bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dirac spectral density in
Nf=2+1
QCD at
T=230  MeV
Authors: Alexandru Andrei , Bonanno Claudio , D’Elia Massimo , Horváth Ivan 
Published: October 2024

We compute the renormalized Dirac spectral density in Nf=2+1 QCD at physical quark masses, temperature T=230  MeV, and system size Ls=3.4  fm. To that end, we perform a pointwise continuum limit of the staggered density in lattice QCD with staggered quarks. We find, for the first time, that a clear infrared structure (IR peak) emerges in the density of the Dirac operator describing dynamical quarks. We also provide numerical evidence that a component of this peak, which becomes dominant in the thermodynamic limit, is due to a nontrivial accumulation of near-zero modes. Features of this structure are consistent with those previously attributed to the recently proposed IR phase of thermal QCD. Our results (i) provide the only complete first-principles evidence that these IR features exist and are physical, (ii) improve the upper bound for IR phase transition temperature TIR so that the new window is 200<TIR<230  MeV, and (iii) are consistent with the nonrestoration of anomalous UA(1) symmetry (chiral limit) below T=230  MeV.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Effects of Sn addition in W-doped Ag paste against electrochemical corrosion and sulfurization
Authors: Shih Huei-Jyun , Lee Ying-Chieh , Pan Jing-Ru , Chung Claire 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
This study aims to address these challenges by enhancing the resistance of Ag-based pastes to corrosion and sulfurization, thereby improving their performance and weatherability in high-power and high-frequency electronic applications.

Design/methodology/approach
This study investigates the influence of Sn doping in W-doped Ag paste to enhance resistance against electrochemical corrosion and sulfurization. A systematic examination was conducted using transient liquid phase sintering and solid–liquid inter-diffusion techniques to understand the microstructural and electrochemical properties.

Findings
This study found that Sn addition in W-doped Ag paste significantly improves its resistance to electrochemical corrosion and sulfurization. The sintering process at 600°C led to the formation of an Ag2WO4 phase at the grain boundaries, which, along with the presence of Sn, effectively inhibited the growth of Ag2WO4 grains. The 0.5% Sn-doped samples exhibited optimal anti-corrosion properties, demonstrating a longer grain boundary length and a passivation effect that significantly reduced the corrosion rate. No Ag2S phase was detected in the weatherability tests, confirming the enhanced durability of the doped samples.

Originality/value
The findings of this study highlight the potential of Sn-doped Ag-W composites as a promising material for electronic components, particularly in environments prone to sulfurization and corrosion. By improving the anti-corrosion properties and reducing the grain size, this study offers a new approach to extending the lifespan and reliability of electronic devices, making a significant contribution to the development of advanced materials for high-power and high-frequency applications.
Beyond the myth: understanding women's impulsive retail footwear shopping
Authors: Duarte Paulo , Silva Susana C. , Magro Margarida , Dias Joana Carmo 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThis research focuses on common misconceptions about the factors driving women to purchase footwear impulsively. Its primary objective is to explore how emotional and social triggers specifically influence women's purchasing decisions, contrasting with the traditionally rational consumer models.Design/methodology/approachAn online questionnaire was administered to a sample of women, yielding 199 useable responses.FindingsThe findings reveal the key determinants of women's impulsive retail footwear purchases, which include self-regulation, hedonic motivations and the influence of the retail store environment. This research challenges the prevailing assumption that women's passion for shopping is driven solely by inherent characteristics and suggests that external factors substantially shape their impulsive buying behaviour. In summary, the stereotypical portrayal of women as compulsive retail footwear shoppers may result more from external stimuli and environmental factors rather than an intrinsic trait.Originality/valueThis study improves the existing knowledge of women’s impulsive buying behaviour by unveiling the determinants of women's impulsive footwear purchases and assessing whether prevailing stereotypes hold true.
The future of tourism: an interview with Leslie Vella about the future of tourism in Malta
Authors: Yeoman Ian Seymour , Vella Leslie 
Published: October 2024

PurposeAs the Journal of Tourism Futures celebrates its 10th Anniversary, Dr Ian Yeoman (Hotel Management School Leeuwarden) interviews Leslie Vella (Malta Tourism Authority) about the future of tourism in Malta, drawing upon a series of scenarios as a reflective learning tool.Design/methodology/approachA personal interview.FindingsThe interview discusses the future of tourism in Malta raising issues and reflections, through four scenarios that portray the Mediterranean island: Scenario 1: A Regenerative Future – Reposition, Realignment and Refocus (Transformation), Scenario 2: A Sustainable Pathway – Adaption and Innovative Growth (Growth), Scenario 3: Europe’s Second Class – Second Choice Destination (Stagnation) and Scenario 4: No Tourism (Collapse).Originality/valueUpon critical reflection, scenarios can be seen as a powerful learning device to frame, surface and discuss issues associated with tourism, in this case in Malta.
The expensive son hypothesis
Authors: Invernizzi Lucas , Lemaître Jean‐François , Douhard Mathieu 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In its initial form, the expensive son hypothesis postulates that sons from male‐biased sexually dimorphic species require more food during growth than daughters, which ultimately incur fitness costs for mothers predominantly producing and rearing sons.

We first dissect the evolutionary framework in which the expensive son hypothesis is rooted, and we provide a critical reappraisal of its differences from other evolutionary theories proposed in the field of sex allocation. Then, we synthesize the current (and absence of) support for the costs of producing and rearing sons on maternal fitness components (future reproduction and survival).

Regarding the consequences in terms of future reproduction, we highlight that species with pronounced sexual size dimorphism display a higher cost of sons than of daughters on subsequent reproductive performance, at least in mammals. However, in most studies, the relative fitness costs of producing and rearing sons and daughters can be due to sex‐biased maternal allocation strategies rather than differences in energetic demands of offspring, which constitutes an alternative mechanism to the expensive son hypothesis stricto sensu.

We observe that empirical studies investigating the differential costs of sons and daughters on maternal survival in non‐human animals remain rare, especially for long‐term survival. Indeed, most studies have investigated the influence of offspring sex (or litter sex ratio) at year T on survival at year T + 1, and they rarely provide a support to the expensive son hypothesis. On the contrary, in humans, most studies have focused on the relationship between proportion of sons and maternal lifespan, but these results are inconsistent.

Our study highlights new avenues for future research that should provide a comprehensive view of the expensive son hypothesis, by notably disentangling the effects of offspring behaviour from the effect of sex‐specific maternal allocation. Moreover, we emphasize that future studies should also embrace the mechanistic side of the expensive son hypothesis, largely neglected so far, by deciphering the physiological pathways linking son's production to maternal health and fitness.
Patient controlled epidural analgesia during labor: Protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Henriksen Magnus Grønbæk , Svensson Nikoline , Møller Ann Merete 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundChildbirth remains one of the most painful experiences for women. Patient‐controlled epidural analgesia provides the women in labor with self‐control and thereby a shorter time interval between onset of pain and administration of analgesia, thus potentially improving the childbirth experience. This scoping review aims to investigate PCEA during labor involving maternal satisfaction, risks of adverse effects and obstetric interventions by mapping the evidence and identifying gaps in the current evidence base.MethodsThe forthcoming review will adhere to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) and the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. A systematic search will be carried out across major peer‐reviewed databases and gray literature will be sought. All study types involving women in labor receiving PCEA will be eligible for inclusion. The extracted data will be charted regarding trial characteristics, population/participation characteristics, interventions, outcomes, and key findings.ResultsThe results will be presented through relevant tables, figures, and graphs when appropriate. Alongside this, we present the data descriptively to explain how the results align with the objectives of the review.ConclusionPCEA offers women greater autonomy during childbirth, making it essential to examine its effects and potential risks. By mapping current evidence regarding PCEA, this review aims to identify knowledge gaps and provide insights to enhance maternal care and improve childbirth experiences.
Impact of childhood psoriasis on children and parents during transition to adolescence: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Day Marianne , Heapy Connor , Norman Paul , Emerson Lisa‐Marie , Murphy Ruth , Hughes Olivia , Thompson Andrew R. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectivesPsoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can develop at any age. Childhood psoriasis can lead to stigmatization and reduced quality of life in children and parents. This study aimed to gather a detailed family‐level understanding of the experience of childhood psoriasis during the time of transition to adolescence.DesignA multi‐perspectival interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used.MethodsSixteen semi‐structured interviews with eight parent–child dyads were conducted and analysed in accordance with IPA principles.ResultsThree superordinate themes and three sub‐themes were identified: 1. ‘Transition and transaction’ including: 1.1 ‘Shifting responsibilities and self‐efficacy’; 2. ‘Stigma and social impact’; and 3. ‘The treatment journey’ including: 3.1 ‘Finding an effective treatment’, 3.2 ‘Coping with on‐going management’. Uncertainties surrounding treatment options were an initial focus of difficulty for families. In adolescence, the difficulty shifted to be more identity focussed as the responsibility for disease management and the increased awareness on body image posed added challenges. Both parents and children described visibility and stigma as the most distressing aspects of living with psoriasis and experienced negative emotions that resurfaced during adolescence.ConclusionsThis study suggests that childhood psoriasis can have a significant impact on children, particularly as they begin to transition to adolescence. Findings also highlight the burden of psoriasis for parents. As such, psychological interventions (such as adapted forms of mindfulness‐based Cognitive‐Behavioural‐Therapy) are needed to target and reduce stress. Such interventions are likely to require a systemic focus and support validation of the real impact and fear of stigmatization.
Daily effects of a brief compassion‐focused intervention for self‐compassion
Authors: Varley Deanna , Sherwell Chase S. , Kirby James N. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractInterventions for increasing self‐compassion are typically assessed through retrospective reports, which may not accurately capture everyday self‐compassionate behaviour. Our study addresses this using experience sampling to evaluate a brief compassion‐focused intervention's effects on needs for self‐compassion, awareness of opportunities for self‐compassion, self‐compassionate behaviour and emotional responses to one's distress in daily life. Results indicated that the intervention was associated with less likelihood of reporting needs and opportunities for self‐compassion but with no difference in self‐compassionate actions or emotional experience. When participants acted self‐compassionately, they reported more positive emotional experiences after needing self‐compassion. This underscores the disparity between retrospective and ecological assessments, emphasizing the need for interventions to be evaluated in real‐life contexts.
Pharmacokinetics and cardioprotective efficacy of intravenous miR‐125b* microRNA mimic in a mouse model of acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Szabados Tamara , Makkos András , Ágg Bence , Benczik Bettina , Brenner Gábor G. , Szabó Márta , Váradi Barnabás , Vörös Imre , Gömöri Kamilla , Varga Zoltán V. , Görbe Anikó , Bencsik Péter , Ferdinandy Péter 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackground and purposeMicroRNA (miRNA) therapy is a promising approach to induce cardioprotection. We have previously identified cardiac microRNA‐125b* (microRNA‐125b‐2‐3p; miR‐125b*) as a potential cardioprotective miRNA, termed ProtectomiR. We aimed to characterize the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and the effect of miR‐125b* mimic on infarct size using an in vivo mouse model.Experimental approachTo characterize the pharmacokinetics properties of miR‐125b* mimic, a single injection of 10‐μg miR‐125b* mimic or its scramble miRNA control, or vehicle i.v. was given to C57BL/6 mice. MiR‐125b* expression was measured from plasma, heart, kidney and liver samples. Effect of miR‐125b* on area at risk and infarct size was assessed after 45‐min coronary occlusion, followed by 24‐h reperfusion; 10‐μg miR‐125b* mimic or 10‐μg non‐targeting miRNA mimic control or vehicle were administered via the right jugular vein at 10th mins of coronary occlusion. To assess molecular mechanism involved in cardioprotection, expression of mRNA targets of miR‐125b* were measured from ventricular myocardium at 1, 2, 4, 8 or 24 h post‐treatment using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction.Key resultsMiR‐125b* expression was markedly increased in plasma and myocardium 1 h, and in the liver 2h after treatment. Infarct size was significantly reduced after miR‐125b* mimic treatment when compared to the vehicle. The expression of Ccna2, Eef2k and Cacnb2 target mRNAs was significantly reduced 8 h after injection of miR‐125b* mimic.Conclusion and implicationsThis is the first demonstration of pharmacokinetic and molecular pharmacodynamic properties as well as the cardioprotective effect of miR‐125b* mimic in vivo.LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed issue Non‐coding RNA Therapeutics. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v182.2/issuetoc
MISNeR: Medical Implicit Shape Neural Representation for Image Volume Visualisation
Authors: Jin G. , Jung Y. , Bi L. , Kim J. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThree‐dimensional visualisation of mesh reconstruction of the medical images is commonly used for various clinical applications including pre / post‐surgical planning. Such meshes are conventionally generated by extracting the surface from volumetric segmentation masks. Therefore, they have inherent limitations of staircase artefacts due to their anisotropic voxel dimensions. The time‐consuming process for manual refinement to remove artefacts and/or the isolated regions further adds to these limitations. Methods for directly generating meshes from volumetric data by template deformation are often limited to simple topological structures, and methods that use implicit functions for continuous surfaces, do not achieve the level of mesh reconstruction accuracy when compared to segmentation‐based methods. In this study, we address these limitations by combining the implicit function representation with a multi‐level deep learning architecture. We introduce a novel multi‐level local feature sampling component which leverages the spatial features for the implicit function regression to enhance the segmentation result. We further introduce a shape boundary estimator that accelerates the explicit mesh reconstruction by minimising the number of the signed distance queries during model inference. The result is a multi‐level deep learning network that directly regresses the implicit function from medical image volumes to a continuous surface model, which can be used for mesh reconstruction from arbitrary high volume resolution to minimise staircase artefacts. We evaluated our method using pelvic computed tomography (CT) dataset from two public sources with varying z‐axis resolutions. We show that our method minimised the staircase artefacts while achieving comparable results in surface accuracy when compared to the state‐of‐the‐art segmentation algorithms. Furthermore, our method was 9 times faster in volume reconstruction than comparable implicit shape representation networks.
Variable offsets and processing of implicit forms toward the adaptive synthesis and analysis of heterogeneous conforming microstructure
Authors: Hong Q. Y. , Antolin P. , Elber G. , Kim M.‐S. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe synthesis of porous, lattice, or microstructure geometries has captured the attention of many researchers in recent years. Implicit forms, such as triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) has captured a significant attention, recently, as tiles in lattices, partially because implicit forms have the potential for synthesizing with ease more complex topologies of tiles, compared to parametric forms. In this work, we show how variable offsets of implicit forms could be used in lattice design as well as lattice analysis, while graded wall and edge thicknesses could be fully controlled in the lattice and even vary within a single tile. As a result, (geometrically) heterogeneous lattices could be created and adapted to follow analysis results while maintaining continuity between adjacent tiles. We demonstrate this ability on several 3D models, including TPMS.
Bride kidnapping and informal governance institutions
Authors: Porreca Zachary 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBride kidnapping, a forced marriage practice, has surged in post‐Soviet Kyrgyzstan alongside a revival of traditional values. The central government has empowered councils of elders, or aksakals, to handle local disputes based on cultural norms, including bride kidnapping. This study uses data from a national survey and a latent class nested logit model to examine how aksakal governance influences men's decisions to kidnap brides. Findings indicate that living under aksakal governance makes men 9% more likely to obtain a wife through bride capture, with men substituting kidnapping for choice marriage modalities such as elopement and standard love marriages.
Non‐Native, Non‐Naturalised Plants Suffer Less Herbivory Than Native Plants Across European Botanical Gardens
Authors: Ivison Katy , van Kleunen Mark , Speed James D. M. , Vange Vibekke , Pujara Sonia , Boch Steffen , Enters Dirk , Groom Quentin , Janovský Zdeněk , Jeschke Jonathan M. , Joshi Jasmin , Kolb Annette , Kollmann Johannes , Koubek Tomáš , Lemke Tristan , Matthies Diethart , Raabová Jana , Tielbörger Katja , Dawson Wayne 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTAimThe enemy release hypothesis states that the invasion success of non‐native species is partly due to their escape from natural enemies, e.g., herbivores. Large‐scale studies of herbivory using multiple species across multiple sites are needed to test the generality of herbivory release in non‐native plants.LocationEurope.MethodsWe carried out leaf‐herbivory surveys from 2007 to 2021 in 15 botanical gardens ranging in latitude from 47°N (Switzerland) to 63°N (Norway) to investigate how herbivory levels differed between (i) native and non‐native species, and (ii) native and non‐naturalised or naturalised species.ResultsOverall, we found that herbivory levels were lower on non‐native than native species. In addition, we found that non‐naturalised plants suffered less herbivory than natives and that naturalised plants showed similar levels of herbivory to native plants.Main ConclusionsWe find broad support for lower herbivory of non‐native plant species compared to natives. However, the stronger reduction in herbivory for non‐naturalised plants suggests that herbivore release may be transient and less pronounced for naturalised non‐native species that have become abundant and integrated into resident communities. This has implications for the management of naturalised non‐native plants, which are performing well in their non‐native ranges despite suffering comparable herbivory levels to native species.
Should I Stay or Should I Go? Children's Persistence in the Context of Diminishing Rewards
Authors: Kim Seokyung , Berry Daniel , Carlson Stephanie M. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTPersistence on a task is both beneficial and costly, so it is important to understand how children learn to effectively balance between perseverance and seeking alternatives to reach a goal by monitoring their performance and tracking their progress over time (“adaptive persistence”). Typically developing children (N = 136) ages 3–7 years in the Midwest United States were invited to catch pretend fish at 7 ordered ponds with increasing numbers of fish. Unbeknownst to children, however, the probability of catching fish decreased across successive ponds, making it most rational to briefly “explore” new ponds to learn the payoff structure and then to “exploit” the earlier ponds before their chances ended. A latent class analysis of children's choices suggested three distinct patterns: (a) Explorers (55%), who repeatedly explored novel ponds, despite their lower rewards, (b) Exploiters (24%), who rapidly returned to earlier, more lucrative ponds, and (c) Balancers (21%), who began by exploring novel ponds but later returned to exploit the earlier, more lucrative ponds. Older children showed a greater probability of being classified as Exploiters or Balancers over Explorers. Controlling for age, children with higher executive function and metacognition tended to be classified as Balancers or Exploiters rather than Explorers. These findings suggest that self‐regulation is a potential target for interventions aiming to support children's effective and fulfilling decisions.