and then in the right lateral decubitus position, with the head of the bed elevated to 45° (semi‐recumbent). A clinical algorithm combining the qualitative assessment with calculation of gastric fluid volume was also completed. The sensitivity and specificity of the qualitative assessment in the supine semi‐recumbent position and the clinical algorithm for the diagnosis of gastric fluid volume > 1.25 ml.kg‐1 were estimated.

Results

Ninety children, median (IQR [range]) age 7 (4.5–9 [1–10]) y, were studied. The sensitivity and specificity of the qualitative assessment for detecting gastric fluid volume > 1.25 ml.kg‐1 were 75% (95%CI 58–88%) and 85% (95%CI 73–93%), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the clinical algorithm were 86% (95%CI 71–95%) and 78% (95%CI 64–88%), respectively.

Discussion

In order to achieve high sensitivity of gastric ultrasound for the diagnosis of fluid volume > 1.25 ml.kg‐1 in children, qualitative ultrasound assessment of gastric antrum contents should be combined with calculation of gastric fluid volume when fluid contents are seen in the gastric antrum.
Low readmission rates during neonatal homecare: Gestational age and bronchopulmonary dysplasia as key predictors
Authors: Rosenbaek Charlotte Hoeyer , Zachariassen Gitte , Hoest Bente , Hahn Gitte Holst , Larsen Joan Neergaard , Salmonsen Tenna Gladbo , Horskjaer Malene , Holm Kristina Garne
Published: January 2025

Aim

Homecare for neonates has advanced, but combative analysis of contact methods remains unexplored. The aim was to identify predictors of readmission during homecare and to compare home visit, telemedicine or outpatient visit.

Methods

This retrospective study included infants receiving homecare from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2022. Data were obtained from local databases from six neonatal units in Denmark. The medical records of readmitted infants were reviewed. The main outcome were causes and predictors of readmission during homecare. The secondary outcome was exclusive breastfeeding at discharge.

Results

The cohort consisted of 4827 infants (boys = 54.0%). The rate of unplanned readmissions was 4.6%. A gestational age (GA) <32 weeks (p‐value <0.01) or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (p‐value <0.01) were predictors of readmission. There was no difference in unplanned readmissions based on contact method (p‐value = 0.46 for telemedicine, p‐value = 0.11 for outpatient visit). The overall exclusive breastfeeding rate at discharge from homecare was 64.1%.

Conclusion

Homecare can be provided for preterm and term infants while establishing oral feeding, with caution on infants with a GA < 32 or BPD. All types of contact methods during homecare investigated can be provided equally in relation to readmission and exclusive breastfeeding.
Real‐Time Single Channel Speech Enhancement Using Triple Attention and Stacked Squeeze‐TCN
Authors: Jannu Chaitanya , Burra Manaswini , Vanambathina Sunny Dayal , Parisae Veeraswamy
Published: January 2025

Speech enhancement is crucial in many speech processing applications. Recently, researchers have been exploring ways to improve performance by effectively capturing the long‐term contextual relationships within speech signals. Using multiple stages of learning, where several deep learning modules are activated one after the other, has been shown to be an effective approach. Recently, the attention mechanism has been explored for improving speech quality, showing significant improvements. The attention modules have been developed to improve CNNs backbone network performance. However, these attention modules often use fully connected (FC) and convolution layers, which increase the model's parameter count and computational requirements. The present study employs multi‐stage learning within the framework of speech enhancement. The proposed study uses a multi‐stage structure in which a sequence of Squeeze temporal convolutional modules (STCM) with twice dilation rates comes after a Triple attention block (TAB) at each stage. An estimate is generated at each phase and refined in the subsequent phase. To reintroduce the original information, a feature fusion module (FFM) is inserted at the beginning of each following phase. In the proposed model, the intermediate output can go through several phases of step‐by‐step improvement by continually unfolding STCMs, which eventually leads to the precise estimation of the spectrum. A TAB is crafted to enhance the model performance, allowing it to concurrently concentrate on areas of interest in the channel, spatial, and time‐frequency dimensions. To be more specific, the CSA has two parallel regions combining channel with spatial attention, enabling both the channel dimension and the spatial dimension to be captured simultaneously. Next, the signal can be emphasized as a function of time and frequency by aggregating the feature maps along these dimensions. This improves its capability to model the temporal dependencies of speech signals. Using the VCTK and Librispeech datasets, the proposed speech enhancement system is assessed against state‐of‐the‐art deep learning techniques and yielded better results in terms of PESQ, STOI, CSIG, CBAK, and COVL.
Risk of Post‐Transplant Malignancy After Isolated Heart Transplant Among Adult Patients With Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Leiva Orly , Golob Stephanie , Reyentovich Alex , Alvarez‐Cardona Jose , Bloom Michelle , Halpern Dan , Small Adam
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at increased risk of cancer. In patients with CHD and advanced heart failure, isolated heart transplantation (HT) can be considered. In the overall HT population, immunosuppression after HT increases the risk of post‐transplant malignancy (PTM). However, cancer outcomes among adult HT patients with CHD have not been investigated.

Methods

Patients aged ≥ 18 years who received HT between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2021 were identified using the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) registry. Patients with CHD were compared to those without. T primary outcome was a composite outcome of PTM or death due to malignancy. Multivariable Fine‐Gray competing‐risk regression was used to estimate the subhazard ratio (SHR) of primary and secondary outcomes.

Results

Of the total of 29717 patients with HT were included, 1017 (3.4%) had CHD. Patients with CHD were younger, more likely to be female, and have had prior cardiac surgery. After multivariable competing‐risk regression, CHD was associated with a higher risk of the primary outcome (SHR 1.43, 95% CI 1.15–1.80). Among patients who developed PTM, the median time to diagnosis of first PTM (median 36 vs. 46 months, p = 0.027) was shorter in patients with CHD. Among patients with CHD, survival after PTM was significantly lower compared with patients without malignancy (HR 3.32, 95% CI 2.03–5.43).

Conclusions

Among adult patients with HT, CHD was associated with an increased risk of PTM. Further investigation is warranted to identify risk factors and screening strategies for malignancy in this patient population.
Treatment outcomes with oral anti‐hyperglycaemic therapies in people with diabetes secondary to a pancreatic condition (type 3c diabetes): A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Hopkins Rhian , Young Katherine G. , Thomas Nicholas J. , Jones Angus G. , Hattersley Andrew T. , Shields Beverley M. , Dennis John M. , McGovern Andrew P. ,   the MASTERMIND consortium
Published: January 2025

Aims

To assess outcomes of oral anti‐hyperglycaemic therapies in people with diabetes secondary to a pancreatic condition (type 3c), where specific treatment guidance is limited.

Materials and Methods

Using hospital‐linked UK primary care records (Clinical Practice Research Datalink; 2004–2020), we identified 7084 people with a pancreatic condition (acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and haemochromatosis) preceding diabetes diagnosis (type 3c cohort), initiating oral glucose‐lowering therapy (metformin, sulphonylureas, SGLT2‐inhibitors, DPP4‐inhibitors or thiazolidinediones), and without concurrent insulin treatment. We stratified by pancreatic exocrine insufficiency [PEI] (n = 5917 without PEI, 1167 with PEI) and matched to 97 227 type 2 diabetes (T2D) controls. 12‐month HbA1c response and weight change and 6‐month treatment discontinuation were compared in type 3c versus T2D.

Results

People with type 3c diabetes had substantial mean HbA1c reduction with oral therapies in those without PEI (12.2 [95%CI 12.0–12.4] mmol/mol) and with PEI (9.4 [8.9–10.0] mmol/mol). Compared to T2D controls, people with type 3c without PEI had similar mean HbA1c reduction (0.7 [0.4–1.0] mmol/mol difference) and odds of discontinuation (Odds ratio [OR] 1.08 [0.98–1.19]). In contrast, people with type 3c and PEI had lower mean HbA1c response (3.5 [2.9–4.1] mmol/mol lesser reduction) and greater discontinuation (OR 2.03 [1.73–2.36]) versus T2D controls. Weight change in type 3c was similar to T2D. Results were largely consistent across underlying pancreatic conditions and drug classes.

Conclusions

Oral anti‐hyperglycaemic therapies are effective in people with type 3c diabetes and could provide an important component of glycaemic management. PEI could identify people with type 3c requiring closer monitoring of treatment response.
Revealing inequality aversion from tax policy and the role of non‐discrimination
Authors: Berg Kristoffer
Published: January 2025

Governments have increasing access to individual information, but they exploit little of it when setting taxes. This paper shows how to reveal inequality aversion from observed tax policy choices of such governments. First, I map governments' priorities into concerns for vertical and horizontal equity. While vertical equity underlies inequality aversion, horizontal equity introduces a restriction against tax discrimination. This restriction affects the measurement of inequality aversion. Second, I apply the model to a hypothetical gender tax using Norwegian tax return data. The main result is that inequality aversion is overestimated when horizontal equity is ignored.
Outcomes of Elderly Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit for Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Berton Guillaume , Hospital Marie‐Anne , Garciaz Sylvain , Rouzaud Camille , Maisano Valerio , Hicheri Yosr , D'Incan Corda Evelyne , Rey Jerome , Bisbal Magali , Sannini Antoine , Chine Laurent Chow , Servan Luca , Gonzalez Frederic , Vey Norbert , Mokart Djamel , Saillard Colombe
Published: January 2025

Acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs) are the hematological malignancies with the highest need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission due to their association with various life‐threatening situations. Limited data exist regarding the outcomes of elderly individuals with AML admitted to the ICU. However, current therapeutic protocols offer the potential for extended survival in this population. This retrospective, monocentric study focused on the outcomes of individuals aged ≥ 60 years admitted to the ICU for newly diagnosed AML. It included 139 patients admitted to the ICU at the Paoli‐Calmettes Institute between April 2010 and October 2020, during the initial phase of AML management. Patients were categorized into three groups based on the presence of biological criteria indicating “high risk” for complications (thrombocytopenia < 50 000/mm3 and leukocytosis > 50 000/mm3) and organ failure. Multiple logistic regression models were employed to identify predictive factors for in‐hospital and day 90 mortality, while Cox regression was used for 1‐year mortality. The rates of in‐hospital, day 90, and 1‐year mortality were 37%, 42%, and 60%, respectively. Variables associated with in‐hospital mortality included the Charlson Comorbidity Index, the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (MV), and multi‐organ failure. ELN17 risk was significantly associated with 1‐year mortality rates. This study demonstrates the benefits of ICU management for individuals aged ≥ 60 years during the initial phase of AML. It illustrates the effects of age, comorbidities, and the severity of organ failures on short‐term mortality and highlights the impact of classical prognostic markers on long‐term mortality.
Overfishing Social Fish
Authors: Wilson James A. , Giske Jarl , Brown Culum
Published: January 2025

Social learning is common among vertebrates, including fish. Learning from others reduces the risk and costs of adaptation. In some longer‐lived species, social learning can lead to the formation of persistent groups that pass learned adaptations from one generation to the next (culture). Variations in learned adaptations are subject to natural selection, leading to a second, fast‐paced, fine‐scale evolutionary process that complements genetics and enables adaptation to the peculiarities of local areas. Socially learned knowledge is stored mainly in the minds of older fish and subsequently inherited (learned) by younger fish. Consequently, the persistence of locally adapted groups of long‐lived fish requires the inheritance of genetic and learned adaptations. Local populations of social learners are not often recognised nor conserved by fisheries managers. Fishing usually reduces the relative abundance of older fish far more than younger. We hypothesise that fishing may impair and eventually erase the learned local adaptations of long‐lived fish, leading to the loss of local stocks of these species and significant ecosystem‐wide changes. Fishing may shift abundance towards species not dependent on learned adaptations, i.e., invertebrates and short‐lived fish. The hypothesis leads directly to the idea that conserving populations of long‐lived social learners is likely best accomplished by protecting age and social structure or, more generally, the natural processes, such as social learning, that generate complexity in an adaptive ecosystem. Local area‐based management is aligned with the local processes of social learners and can capture and learn about the effect of human activity at that scale.
Long‐Term Variability in the Southwest Atlantic Marine Fishery Ecosystems in Relation to Climate Change
Authors: Liu Hewei , Zhang Ping , Cao Jie , Yu Wei , Chen Xinjun
Published: January 2025

Exploring the impacts of climate variability on the marine fishery ecosystems in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean is conducive to establishing an ecosystem‐based approach for the protection and rational utilization of fishery resources. In this study, long‐term fisheries data, 23 environmental data from the entire Southwest Atlantic, and 25 global climate data have been used to explore the regime shift of the fishery ecosystem and the response of fishery resources to climate change from 1950 to 2018. The results indicated that changes in the Southwest Atlantic fishery ecosystem exhibited a significant nonstationary trend, and there were three noteworthy regime shifts in 1976/1977, the late 1980s, and the late 20th century. The temperature, sea surface height, water runoff, and cloudiness were the environmental variables with the greatest impact on fishery resources within the Southwest Atlantic Fishery Ecosystem, while zonal wind speed and air temperature yielded a more significant impact on low latitude areas. In terms of climate indices, fishery resources have the most obvious response to the Global Mean Land‐Ocean Temperature Index and Antarctic Sea Ice Extent, and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation had an intense impact on low latitude areas concurrently. The study highlights the climate‐related nonstationary changes in the Southwest Atlantic fishery ecosystem.
Acetone detection at reduced temperatures: Engineering Cl‐doped ZnO nanodisks for enhanced gas‐sensing performance
Authors: Zhu Bingxing , Safari Fatemeh , Ebadi Mehdi , Sookhakian Mehran , Yousefi Ramin
Published: January 2025

This study presents the development of a groundbreaking acetone gas sensor leveraging Cl‐doped ZnO nanodisks, designed to operate efficiently at low temperatures. Through comprehensive experimental and theoretical analyses, they have elucidated the exceptional sensing capabilities of Cl‐doped ZnO nanodisks. Both undoped and Cl‐doped ZnO with varying chlorine concentrations were synthesized on Si/SiO2 substrates using a straightforward thermal evaporation method in a tube furnace. Notably, the morphology of pure ZnO formed microdisks, whereas the Cl‐doped ZnO transitioned to nanodisks, and with increased Cl doping, it further evolved into nanoplates. X‐ray diffraction and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the successful substitution of oxygen ions with chlorine ions. Enhanced photoluminescence and XPS analyses revealed that Cl‐doped ZnO contained a significantly higher density of oxygen vacancies compared to undoped ZnO. The Cl‐doped ZnO sensor exhibited an outstanding sensitivity of approximately 40 and an impressive selectivity of 55% toward 100 ppm acetone at 80°C. Cl doping markedly improved the sensor's response and recovery times, enabling the detection of acetone at concentrations as low as 225 ppb at 80°C—a remarkable achievement unattainable with pure ZnO. All characterization results strongly indicate that oxygen vacancies play a pivotal role in enhancing the gas‐sensing performance of Cl‐doped ZnO nanodisks. Cutting‐edge density functional theory calculations uncovered significant interactions between acetone and Cl‐doped ZnO through charge density variations and band structure analysis. These interactions resulted in notable changes in the density of states, including a distinct peak near −3 eV, indicating enhanced sensitivity.
The phase diagram and strengthening behavior of compositionally complex carbides under high pressure
Authors: Ran Ling , Guan Shixue , Liang Wenjia , Pu Jieru , He Peihong , Long Haidong , Yang Peng , Peng Fang
Published: January 2025

The application of compositionally complex carbides under extreme conditions has garnered significant attention. The phase diagram compositionally complex transition metal carbide (Ta0.2Nb0.2Hf0.2Zr0.2V0.2)C for synthesis under high‐pressure and high‐temperature has been systematically investigated for the first time, and a pressure‐induced decrease in the compositionally complex carbides phase formation temperature was observed. The asymptotic Vickers hardness and bulk modulus of (Ta0.2Nb0.2Hf0.2Zr0.2V0.2)C reached 24.0 GPa and 311.3 GPa. The bulk modulus demonstrates an approximate 30% improvement compared to the average values of individual carbides, indicating that it possesses relatively competitive mechanical properties within the compositionally complex carbides group. The Claperon equation has been utilized to predict the lattice contraction of compositionally complex carbides during phase formation, and the physical mechanism of the high‐pressure strengthening has been proposed accordingly. In summary, the research of pressure–temperature phase diagram and the high‐pressure strengthening mechanism lay a valuable theoretical basis for the structural design and performance optimization of novel compositionally complex carbides.
Structural and electric properties of Na super ionic conductor solid electrolyte MIIx/2Li1−xTi2(PO4)3 (MII = Mg, Zn, and Cd)
Authors: Bouftila Nour El Hoda , Chouiekh Abdelhak , Bih Lahcen , Faik Abdessamad , Rjeb Abdelilah , Ababou Yahya , Naji Mohamed
Published: January 2025

All‐solid‐state lithium‐ion batteries, employing solid electrolytes, offer a promising solution to address safety concerns inherent in conventional lithium‐ion batteries. Among the various types of Li‐ion solid electrolytes, LiTi2(PO4)3 (LTP) with the Na Super Ionic CONductor (NASICON) structure stands out as a particularly attractive material, despite its relatively low ionic conductivity at room temperature. One approach to enhance the performance of LTP solid electrolytes involves modifying the network size or redistributing Li cations and vacancies within the adjacent sites of the NASICON structure. Therefore, this study seeks to replace lithium ions with divalent cations, thereby increasing the concentration of vacancies, and facilitates the migration of Li+ ions between adjacent partially populated M1 sites. Introducing divalent elements not only augments vacancies in the lithium sites but also induces variations in local disorder within NASICON structures. Consequently, NASICON compounds, MIIx/2Li1−xTi2(PO4)3 (MII = Mg, Zn, and Cd), were synthesized via the sol–gel method, and their structural, microstructural, and electrical properties were thoroughly analyzed using a variety of techniques. The presence of divalent cations in the M1 site results in a reduction of symmetry and an enhancement of local disorder. A correlation between ionic conductivity and structure was established, which was linked to the disorder of lithium atoms within the structure. Electric modulus formalism was employed to explore electric relaxation, revealing that the diffusion and relaxation processes are thermally activated.
Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing Versus Right Ventricular Pacing in Patients With Atrioventricular Block: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Ahsan Irfan , Hennawi Hussam Al , Bedi Angad , Khan Muhammad Khuzzaim , Duseja Nikhil , Ho Reginald T.
Published: January 2025

Background

Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) is a new technique for patients with atrioventricular block (AVB) and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), potentially offering better cardiac function than right ventricular pacing (RVP).

Methods

We searched databases and registries for studies that compared LBBAP with RVP in patients with AVB and preserved LVEF. We extracted data on various outcomes and pooled the effect estimates using random‐effects models.

Results

Our meta‐analysis included 14 studies (10 observational and 4 RCTs) involving 3062 patients with AVB. The analysis revealed that the QRS duration was significantly shorter in the LBBAP group compared to the RVP group [MD = −35.56 ms; 95% CI: (−39.27, −31.85), p < 0.00001]. Patients in the LBBAP group also exhibited a significant increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) [MD = 5.48%; 95% CI: (4.07%, 6.89%), p < 0.00001], and a significant reduction in left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (LVEDD) compared to RVP [MD = −3.98 mm; 95% CI: (−5.88, −2.09 mm), p < 0.0001]. In terms of clinical outcomes, LBBAP was associated with a significantly lower risk of heart failure hospitalizations (HFHs) compared to RVP [OR = 0.26; 95% CI: (0.16, 0.44), p < 0.0001]. However, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in the implant success rate, pacing impedance, or pacing threshold. The RVP group demonstrated a significantly higher R‐wave amplitude increase than the LBBAP group [MD = 0.85 mV; 95% CI: (0.23, 1.46), p = .007]. Lastly, there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups [OR = 2.12; 95% CI: (0.29, 15.52), p = 0.46].

Conclusion

LBBAP outperforms RVP in several cardiac function indicators, suggesting it may be a superior pacing method for AVB patients with preserved LVEF. However, the small sample size in studies and the result in heterogeneity call for more research to validate these findings and assess LBBAP's long‐term effects.
Retrieval of an Aveir Leadless Pacemaker With a Standard Retrieval Catheter by Releasing the Wedged Docking Button Using a Loop Wire Technique
Authors: Yano Kensuke , Shinohara Masaya , Sasaki Hideto , Suzuki Takuto , Kikushima Hosei , Wada Ryo , Yao Shintaro , Koike Hideki , Fujino Tadashi , Ikeda Takanori
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The docking button of the Aveir leadless pacemaker (LP) is occasionally difficult to access due to its inappropriate position in the right ventricle (RV).

Methods and Results

We report a case where the Aveir LP was successfully retrieved by releasing the wedged docking button in the inferior wall of the RV using a loop wire technique.

Conclusion

The loop wire technique may be useful to change the position of the Aveir LP. This may be helpful to retrieve the Aveir LP even in a case where the docking button is wedged in the inferior wall of the RV.
Dynamin‐Related Protein 1 Orchestrates Inflammatory Responses in Periodontal Macrophages via Interaction With Hexokinase 1
Authors: Jiang Yiming , Wang Zihan , Zhang Kaige , Hu Yue , Shang Dehao , Jiang Lulu , Huang Minghao , Wang Biyao , He Xiaomin , Wu Zhou , Yan Xu , Zhang Xinwen
Published: January 2025

Aim

To explore the potential roles of mitochondrial dysfunction in the initiation of inflammation in periodontal macrophages and to determine the mechanism underlying the involvement of dynamin‐related protein 1 (Drp1) in macrophage inflammatory responses through its interaction with hexokinase 1 (HK1).

Materials and Methods

Gingival tissues were collected from patients diagnosed with periodontitis or from healthy volunteers. Drp1 tetramer formation and phosphorylation were analysed using western blot. THP‐1 macrophages and RAW264.7 cells were stimulated with Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) or Pg lipopolysaccharide (Pg LPS), respectively. Alterations in proteins associated with mitochondrial dynamics were scrutinized via western blot. Immunofluorescence was used to evaluate mitochondrial damage and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening. Western blot was used to examine the inflammatory markers NLRP3, caspase‐1, IL‐1β and GSDMD. Protein interactions involving Drp1 were verified through immunoprecipitation.

Results

In periodontitis patient samples, Pg LPS‐treated RAW264.7 cells, and Pg‐stimulated THP‐1 macrophages, over‐activated Drp1 was able to drive NLRP3 inflammasome activation and the subsequent release of inflammatory factors. A direct interaction between Drp1 and HK1 was observed, facilitating excessive mPTP opening and subsequent mitochondrial dysfunction.

Conclusion

In the inflammatory milieu of periodontal tissues, Drp1 hyperactivation in the macrophages is implicated in inflammation induction. Modulation of the inflammatory response in periodontal macrophages by Drp1 appears to facilitate mPTP opening.