bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antinociceptive effects of gamma-linolenic acid in the formalin test in the rats
Authors: Rahimi Kaveh , Nourishirazi Arman , Delaviz Hamidreza , Ghotbeddin Zohreh
Published: March 2024

Background:

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is found in animals and plants that play a role in brain function and metabolism.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the analgesic effects of GLA on peripheral formalin injection.

Methods:

Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: Sham, formalin, formalin/GLA 100 mg/kg, and formalin/GLA 150 mg/kg. The Formalin test was utilized to create a pain model. A tissue sample was prepared from the spinal cords of rats to measure oxidative stress parameters and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the authors analyzed the expression of c-Fos protein in the spinal cords.

Results:

Our findings demonstrate that GLA has a reliable pain-relieving effect in the formalin test. GLA 100 increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P<0.05), glutathione (GSH) (P<0.001), and catalase (CAT) (P<0.05), and decreased the levels of c-Fos (P<0.001), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) (P<0.001), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (P<0.001), and malondialdehyde (MDA) (P<0.001) in the spinal cord. Also GLA 150 increased SOD (P<0.05), GSH (P<0.001), and CAT (P<0.05) and decreased the levels of c-Fos (P<0.001), IL-1β (P<0.001), TNF-α (P<0.001), and MDA (P<0.001) in the spinal cord.

Conclusion:

The findings have validated the antinociceptive impact of GLA and hinted towards its immunomodulatory influence in the formalin test.
Fusarium species central nervous system infection
Authors: Strong Nora , Ostrosky-Zeichner Luis
Published: March 2024

Purpose of review

Fusarium species are an increasingly important cause of meningitis and invasive disease in immunocompromised patients as well as in otherwise healthy patients as observed in two recent healthcare-associated outbreaks. This review summarizes recently published information on treatment and diagnosis of this infection.

Recent findings

Incidence of Fusarium species meningitis and invasive fusariosis are increasing. Molecular techniques are improving the speed of diagnosis. New antifungal agents in development show good in vitro activity against some Fusarium species. New technologies, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) filtration, may play a role in treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disease. Due to the continued prime importance of the host immune system in recovery, immunomodulatory treatments may play a role in treatment.

The overall incidence of CNS fusariosis is increasing with a continued poor prognosis, but new diagnostic and treatment modalities are in development which may offer improvements.
The neuro-endothelial axis in traumatic brain injury: mechanisms of multi-organ dysfunction, novel therapies, and future directions
Authors: Ho Jessie W. , Dawood Zaiba Shafik , Taylor Meredith E. , Liggett Marjorie R , Jin Guang , Jaishankar Dinesh , Nadig Satish N. , Bharat Ankit , Alam Hasan B.
Published: March 2024

Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) often initiates a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), which can potentially culminate into multi-organ dysfunction (MOD). A central player in this cascade is endotheliopathy, caused by perturbations in homeostatic mechanisms governed by endothelial cells due to injury-induced coagulopathy, heightened sympathoadrenal response, complement activation, and pro-inflammatory cytokine release.

Unique to TBI is the potential disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which may expose neuronal antigens to the peripheral immune system and permit neuroinflammatory mediators to enter systemic circulation, propagating endotheliopathy systemically.

This review aims to provide comprehensive insights into the “neuro-endothelial axis” underlying endothelial dysfunction following TBI, identify potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and explore therapeutic strategies targeting these interactions, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes following severe TBI.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Among Persons With Marfan and Loeys-Dietz Syndrome
Authors: Akesson Cydni , Richards Elliott G. , Yao Meng , Ross James , Grima Josephine , May Lauren , Roversi Gustavo , Ferrando Cecile A.
Published: March 2024

Importance

Connective tissue disorders are proposed in the literature to be predisposing risk factors for pelvic floor disorders. Prior data characterizing the prevalence of and symptom burden related to pelvic floor disorders are limited for individuals with Marfan syndrome and are nonexistent for those with Loeys-Dietz syndrome.

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of symptoms related to pelvic floor disorders among individuals with Marfan syndrome and Loeys-Dietz syndrome using the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20).

Study Design

In this cross-sectional study, a survey including the PFDI-20 was administered to biologically female individuals older than 18 years with a confirmed diagnosis of Marfan syndrome or Loeys-Dietz Syndrome. Respondents were solicited through the websites, email lists, and social media forums of The Marfan Foundation and The Loeys-Dietz syndrome Foundation.

Results

A total of 286 respondents were included in the final analysis, 213 with Marfan syndrome and 73 with Loeys-Dietz syndrome. The median PFDI-20 score of the cohort was 43.8. Individuals with Loeys-Dietz syndrome had higher PFDI-20 scores and were more likely to have established risk factors for pelvic floor disorders that correlated with their PFDI-20 scores compared with those with Marfan syndrome.

Conclusions

Respondents with Marfan syndrome and Loeys-Dietz syndrome experience a high burden of symptoms related to pelvic floor disorders. Despite the similar pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of these disorders, there were differences in PFDI-20 responses that may suggest that these diseases differ in the ways they affect the pelvic floor.
A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled ascending dose study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) effects of Posiphen in subjects with Early Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Galasko Douglas , Farlow Martin R. , Lucey Brendan P. , Honig Lawrence S. , Elbert Donald , Bateman Randall , Momper Jeremiah , Thomas Ronald , Rissman Robert A. , Pa Judy , Aslanyan Vahan , Balasubramanian Archana , West Tim , Maccecchini Maria , Feldman Howard H.
Published: March 2024

Background

Amyloid beta protein (Aβ) is a treatment target in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Lowering production of its parent protein, APP, has benefits in preclinical models. Posiphen binds to an iron-responsive element in APP mRNA and decreases translation of APP and Aβ. To augment human data for Posiphen, we evaluated safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PD) effects on Aβ metabolism using Stable Isotope Labeling Kinetic (SILK) analysis.

Methods

Double-blind phase 1b randomized ascending dose clinical trial, at five sites, under an IRB-approved protocol. Participants with mild cognitive impairment or mild AD (Early AD) with positive CSF biomarkers were randomized (within each dose arm) to Posiphen or placebo. Pretreatment assessment included lumbar puncture for CSF. Participants took Posiphen or placebo for 21-23 days, then underwent CSF catheter placement, intravenous infusion of13C6-leucine, and CSF sampling for 36 hours. Safety and tolerability were assessed through participant reports, EKG and laboratory tests. CSF SILK analysis measured Aβ40, 38 and 42 with immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry. Baseline and day 21 CSF APP, Aβ and other biomarkers were measured with immunoassays. The Mini-Mental State Exam and ADAS-cog12 were given at baseline and day 21.

Results

From June 2017 to December 2021, 19 participants were enrolled, in dose cohorts (6 active: 2 placebo) of 60 mg once/day and 60 mg twice/day; 1 participant was enrolled and completed 60 mg three times/day. 10 active drug and 5 placebo participants completed all study procedures. Posiphen was safe and well-tolerated. 8 participants had headaches related to CSF catheterization; 5 needed blood patches. Prespecified SILK analyses of Fractional Synthesis Rate (FSR) for CSF Aβ40 showed no significant overall or dose-dependent effects of Posiphen vs. placebo. Comprehensive multiparameter modeling of APP kinetics supported dose-dependent lowering of APP production by Posiphen. Cognitive measures and CSF biomarkers did not change significantly from baseline to 21 days in Posiphen vs placebo groups.

Conclusions

Posiphen was safe and well-tolerated in Early AD. A multicenter SILK study was feasible. Findings are limited by small sample size but provide additional supportive safety and PK data. Comprehensive modeling of biomarker dynamics using SILK data may reveal subtle drug effects.

Trial registration

NCT02925650 on clinicaltrials.gov
GABA-ergic inhibition in human hMT+ predicts visuo-spatial intelligence mediated through the frontal cortex
Authors: Gao Yuan , Cai Yong-Chun , Liu Dong-Yu , Yu Juan , Wang Jue , li Ming , Xu Bin , Wang Teng-Fei , Chen Gang , Northoff Georg , Bai Ruiliang , Song Xue Mei
Published: March 2024

The prevailing opinion emphasizes fronto-parietal network (FPN) is key in mediating general fluid intelligence (gF). Meanwhile, recent studies show that human MT complex (hMT+), located at the occipito-temporal border and involved in 3D perception processing, also plays a key role in gF. However, the underlying mechanism is not clear, yet. To investigate this issue, our study targets visuo-spatial intelligence, which is considered to have high loading on gF. We use ultra-high field magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to measure GABA/glutamate concentrations in hMT+ combining resting-state fMRI functional connectivity (FC), behavioral examinations including hMT+ perception suppression test and gF subtest in visuo-spatial component. Our findings show that both GABA in hMT+ and frontal-hMT+ functional connectivity significantly correlate with the performance of visuo-spatial intelligence. Further, serial mediation model demonstrates that the effect of hMT+ GABA on visuo-spatialgF is fully mediated by the hMT+ frontal FC. Together our findings highlight the importance in integrating sensory and frontal cortices in mediating the visuospatial component of general fluid intelligence.
RNA Chemical Probing Reagents and Protein Amino Acids: a Double-Edged Sword
Authors: Fallon Lucy , Klingler David , Cohn Daniel , Marcus Liza , Jones Alisha N
Published: March 2024

RNA chemical probing experiments are a broadly used method for revealing the structure of RNA, as well as for identifying protein binding sites. This is beneficial for expanding our understanding of biological processes governed by protein-RNA complex interactions, as well as facilitating the identification of complex inhibiting molecules. The reagents commonly used in chemical probing experiments are highly reactive, methylating or acylating atoms of flexible RNA nucleotides. The highly reactive nature of the chemical probes means that they can also react with nucleophilic amino acid side chains, and subsequently affect protein-RNA binding events. We combine MD simulations, MALDI-MS, and NMR experiments to show that commonly used RNA chemical probes react with protein amino acids, and demonstrate that this effect alters protein-RNA binding interactions through binding shift assays. We discuss the implications of this phenomenon in elucidating protein-RNA interactions, and also demonstrate this as a useful means for identifying surface-exposed protein residues, omitting the need for extensive mutagenesis experiments that are critical for RNA interactions.
Polarization dynamics from moment equations
Authors: Weickgenannt Nora , Blaizot Jean-Paul
Published: March 2024

We derive an expression for the local transverse polarization of a boost-invariant expanding system of massive particles, which involves a set of dynamical spin moments. Starting from spin kinetic theory, we obtain a closed set of equations of motion for these spin moments. These equations are valid during the full evolution of the system, from free streaming to local equilibrium, and can be used to study polarization phenomena in relativistic heavy-ion collisions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Wake characteristics behind a tidal turbine with surface waves in turbulent flow analyzed with large-eddy simulation
Authors: Ouro Pablo , Mullings Hannah , Christou Aristos , Draycott Samuel , Stallard Tim
Published: March 2024

To design tidal stream turbine arrays, turbine wakes need to be fully characterized to assess the adequate row spacing considering environmental factors such as onset turbulence, velocity shear, and surface waves. The role of waves on wake development varies depending on their characteristics, such as wavelength and amplitude, and needs to be carefully understood. Here large-eddy simulations are performed to analyze the instantaneous and time-averaged wake characteristics developed downstream of a tidal stream turbine for four wave-current conditions ranging from nearly deep to intermediate waves and compared to current-only results. The tip-vortex convection near the free surface is highly influenced by the waves. During the period of increased surface elevation, there is an upwards motion of the vortices which have merged into a single vortical structure during the wave trough period. Downwards vertical transport of tip vortices occurs after the pass of the wave crest, enabling vertical entrainment of momentum into the turbine wake region. Disk-averaged velocity deficit recovery increases for wave-current cases compared to the current-alone condition, with all intermediate wave cases showing a very similar wake recovery rate throughout the wake length. The nearly deep-water waves lead to a slightly slower recovery rate up to 12 turbine diameters (D) downstream while, after this distance, the recovery rate is the highest among the simulated wave conditions. The integration of the mean kinetic energy (MKE) budget in the region up to 12D shows there is a similar distribution in the balance between terms irrespective of the wave-current case. However, in the far-wake region covering from 12D to 20D, the nearly deep waves have a larger contribution for MKE replenishment from the transverse convection and turbulence transport terms, balanced with their vertical counterparts and the streamwise convection term. Analysis of the wake self-similarity shows that a Gaussian model description holds for the recovery rate and lateral profile of the wake of a tidal turbine operating in coupled wave-current conditions, with a similar rate of velocity recovery after 12D irrespective of the wave characteristics. Lateral wake spreading is smaller for the shortest wavelength, which relates to an increased contribution of transverse fluxes in the MKE budget.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Exact Quench Dynamics of the Floquet Quantum East Model at the Deterministic Point
Authors: Bertini Bruno , De Fazio Cecilia , Garrahan Juan P. , Klobas Katja
Published: March 2024

We study the nonequilibrium dynamics of the Floquet quantum East model (a Trotterized version of the kinetically constrained quantum East spin chain) at its “deterministic point,” where evolution is defined in terms of CNOT permutation gates. We solve exactly the thermalization dynamics for a broad class of initial product states by means of “space evolution.” We prove: (i) the entanglement of a block of spins grows at most at one-half the maximal speed allowed by locality (i.e., half the speed of dual-unitary circuits); (ii) if the block of spins is initially prepared in a classical configuration, speed of entanglement is a quarter of the maximum; (iii) thermalization to the infinite temperature state is reached exactly in a time that scales with the size of the block.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Redesigning a first year physics lab course on the basis of the procedural and conceptual knowledge in science model
Authors: Pols C. F. J. , Dekkers P. J. J. M.
Published: March 2024

[This paper is part of the Focused Collection on Instructional labs: Improving traditions and new directions.] Acknowledgement of the limited learning outcomes in our first-year physics lab course, strikingly similar to the observed and reported issues in literature, incited renewal of the course with a focus on developing students’ ability to engage in experimental physics research. The —addressing different types of knowledge required for scientific investigation—was used as a “guide” in the transformation of the course. This educational design research study—distinguishing three stages—describes our approach in transforming the course and provides theoretical insights and practical solutions through the combined study of both the process of learning and the means that support that process. The merits and trade-offs of our approach and the effectiveness of the course transformation are evaluated through surveys, interviews, and assessment of students’ inquiry skills. The findings provide insights into the application of the PACKS model and its effectiveness in facilitating students’ development of physics inquiry abilities. The results reveal an alignment between perceived, attained and intended learning goals. The self-conceived experiment at the end of the course showcases students’ successful integration of the targeted knowledge types, previously addressed in isolated “preparatory” activities. We argue that the PACKS-model and the design principles are useful attributes when transforming a traditional lab activity, but also specify the limitations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
First-order localization and quantum phase transition induced by quasicrystal imaginary domain
Authors: Tong Xianqi , Kou Su-Peng
Published: March 2024

The non-Hermitian extension of quasicrystals provides a highly tunable system for exploring novel material phases. While extended-localized phase transitions have been observed in one dimension, quantum phase transitions in higher dimensions and various system sizes remain unexplored. Here, we show the discovery of a new critical phase and first-order structural transition induced by imaginary zeros in the two-dimensional Haldane model with a quasicrystal potential on the upper boundary. Initially, we illustrate a phase diagram that evolves with the amplitude and phase of the quasicrystal potential, which is divided into three distinct phases by two critical boundaries: phase (I) with extended wave functions, parity-time-restore phase (II) with localized wave functions, and a critical phase (III) with multifunctional wave functions. To characterize the wave functions in these distinct phases, we introduce a low-energy approximation theory and an effective two-chain model. Additionally, we uncover a first-order quantum phase transition induced by quasicrystal domains. As we increase the size of the potential boundary, we observe the partitioning of the critical phase into regions in proportion to the growing number of quasicrystal domains. Importantly, these observations are consistent with ground state fidelity and energy gap calculations. Our research advances the understanding of phase diagrams associated with high-dimensional quasicrystal potentials and marks the first discovery of a first-order quantum phase transition induced by quasicrystal domains in non-Hermitian systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Research of antiaging behavior of a new sealing coating for color painting cultural relics
Authors: Li Chao , Gao Jin , Xu Qingqing , Li Chao , Yang Xuemei , Xiao Kui , Han Xiangna
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The color painting of ancient buildings has high historical and artistic value but is prone to aging due to long-term outdoor exposure. The purpose of this study is to develop a new type of sealing coating to mitigate the impact of ultraviolet (UV) light on color painting.

Design/methodology/approach

The new coating was subjected to a 500-h UV-aging test. Compared with the existing acrylic resin Primal AC33, the UV aging behavior of the new coating, such as color difference and gloss, was studied with aging time. The Fourier infrared spectra of the coatings were analyzed after the UV-aging test.

Findings

Compared with AC33, the antiaging performance of SF8 was substantially improved. SF8 has a lower color difference value and better light retention and hydrophobicity. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results showed that the C-F bond and Si-O bonds in the resin of the optimized sealing coating protected the main chain C-C structure from degradation during the aging process; thus, the resin maintained good stability. The hindered amine light stabilizer TN292 added to the coating inhibited the antiaging process by trapping active free radicals.

Originality/value

To address the problem of UV aging of oil-decorated colored paintings, a new type of sealing coating with excellent antiaging properties was developed, laying the foundation for its demonstration application on the surface of ancient buildings.
Dynamic connectedness among the BRICS markets and the recent pandemic: an application of TVP-VAR approach
Authors: Dsouza Suzan , Singh Narinder Pal , Oliyide Johnson Ayobami
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study analyses the impact of the Covid-19 on stock market performance of BRICS nations together. BRICS countries comprise almost 30% of the global GDP and around 50% of the world’s economic growth. As BRICS nations have gained the attraction as financial investment destinations, their financial markets have apparently been as potential opportunities for foreign portfolio investors. While there is extensive research on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on individual economies and global financial markets, this paper is among the first to systematically investigate the dynamic connectedness of these emerging economies during the pandemic using the Time-Varying Parameter Vector Autoregressions (TVP-VAR) approach.

Design/methodology/approach

We categorise our data into two distinct periods: the pre-Covid period spanning from January 1, 2018, to March 10, 2020, and the Covid crisis period extending from March 11, 2020, to June 4, 2021. To achieve our research objectives, we employ the Time-Varying Parameter Vector Autoregressions (TVP-VAR) approach to assess dynamic connectedness.

Findings

Our findings reveal that among the BRICS nations, Brazil and South Africa serve as net transmitters of shocks, while China and India act as net receivers of shocks during the Covid crisis. However, the total connectedness index (TCI) has exhibited a notable increase throughout this crisis period. This paper makes several notable contributions to the academic literature by offering a unique focus on BRICS economies during the Covid-19 pandemic, providing practical insights for stakeholders, emphasising the importance of risk management and investment strategy, exploring diversification implications and introducing advanced methodology for analysing interconnected financial markets.

Research limitations/implications

The results have important implications for the investors, the hedge funds, portfolio managers and the policymakers in BRICS stock markets. The investors, investment houses, portfolio managers and policymakers can develop investment strategies and policies in the light of the findings of this study to cope up the future pandemic crisis.

Originality/value

This study is one of its kind that examines the dynamic connectedness of BRICS with recently developed TVP-VAR approach across pandemic crisis.
The influence of military virtues on job performance in the Sri Lanka Air Force: direct or mediated effects?
Authors: Iddagoda Anuradha , Abraham Rebecca , Keppetipola Manoaj , Dissanayake Hiranya
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Military values/virtues are a subset of ethical values. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of military virtues on job performance, either directly, or indirectly through mediation by, loyalty, patience, respect, employee engagement, job performance, military ethics, courage, self-discipline, caring, military virtue, Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) employee engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Military virtues were conceptualized as a collective construct, consisting of loyalty, courage, patience, respect, self-discipline and caring. Using a sample of 254 military officers in the SLAF, the authors measured the effect of military virtues on job performance. The first model was a direct measurement of the influence of military virtues on job performance. The second model measured the influence of military virtues on employee engagement, followed by measurement of the influence of employee engagement on job performance. Structural equation modeling was used in data analysis.

Findings

Both direct effects and mediated effects of military virtues on job performance were significant. However, the direct effect was stronger, suggesting that military virtues in and of themselves resulted in superior performance, more effectively, than by first increasing employee engagement with the task or the organization.

Originality/value

This may be an initial empirical examination of the effects of military virtues on job performance.
The effects of quality management on the development of organisational exploration: an empirical research on the organic agro-food industry
Authors: Caypa-Altare Aldo Giovanni , Moreno-Luzon Maria D.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the role of quality management on the development of organisational exploration.

Design/methodology/approach

Partial Least Square was used on a sample of 350 companies within the Spanish organic agro-food industry.

Findings

The study results provide empirical evidence of the positive and significant impact that quality management has on the development of organisational exploration.

Research limitations/implications

Causal relationships cannot be applied to this study due to cross-sectional data being used rather than longitudinal data.

Practical implications

Quality management must be considered by managers an essential tool to the development of organisational exploration. As a systematic approach, that moves towards to the development of policies, attitudes and behaviours which foster and boots the development of organisational exploration.

Originality/value

Quality management is a widely used management approach, which organisations use to improve the quality of their products, services and their overall performance. Organisational exploration is seen as a fundamental tool to ensure sustainability, profitability and the future survival of organisations; however, there is disagreement throughout previous research. Some authors point out the importance of quality management in developing activities that promote organisational exploration, whereas other authors see quality management as an inhibitor. Given the great controversy in previous research, our study clarifies the role of quality management in the development of organisational exploration.
Understanding the relationship between competitive strategy and product-service innovation: the role of the paradox of openness
Authors: Cordeiro de Sousa Gonçalo
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between strategy intent (product-service innovation intention) and outcome (product-service innovation outcome), and the role that external sources of innovation play in influencing this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data obtained from the community innovation survey, we apply a logit regression to a sample of 1,419 Portuguese firms. By examining the moderating effect of open innovation breadth, we assess how the relationship between differentiation intent and outcome is contingent upon the involvement of external stakeholders.

Findings

Our findings reveal that the relationship between differentiation intent and outcome is contingent upon the moderating effect of open innovation breadth. Our analysis suggests that the negative influence of different sources of innovation can be addressed by adopting a paradox lens.

Practical implications

This research provides valuable insights for managers. By simultaneously pursuing a differentiation strategy and engaging in collaboration with external sources, firms may compromise their ability to effectively differentiate their offer. Managers should consider the potential tensions arising from internal and external stakeholder relationships to optimize their innovation strategies.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by shedding light on the role of external innovation sources in influencing the relationship between differentiation intent and outcome and the importance that information systems may have in this relationship. By exploring the moderating effect of open innovation breadth, we provide a nuanced understanding of how firms can navigate organizational tensions and leverage innovation for competitive advantage.
How to respond to negative online reviews: language style matters
Authors: Zhang Shu , Su Lixun , Zhuang Weiling , Babin Barry J.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Given resource constraints such as time and staffing, hotels cannot respond to all negative online reviews (NORs). Therefore, this study investigates (1) what types of NORs hotels should prioritize responding; and (2) what response strategies are more effective in handling different types of NORs to minimize the negative ramifications.

Design/methodology/approach

Four experiments in the context of hospitability were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Our findings show that NORs with implicit conclusions (e.g. “I do not believe that is a good choice, you know what I mean.”) are more dissuasive than NORs with explicit ones (e.g. “Do not buy it.”) because the former NORs are perceived as more objective than the latter NORs. More importantly, our results show that firms do not need to respond to explicit NORs. When responding to implicit NORs, firms should prioritize those related to service failures caused by external (e.g. weather, technological misfunction) rather than internal (e.g. poor management, employee skills) factors.

Research limitations/implications

Our studies focus on the language styles of Chinese NORs, and future research should investigate how language styles influence dissuasion in other languages.

Practical implications

Our results show that NORs with implicit conclusions negatively impact consumer attitude and thus hurt performance more significantly than those with explicit conclusions. Therefore, firms should allocate limited staffing and resources to NORs with implicit conclusions. When responding to implicit NORs, firms should select NORs that can be attributed to external factors.

Originality/value

Our findings shed light on the importance of the language styles of NORs and provide marketers with insights into how to handle NORs. Our results reveal that consumers perceive higher objectivity of NORs when these reviews are implicit than when they are explicit. Furthermore, this study contributes to the online review literature by suggesting that firms should tailor their response strategies for NORs based on the reviewers’ language styles.
Improving damping characteristics of epoxy by adding copper alloy wastes
Authors: Ahmed Payman Sahbah , Mohammed Ava A.K. , Rozhbiany Fakhir Aziz Rasul
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to get benefits from manufacturing harmful wastes is by using them as a reinforcement with epoxy matrix composite materials to improve the damping characteristics in applications such as machine bases, rockets, satellites, missiles, navigation equipment and aircraft as large structures, and electronics as such small structures. Vibration causes damaging strains in these components.

Design/methodology/approach

By adding machining chips with weight percentages of 5, 10, 15 and 20 Wt.%, with three different chip lengths added for each percentage (0.6, 0.8 and 1.18 mm), the three-point bending and damping characteristics tests are utilized to examine how manufacturing waste impacts the mechanical properties. Following that, the optimal lengths and the chip-to-epoxy ratio are determined. The chip dispersion and homogeneity are assessed using a field emission scanning electron microscope.

Findings

Waste copper alloys can be used to enhance the vibration-dampening properties of epoxy resin. The interface and bonding between the resin and the chip are crucial for enhancing the damping capabilities of epoxy. Controlling the flexural modulus by altering the chip size and quantity can change the damping characteristics because the two variables are inversely related. The critical chip size is 0.8 mm, below which smaller chips cannot evenly transfer, and disperse the vibration force to the epoxy matrix and larger chips may shatter and fracture.

Originality/value

The main source of problems in machine tools, aircraft and vehicle manufacturing is vibrations generated in the structures. These components suffer harmful strains due to vibration. Damping can be added to these structures to get over these problems. The distribution of energy stored as a result of oscillatory mobility is known as damping. To optimize the serving lifetime of a dynamic suit, this is one of the most important design elements. The use of composites in construction is a modern method of improving a structure's damping capacity. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that composites offer better stiffness, strength, fatigue resistance and corrosion resistance. This research aims to reduce the vibration effect by using copper alloy wastes as dampers.
Deep‐salt: Complete three‐dimensional salt segmentation from inaccurate migrated subsurface offset gathers using deep learning
Authors: Muller Ana P. O. , Fraga Bernardo , Klatt Matheus , Costa Jessé C. , Bom Clecio R. , Faria Elisangela L. , de Albuquerque Marcelo P. , de Albuquerque Marcio P.
Published: March 2024

Delimiting salt inclusions from migrated images during the velocity model building flow is a time‐consuming activity that depends on highly human‐curated analysis and is subject to interpretation errors or limitations of the images and methods available. We propose a supervised deep learning based method to include three‐dimensional salt geometries in the velocity models. We compare two convolutional networks – based on the U‐Net architecture – which can process three‐dimensional seismic data. One architecture uses three‐dimensional convolutional kernels, and the other has convolutional long short‐term memory units. Each architecture requires specific preprocessing steps which affects their training and predictive performance. Both proposed architectures use subsurface offset gathers obtained from reverse time migration with an extended imaging condition as input and are trained to predict the salt inclusions. The velocity model used in migration is a reasonable approximation of sediment velocity but without salt inclusions. Thus, the migration model and, consequently, the migrated images are inaccurate due to the absence of the salt inclusion in the model using just the sediment velocity information for the segmentation. A similar salt inclusion methodology was previously validated for two‐dimensional approaches; we extend it to the three‐dimensional case. Our approach relies on subsurface common image gathers to focus the sediments' reflections around the zero offset and spread salt reflections' energy over large subsurface offsets. The results show that both proposed network models can accurately delineate the salt bodies in the test models, but when evaluating the trained networks for the three‐dimensional SEG/EAGE salt model, the architecture with convolutional long short‐term memory units has proven to generalize better.
A single Prochlorococcus ecotype dominates the tropical Bay of Bengal with ultradian growth
Authors: Grone Jonathan , Poirier Camille , Abbott Kathleen , Wittmers Fabian , Jaeger Gualtiero Spiro , Mahadevan Amala , Worden Alexandra Z.
Published: March 2024

The Bay of Bengal (BoB) spans >2.2 million km2 in the northeastern Indian Ocean and is bordered by dense populations that depend upon its resources. Over recent decades, a shift from larger phytoplankton to picoplankton has been reported, yet the abundance, activity, and composition of primary producer communities are not well‐characterized. We analysed the BoB regions during the summer monsoon. Prochlorococcus ranged up to 3.14 × 105 cells mL−1 in the surface mixed layer, averaging 1.74 ± 0.46 × 105 in the upper 10 m and consistently higher than Synechococcus and eukaryotic phytoplankton. V1‐V2 rRNA gene amplicon analyses showed the High Light II (HLII) ecotype formed 98 ± 1% of Prochlorococcus amplicons in surface waters, comprising six oligotypes, with the dominant oligotype accounting for 65 ± 4% of HLII. Diel sampling of a coherent water mass demonstrated evening onset of cell division and rapid Prochlorococcus growth between 1.5 and 3.1 div day−1, based on cell cycle analysis, as confirmed by abundance‐based estimates of 2.1 div day−1. Accumulation of Prochlorococcus produced by ultradian growth was restricted by high loss rates. Alongside prior Arabian Sea and tropical Atlantic rates, our results indicate Prochlorococcus growth rates should be reevaluated with greater attention to latitudinal zones and influences on contributions to global primary production.
Designing healthier and more sustainable ultraprocessed foods
Authors: McClements David Julian
Published: March 2024

The food industry has been extremely successful in creating a broad range of delicious, affordable, convenient, and safe food and beverage products. However, many of these products are considered to be ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) that contain ingredients and are processed in a manner that may cause adverse health effects. This review article introduces the concept of UPFs and briefly discusses food products that fall into this category, including beverages, baked goods, snacks, confectionary, prepared meals, dressings, sauces, spreads, and processed meat and meat analogs. It then discusses correlations between consumption levels of UPFs and diet‐related chronic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes. The different reasons for the proposed ability of UPFs to increase the risk of these chronic diseases are then critically assessed, including displacement of whole foods, high energy densities, missing phytochemicals, contamination with packaging chemicals, hyperpalatability, harmful additives, rapid ingestion and digestion, and toxic reaction products. Then, potential strategies to overcome the current problems with UPFs are presented, including reducing energy density, balancing nutritional profile, fortification, increasing satiety response, modulating mastication and digestion, reengineering food structure, and precision processing. The central argument is that it may be possible to reformulate and reengineer many UPFs to improve their healthiness and sustainability, although this still needs to be proved using rigorous scientific studies.
Climate Change Mitigation in Agriculture beyond 2030: Options for Carbon Pricing and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms
Authors: Spiegel Alisa , Heidecke Claudia , Fournier Gabela Julio G. , Stepanyan Davit , Söder Mareike , Freund Florian , Gocht Alexander , Banse Martin , Osterburg Bernhard
Published: March 2024

In the EU's climate policy, agriculture is covered as an Effort‐Sharing (ESR) sector, i.e. a sector beyond the Emission Trading System and LULUCF. Despite ambitious climate targets for the ESR sectors and an emerging focus on the need for agriculture to make a substantial contribution to climate change mitigation, agriculture has contributed much less to achieving climate targets than other ESR sectors in most EU Member States. A more radical mitigation instrument is required since the potential to increase climate efficiency in EU agriculture is limited. Carbon pricing is considered an effective instrument and is widely adopted in other sectors worldwide. Options on how to reduce related carbon leakage are discussed. Our recommendations for efficient climate change mitigation policy in agriculture are threefold. First, the agricultural sector needs more precise guidance and clear climate targets. Second, although preventing all conflicts between climate change mitigation actions and other policy goals is impossible and inefficient, a policy could minimise adverse effects. Third, since agricultural GHG emissions can only be minimised and compensated by negative emissions in other sectors, well‐defined intersectoral coordination is required.
The association between genetic polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinases and knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jiang Xu , Wang Qianqian , Wang Chao , Zhang Yanzhuo , Wei Zhenjie , Wu Zhimin , Yu Shunan , Wu Chengai
Published: March 2024

Aim

To investigate the linkage of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) gene polymorphisms with the pathogenesis of knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

This meta‐analysis study systematically retrieved relevant studies from PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central, Wanfang Data, CNKI, and SinoMed up to November 2020. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate the association between MMP gene polymorphisms and OA.

Results

A total of nine case–control studies comprising 1719 knee OA patients and 1904 controls were included in this meta‐analysis. The results revealed that MMP‐1‐1607 (rs1799750) 1G/2G polymorphism was not significantly associated with knee OA risk in four genetic models (OR (95% CI): allele model: 0.89 (0.57, 1.40), p = .615); dominant mode: 0.82 (0.47, 1.44), p = .486; recessive model: 0.88 (0.49, 1.57), p = .659; homozygote model: 0.79 (0.34, 1.82), p = .576. The association was significant for dominant model of MMP‐3 C/T: 1.54 (1.10–2.15), p = .013, especially in Asian ethnicity (1.63 (1.11, 2.39), p = .013). Variants of MMP‐13 C/T polymorphism were associated with increased risk of knee OA development based on dominant model: 1.56 (1.19, 2.06), p = .001 and homozygote model: 2.12 (1.44, 3.13), p < .001, and there were significant associations between MMP‐13 C/T polymorphism and knee OA risk in Asian ethnicity under different genetic models (all p > .05).

Conclusions

Present evidence suggested that the gene polymorphisms of MMP‐1‐1607 1G/2G may not be associated with the risk of OA. But, the dominant model of MMP‐3 and MMP‐13 polymorphisms in Asian ethnicity was significantly correlated with knee OA.
Risk analysis of Spanish companies
Authors: Rodríguez‐Sanz Juan Antonio , Vallelado Eleuterio , Fernández‐Martín Miguel
Published: March 2024

This paper aims to investigate the determinants of different types of market risk faced by Spanish firms from 2012 to 2019. Using Fama and French's (Journal of Financial Economics, 1993, 33, 3) three‐factor model, we estimate total risk, diversifiable risk, and systematic or non‐diversifiable risk in the three dimensions proposed by these authors: market risk, size risk, and valuation risk. Risk determinants are derived from a series of economic and financial variables obtained from the information contained in financial statements. This information is summarised using a factor analysis that aims to resolve the correlation issues between the proposed measures. The study demonstrates that the systematic risk factors proposed by Fama and French in their 1993 three‐factor model incorporate dimensions of systematic risk that are relevant to investors and that the set of economic and financial variables proposed can explain these risks. Among these variables, profitability and the market to book ratio have the greatest impact in explaining company risk, while factors such as operating and financial leverage, growth, or company insolvency have a much smaller effect as explanatory factors for risk.
Mapping research on corporate misconduct in banking: Lessons from literature on preventive and punitive actions
Authors: Rodríguez‐Arrojo Rita , Luna Manuel , Vázquez‐Ordás Camilo J. , García‐Olalla Myriam
Published: March 2024

Advanced societies are increasingly concerned about corporate misconduct. Citizens are more willing to penalize it, and regulators are punishing companies more significantly than ever before. In particular, while reputation is a key asset for any business, corporate conduct has proven to be especially relevant in the banking industry. The present paper explores the main research efforts carried out on this topic, aiming to learn lessons from a comparison of studies focused on preventive and punitive actions. To accomplish this, we selected relevant corporate misconduct papers from the Web of Science, conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to understand the role of banking industry‐oriented research, and finally, performed a systematic review to distinguish between articles addressing impact measurement and those focusing on prevention. The results allowed us to respond to the unanswered questions regarding the particularities of the banking industry that make it require further and independent analysis and to the debate about whether the current regulation led to certain unwanted effects. Among those many lessons, one is strikingly important as most studies coincide in the conclusion that, instead of the current actions, more effort should be put into efficient prevention methods, such as education for more ethical corporate and individual behavior.
Effects of food resources on the longevity, survival, and fecundity of Paracentrobia subflava adults, an egg parasitoid of the corn leafhopper pest Dalbulus maidis
Authors: Torres‐Moreno Rosaura , Moya‐Raygoza Gustavo
Published: March 2024

The diet consumed by adult parasitoids can affect longevity, survival, and fecundity. Honeydew from sap‐sucking insects is an abundant food resource in the field; however, artificial diets such as commercial bee honey are often used in lab rearing. The parasitoid Paracentrobia subflava (Girault) (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) is a natural enemy of Dalbulus maidis (DeLong) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). The longevity and survival of P. subflava when fed natural and artificial diets under controlled conditions have not been studied. Further, the fecundity of P. subflava when fed a diet of honey has not been investigated. Therefore, our first objective was to analyse the longevity and survival of P. subflava when fed (1) honeydew of the corn leafhopper D. maidis, (2) honey + water, (3) honey + water + pollen, (4) water, and (5) nothing (control). Our second objective was to evaluate P. subflava fecundity upon exposure to D. maidis eggs, comparing parasitoids fed with honey + water versus controls (no food or water). In the second objective, honey was chosen since it was determined during the first objective to be the optimal food. The longevity of adult parasitoids (laboratory‐reared and field‐collected) was high when fed on honey and low when fed other diets. The highest longevity was achieved with honey + water: 17 days, while the survival of adult parasitoids was only 3 days for honeydew. Interestingly, fecundity, in terms of the percentage of parasitism and the percentage of emergence, did not differ between parasitoid females that had access to honey + water as a food resource and those that had no food or water.