bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How customers respond to chatbot anthropomorphism: the mediating roles of perceived humanness and perceived persuasiveness
Authors: Li Yang , Hou Ruolan , Tan Ran
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how chatbots’ warmth and competence affect customer behavioural expectation (i.e. purchase, recommendation) through perceived humanness and perceived persuasiveness. Moreover, prior knowledge of chatbot is considered the boundary condition of the effects of chatbots’ warmth and competence.

Design/methodology/approach

A lab-in-field experiment with 213 participants and a scenario-based experiment of 186 participants were used to test the model using partial least squares structural equation modelling via SmartPLS 4.

Findings

Chatbot warmth positively affects customer behavioural expectation through perceived humanness while chatbot competence positively affects customer behavioural expectation through perceived persuasiveness. Prior knowledge of chatbot positively moderates the effect of chatbot warmth on perceived humanness.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides nuanced insights into the effects of chatbots’ warmth and competence on customer behavioural expectation. Future studies could extend the model by exploring additional boundary conditions of the effects of chatbots’ warmth and competence in different generations.

Practical implications

This study offers insightful suggestions for marketing managers on how to impress and convert online customers through designing verbal scripts in customer−chatbot conversations that encourage the customers to anthropomorphise the chatbots.

Originality/value

This study probes into the effects of chatbots’ warmth and competence on customer behavioural expectation by proposing and examining a novel research model that incorporates perceived humanness and perceived persuasiveness as the explanatory mechanisms and prior knowledge of chatbot as the boundary condition.
Thermo-hydraulic performance of air heat exchanger using prepared ternary HNF: a CFD analysis
Authors: Rai Ranjeet , Kumar Vikash , Sahoo R.R.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Nowadays fossil fuel prices have increased; therefore, consumption of energy reduction has become a significant issue. Hence, this study aims to explore energy-efficient mechanical devices and their energy management.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focused on numerical analysis of various factors, including pressure drop, sensitivity, heat transfer and friction factor. This study compared the performance of two different arrangements of the heat exchanger: flat tube and staggered circular tube. This study also investigated the impact of varying coolant volume fractions.

Findings

This numerical analysis compares the geometric properties of flat and circular tube cross-sections while considering the flow of nanofluid inside and air outside. The current experimental investigation specifically examines the temperature-dependent characteristics (specific heat capacity, viscosity, density and thermal conductivity) of the stable ternary hybrid nanofluid mixture composed of Al2O3, CuO and TiO2.

Originality/value

While several researchers have conducted numerical investigations on laminar flow in circular tubes, only a few studies are available on flat tube heat exchangers that use nanofluids just for internal flow. Furthermore, there is no simultaneous study on internal and exterior flow. Therefore, more investigation is necessary to examine the combined three-dimensional examination of shapes and their thermal-hydraulic influence using hybrid nanofluids.
Multiple exact solutions in tri-hybrid nanofluid flow: a study of elastic surface effects
Authors: Usafzai Waqar Khan , Aly Emad H. , Pop Ioan
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the simultaneous effects of normal wall transpiration, stretching strength parameter, velocity slip and nanoparticles on the flow of a ternary hybrid nanofluid through an elastic surface. The goal is to understand the behavior of the flow field, temperature distribution, skin friction and temperature gradient under these conditions, and to explore the existence and nature of solutions under varying parameter values.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis involves expressing the flow field, power-law temperature field, skin friction and temperature gradient in closed-form formulas. The study examines both stretching and shrinking surfaces, distinguishing between unique and dual solutions. The methodology includes deriving exact solutions for exponential and algebraic temperature and temperature rate formulas analytically by deriving the system of governing equations into ordinary differential equations.

Findings

The study reveals that for a stretching sheet, the solution is unique, whereas dual solutions are observed for a shrinking surface. Special solutions are provided for various parametric values, showing the behavior of the exponential and algebraic temperature and temperature rate, with a focus on identifying turning points that demarcate the existence and non-existence of single or multiple solutions. The solutions are represented through graphs and tables to facilitate a comprehensive qualitative analysis. The research identifies turning points that determine the presence or absence of single or multiple solutions, uncovering multiple solutions for different parameter sets. These findings are displayed graphically and in tabular form, highlighting the complex interplay between the parameters and the resulting flow behavior.

Originality/value

This analysis contributes to the field by providing new insights into the multiple solution phenomena in ternary hybrid nanofluid flows, particularly under the combined effects of normal wall transpiration, stretching strength, velocity slip and nanoparticle presence. The identification of turning points and the exact solutions for various temperature profiles are of significant value, offering a deeper understanding of the factors influencing the flow and thermal characteristics in such systems. The study’s findings have potential applications in optimizing fluid flow in engineering systems where such conditions are prevalent.
Metaverse meetings: fantasy or sustainable future of work?
Authors: Kumar Aman , Shankar Amit , Kumar Rajesh , Vadakki Veetil Ajith Kumar
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study examines the effect of crucial factors (benefits and sacrifices) influencing employees' perceived values (hedonic and utilitarian) towards metaverse meeting platforms. Further, the study investigates the impact of employees' perceived values (hedonic and utilitarian values) on behavioral intention to use metaverse meeting platforms. The study also examines how behavioral intention to use metaverse meeting platforms influences organizational SDG achievement. Finally, the authors analyzed the moderating impact of employee creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 228 participants through structured questionnaires, and the hypotheses were examined using the structural equation modeling approach.

Findings

Social presence and technostress are significantly associated with perceived hedonic value. Further, social presence, exhaustion and technostress are significantly associated with perceived utilitarian value. Similarly, perceived hedonic and utilitarian value is significantly associated with behavioral intention to use metaverse meeting platforms. Further, behavioral intention to use metaverse meeting platforms is also significantly associated with SDG achievement.

Originality/value

The study enriches the existing literature pertaining to the metaverse, strategic human resources, sustainability, employee creativity and technology adoption. The research also enriches the value-based adoption (VAM) and stimulus-organism-response (SOR) theories.
Effect of suspended particles on erosion characteristics of impeller steels utilizing combined CFD and DOE approach
Authors: Singh Gurmeet
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The process of conveyance of solid–liquid mixtures poses a significant challenge due to the considerable wear and tear experienced by critical components. This issue not only affects the lifespan of the system but also jeopardizes its safe operation. The purpose of this study is to numerically and experimentally investigate the erosion wear behavior of impeller steels (SS-410 and S-317) using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Design of Experiments (DOE) techniques, aiming to address the significant challenges posed by wear in slurry transportation systems.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a robust two-phase solid-liquid model combining CFD with Discrete Phase Modeling (DPM) was applied to simulate the effects of coal-ash slurries on impeller steel. Additionally, an experimental evaluation was conducted using the DOE approach to analyze the impact of various parameters on impeller steel. This integrated methodology enabled a comprehensive analysis of erosion wear behavior and the influence of multiple factors on impeller durability by leveraging CFD for fluid flow dynamics and DPM to model particle interactions with the steel surface.

Findings

Simulation results highlight a strong link between particle size and the wear life of impeller steel. Through simulations and experiments on SS-410 and SS-317 under varied conditions, it’s evident that SS-410 outperforms SS-317 due to its higher hardness and density. This is supported by Taguchi’s method, with SS-410 showing a higher Signal-to-Noise ratio. Notably, particle size emerges as the most influential parameter compared to others.

Originality/value

Current research primarily focuses on either CFD or experimentation to predict pump impeller steel erosion wear, lacking relevant erosion mechanism insights and experimental data. This study bridges this gap by employing both CFD and DPM methods to comprehensively investigate particle effects on pump impeller steel and elucidate erosion mechanisms.
The integration of learning experiences: a test of career self-management model
Authors: Ha Jaeyoung , Choi Su Jung
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the integration process by which learning experiences contribute to the development of self-efficacy, with a specific focus on the mediating role of positive and negative emotions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used path analysis to explain five plausible models that describe the relationships between learning experiences. Data were collected and analyzed from Korean undergraduate samples.

Findings

The results showed that positive and negative emotions mediate the relationship between verbal persuasion, mastery experiences, vicarious learning and self-efficacy. The results also revealed that verbal persuasion significantly affects mastery experiences, highlighting the unique contribution of vicarious learning.

Research limitations/implications

This cross-sectional study limits causal inferences. Future research should utilize longitudinal designs and consider diverse cultural contexts.

Practical implications

This study underscores the importance of incorporating diverse learning experiences into university career intervention programs. To foster self-efficacy, it is crucial to provide young students with opportunities to engage in informal career development activities that promote emotional interpretation, starting from early childhood.

Originality/value

This study sheds light on how students' learning experiences increase self-efficacy within the context of career exploration and decision-making with a specific focus on emotional interpretation.
Clinical leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic: a scoping review
Authors: Chuku Homa , Williams Sharon J. , Best Stephanie
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Leadership was a critical component in managing the Covid-19 pandemic. A scoping review of clinical leadership investigates the leadership styles employed by clinicians during times of unprecedented crisis, with the Covid-19 pandemic as a focus.

Design/methodology/approach

The scoping review was designed based on a five-stage approach proposed by Arksey and O’Malley (2005). Three key databases were searched: Scopus, Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and ProQuest Healthcare Administration between 2020 and 2022.

Findings

Of the 23 papers included in the review, the majority were based on developed countries. Seven leadership approaches were found to be useful in times of crises, with compassionate leadership being particularly effective. Seven key themes relating to the pandemic were also identified.

Research limitations/implications

This review is limited by the search strategy employed and the possibility some publications could have been missed. However, it is clear from the results that there is limited research on healthcare leadership outside of the acute setting and in developing countries. These are important areas of further research that need to be pursued to inform our learning for other times of unprecedented crisis.

Originality/value

Various leadership styles were employed during the pandemic, but compassionate leadership, which fosters a collaborative, caring and kind environment, becomes a necessity when faced with uncertainty and adversity. This review identifies key factors that leaders need to manage during the pandemic. Practically, it sheds light on leadership strategies that may be employed in future unprecedented crises.
The effect of employee STARA awareness on job crafting: exploring the moderating role of positive stress mindset
Authors: Yang Chen , Jiang Ping
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how and when employee smart technology, artificial intelligence, robotics and algorithms (STARA) awareness affects job crafting through challenge appraisal and threat appraisal and provides positive stress mindset as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey data was collected from 319 employees in four Chinese companies. The hypotheses were tested using Mplus 7.0 and regression analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that STARA awareness positively prompts approach job crafting via challenge appraisal and also positively predicts avoidance job crafting via threat appraisal. Meanwhile, positive stress mindset enhanced the mediating effect of challenge appraisal and weakened the mediating effect of threat appraisal.

Practical implications

Leaders should prioritize hiring high-positive-stress mindset candidates for jobs, and organizations should also cultivate employees’ positive stress mindset.

Originality/value

Building on the cognitive appraisal theory of stress, this study reveals the underlying mechanism and boundary conditions behind the linkage of STARA awareness and job crafting.
Digital technologies and digitalization performance: the mediating role of digitalization management
Authors: Zaman Syed Ahsan Ali , Vilkas Mantas , Zaman Syed Imran , Jamil Sobia
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study explores the impact of digital technologies and digitalization management on digitalization performance in Lithuanian manufacturing firms, aiming to unravel the dynamics between digital technology adoption and managerial capabilities in enhancing digitalization performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), the research analyzes data from a survey of 506 Lithuanian manufacturing firms, focusing on their digitalization strategies and outcomes.

Findings

The findings reveal that while digital technologies alone do not directly influence digitalization performance, digitalization management significantly mediates this relationship, highlighting the pivotal role of managerial practices in maximizing the benefits of digital technologies.

Research limitations/implications

The study acknowledges limitations in its scope, primarily focusing on Lithuanian manufacturing firms, which may affect the generalizability of its findings to other sectors or geographical contexts.

Practical implications

The study offers valuable insights for practitioners and managers, underscoring the importance of strategic management in leveraging digital technologies for enhanced digitalization performance and providing a roadmap for more effective digital transformation practices.

Originality/value

This research elucidates the intricate dynamics between digital technologies, digitalization management and digitalization performance, revealing a pivotal mediating role of digitalization management. It notably demonstrates that digital technologies, contrary to expectations, do not directly influence digitalization performance, underscoring the essential function of digitalization management in harnessing digital technologies for enhanced performance.
Factors influencing the digitalization of sustainability accounting, reporting and disclosure: a systematic literature review
Authors: Valentinetti Diego , Rea Michele A.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study is motivated by the rising regulatory demand for new digital solutions enabling searchable and comparable sustainability corporate information. It aims at uncovering the antecedents of the technological major benefits highlighted by the ongoing scientific debate on the digitalization processes implemented by firms. Therefore, this paper focuses on the factors related to the emergence of digital accounting, reporting and disclosure of sustainability corporate information.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the Technology-Organization-Environment framework, the authors review and classify the factors identified by current academic literature that may enable or constraint the use of digital solutions for collecting, reporting and disclosing corporate non-financial information. A total of 86 sources were retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science and reviewed following a systematic approach.

Findings

Results show an increasing interest in the digitalization of corporate sustainability accounting and reporting and highlight some related drivers with a predominance of technological and environmental enablers (e.g. compatibility, stakeholders pressure) along with organizational constraints (e.g. need for technical and training programmes) influencing the ongoing adoption of new technologies for both internal and inter-organizational purposes.

Research limitations/implications

The authors provide several research directions for enhancing the academic interest in corporate accounting digitalization.

Practical implications

This paper offers practical contributions to regulators and companies concerning the challenges they should face in applying new technologies for non-financial reporting purposes.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first systematic literature review on the enablers and constraints of digitalization of sustainability accounting, reporting and disclosure.
The executive-in-residence and school–university partnerships: a case study
Authors: Hub Kevin , Jones Lori
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper considers boundary spanning in relation to the creation of an executive-in-residence position at a midwestern comprehensive university and the resulting impact on school–university partnerships.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a case study. The researchers chronicle several current and ongoing school–university partnerships.

Findings

The creation of an executive-in-residence position is a unique approach to creating and strengthening school–university partnerships. This paper provides information and creates awareness of the potential benefits of using this approach within the context of the reader.

Originality/value

With increasing expectations and decreasing resources, it is as important now as ever to encourage the development of school–university partnerships. This paper is focused on practitioners with enough detail for replication.
Research on evaluation of basic railway safety management capability based on combination weighting – TOPSIS
Authors: Qi Yankun , Li Xiaoyu , Liu Jinghui , Li Hanqiu , Yang Chen
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To systematically characterize and objectively evaluate basic railway safety management capability, creating a closed-loop management approach which allows continuous improvement and optimization.

Design/methodology/approach

A basic railway safety management capability evaluation index system based on a comprehensive analysis of national safety management standards, railway safety rules and regulations and existing safety data from railway transport enterprises is presented. The system comprises a guideline layer including safety committee formation, work safety responsibility, safety management organization and safety rules and regulations as its components, along with an index layer consisting of 12 quantifiable indexes. Game theory combination weighting is utilized to integrate subjective and objective weight values derived using AHP and CRITIC methods and further combined using the TOPSIS method in order to construct a comprehensive basic railway safety management capability evaluation model.

Findings

The case study presented demonstrates that this evaluation index system and comprehensive evaluation model are capable of effectively characterizing and evaluating basic railway safety management capability and providing directional guidance for its sustained improvement.

Originality/value

Construction of an evaluation index system that is quantifiable, generalizable and accessible, accurately reflects the main aspects of railway transportation enterprises’ basic safety management capability and provides interoperability across various railway transportation enterprises. The application of the game theoretic combination weighting method to derive composite weights which combine experts’ subjective evaluations with the objectivity of data.
Tourism supply chain management: a bibliometric analysis of data from Scopus and Web of Science (2001–2023)
Authors: Changalima Ismail Abdi , Kimario Honest Fidelis
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Despite the growing interest in bibliometric studies within tourism management, there remains a gap in understanding the current research trends within the domain of tourism supply chain management (SCM). Therefore, this study aims to examine the publication trends, identify the most active stakeholders and highlight the most influential publications and major themes in the field of tourism SCM during the period 2001–2023. The main results reveal several themes, including “exploring inclusive growth and poverty reduction through tourism supply chain and value chain analysis,” “sustainable SCM and competition in tourism: a tour operator’s perspective,” “tourism SCM in different facets,” and “sustainability and information technology in tourism SCM.” Additional themes include “competitive strategies and medical tourism SCM,” “culinary tourism and performance measurement in tourism value chains,” and “performance measurement in tourism SCM”.
Species‐rich old grasslands have beneficial effects on the health and gut microbiome of bumblebees
Authors: Pornon André , Benoiston Anne‐Sophie , Escaravage Nathalie , Lihoreau Mathieu , Mahot‐Castaing Blandine , Martin Gabrielle , Moreau Lucie , White Joël
Published: November 2024

Recent studies have shown that old, traditionally managed semi‐natural grasslands (SNGs) harbour specific plant assemblages characterized by high species richness, diversity, evenness and a great abundance and diversity of floral resources.

As nectar and pollen from many of these plants contain a multitude of favourable phytochemical compounds, we hypothesized that pollinator health and survival would improve in old, species‐rich hay SNGs compared to younger SNGs.

We monitored experimental colonies of bumblebees placed in hay SNGs of different ages.

The survival of bumblebees increased with grassland age, thus they lived longer and produced more workers in the old SNGs. The abundance of actinomorphic flowers (with radial symmetry) increased with the age of the SNGs and was positively correlated with the body size, body mass and lipid reserves of the bumblebees.

The taxonomic composition of gut microbiota changed during the experiment, with a significant decrease of core taxa Bombiscardovia and Bifidobacterium in young SNGs, while the abundance of Bombilactobacillus increased in old SNGs. At the end of the experiment, the bumblebees of young SNGs hosted lower abundances of Gilliamella than those of old SNGs. In old SNGs, there was a positive relationship between floral richness and the abundance of six taxa, including the three core taxa Bombiscardovia, Bifidobacterium and Snodgrassella. Microbiota α‐diversity decreased and microbiota β‐diversity increased over time in young SNGs, while both remained stable in old SNGs. Both deterministic and stochastic processes acting simultaneously in bumblebee microbiomes within young SNGs seemed to explain these changes.

Compared to old forests, very little attention has been paid to old, species‐rich grasslands. Considering their importance for pollinator health, as well as their high ecological and cultural values, it is crucial that the rare and endangered old, species‐rich hay SNGs are protected.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Impact of fleQ Deficiency on Resource Allocation and Heterologous Gene Expression in Pseudomonas putida Across Various Growth Media
Authors: Kim Junyoung , Lee Sooyeon , Darlington Alexander P. S. , Kim Juhyun
Published: November 2024

Pseudomonas putida is widely used in industrial applications, including the recombinant proteins production, because of its natural advantageous properties. In this study, the gene encoding FleQ, the primary regulator of flagellar synthesis, was deleted to construct a new non‐motile P. putida KT2440‐derived strain (ΔfleQ). The non‐motile cells showed reduced biofilm formation and enhanced expression of a heterologous gene in nutrient‐rich media compared with the wild‐type (WT) strain, attributed to the reallocation of cellular resources from flagellar synthesis and cellular motility. Additionally, the ΔfleQ strain exhibited enhanced tolerance to chloramphenicol, indicating higher ribosome production, confirmed by a higher RNA/protein ratio relative to the WT. While the WT strain showed decreased growth and a three‐fold increase in reporter gene activity in minimal media, the ΔfleQ strain maintained consistent reporter gene expression and exhibited a relatively higher growth rate. This suggests that the FleQ is involved in modulating proteome allocation based on nutrient quality. The removal of FleQ allows for more flexible resource allocation, creating a chassis strain with nutrient quality‐independent gene expression capacity, which could be valuable in industrial applications where consistent output is essential.
Residual microglia following short‐term PLX5622 treatment in 5xFAD mice exhibit diminished NLRP3 inflammasome and mTOR signaling, and enhanced autophagy
Authors: Kodali Maheedhar , Madhu Leelavathi N. , Somayaji Yogish , Attaluri Sahithi , Huard Charles , Panda Prashanta Kumar , Shankar Goutham , Rao Shama , Shuai Bing , Gonzalez Jenny J. , Oake Chris , Hering Catherine , Babu Roshni Sara , Kotian Sanya , Shetty Ashok K.
Published: November 2024

While moderately activated microglia in Alzheimer's disease (AD) are pivotal in clearing amyloid beta (Aβ), hyperactivated microglia perpetuate neuroinflammation. Prior investigations reported that the elimination of ~80% of microglia through inhibition of the colony‐stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) during the advanced stage of neuroinflammation in 5xFamilial AD (5xFAD) mice mitigates synapse loss and neurodegeneration. Furthermore, prolonged CSF1R inhibition diminished the development of parenchymal plaques. Nonetheless, the effects of short‐term CSF1R inhibition during the early stages of neuroinflammation on residual microglia are unknown. Therefore, we investigated the effects of 10‐day CSF1R inhibition using PLX5622 in three‐month‐old female 5xFAD mice, a stage characterized by the onset of neuroinflammation and minimal Aβ plaques. We observed ~65% microglia depletion in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. The leftover microglia displayed a noninflammatory phenotype with reduced NOD‐, LRR‐, and pyrin domain‐containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome complexes. Moreover, plaque‐associated microglia were reduced with diminished Clec7a expression. Additionally, phosphorylated S6 ribosomal protein and the protein sequestosome 1 analysis suggested reduced mechanistic targets of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling and autophagy in microglia and neurons within the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Biochemical assays validated the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, decreased mTOR signaling in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, and enhanced autophagy in the hippocampus. However, short‐term CSF1R inhibition did not influence Aβ plaques, soluble Aβ‐42 levels, astrocyte hypertrophy, or hippocampal neurogenesis. Thus, short‐term CSF1R inhibition during the early stages of neuroinflammation in 5xFAD mice promotes the retention of homeostatic microglia with diminished inflammasome activation and mTOR signaling, alongside increased autophagy.
More rTMS pulses or more sessions? The impact on treatment outcome for treatment resistant depression
Authors: Oostra E. , Jazdzyk P. , Vis V. , Dalhuisen I. , Hoogendoorn A. W. , Planting C. H. M. , van Eijndhoven P. F. , van der Werf Y. D. , van den Heuvel O. A. , van Exel E.
Published: November 2024

Background

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is effective for treatment‐resistant depression (TRD). Optimal rTMS parameters remain unclear, especially whether number of sessions or amount of pulses contribute more to treatment outcome. We hypothesize that treatment outcome depends on the number of sessions rather than on the amount of pulses.

Methods

We searched databases for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on high‐frequent (HF) or low‐frequent (LF)‐rTMS targeting the left or right DLPFC for TRD. Treatment efficacy was measured using standardized mean difference (SMD), calculated from pre‐ and post‐treatment depression scores. Meta‐regressions were used to explore linear associations between SMD and rTMS pulses, pulses/session and sessions for HF and LF‐rTMS, separately for active and sham‐rTMS. If these variables showed no linear association with SMD, we divided the data into quartiles and explored subgroup SMDs.

Results

Eighty‐seven RCTs were included: 67 studied HF‐rTMS, eleven studied LF‐rTMS, and nine studied both. No linear association was found between SMD and amount of pulses or pulses/session for HF and LF‐rTMS. Subgroup analyses showed the largest SMDs for 1200–1500 HF‐pulses/session and 360–450 LF‐pulses/session. The number of sessions was significantly associated with SMD for active HF (β = 0.09, p < 0.05) and LF‐rTMS (β = 0.06, p < 0.01). Thirty was the maximal number of sessions, in the included RCTs.

Conclusion

More rTMS sessions, but not more pulses, were associated with improved treatment outcome, in both HF and LF‐rTMS. Our findings suggest that 1200–1500 HF‐pulses/session and 360–450 LF‐pulses/session are already sufficient, and that a treatment course should consist of least 30 sessions for higher chance of response.
Elites, the aid curse, and Chinese development finance: A conjoint survey experiment on elites’ aid preferences in 141 low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Blair Robert A. , Custer Samantha , Roessler Philip
Published: November 2024

Why do elites in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) favor some foreign aid projects and partners over others? Research on the “aid curse” and Chinese development finance suggests elites should prefer aid that can be easily captured, with few conditionalities, regulations, or transparency requirements. We administer a conjoint survey experiment across 141 LMICs to elicit the aid preferences of elites who are uniquely close to development policy debates. Perhaps unsurprisingly, we find that elites favor larger over smaller projects, grants over loans, and transportation infrastructure projects over initiatives focused on civil society or tax collection capacity. But contrary to the aid curse theory, elites also prefer projects with transparent terms and labor, corruption, and environmental regulations, and are at worst indifferent towards good governance conditionalities. These preferences hold even in corrupt and autocratic countries and even among high‐level government officials who might be expected to favor “no‐strings‐attached” aid regimes.
Possible welfare benefits of basic income support: Evidence from a benefit incidence analysis in South Africa
Authors: Chisadza Carolyn , Chitiga‐Mabugu Margaret , Mabugu Ramos Emmanuel , Nicholls Nicky , Omotoso Kehinde Oluwaseun , Yitbarek Eleni
Published: November 2024

The study investigates the potential welfare effect of basic income support (BIS) in reducing poverty and inequality in South Africa. Using the 2017 labour force survey and a benefit incidence analysis, we consider three BIS scenarios: (i) universal income support for those aged between 18 and 59; (ii) only those who are unemployed receive the benefit; and (iii) only unemployed individuals in extremely poor households defined by the food poverty line receive the benefit. Results show that BIS can reduce poverty and inequality. However, the specific effects of the BIS will depend on the targeting scenario considered. The universal BIS is more costly and has higher leakage, with more benefits going to the non‐poor. However, this universal support has the biggest overall impact on poverty and inequality reduction because more South Africans receive income support under this scenario. Meanwhile, targeting only the unemployed and the impoverished makes the BIS more pro‐poor and progressive, as well as mitigating the leakage of the benefit to the non‐poor. This would, however, require that an appropriate targeting mechanism be in place.
Melle but not Melle? A mine’s mint as a hub for Carolingian silver coinage recycling
Authors: Sarah Guillaume
Published: November 2024

The mines at Melle in Deux‐Sèvres, France, are known as the only significant source of silver for the early Middle Ages until the 10th century. Though it was not a major locality, the settlement possessed a mint in the Merovingian period that became one of the major centres of coin production under the Carolingians in the ninth century. Following the decrease in Carolingian power and increase in the autonomy of local authorities from c.900, the counts of Poitou started minting a coinage in the name of Melle that remained with the same typology for the next two hundred years. This paper presents an examination of the trace elements (Au and Bi) determined by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) in nearly 2000 silver coins covering four centuries over the Merovingian, Carolingian and Feudal periods. It has two main objectives: first, identifying the patterns of trace elements for the coinages attributed to Melle by comparing them with those of the same periods from other mints; and second, establishing the general evolution of the trace elements in coins from Poitou and other areas are scrutinized to evaluate the contribution of fresh silver from Melle, in order to identify the silver stocks available. One main result is that part of the silver minted at Melle in the ninth century does not present the trace element patterns that characterize Melle silver, suggesting the use of the Melle mint as a hub for coining not only local silver from the mines but also for recycling and refining silver previously coined elsewhere.
The Effect of NiTi Brush, Polishing Brush, and Chemical Agent on the Dental Implant Surface Morphology and Cytocompatibility
Authors: Brunello Giulia , Becker Kathrin , Rauch Nicole , Schwarz Frank , Becker Jürgen
Published: November 2024

Objectives

To in vitro investigate the effect of different implant surface decontamination methods and treatment storing conditions on implant surface morphology and cell viability.

Materials and Methods

Titanium disks with a sand‐blasted and acid‐etched surface (Promote, PRO) were treated with diamond polishing brushes (BRUSH), nickel‐titanium brushes (NITI), or phenol and sulfuric acid‐gel (GEL). The disks were stored in saline (‐S) or left exposed to air overnight (‐A). Untreated (PRO) and machined (MACHINED) disks were used as controls. GEL samples were treated for the 60 s, while the operative time was recorded for BRUSH and NITI. The samples were subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM), surface roughness measurements, and cell viability (SaOS‐2 cells, 7 days) assessment.

Results

The operative time was shorter for NITI than for BRUSH (p = 0.017). The original surface morphology (PRO) was not altered in the GEL group, in contrast with what was observed for BRUSH and NITI. The type of storage did not influence the surface morphology. No significant differences in Sa and Sz were observed among the groups, except for MACHINED, which presented lower Sa values (p < 0.05). Cells were able to proliferate on all surfaces. NITI‐S showed significantly higher cell viability compared to all groups (p ≤ 0.001), except for NITI‐A and MACHINED. Among the treated groups, only one additional significant difference was found, as NITI‐A performed better than GEL‐S.

Conclusions

None of the investigated protocols compromised the cytocompatibility of the titanium dental implant surface. The best results were registered in the NITI group when the samples were stored in saline. Future studies should confirm the effectiveness of the proposed methods in removing bacterial biofilm from contaminated implant surfaces.
A Retrospective Study on the Gender Differences in Clinical Manifestations of Bell's Palsy
Authors: Yon Dong Keon , Kim Dokyoung , Yoo Myung Chul , Kim Sung Soo , Rim Hwa Sung , Kim Sang Hoon , Byun Jae Yong , Yeo Seung Geun
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Although many studies have assessed the clinical features and the factors affecting treatment outcomes of Bell's palsy, few have analysed differences between men and women. This study therefore evaluated whether the clinical features and treatment results, and the factors affecting them, differ between men and women with Bell's palsy.

Methods

This retrospective study included 1708 patients (791 men and 917 women) who presented with facial palsy to the otolaryngology department between January 1986 and December 2022. Clinical features and treatment outcomes were compared in men and women diagnosed with Bell's palsy.

Results

Age distribution, side affected by facial palsy, House‐Brackmann (HB) Grade, underlying disease such as diabetes and hypertension, electroneuronography (ENoG) results, electromyography (EMG) results, and treatment methods did not differ significantly between men and women with Bell's palsy (p > 0.05 each). Factors significantly associated with better prognosis in men included milder initial facial palsy and better electromyography (EMG) results (p < 0.05). Factors significantly associated with better prognosis in women included younger age, milder initial facial palsy, and better EMG results (p < 0.05). Women had significantly better prognosis than men when treated with steroids within 3 days of the onset of paralysis (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Milder initial facial palsy and better EMG results were associated with better prognosis in both men and women with Bell's palsy. Younger age at onset and early stage treatment with steroids were associated with a higher recovery rate in women, but not in men.
Targeting Hsp90α to inhibit HMGB1‐mediated renal inflammation and fibrosis
Authors: Wei Huizhi , Ren Jinhong , Feng Xiue , Zhao Chengxiao , Zhang Yuanlin , Yuan Hongxia , Yang Fan , Li Qingshan
Published: November 2024

Renal fibrosis, a terminal manifestation of chronic kidney disease, is characterized by uncontrolled inflammatory responses, increased oxidative stress, tubular cell death, and imbalanced deposition of extracellular matrix. 5,2′‐Dibromo‐2,4′,5′‐trihydroxydiphenylmethanone (LM49), a polyphenol derivative synthesized by our group with excellent anti‐inflammatory pharmacological properties, has been identified as a small‐molecule inducer of extracellular matrix degradation. Nonetheless, the protective effects and mechanisms of LM49 on renal fibrosis remain unknown. Here, we report LM49 could effectively alleviate renal fibrosis and improve filtration function. Furthermore, LM49 significantly inhibited macrophage infiltration, pro‐inflammatory cytokine production and oxidative stress. Interestingly, in HK‐2 cells induced by tumour necrosis factor alpha under oxygen–glucose‐serum deprivation conditions, LM49 treatment similarly yielded a reduced inflammatory response, elevated cellular viability and suppressed cell necrosis and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition. Notably, LM49 prominently suppressed the high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) expression, nucleocytoplasmic translocation and activation. Mechanistically, drug affinity responsive target stability and cellular thermal shift assay confirmed that LM49 could interact with the target heat shock protein 90 alpha family class A member 1 (Hsp90α), disrupting the direct binding of Hsp90α to HMGB1 and inhibiting the nuclear export of HMGB1, thereby suppressing the inflammatory response, cell necrosis and fibrogenesis. Furthermore, molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation revealed that LM49 occupied the N‐terminal ATP pocket of Hsp90α. Collectively, our findings show that LM49 treatment can ameliorate renal fibrosis through inhibition of HMGB1‐mediated inflammation and necrosis via binding to Hsp90α, providing strong evidence for its anti‐inflammatory and anti‐fibrotic actions.
Positive signs from the history as an aid for early diagnosis in functional movement disorders: The prospective TASMAN study
Authors: Lagrand Tjerk J. , Gelauff Jeannette M. , Brusse‐Keizer Marjolein , Lehn Alexander C. , Tijssen Marina A. J. ,   other individuals of the TASMAN Study Group
Published: November 2024

Background and purpose

There has been a concerted move in recent times to shift from an exclusionary to a positive diagnosis of functional movement disorders (FMDs). To date, most of the focus has been on defining positive physical signs. Here the focus was on the diagnostic specificity of specific symptoms and patient characteristics.

Methods

For this prospective cohort study, newly referred patients in the Netherlands and Australia were recruited before their first neurology appointment. Participants completed questionnaires within 2 months prior to their visit at one of the six different clinics. Directly following the first consultation, physicians received a questionnaire about their diagnostic process. Patients were excluded if the diagnosis was not a movement disorder. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of FMDs. Subsequently, a predictive model was constructed and assessed using the area under the receiver operating curve.

Results

Between 1 March 2021 and 1 March 2023, 465 patients were eligible for inclusion, of whom 171 (37%) had an FMD and 294 (63%) a non‐FMD. Distinguishing factors amongst these groups included age at onset, gender, history or family history of a functional and psychiatric disorder, sudden onset, specific triggers, fluctuation patterns throughout the day and over an extended period, pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety and dissociation. Using these, a predictive model was developed, yielding a discriminative accuracy of 88%.

Conclusion

Specific symptoms and patient characteristics have high diagnostic discriminative value between FMDs and non‐FMDs, providing an additional tool in positive diagnosis.
Rebuilding and Reference Points Under Compensatory and Depensatory Recruitment: A Meta‐Analysis of Northeast Atlantic Fish Stocks
Authors: Albertsen Christoffer Moesgaard , Perälä Tommi , Cardinale Massimiliano , Winker Henning , Trijoulet Vanessa
Published: November 2024

Modern management of fish stocks is based on integrating the precautionary approach with the maximum sustainable yield framework. It relies on accurate estimation of precautionary limits, defined as levels of spawning biomass where a stock has reduced reproductive capacity, and harvesting targets aimed to maximise future yields. Therefore, it is heavily depending on productivity assumptions. Most fish stocks are managed assuming that productivity will increase as the stock size decreases (i.e., density dependent compensatory stock and recruitment relationship). However, several biological and ecological processes will result in a decreased productivity below a certain population size, referred to as the Allee effect or depensation. Through a meta‐analysis of 81 Northeast Atlantic fish stocks, we investigated the impact of assuming compensatory recruitment in the presence of depensation in fisheries management. Across life histories, depensation results in a 22% reduction of the fishing mortality rate leading to extinction. On average, the maximum reproductive rate per spawning biomass was found at 35% of BMSY, which was also the biomass where stocks have a 5% risk of extinction without fishing. Finally, the presence of depensation resulted in increased rebuilding times when stock spawning biomass falls below the limit reference point. When depensatory effects are present, assuming increasing productivity at low biomass will generally result in over‐optimistic perceptions of rebuilding and stock status at biomass below 25% and 45% of BMSY in general, and for pelagic stocks respectively. When not accounted for, depensation will potentially lead to unsustainable harvesting practices of marine living resources.
Spontaneous reversal of small molecule‐induced mitochondrial uncoupling: the case of anilinothiophenes
Authors: Kirsanov Roman S. , Khailova Ljudmila S. , Krasnov Vladimir S. , Firsov Alexander M. , Lyamzaev Konstantin G. , Panteleeva Alisa A. , Popova Lyudmila B. , Nazarov Pavel A. , Tashlitsky Vadim N. , Korshunova Galina A. , Kotova Elena A. , Antonenko Yuri N.
Published: November 2024

Tissue specificity can render mitochondrial uncouplers more promising as leading compounds for creating drugs against serious diseases. In search of tissue‐specific uncouplers, we address anilinothiophenes as possible glutathione‐S‐transferase substrates (GST). Earlier, ‘cyclic’ uncoupling activity was reported for 5‐bromo‐N‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐3,4‐dinitro‐2‐thiophenamine (BDCT) in isolated rat liver mitochondria (RLM). The mechanism by which BDCT induced two‐phase changes in mitochondrial respiration (stimulation followed by deceleration) was unknown. To clarify this issue, we synthesized BDCT and its two analogues. Among these, 5‐bromo‐3,4‐dinitro‐N‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐2‐thiophenamine (BDNT) appeared to be the most effective as a mitochondrial uncoupler, decreasing membrane potential and stimulating respiration at submicromolar concentrations. Importantly, BDNT exerted two‐phase changes in both mitochondrial membrane potential and respiration rate of RLM, which were enhanced by the addition of glutathione (GSH) but inhibited by the compounds capable of GSH depleting, such as 1‐chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene (CDNB). By contrast, the phase of recoupling was not observed in rat heart mitochondria (RHM). Remarkably, BDNT elicited mitochondrial depolarization in primary human fibroblasts but not in cultured human liver (HepG2) cells. By detecting proton‐selective electrical current through planar bilayer lipid membranes, we demonstrated the ability of BDCT and BDNT to transfer protons across membranes. BDNT proved to be an anionic protonophore with a pKa of 7.38. By using LC–MS and capillary electrophoresis, we directly showed the formation of BDNT conjugates with GSH upon incubation with RLM but not RHM. Therefore, we hypothesize that GST is involved in the disappearance of the anilinothiophene uncoupling activity in RLM, ensuring the tissue‐specific behavior of the uncoupler.