bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of generative artificial intelligence on socioeconomic inequalities and policy making
Authors: Capraro Valerio , Lentsch Austin , Acemoglu Daron , Akgun Selin , Akhmedova Aisel , Bilancini Ennio , Bonnefon Jean-François , Brañas-Garza Pablo , Butera Luigi , Douglas Karen M , Everett Jim A C , Gigerenzer Gerd , Greenhow Christine , Hashimoto Daniel A , Holt-Lunstad Julianne , Jetten Jolanda , Johnson Simon , Kunz Werner H , Longoni Chiara , Lunn Pete , Natale Simone , Paluch Stefanie , Rahwan Iyad , Selwyn Neil , Singh Vivek , Suri Siddharth , Sutcliffe Jennifer , Tomlinson Joe , van der Linden Sander , Van Lange Paul A M , Wall Friederike , Van Bavel Jay J , Viale Riccardo
Published: June 2024

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to both exacerbate and ameliorate existing socioeconomic inequalities. In this article, we provide a state-of-the-art interdisciplinary overview of the potential impacts of generative AI on (mis)information and three information-intensive domains: work, education, and healthcare. Our goal is to highlight how generative AI could worsen existing inequalities while illuminating how AI may help mitigate pervasive social problems. In the information domain, generative AI can democratize content creation and access but may dramatically expand the production and proliferation of misinformation. In the workplace, it can boost productivity and create new jobs, but the benefits will likely be distributed unevenly. In education, it offers personalized learning, but may widen the digital divide. In healthcare, it might improve diagnostics and accessibility, but could deepen pre-existing inequalities. In each section, we cover a specific topic, evaluate existing research, identify critical gaps, and recommend research directions, including explicit trade-offs that complicate the derivation of a priori hypotheses. We conclude with a section highlighting the role of policymaking to maximize generative AI's potential to reduce inequalities while mitigating its harmful effects. We discuss strengths and weaknesses of existing policy frameworks in the European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom, observing that each fails to fully confront the socioeconomic challenges we have identified. We propose several concrete policies that could promote shared prosperity through the advancement of generative AI. This article emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaborations to understand and address the complex challenges of generative AI.
Book bans in political context: Evidence from US schools
Authors: Goncalves Marcelo S O , Langrock Isabelle , LaViolette Jack , Spoon Katie
Published: June 2024

In the 2021–2022 school year, more books were banned in US school districts than in any previous year. Book banning and other forms of information censorship have serious implications for democratic processes, and censorship has become a central theme of partisan political rhetoric in the United States. However, there is little empirical work on the exact content, predictors of, and repercussions of this rise in book bans. Using a comprehensive dataset of 2,532 bans that occurred during the 2021–2022 school year from PEN America, combined with county-level administrative data, multiple book-level digital trace datasets, restricted-use book sales data, and a new crowd-sourced dataset of author demographic information, we find that (i) banned books are disproportionately written by people of color and feature characters of color, both fictional and historical, in children's books; (ii) right-leaning counties that have become less conservative over time are more likely to ban books than neighboring counties; and (iii) national and state levels of interest in books are largely unaffected after they are banned. Together, these results suggest that rather than serving primarily as a censorship tactic, book banning in this recent US context, targeted at low-interest children's books featuring diverse characters, is more similar to symbolic political action to galvanize shrinking voting blocs.
Relationship between menopausal hormone therapy and colorectal cancer: a cohort study utilizing the health insurance database in South Korea (HISK)-II
Authors: Yuk Jin-Sung , Noh Ji Hyun , Kim Myoung Hwan , Han Gwan Hee , Kim Jungbin , Cho Hyunjin , Gwak Geumhee , Lee Yujin
Published: June 2024

Objective

Many studies have demonstrated that menopausal hormone therapy is associated with a reduced risk for colorectal cancer. This study investigated the relationship between specific hormone therapy regimens and colorectal cancer risk in postmenopausal women in South Korea using national insurance claims data.

Methods

This population-based, retrospective cohort study used insurance data provided by the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service between 2007 and 2020. The hormone therapy group comprised women ≥40 years of age who underwent hormone therapy for the first time between 2011 and 2014. The control group included women ≥40 years of age who visited medical institutions for menopause-related issues during the same period but did not undergo hormone therapy.

Results

After 1:1 propensity score matching, 153,736 women were grouped into either the hormone therapy or nonhormone therapy groups. The incidence of colorectal cancer was 46 and 53 per 100,000 person-years in the nonhormone therapy and hormone therapy groups, respectively. Hormone therapy was associated with an increased risk for colorectal cancer (hazard ratio 1.124 [95% confidence interval 1.002-1.261]). Subgroup analysis, according to hormone therapy type, revealed no significant differences in the risk of colorectal cancer for estrogen plus progestogen or estrogen therapy alone; however, tibolone was associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer compared to nonhormone therapy (hazard ratio, 1.178 [95% confidence interval, 1.021-1.359]).

Conclusions

This study found an increased risk of colorectal cancer in women receiving hormone therapy, and tibolone was significantly associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. However, the magnitude of the increase was small and unlikely to be of clinical significance.
Analysis of the functional role and mRNA expression of GABABR in the nucleus accumbens of cocaine-addicted rats
Authors: Lan Yan-Ping , Ding Chen-Zhe , Xia Jian-Xue , Yang Yun-Zhen , Zhao Yan-Bin
Published: June 2024

Background:

Drug addiction is a social and medical problem that must be urgently addressed. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is closely related to addiction-related learning memory, and γ-aminobutyric acid type B receptor (GABABR) is a potential target for the treatment of drug addiction. However, the role of GABABR activity levels in the NAc in cocaine addiction is unclear.

Methods:

In this study, we established an animal model of cocaine dependence, modulated the level of GABABR activity, applied a conditioned place preference assay (CPP) to assess the role of the NAc in reconsolidation of addiction memory, evaluated learning and memory functions by behavioral experiments, examined the expression of GB1, GB2, cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (CREB), p-CREB, protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase (ERK), and Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the NAc by molecular biology experiments, and screened differentially significantly expressed genes by transcriptome sequencing.

Results:

Our study showed that the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen (BLF) had a significant effect on locomotor distance in rats, promoted an increase in GABA levels and significantly inhibited the PKA and ERK1/2/CREB/BDNF signaling pathways. Moreover, transcriptome sequencing showed that GABABR antagonist intervention identified a total of 21 upregulated mRNAs and 21 downregulated mRNAs. The differentially expressed (DE) mRNA genes were mainly enriched in tyrosine metabolism; however, further study is needed.

Conclusion:

GABABR activity in the NAc is involved in the regulation of cocaine addiction and may play an important role through key mRNA pathways.
A Qualitative Evaluation of the Acceptability of Shigellosis Prevention Recommendations Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Burns-Lynch Claire , Garcia-Williams Amanda , Besrat Bethlehem , Kachur Rachel , Rosenberger Joshua , Rutt Candace , Vanden Esschert Kayla
Published: June 2024

Background

Shigellosis is diarrheal disease caused by highly infectious Shigella bacteria. Shigella can spread in multiple ways, including sexual contact. Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men are particularly at risk for shigellosis.

Methods

To evaluate the acceptability of 3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention–developed behavioral recommendations for the prevention of sexually transmitted shigellosis, virtual in-depth interviews were conducted among 26 gay or bisexual men in March to May 2021.

Results

Participants had a median age of 25 years; 65% were non-Hispanic White, 12% were Hispanic White, 12% Asian, 4% Hispanic Black, and 8% multiracial/other. Respondents indicated willingness to engage in certain prevention behaviors (e.g., washing hands, genitals, and anus before and after sex), but were less willing to engage in behaviors that were viewed as outside social norms or difficult to practice (e.g., dental dams for oral-anal contact; latex gloves for fingering or fisting). Respondents thought recommendations may be more feasible if knowledge of shigellosis was greater; however, some perceived that the severity of shigellosis is low and did not warrant the effort of engaging in prevention behaviors.

Conclusions

Educational efforts to increase awareness of shigellosis and other enteric diseases spread through sexual contact are needed and public health practitioners should consider the acceptability of how realistic it is for individuals to engage in certain prevention behaviors. Rather than recommending behaviors that do not have buy-in, it may be more efficacious to focus recommendations on adopting behaviors reported as acceptable to the target audience.
Using an Innovative Method for Self-Collection of Capillary Blood for HIV and Syphilis Testing Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Who Use Pre-exposure Prophylaxis in the Netherlands; Limburg4zero
Authors: Goense Cornelia J.D. , Evers Ymke J. , van Loo Inge H.M. , Heuts Rosalie J.M. , Hoebe Christian J.P.A. , Cannon Chase A. , Dukers-Muijrers Nicole H.T.M.
Published: June 2024

Background

Home-based sampling could create accessible testing opportunities for men who have sex with men (MSM) who use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Blood collection is required for the most reliable laboratory results for HIV and syphilis testing. An innovative blood collection method (Tasso+) creates a vacuum and semi-automatically collects larger volumes of blood from the upper arm. This study aimed to assess acceptability and feasibility of this device among PrEP-using MSM and the performance of blood collection.

Methods

Between August 2022 and January 2023, 47 MSM were recruited during their routine PrEP consultations at a Dutch Centre for Sexual Health. Participants tested the method directly after consultation, and an online questionnaire determined acceptability and feasibility. Blood and residual serum volumes were measured after sampling and after HIV and syphilis testing.

Results

Of the participants, 87% had a positive attitude toward use of the device, and 77% would use it again for self-sampling at home. Participants rated the use of the blood collection device as easy (96%). On average, 536 μL whole blood (244 μL serum) was collected. All samples were tested for HIV and syphilis, and most samples had sufficient blood for routine HIV (91%) and syphilis testing (89%). Most samples (85%) had 220 μL residual blood, sufficient for further testing (e.g., confirmation).

Conclusions

Blood self-sampling with a method that creates a vacuum from the upper arm is highly acceptable by users and performs well in blood collection for multiple tests. This method has promising potential for use in home-based sexual health care for PrEP-using MSM.
Feasibility and Acceptability of Point-of-Care Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections in Outpatient Clinics Offering Integrated Services in Eswatini
Authors: Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha Harriet , Simelane Samkelo , Sithole Trevor , Dlamini Sindisiwe , Mavimbela Mpumelelo , Dube Nkululeko , Mamba Siboniso , Mamba Mabutho , Sahabo Ruben , El Sadr Wafaa M. , Abrams Elaine J. , Justman Jessica
Published: June 2024

Background

Lack of point-of-care testing (POCT) for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is a continuing missed opportunity in Sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed feasibility and acceptability of STI POCT in Eswatini.

Methods

Sexually transmitted infection POCT for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) was piloted among sexually active adults 18 to 45 years old attending 2 urban outpatient clinics offering integrated services. Women were randomized 1:1 to provide urine or vaginal swab, and all men provided urine samples for CT/NG testing using Cepheid CT/NG cartridges on existing GeneXpert platforms. Results were returned in-person or by telephone call. We assessed duration of procedures, participant and health care worker acceptability of services (5-point Likert scale), time spent on STI POCT services, and correlates of CT/NG infection.

Results

Of 250 adults triaged, 99% (248 of 250) accepted STI POCT, including 44% (109 of 248) people living with HIV. Sexually transmitted infection POCT procedures took a median of 3:22 hours. Most adults (90% [224 of 248]) received results within a day (61% same day, 29% next day). CT/NG was detected among 22% (55 of 248): 31 of 55 CT, 21 of 55 NG, and 3 of 55 coinfections. Youth 18 to 25 years old, history of any sexual intercourse, and condomless sex within the previous 7 days were significantly associated with CT/NG detected (P < 0.05). Most adults with CT/NG were treated (51 of 55 [93%]). Most participants were satisfied with STI POCT (217 of 241 [90%]) and would accept again/recommend it. All 32 health care workers who participated were satisfied with STI POCT.

Conclusions

Sexually transmitted infection POCT was feasible, acceptable, and identified a high prevalence of STIs, highlighting the urgent need for this testing.
Jaw Thrust: A Simple Predictor of Success in Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis
Authors: La-Anyane Okensama M. , Harmon Kelly A. , Rezania Nikki , Alba Brandon E. , Karas Anatoli F. , Shayegan Behnoosh , Tragos Christina
Published: June 2024

Background:

The hypoplastic mandible in the congenital condition Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) displaces the base of the tongue posteriorly, which results in upper airway obstruction (UAO) that can potentially be corrected with mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO). Jaw thrust (JT) is routinely performed during evaluation of the airway; similar to MDO, it projects the mandible and tongue anteriorly to open the airway. The authors demonstrate that JT can be used as a criterion to predict successful MDO outcomes in infants with PRS.

Methods:

The study was a single-center, retrospective chart review of infants diagnosed with PRS between 2016 and 2023. Data regarding their demographics, comorbid diagnoses, JT success, airway anomalies, laryngeal grade of view, apnea-hypopnea index, and perioperative course were statistically analyzed.

Results:

Of the 16 patients included in the study, 11 had successful relief of their airway obstruction with JT and proceeded with MDO. The unsuccessful JT group had significantly greater proportions of females, birth prematurity, gastrostomies, tracheostomies, and longer hospital stays. In the successful JT group, both the mean laryngeal grade of view (P=0.029) and mean apnea-hypopnea index (P=0.025) improved significantly post-MDO. Post-MDO tracheostomy was also avoided in all but 1 patient who was not previously tracheostomized.

Conclusions:

There is no widely accepted algorithm to guide craniofacial surgeons on the optimal intervention for relieving UAO in infants with PRS. In our institutional experience, patients whose preoperative JT relieved UAO also successfully relieved UAO with MDO. In patients with PRS, JT may be a useful criterion for selecting appropriate candidates for MDO.
Clinical Significance of Diplopia and the Orthoptic Examination in Zygomatic Maxillary Complex Fractures
Authors: Nastro Siniscalchi Enrico , Lo Giudice Giorgio , Calvo Alessandro , Marino Raffaele , Bonavolontà Paola , Dell’Aversana Orabona Giovanni , Squillacioti Antonella , Catalfamo Luciano Maria
Published: June 2024

Literature describes variable rates of diplopia of associated with zygomatic maxillary complex (ZMC) fractures (6% to 40%). The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess the prevalence of diplopia in ZMC fracture patients, the usefulness of the orthoptic evaluation compared with the clinical finger-tracking examination, and to seek possible relations of this symptom with clinical parameters. Data of patients attending the Maxillofacial Surgery Units of the University of Messina and University of Naples “Federico II”, between January 2012 and December 2022 were retrieved. Statistical analysis of positive versus negative diplopia at both the clinical examination and the orthoptic evaluation and subgroup analysis were performed. 320 patients were included in the analysis. 50 (15.6%) patients reported diplopia at the clinical examination, whereas 70 (21.9%) resulted positive at the orthoptic evaluation. Statistical analysis for every determinant and subgroup did not show statistical significance (P>0.05). Performing routine preoperative orthoptic evaluation allowed an increase of 6.3% in positive reports. Although it seems that no basic clinical parameter can predict diplopia, results suggest that the orthoptic evaluation is superior in the assessment of this symptom. Clinical analysis was shown to be a moderate/low efficient test and should not be used as a decisional standard.
The Impact of Sex on Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Thromboprophylaxis in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease Post-revascularization
Authors: Suarez Sasha , Agrawal Aniket , Patel Shiv , Grobman Benjamin , Ghandour Samir , Morena Leela , Rodriguez Adriana , Machlus Kellie , Roy Trisha , Eagleton Matthew , Dua Anahita
Published: June 2024

Objective:

The aim of this prospective study was to (1) objectively quantify the impact of sex on platelet function in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) taking antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications and (2) to develop and test a personalized, iterative algorithm that personalizes thromboprophylaxis that incorporates platelet function testing.

Background:

Women with PAD have worse outcomes as compared with their male counterparts despite having lower risk factors. This health disparity may be mitigated by personalizing thromboprophylaxis regimens.

Methods:

Patients undergoing revascularization were enrolled. Serial thromboelastography (TEG) and TEG with platelet mapping (TEG-PM) were performed up to 6 months postoperatively to determine objective coagulation profiles. In a subset of patients, the Antiplatelet Coagulation Exactness (ACE) algorithm was implemented, where patients were iteratively evaluated with TEG and given antiplatelet medications to maintain platelet inhibition at >29%. Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired t test, analysis of variance, and Fisher exact test.

Results:

One hundred eighty-one patients met the study criteria. Fifty-eight (32%) patients were females and 123 (68%) were males. In the Aspirin cohort, females showed significantly greater clot strength as maximum amplitude – arachidonic acid (MAAA) and significantly lower platelet inhibition than males: (37.26 vs 32.38, P<0.01) and (52.95% vs 61.65%, P<0.05), respectively. In the Clopidogrel cohort, females showed higher Maximum Amplitude – Adenosine Diphosphate (MAADP) (42.58 vs 40.35, P = not significant [NS]) compared with males. Females on dual antiplatelet therapy had higher MAADP (39.74 vs 35.07, P=NS) and lower platelet inhibition (45.25% vs 54.99%, P=NS) than males. The incidence of thrombosis of the revascularized segment, defined as thrombotic event, was objectively identified on an arterial duplex. Women showed significantly higher thrombotic events than men (22.95% vs 10.57%, P<0.05) on the same medication. In our pilot study, implementation of the ACE algorithm led to a significant decrease in the thrombosis rate (3%), including nonthrombotic events for females, versus the historic thrombotic rate (22%) from our institution.

Conclusions:

Women with PAD exhibited higher platelet reactivity, clot strength, and reduced platelet inhibition in response to antiplatelet therapy. The use of the ACE algorithm to tailor antiplatelet medication in patients with PAD post-revascularization, resulted in a significant decrease in thrombotic event rates. This may serve as an opportune way to mitigate outcome sex-specific disparities caused by inadequate thromboprophylaxis in women.
Renoprotective Effects of Metabolic Surgery Versus GLP1 Receptor Agonists on Progression of Kidney Impairment in Patients with Established Kidney Disease
Authors: Aminian Ali , Gasoyan Hamlet , Zajichek Alexander , Alavi Mohammad Hesam , Casacchia Nicholas J. , Wilson Rickesha , Feng Xiaoxi , Corcelles Ricard , Brethauer Stacy A. , Schauer Philip R. , Kroh Matthew , Rosenthal Raul J. , Taliercio Jonathan J. , Poggio Emilio D. , Nissen Steven E. , Rothberg Michael B.
Published: June 2024

Objective:

To examine the renoprotective effects of metabolic surgery in patients with established chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Background:

The impact of metabolic surgery compared with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) in patients with established CKD has not been fully characterized.

Methods:

Patients with obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2), type 2 diabetes, and baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 20-60 mL/min/1.73 m² who underwent metabolic bariatric surgery at a large US health system (2010-2017) were compared with nonsurgical patients who continuously received GLP-1RA. The primary end point was CKD progression, defined as a decline of eGFR by ≥50% or to <15 mL/min/1.73 m2, initiation of dialysis, or kidney transplant. The secondary end point was the incident kidney failure (eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m2, dialysis, or kidney transplant) or all-cause mortality.

Results:

425 patients, including 183 patients in the metabolic surgery group and 242 patients in the GLP-1RA group, with a median follow-up of 5.8 years (IQR, 4.4-7.6), were analyzed. The cumulative incidence of the primary end point at 8 years was 21.7% (95% CI: 12.2-30.6) in the surgical group and 45.1% (95% CI: 27.7 to 58.4) in the nonsurgical group, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.40 (95% CI: 0.21 to 0.76), P=0.006. The cumulative incidence of the secondary composite end point at 8 years was 24.0% (95% CI: 14.1 to 33.2) in the surgical group and 43.8% (95% CI: 28.1 to 56.1) in the nonsurgical group, with an adjusted HR of 0.56 (95% CI: 0.31 to 0.99), P=0.048.

Conclusions:

Among patients with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and established CKD, metabolic surgery, compared with GLP-1RA, was significantly associated with a 60% lower risk of progression of kidney impairment and a 44% lower risk of kidney failure or death. Metabolic surgery should be considered as a therapeutic option for patients with CKD and obesity.
Effective training of nanopore callers for epigenetic marks with limited labelled data
Authors: Yao Brian , Hsu Chloe , Goldner Gal , Michaeli Yael , Ebenstein Yuval , Listgarten Jennifer
Published: June 2024

Nanopore sequencing platforms combined with supervised machine learning (ML) have been effective at detecting base modifications in DNA such as 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and N6-methyladenine (6mA). These ML-based nanopore callers have typically been trained on data that span all modifications on all possible DNA

k

-mer backgrounds—a
complete
training dataset. However, as nanopore technology is pushed to more and more epigenetic modifications, such complete training data will not be feasible to obtain. Nanopore calling has historically been performed with hidden Markov models (HMMs) that cannot make successful calls for

k

-mer contexts not seen during training because of their independent emission distributions. However, deep neural networks (DNNs), which share parameters across contexts, are increasingly being used as callers, often outperforming their HMM cousins. It stands to reason that a DNN approach should be able to better generalize to unseen

k

-mer contexts. Indeed, herein we demonstrate that a common DNN approach (DeepSignal) outperforms a common HMM approach (Nanopolish) in the incomplete data setting. Furthermore, we propose a novel hybrid HMM–DNN approach, amortized-HMM, that outperforms both the pure HMM and DNN approaches on 5mC calling when the training data are incomplete. This type of approach is expected to be useful for calling other base modifications such as 5-hydroxymethylcytosine and for the simultaneous calling of different modifications, settings in which complete training data are not likely to be available.
Neural Prioritisation of Past Solutions Supports Generalisation
Authors: Hall-McMaster Sam , Tomov Momchil S. , Gershman Samuel J. , Schuck Nicolas W.
Published: June 2024

Generalisation from past experience is an important feature of intelligent systems. When faced with a new task, one efficient computational strategy is to evaluate solutions to earlier tasks as candidates for reuse. Consistent with this idea, we found that human participants (n=38) learned optimal solutions to a set of training tasks and generalised them to novel test tasks in a reward selective manner. This behaviour was consistent with a computational process based on the successor representation known as successor features and generalised policy improvement (SF&GPI). Neither model-free perseveration or model-based control using a complete model of the environment could explain choice behaviour. Decoding from functional magnetic resonance imaging data revealed that solutions from the SF&GPI algorithm were activated on test tasks in visual and prefrontal cortex. This activation had a functional connection to behaviour in that stronger activation of SF&GPI solutions in visual areas was associated with increased behavioural reuse. These findings point to a possible neural implementation of an adaptive algorithm for generalisation across tasks.
Dual-frame optimization for informationally complete quantum measurements
Authors: Fischer Laurin E. , Dao Timothée , Tavernelli Ivano , Tacchino Francesco
Published: June 2024

Randomized measurement protocols such as classical shadows represent powerful resources for quantum technologies, with applications ranging from quantum state characterization and process tomography to machine learning and error mitigation. Recently, the notion of measurement dual frames, in which classical shadows are generalized to dual operators of positive operator-valued measure (POVM) effects, resurfaced in the literature. This brought attention to additional degrees of freedom in the postprocessing stage of randomized measurements that are often neglected by established techniques. In this work, we leverage dual frames to construct improved observable estimators from informationally complete measurement samples. We introduce novel classes of parametrized frame superoperators and optimization-free dual frames based on empirical frequencies, which offer advantages over their canonical counterparts while retaining computational efficiency. Remarkably, this comes at almost no quantum or classical cost, thus rendering dual frame optimization a valuable addition to the randomized measurement toolbox.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Entanglement transition and heterogeneity in long-range quadratic Lindbladians
Authors: de Albornoz Alejandro Cros Carrillo , Rose Dominic C. , Pal Arijeet
Published: June 2024

The generation of entanglement in mixed states is relevant to quantum systems coupled to an environment. The dissipative and mixing properties of the environment are unavoidable in physical platforms for quantum simulation and information processing, where entanglement can be a vital resource. In this work, we explore entanglement and heterogeneity in random Lindbladian dynamics describing open quantum systems. We propose a model of a one-dimensional chain of noninteracting, spinless fermions coupled to a local ensemble of baths. The jump operator mediating the interaction with the bath linked to each site has a power-law tail with an exponent p. We show that the system undergoes volume-to-area law entanglement phase transition in the mixed steady state by tuning p which remains stable in the presence of coherent hopping. Unlike the entanglement transition in the pure-state quantum trajectories of open systems, this transition is exhibited by the averaged steady-state density matrix of the Lindbladian. The steady state in the area-law phase is characterized by a spatial heterogeneity in local population imbalance, while the jump operators exhibit a constant participation ratio of the sites they affect. Our work provides a theoretical description of an entanglement transition realized in long-ranged open quantum systems and provides an avenue to stabilize quantum correlations in mixed states.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Novel cross section ratios as possible signals of saturation in ultraperipheral collisions
Authors: Kovchegov Yuri V. , Sun Huachen , Tu Zhoudunming
Published: June 2024

We propose new cross section ratios in ultraperipheral A+A and p+A collisions (UPCs) as a potential experimental signal of saturation physics. We consider the ratio R1 of elastic vector meson photoproduction cross section to the inclusive hadron or jet photoproduction cross section. The ratio can be measured in the γ+A and γ+p collisions taking place in the UPCs. We label the ratios

R

1

(

A

)

and R1(p), respectively. Constructing the double ratio RUPC(A)=R1(A)/R1(p), and performing a small-x calculation both in the quasiclassical approximation and by including small-x evolution, we observe that RUPC(A) exhibits a markedly different dependence on the nuclear atomic number inside and outside the saturation region. This result indicates that RUPC(A) and R1(A) measurements in UPCs may help in the experimental searches for the evidence of saturation physics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Bs→μ+μ−γ
decay rate at large
q2
from lattice QCD
Authors: Frezzotti R. , Tantalo N. , Gagliardi G. , Sanfilippo F. , Simula S. , Lubicz V. , Martinelli G. , Sachrajda C. T.
Published: June 2024

We determine, by means of lattice QCD calculations, the local form factors describing the Bs→μ+μ−γ decay, in the so-called electroquenched approximation. For this analysis we make use of the gauge configurations produced by the ETM Collaboration with Nf=2+1+1 flavor of Wilson-Clover twisted-mass fermions at maximal twist. To obtain the Bs meson form factors, we perform simulations for several heavy-strange meson masses mHs in the range mHs∈[mDs,2mDs], and extrapolate to the physical Bs meson point

m

B

s

≃

5.367

 

 

GeV

making use of the HQET scaling laws. We cover the region of large dimuon invariant masses q2>4.16  GeV, and use our results to determine the branching fraction for Bs→μ+μ−γ, which has been recently measured by LHCb in the region q2>4.9  GeV. The largest contribution to the uncertainty in the partial branching fractions at values of q2<4.8  GeV is now due to resonance and other long-distance effects, including those from “charming penguins,” which we estimate by summing over the contributions from the JP=1− charmonium resonances.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Toward a more complete description of hybrid leptogenesis
Authors: Pramanick Rohan , Ray Tirtha Sankar , Sil Arunansu
Published: June 2024

The hybrid leptogenesis framework combining the type-I and type-II seesaw mechanisms for neutrino mass necessarily include scattering topologies involving both the scalar triplet and the right-handed neutrino. We demonstrate that a systematic inclusion of these mixed scatterings can significantly alter the evolution of the number densities exhibiting, up to a factor ten, deviation in the predicted asymmetry as demonstrated by our benchmark scenarios. We provide quantitative constraints on the degeneracy of the seesaw scales where the complete analysis becomes numerically significant, limiting the validity of leptogenesis being dominated by the lightest seesaw species only.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Low-mass enhancement of kaon pairs in
B+→D¯(*)0K+K¯0
and
B0→D(*)−K+K¯0
decays
Authors: Wang Wen-Fei , Yang Li-Fei , Ma Ai-Jun , Ramos Àngels
Published: June 2024

Very recently, the Belle II collaboration presented a measurement for the decays B+→D¯(*)0K+K¯0 and B0→D(*)−K+K¯0, with the bulk of observed m(K+KS0) distributions showing low-mass structures in all four channels. In this work, we study the contributions of ρ(770,1450)+, a2(1320)+, and a0(980,1450)+ resonances to these decay processes. The intermediate states ρ(770,1450)+ are found to dominate the low-mass distribution of kaon pairs roughly contributing to half of the total branching fraction in each of the four decay channels. The contribution of the tensor a2(1320)+ meson is found to be negligible. Near the threshold of the kaon pair, the state a0(980)+ turns out to be much less important than expected, not being able to account for the enhancement of events in that energy region observed in the B+→D¯(*)0K+K¯0 decays. Further studies both from the theoretical and experimental sides are needed to elucidate the role of the nonresonant contributions governing the formation of K+K¯0 pairs near their threshold in these decay processes.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Colloidal deposits from evaporating sessile droplets: Coffee ring versus surface capture
Authors: Coombs Nathan C. J. , Sprittles James E. , Chubynsky Mykyta V.
Published: June 2024

Suppression of the coffee ring effect is desirable in many industrial applications which utilize colloidal deposition from an evaporating liquid. Here we focus on the role of particle arrest at the liquid-air interface (surface capture) which occurs at high evaporation rates. It is known experimentally that this phenomenon inhibits particles from reaching the contact line, leading to a deposit which is closer to uniform. We are able to describe this effect using a simple 1D modeling framework and, utilizing asymptotic theory, parametrize our model by the ratio of the vertical advection and diffusion timescales. We show that our model is consistent with existing frameworks for small values of this parameter, but also predicts the surface layer formation seen experimentally at high evaporation rates. The formation of a surface layer leads to a deposit morphology which mimics the evaporative flux density and so is closest to uniform when evaporation has a constant strength across the liquid-air interface.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Exploring temporal dependencies among country-level logistics performance indicators
Authors: Qazi Abroon , Al-Mhdawi M.K.S. , Simsekler Mecit Can Emre
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The Logistics Performance Index (LPI), published by the World Bank, is a key measure of national-level logistics performance. It comprises six indicators: customs, infrastructure, international shipments, service quality, timeliness, and tracking and tracing. The objective of this study is to explore temporal dependencies among the six LPI indicators while operationalizing the World Bank’s LPI framework in terms of mapping the input indicators (customs, infrastructure, and service quality) to the outcome indicators (international shipments representing cost, timeliness, and tracking and tracing representing reliability).

Design/methodology/approach

A Bayesian Belief Network (BBN)-based methodology was adopted to effectively map temporal dependencies among variables in a probabilistic network setting. Using forward and backward propagation features of BBN inferencing, critical variables were also identified. A BBN model was developed using the World Bank’s LPI datasets for 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2023, covering the six LPI indicators for 118 countries.

Findings

The prediction accuracy of the model is 88.1%. Strong dependencies are found across the six LPI indicators over time. The forward propagation analysis of the model reveals that “logistics competence and quality” is the most critical input indicator that can influence all three outcome indicators over time. The backward propagation analysis indicates that “customs” is the most critical indicator for improving the performance on the “international shipments” indicator, whereas “logistics competence and quality” can significantly improve the performance on the “timeliness” and “tracking and tracing” indicators. The sensitivity analysis of the model reveals that “logistics competence and quality” and “infrastructure” are the key indicators that can influence the results across the three outcome indicators. These findings provide useful insights to researchers regarding the importance of exploring the temporal modeling of dependencies among the LPI indicators. Moreover, policymakers can use these findings to help their countries target specific input indicators to improve country-level logistics performance.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature on logistics management by exploring the temporal dependencies among the six LPI indicators for 118 countries over the last 14 years. Moreover, this paper proposes and operationalizes a data-driven BBN modeling approach in this unique context.
Assessing the validity and reliability of enabling structure scale in mainland China
Authors: Zhang Wangying , Tsang Kwok Kuen
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Developing an enabling bureaucratic structure for school organization has been an important aim of education governance reforms in China, like many societies across the globe, since the 1990s. However, there is a lack of valid measures to investigate the extent to which the Chinese education governance reforms facilitate the development of the enabling structure of school bureaucracy and examine the antecedents and consequences of enabling school bureaucracy. Thus, the study was conducted to validate the Chinese version of the Enabling Structure Scale (ESS-Ch), which is used to assess school bureaucracy in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The study surveyed 1,146 teachers enrolled in professional development courses provided by a Beijing university. The validation process involved two phases. In the first phase, the sample was divided into three subgroups for exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and cross-validation. In the second phase, reliability and validity were assessed utilizing the entire sample.

Findings

It indicated a four-factor model of the ESS-Ch: enabling formalization, coercive formalization, enabling centralization and hindering centralization. Factor loadings ranged from 0.72 to 0.88, composite reliabilities ranged from 0.82 to 0.95 and values of average variance extracted ranged from 0.61 to 0.80.

Research limitations/implications

The study contributes to the international literature by validating the ESS-Ch so as to provide a standard measure that can be applied in comparative studies on enabling school bureaucracy between Chinese and Western cultures.

Originality/value

The study is original by validating the ESS-Ch based on a sample of 1,146 teachers in China.
Prioritizing evaluation criteria of IoT-driven warehousing startups: a silver lining to the unorganized sector in food supply chain
Authors: Vedapradha R. , Joshi Deepika , Hariharan R.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This research is designed to meet two research objectives: firstly, to weigh up the criteria of Internet of Things (IoT) adoption in warehousing startups; secondly, to rank warehousing startups on the basis of benefits they derive from IoT adoption catering to an unorganized sector in the food supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

A blend of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and complex proportional assessment (COPRAS) methods of multi-criteria decision-making techniques were applied. AHP determined the weights of various criteria using pairwise comparison, and COPRAS technique ranked the 10 warehousing startups on account of performance indicators. The study has been conducted at the warehousing startups of Bangalore, a hub of food warehousing startups.

Findings

The critical findings of the study revealed that these food warehouse startups attain improved productivity in terms of enhancing efficiency when implemented with IoT adoption. When evaluated using both AHP and COPRAS techniques, the combined results show WH5 as the best performing and WH10 as the least performing warehouse startups.

Practical implications

Warehouses that are embarking on their business opportunity in food storage can strategize to leverage the benefits of IoT in terms of food safety and security, capacity planning, layout design, space utilization and resilience.

Originality/value

Despite the numerous research works on food supply chain, the research on IoT in warehousing startups is limited. The rankings for the 10 food warehousing startups integrated with IoT using AHP-COPRAS approaches are the novelty of this work.
Managerial entrenchment, corporate social responsability and the moderating effect of dividend policy: empirical evidence from French listed companies
Authors: Gharbi Manel , Jarboui Anis
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue the relationship between managerial entrenchment (ME), corporate social responsibility (CSR) and dividend policy (DP). Specifically, this paper aims to empirically examine the impact of DP on the relationship between ME, and CSR.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a panel data set of firms listed at France stock exchange over 2010/2021. Both the direct and moderating effects were tested by using multiple regression techniques.

Findings

The results show that the positive relation between CSR and ME is more pronounced in companies where they opt for a DP. However, DP moderates this positive relationship.

Originality/value

This study suggests the dynamic relationship between CSR and ME.
Digital halal literacy and halal destination attribute as the antecedents of revisit intention
Authors: Gaffar Vanessa , Christiyanto Wenda Wahyu , Arissaputra Rivaldi , Abror Abror , Achmad Nurman , Hidayat Esa Fajar Fajar , Siregar Qoriah A , Shahril Aslinda
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the influence of digital halal literacy and halal destination attributes on revisiting intention through satisfaction and trust as mediating variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collected data from 308 domestic tourists in Indonesia who visited urban tourist destinations using a Likert-scale questionnaire, conducted between June and July 2023, and analysed using PLS-SEM for comprehensive data collection.

Findings

Digital halal literacy and halal destination attributes significantly impact tourist satisfaction and trust, potentially leading to the desire to revisit previously visited destinations. The higher the digital halal literacy and halal destination attributes, the higher the satisfaction and trust of tourists towards these destinations, potentially resulting in their intention to revisit.

Research limitations/implications

This study focused on the Greater Bandung area in western Indonesia, a popular tourist destination. Future studies should explore the eastern region and its surroundings, as they do not differentiate between nature-based and man-made tourism.

Practical implications

The absence of information on halal tourism destinations hinders travellers' understanding and decision-making, particularly considering the preference for symbols as a means of communication, a crucial factor that destination managers must consider.

Social implications

Visual elements, such as symbols and signage, significantly influence tourist behaviour and experiences, leading to the decision to revisit the destination.

Originality/value

The integration of digital halal literacy and halal destination attributes offers a comprehensive understanding of halal tourism, particularly in terms of revisit intentions.
Bank FinTech and bank performance: evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Kayed Salah , Alta’any Mohammad , Meqbel Rasmi , Khatatbeh Ibrahim N. , Mahafzah Abdalkareem
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the effects of internal financial technology (FinTech) integration within Jordanian banks on their performance metrics, specifically focusing on profitability, risk-taking and stock returns.

Design/methodology/approach

Using panel data analysis, this study investigates the financial performance of 13 listed commercial banks in Jordan over a decade, from 2010 to 2019, to examine the hypothesized impacts of bank FinTech developments. In addition, several robustness tests addressing potential issues of endogeneity and autocorrelation are conducted to enhance the reliability of the results.

Findings

The results reveal that the bank FinTech development significantly enhances bank profitability and inversely affects risk-taking levels, indicating a substantial and positive impact on financial performance and stability. However, the results suggest no significant evidence of the effect of bank FinTech development on stock return.

Practical implications

The findings advocate for Jordanian commercial banks to continue and expand their investment in FinTech innovations, highlighting the crucial role these technologies play in enhancing financial performance and reducing bank risks. Additionally, these findings suggest that regulatory bodies and policymakers should develop and enhance institutional and regulatory environments to support and guide the FinTech evolution within the banking sector.

Originality/value

This study sheds light on the relatively under-researched area of internal bank FinTech. It provides critical insights into how FinTech integration within banks contributes to their profitability and stability, offering another perspective that enriches the FinTech literature. This contribution is essential for devising future strategies, developing theoretical frameworks and informing policy decisions in the FinTech domain.
How behaviour in terms of pluralistic ignorance affects social commerce intentions
Authors: Chumg Hao-Fan , Shih Sheng-Pao , Hung I-Hua , Tsao Wen-Chin , Chen Jui-Lung
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This research explores the complex interplay of multiple social factors with regard to what might encourage or inhibit users to interact with social commerce (SC).

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate the phenomenon, we developed a model based on goal-directed behaviour and pluralistic ignorance theory (typically generated by universal behavioural adherence to social norms). Based on the 394 valid responses collected from a survey, partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), PROCESS and ANOVA were employed to examine the research hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that pluralistic ignorance and commercial desire positively influence SC intention. More importantly, our results show that the moderating effect of pluralistic ignorance dampens the positive relationship between social subjective norms and commercial desire. The findings also suggest that pluralistic ignorance mediates the relationships between: (1) social identity and SC intentions and (2) fear of isolation and SC intentions.

Originality/value

Consequently, this study reveals that SC intentions result from complex interactions between an individual’s psychology and social phenomena. Theoretical and managerial implications are also discussed to provide for the successful development of strategies regarding SC for researchers and SNSs operators.