bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the link between sustainable performance and credit access: the moderating role of intellectual capital
Authors: Campanella Francesco , Ferri Luca , Serino Luana , Zampella Annamaria
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the role of intellectual capital in the underexplored relationship between sustainable performance and credit access among private firms in Italy, where over 90% of businesses are small and medium enterprises. While D’Apolito et al. (2024) have investigated sustainability-linked bank financing among Italian listed small and medium-sized enterprises, this study takes a different approach by focusing on private firms and examining the influence of environmental, social and governance criteria on their credit access. The research seeks to deepen the understanding of how sustainable practices impact financial outcomes and access to funding for private enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate the relationship between sustainable performance and credit access as well as the moderating role of intellectual capital, this study employs an ordinary least squares regression model. It utilizes an innovative measure of sustainable performance for private firms – the legality rating issued by the Italian Competition Authority in 2022 – drawing on prior research to establish a robust analytical framework.

Findings

The findings highlight the importance of incorporating environmental, social and governance criteria into the credit evaluation process for private firms. They underscore the critical role of intellectual capital – comprising human capital, structural capital and relational capital – as a moderating factor in the relationship between sustainable performance and credit access.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to examine the moderating role of intellectual capital in the relationship between sustainable performance and credit access among Italian private firms. While substantial research exists on environmental, social and governance performance in large listed firms, there remains a notable gap concerning the sustainability criteria of private and unlisted entities. This study addresses this gap by providing insights into the unique dynamics of sustainable performance and financial access in the context of private enterprises.
The transition behaviour of self-employed in the UK and the role of unionisation during 2008 economic downturn
Authors: Haj Youssef Moustafa , Nolan Steve , Hussein Hiba
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine the transitions of workers between paid employment and self-employment before and after the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on the drivers behind increased self-employment in the UK and the role of trade union membership in these transitions.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a long-running panel data set, the labour market is divided into three groups: sustained self-employed, always employed and those who transition between the two. The framework assesses the influence of union membership on these transitions.

Findings

Long-term paid employees, rather than those transitioning between employment types, are driving increased self-employment. Union membership appears more attractive post-crisis to paid employees, but disengagement from unions may be linked to transitions towards self-employment.

Originality/value

This research highlights the nuanced role of trade unions in employment transitions and contributes to understanding labour market dynamics post-financial crisis in the UK.
Understanding emergent leader–follower patterns and the role of gender in teams: a micro-temporal account
Authors: Hemshorn de Sánchez Clara Sofie , Mangels Jana , Degner Juliane , Lehmann-Willenbrock Nale
Published: January 2025

Purpose

By investigating the dynamics of leader and follower behavior during small group interactions, we provide insights into the behavioral patterns that give rise to leadership emergence. We also identify gender-related differences in these behavior patterns that may explain the persistent gap in emergent leadership ascriptions between men and women.

Design/methodology/approach

We video-recorded verbal interactions of 34 zero-history three-person teams collaborating on a task in the laboratory. One team member was a confederate (male vs. female) trained to show emergent leader behavior. To quantify verbal interaction patterns and examine to what extent these team dynamics depend on the confederate’s gender, we conducted a fine-grained interaction analysis of utterances over the interaction period.

Findings

We show that leadership claims by one team member evoked subsequent granting behavior in another team member. The more individuals’ claims were granted (counter-claimed) by others, the higher (lower) their level of ascribed emergent leadership. Claims uttered by male or female confederates were equally likely to be granted by team members. However, female confederate leadership claims elicited more counterclaims.

Originality/value

Findings highlight the importance of considering leader–follower interaction patterns for the discussion around gender differences in leadership processes.
Seals exhibit localised avoidance of operational tidal turbines
Authors: Montabaranom Jessica , Gillespie Douglas , Longden Emma , Rapson Katie , Holoborodko Anhelina , Sparling Carol , Hastie Gordon
Published: January 2025

Tidally energetic habitats are used by a range of marine mammals, including pinnipeds. These areas are also important to the tidal energy industry, leading to an overlap between tidal developments and important habitats used by seals. The concerns around negative ecological impacts from tidal turbines derive primarily from the potential for fatal collisions between animals and the moving parts of the turbine (i.e. blades) and habitat exclusion from important areas.

We quantified the number of encounters of seals within close range (10s of metres) of the turbine and estimated the likelihood of seal presence over an annual cycle. Data were collected with two multibeam sonars monitoring an operational turbine in the Pentland Firth, Scotland, between May 2022 and June 2023. There were 704 seal encounters within close range of the turbine.

We used generalised additive models (GAMs) to investigate the temporal patterns of seal presence at the turbine site. Results showed that the probability of seal presence was significantly higher at slack water, at night and during the winter months (November–January: mean of ~4 seals a day). When comparing seal presence between periods of turbine operation and non‐operation, the model predicted a decrease in presence during turbine operation in flow speeds of ≥2.3 ms−1 (mean reduction of 77% at the highest flow speed; 95% CI: 22%–93%).

Synthesis and applications. The result showing that seals exhibit avoidance of the turbine during operation is important for industry developers and regulators, as lower numbers of seals close to the turbine reduces the potential for fatal collisions and injuries. The modelled reductions in presence can be used directly as avoidance rates in collision risk models to predict the impacts of future turbine arrays and de‐risk the consenting process for this industry.
Comprehensive Health Assessment of School‐Age Children Conceived by Assisted Reproductive Technology: A Prospective Cohort Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Wang Jing , Chen Lingling , Yong Yonghong , Yu Xiang , Chen Yin , Zhang Jie , Xia Xinru , Cui Yugui , Diao Feiyang , Liu Jiayin , Meng Yan
Published: January 2025

Objective

To assess the comprehensive health status of school‐age children conceived through assisted reproductive technology (ART) compared to that of those conceived naturally.

Design

A prospective cohort study of children conceived through ART.

Setting

First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China.

Population Sample

One hundred school‐age children were enrolled and followed up (51 conceived via ART and 49 naturally conceived (controls)).

Methods

A comprehensive health status assessment was performed in children aged 6–12 years, including anthropometric measurements, glucose‐lipid metabolism, echocardiography, intelligence, behaviour, vision and hearing. Multivariate regression models were used to adjust for sociodemographic and perinatal covariates.

Main Outcome Measures

Comprehensive health status of children conceived via ART.

Results

Children conceived by ART had similar height, weight, blood pressure, blood glucose and lipid profiles compared to the controls. Echocardiography showed similar cardiac geometric morphology and left/right ventricular diastolic‐systolic function between the two groups. ART children had lower carotid intima‐media thickness than controls (0.52 ± 0.11 vs. 0.58 ± 0.11). Visual acuity, hearing and intellectual and behavioural assessments were similar. An alternating covering test for the eyes showed a higher incidence of abnormal eye movement in the ART group than in the control group (87.76% vs. 68.89%).

Conclusions

The similar overall health status of ART‐ and naturally conceived children is reassuring for those receiving ART. However, our study shows a possible increase in the incidence of latent exotropia among ART children. Long‐term follow‐up is warranted to assess the overall health status associated with ART throughout the lifespan.
Climate Policy Uncertainty and CO2 Emissions Dynamics in the USA
Authors: Akçay Selçuk , Uslu Hakan
Published: January 2025

Uncertainty in climate policies is a new topic of study that could impact environmental issues such as CO2 emissions. Using a recently developed monthly dataset on the Climate Policy Uncertainty index (CPU), spanning from April 1987 to September 2022, we investigate whether CPU can be used as a tool to predict total and sectoral energy consumption CO2 emissions changes relying on a time‐varying and frequency‐domain Granger causality techniques for short‐, middle‐, and long‐runs. The current study also investigates symmetric and asymmetric causality between CPU and CO2 emissions. Our results based on the time‐varying Granger causality test show that uncertainty about climate policies causes CO2 emissions. Similarly, the frequency‐domain Granger causality test results reveal that CPU is also a significant cause of CO2 emissions in the long and medium terms. We also search for the asymmetry between CPU and CO2 emissions since positive and negative CPU shocks may have contrasting impacts on CO2 emissions. To see whether this effect changes over time, we conduct the asymmetric Granger‐causality test in the frequency domain and verify asymmetrical associations for some cases. Our findings give policymakers and academics fresh views by highlighting the significance of time‐varying and frequency‐domain aspects in the dynamics of the CPU‐CO2 emissions nexus.
A Post‐Mortem Molecular Damage Profile in the Ancient Human Mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Cuesta‐Aguirre Daniel R. , Amor‐Jimenez Cristina , Malgosa Assumpció , Santos Cristina
Published: January 2025

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis is crucial for understanding human population structure and genetic diversity. However, post‐mortem DNA damage poses challenges, that make analysis difficult. DNA preservation is affected by environmental conditions which, among other factors, complicates the differentiation of endogenous variants from artefacts in ancient mtDNA mix profiles. This study aims to develop a molecular damage profile for ancient mtDNA that can become a useful tool in analysing mtDNA from ancient remains. A dataset of 427 whole genomes or capture of mtDNA sequences from individuals representing different historical periods and climatic regions was compiled from the ENA database. Present‐day and UDG‐treated ancient samples were also included and used to establish levels of damaged reads. Results indicated that samples from cold regions exhibited the lowest percentage of damaged reads, followed by arid, cold, tropical and temperate regions, with significant differences observed between cold and temperate regions. A global damage profile was generated, identifying 2933 positions (25% of the positions considered) with damage in more than 23.8% of the samples analysed, deemed as damage hotspots. Notably, 2856 of these hotspots had never been reported as damage or mutational hotspots, or heteroplasmic positions. Damage hotspot frequency by position was slightly higher in the non‐coding region compared with the coding region. In conclusion, this study provides a molecular damage profile for ancient mtDNA analysis that is expected to be a valuable tool in the interpretation of mtDNA variation in ancient samples.
Chromosome‐Level Genome Assembly of Five Emberiza Species Reveals the Genomic Characteristics and Intrinsic Drivers of Adaptive Radiation
Authors: Hu Tingli , Ma Haohao , Xiao Yongxuan , Sun Ruolei , Li Chunlin , Shan Lei , Zhang Baowei
Published: January 2025

Emberiza buntings (Aves: Emberizidae) exhibit extensive diversity and rapid diversification within the Old World, particularly in the eastern Palearctic, making them valuable models for studying rapid radiation among sympatric species. Despite their ecological and morphological diversity, there remains a significant gap in understanding the genomic underpinnings driving their rapid speciation. To fill this gap, we assembled high‐quality chromosome‐level genomes of five representative Emberiza species (E. aureola, E. pusilla, E. rustica, E. rutila and E. spodocephala). Comparative genomic analysis revealed distinct migration‐related evolutionary adaptations in their genomes, including variations in lipid metabolism, oxidative stress response, locomotor ability and circadian regulation. These changes may facilitate the rapid occupation of emerging ecological niches and provide opportunities for species diversification. Additionally, these five species exhibited abnormal abundances of long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTRs), comprising over 20% of their genomes, with insertion times corresponding to their divergence (~2.5 million years ago). The presence of LTRs influenced genome size, chromosomal structure and single‐gene expression, suggesting their role in promoting the rapid diversification of Emberiza species. These findings offer valuable insights into the adaptive radiation of Emberiza and establish a robust theoretical foundation for further exploration of the patterns and mechanisms underlying their diversification.
The Global Seigniorage Duopoly
Authors: Rodríguez Francisco
Published: January 2025

The inadequacy of global liquidity provision and the unequal distribution of its benefits stem from a fundamental distortion: the exercise of market power by the two largest issuers of international currencies. The United States and Europe jointly provide the currencies used for 79% of global reserves and 91% of trade invoicing, forming a duopoly in the means of payment used by the world economy. The exercise of this market power allows them to capture the bulk of seigniorage rents associated with the provision of global liquidity, while constraining developing countries' growth and limiting the scope of global countercyclical policies. This paper proposes aligning the issuance of special drawing rights (SDRs) with the growth of global reserve demand, as mandated by Article VIII (§7) of the International Monetary Fund's Articles of Agreement. This approach offers a politically feasible path to democratize global liquidity provision and provide developing countries with access to financing currently monopolized by advanced economies.
Emergency department–initiated oral naltrexone for patients with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder: A pilot feasibility study
Authors: Cowan Ethan , O'Brien‐Lambert Clare , Eiting Erick , Bull Edward , Ryder Jacqueline , Calderon Yvette , Salsitz Edwin
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the most common substance use disorder in the United States. Despite availability of four FDA‐approved medications, fewer than 10% of patients are prescribed medication. This study aimed to evaluate the impact and feasibility of emergency department (ED)‐initiated oral naltrexone in patients with moderate to severe AUD.

Methods

This was a prospective, single‐arm, open‐label, nonrandomized clinical trial conducted a single ED. Consenting participants were adults with moderate to severe AUD who were provided a single 50‐mg dose of oral naltrexone, a 14‐day starter pack of naltrexone, and referral for treatment. Follow‐up was conducted at 14 and 30 days post–ED visit. The primary outcome was engagement in formal addiction treatment. Secondary outcomes included alcohol consumption, craving, quality‐of‐life measures, satisfaction, and safety.

Results

Of 761 patients screened, 21 enrolled and received at least one dose of naltrexone. At 14 days, 29% were engaged in treatment, increasing to 33% at 30 days. There was a decrease in the mean (±SD) number of drinks per day from 5.20 (±4.67) at baseline to 2.23 (±4.35) during the follow‐up period (p = 0.078). There was a decrease in alcohol craving scores, with median scores dropping from 19 at baseline to 8.27 during the follow‐up period (p < 0.001). Quality‐of‐life measures improved, with a statistically significant increase in the reported number of healthy days (p = 0.006) and decrease in depressive symptoms (p < 0.001). Reported side effects were mild and satisfaction with the screening process was high.

Conclusions

ED‐initiated oral naltrexone is feasible and acceptable for patients with moderate to severe AUD. While engagement in treatment was moderate, significant reductions in alcohol craving and improvements in quality of life suggest potential benefits. Further research is warranted to confirm these findings.
MicroRNA‐199a‐5p may be a diagnostic biomarker of primary ITP
Authors: Garabet Lamya , Rangberg Anbjørg , Eriksson Anna Maria , Jonassen Christine Monceyron , Teruel‐Montoya Raul , Lozano Maria Luisa , Martinez Constantino , Pettersen Heidi Hassel , Mathisen Åse‐Berit , Tjønnfjord Eirik , Tran Hoa , Brodin Ellen , Tsykunova Galina , Gebhart Johanna , Bussel James , Ghanima Waleed
Published: January 2025

There is no diagnostic test for primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Certain microRNAs have shown to have diagnostic potential in ITP. We validated 12 microRNAs identified from two previous studies to find a diagnostic biomarker. The study included two ITP cohorts (n = 61) and healthy controls (n = 28). The first ITP cohort involved 24 patients from the Prolong study, patients with newly diagnosed/persistent ITP (<1 year) treated with corticosteroids ± IVIG but relapsed/failed to respond. The second cohort comprised 37 patients from ITP biobank, Østfold Hospital, Norway, patients had different disease stages and therapies. Twelve microRNAs were measured: miR‐199a‐5p, miR‐33a‐5p, miR‐195‐5p, miR‐130a‐3p, miR‐144‐3p, miR‐146a‐5p, miR‐222‐3p, miR‐374b‐5p, miR‐486‐5p, miR‐1341‐5p, miR‐766‐3p and miR‐409‐3p. miR‐199a‐5p, miR‐33a‐5p, miR‐374b‐5p, miR‐146a‐5p and miR‐409‐3p were expressed differentially in the entire ITP cohort compared to controls; of those only miR‐199a‐5p showed good discriminative ability between ITP and controls with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.718 (95% CI: 0.599–0.836). In the Prolong cohort (ITP < 1 year), miR‐199a‐5p and miR‐374b‐5p showed very good discriminative ability between ITP and controls with AUC of 0.824 (0.708–0.940) and 0.806 (0.688–0.924) respectively. This study confirmed that miR‐199a‐5p has good discriminative ability between primary ITP and healthy controls, thus may be a diagnostic biomarker of ITP.
Update on pathology of inflammatory myopathy
Authors: Uruha Akinori , Uruha Satoko
Published: January 2025

Inflammatory myopathy is classified into primary autoimmune myositis and secondary myositis due to various factors, such as drugs and autoimmune connective tissue diseases. Autoimmune myositis mainly consists of dermatomyositis, antisynthetase syndrome‐associated myositis, immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy, and inclusion body myositis. This review aims to provide insights into muscle pathology for clinical practice and an understanding of pathophysiology in inflammatory myopathy by summarizing current knowledge about the pathology of each subform of autoimmune myositis and some secondary myositis. Dermatomyositis is associated with type I interferon upregulation. Expression of myxovirus resistance protein A (a type I interferon‐induced protein) in myofibers is utilized as a sensitive diagnostic marker. Antisynthetase syndrome‐associated myositis is morphologically characterized by perifascicular necrosis. A recent study suggests the presence of a characteristic immunological micromilieu suitable for plasma cells in the skeletal muscle tissue. Immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy features an active necrotic and regenerating process. In inclusion body myositis, inflammatory cellular infiltration and rimmed vacuoles reflecting autophagy disruption are observed. The lymphocytes invading myofibers are composed of a highly differentiated T‐cell population, which is considered a potential therapeutic target.
Clozapine Induces Agranulocytosis via Inflammatory and Hematopoietic Cytokine Induction of the JAK–STAT Signaling Pathway: Evidence From Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Zhang Ying , Li Ranli , Chen Ximing , Li Yachen , Zhang Qiuyu , Yang Lei , Wang Lina , Sun Yun , Mao Fuqiang , Zhuo Chuan Jun
Published: January 2025

Background

Clozapine exhibits significant therapeutic efficacy in schizophrenia, especially treatment‐resistant schizophrenia. However, clozapine can cause agranulocytosis, a fatal adverse effect, and the aim of this study is to explore this mechanism based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.

Method

Six and two databases were used to identify targets associated with clozapine and agranulocytosis, respectively. The bioinformatics online platform was used to identify overlaps between the drug and disease targets. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was characterized using Cystoscope 3.10.1 and STRING. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) were analyzed using the DAVID online platform. A drug‐target‐pathway‐disease network was constructed utilizing Cystoscope 3.10.1. The Auto Dock Vina and PyMOL software were used to verify the molecular docking of clozapine and core targets.

Results

The analysis revealed 188 overlapping targets. The PPI and KEGG enrichment pathway analyses demonstrated that clozapine induces agranulocytosis by modulating the hematopoietic cell lineage and JAK–STAT signaling pathways via interleukin‐3 (IL3), IL6, IL2 receptor subunit alpha (IL2RA), and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor. Binding energies between clozapine and core targets were favorable (< −7.0 kcal/mol).

Conclusion

Clozapine‐induced agranulocytosis may be linked to the JAK–STAT inflammatory signaling pathway through inflammatory and hematopoietic‐related cytokines. Our findings enhance our comprehension of the potential mechanisms underlying clozapine‐induced agranulocytosis.
A Mixed‐Model Study on Nursing Students' Views and Awareness of Sustainability
Authors: Aslan Tuba Korkmaz , Burucu Rukiye
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to determine nursing students' views on sustainability and their awareness levels in this regard. The study has a mixed research design. No sampling was made, and it was aimed to access the whole population. Two hundred twenty‐two students were included in the quantitative part of the research, while 16 students participated in the qualitative part. In the study, the Sustainability Awareness Scale and a semi‐structured interview form were used. The quantitative and qualitative data were analysed both separately and in combination. The mean age of the participants was 20.85 ± 1.638 years, and the total scale mean score was 42.80 (38.800–47.200). Family type affects sustainability awareness. The participants reported 103 opinions on sustainability. These opinions were grouped under 4 main themes and 18 subthemes. Two subthemes obtained from the qualitative data were evaluated as “complementary”, and two subthemes were considered “convergent”. Nursing students had a low level of sustainability awareness. To nursing students, sustainability means environmental awareness, justice, renewability, and continuity. Nursing is a profession that is effective in ensuring sustainability. Incorporating sustainability into nursing education will contribute to sustainability in society, especially the sustainability of community health.
Hyper‐CVAD and Modified CALGB‐10403 Regimens in Adult Patients With Philadelphia‐Negative Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Comparative Study
Authors: Zalapa‐Soto Jessica , Rios‐Olais Fausto Alfredo , Chacón‐Rangel Lyam Carlo , Mora‐Cañas Analy , Meza‐Meza Mario , Rangel‐Patiño Juan , Demichelis‐Gómez Roberta
Published: January 2025

Objective

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has a higher incidence in Latin America, with adult patients experiencing worse long‐term outcomes despite high complete remission (CR) rates. When treated with adult regimens, 3‐year overall survival (OS) is approximately 20%. However, adopting pediatric‐inspired regimens (PIRs) has shown improved outcomes.

Methods

We performed a comparative analysis of Hispanic adult patients with newly diagnosed Ph‐negative ALL, treated with either a PIR, a modified CALGB 10403 (mCALGB), or the adult regimen Hyper‐CVAD between January 2015 and May 2023. The primary endpoint was OS and among secondary endpoints relapse‐free survival (RFS).

Results

We included 100 patients, 35 were treated with Hyper‐CVAD and 65 with mCALGB. Median age was 26 years (range, 20.2–38). The median OS was 54.2 months (95% CI 28.3–80.1), with a non‐reached median OS in the mCALGB group (95% CI NR‐NR) versus 22.4 months (95% CI 13.7–31) for Hyper‐CVAD. The 3‐year OS was 64.9% versus 34.9%, p = 0.034. Treatment with mCALGB was independently associated with OS (HR 0.29, 95% CI 0.13–0.66, p = 0.003) and RFS (HR 0.29, 95% CI 0.14–0.59, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Treatment with mCALGB was independently associated with benefits regarding RFS and OS when compared to Hyper‐CVAD.
Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) invasion affects millipedes and symphylans more than centipedes in an urban meadow
Authors: Tóth Zsolt , Novák János , Sipőcz László , Dombos Miklós
Published: January 2025

Plant invasions significantly alter soil food webs, differentially impacting various trophic groups in belowground communities. Myriapods (Myriapoda), a diverse group of soil arthropods, are integral to soil biodiversity and trophic networks.

This study investigated the impact of the invasive Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.) on myriapod assemblages in a protected urban meadow in Budapest, Hungary, over two growing seasons. Comparisons were made between invaded and uninvaded (control) plots using taxonomic and trait‐based diversity indices to assess the effects of habitat alterations due to invasion.

Primary consumers (millipedes and symphylans) were more affected by goldenrod invasion than predators (centipedes). Invaded plots exhibited greater diversity and abundance of millipede assemblages, both taxonomically and functionally, compared to control plots. Symphylans showed a preference for invaded plots, although their abundance was significantly higher only in autumn and during the first year.

The species composition of millipedes and centipedes was strongly influenced by soil moisture. Furthermore, seasonality and habitat type were critical in shaping the taxonomic and trait composition of millipede assemblages. Polydesmus complanatus and the most abundant millipede species, Ophyiulus pilosus, were strongly associated with invaded habitats, while the geophilomorph centipede Pachymerium ferrugineum was linked to control plots.

These findings suggest that the effects of plant invasion vary between trophic groups. Primary consumers, having more direct interaction with the invasive plant, are more sensitive to changes in plant composition and vegetation structure. Despite the generally negative impacts of Solidago invasion, certain myriapod taxa appear to benefit, likely due to a positive plant–soil feedback mechanism.
TRADE LIBERALIZATION AND THE GREAT LABOR REALLOCATION
Authors: Zi Yuan
Published: January 2025

I examine how migration frictions shape the effects of trade policy by analyzing the impact of tariff reductions on labor allocation in China and the role of hukou‐based migration frictions. Trade liberalization induces significant labor reallocation, greater in regions with lower hukou frictions. Quantitatively, trade liberalization increases China's welfare by 0.72%. Abolishing the hukou system directly improves welfare by 1.75% but reduces gains from tariff reductions by 18% and amplifies negative distributional effects. In the process, I develop a novel measure of hukou‐related migration frictions.
Cool, Correct or Cordial?: Swiss Attitudes towards American, British and Swiss German English
Authors: Schaffer Gina , Tod Danielle
Published: January 2025

This study examines language attitudes in the German‐speaking region of Switzerland towards two inner‐circle standard varieties of English, General American, and Standard Southern British English, and one expanding‐circle variety, Swiss German English. This study is the first to consider Swiss attitudes towards a Swiss variety of English and generational differences in Swiss attitudes. A verbal‐guise experiment and survey were conducted with 88 participants living in the German‐speaking region of Switzerland eliciting evaluations on 19 semantic differential scales reflecting status‐ and solidarity‐based traits. Findings confirm the attitudinal tenor in the expanding circle, with both inner‐circle varieties rated higher overall and on status‐based traits than Swiss German English, while Swiss German English was evaluated higher on solidarity‐based traits. Significant age and gender effects were only found for Standard Southern British English, rated more favourably by younger individuals and females. The implications of these results for the education system in Switzerland are subsequently discussed.
On the Number of Components for Matrix‐Variate Mixtures: A Comparison Among Information Criteria
Authors: Tomarchio Salvatore D. , Punzo Antonio
Published: January 2025

This study explores the crucial task of determining the optimal number of components in mixture models, known as mixture order, when considering matrix‐variate data. Despite the growing interest in this data type among practitioners and researchers, the effectiveness of information criteria in selecting the mixture order remains largely unexplored in this branch of the literature. Although the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) is commonly utilised, its effectiveness is only marginally tested in this context, and several other potentially valuable criteria exist. An extensive simulation study evaluates the performance of 10 information criteria across various data structures, specifically focusing on matrix‐variate normal mixtures.
Unveiling the Role of Spatial Functional Trait Variations on Grassland Primary Productivity at France Scale
Authors: Chebbo Sara , Violle Cyrille , Mahaut Lucie , Kattge Jens , Peaucelle Marc , Choler Philippe , Viovy Nicolas
Published: January 2025

Aim

Land surface models (LSMs) currently represent each plant functional type (PFT) as an average phenotype, characterised by a set of fixed parameters. This rigid and constant representation is a limit in understanding the dynamics of highly diverse ecosystems, such as permanent grasslands, and their response to global change.

Location

France.

Time Period

2001–2019.

Major Taxa

Grassland plant species.

Methods

We incorporated spatially explicit trait variability at the France scale in the ORCHIDEE land surface model to assess how the net primary productivity (NPP) will spatially vary over the years. More precisely, we focused on three key functional traits that govern the NPP of grassland ecosystems: specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf nitrogen content (LNC), as measured traits, and leaf lifespan (LLS) as an estimated trait. Community‐weighted means (CWM) were implemented in various combinations with prescribed and spatially varying traits. We compared the outcomes of each NPP simulation to remotely sensed proxies of productivity by using the MODIS satellite‐driven NPP products.

Results

The sensitivity of NPP to traits depends on climate conditions, such as temperature and water limitation. Considering trait variability decreases the NPP in the most productive regions (plains) and increases the NPP in the less productive regions (mountains) compared to the case with constant trait values. This leads to a more homogenous NPP across France. Compared to the observed MODIS NPP and FLUXCOM GPP, the simulation using varying traits improves the spatial NPP and GPP variations in several regions and most climate conditions.

Main Conclusions

Based on the existing trait data, we revealed that incorporating the CWM of traits in an LSM such as ORCHIDEE can be effectively performed. Improving the modelling and predictions by considering the relationships between biodiversity, functional biogeography, and ecosystem functioning is essential in current and future ecological research.
Does Teacher Enthusiasm Facilitate Students' Chemistry Learning in Video Lectures Regardless of Students' Prior Chemistry Knowledge Levels?
Authors: Huangfu Qian , He Qianmei , Luo Sisi , Huang Weilin , Yang Yahua
Published: January 2025

Background

Video lectures which include the teachers' presence have become increasingly common. As teacher enthusiasm is a nonverbal cue in video lectures, more and more studies are focusing on this topic. However, little research has been carried out on the interactions between teacher enthusiasm and prior knowledge when learning from video lectures.

Objectives

We tested whether prior chemistry knowledge moderated the impact of teacher enthusiasm on students' chemistry learning during video lectures.

Methods

One hundred and forty‐two Grade 7 (low‐prior chemistry knowledge) and Grade 9 (high‐prior chemistry knowledge) Chinese students engaged with this research. Each group of students was randomised into viewing a video lecture with either a low or high degree of teacher enthusiasm. Outcomes were assessed by attention allocation, learning performance, cognitive load, learning satisfaction and student engagement.

Results and Conclusions

Our findings revealed significant benefits of teacher enthusiasm and also showed that prior chemistry knowledge could moderate the impact of teacher enthusiasm on students' attention and cognitive outcomes (cognitive load and transfer). Visual attention mediates the effects on transfer. For students with low prior knowledge, there is more focus on the learning content, lower extraneous cognitive load, and higher transfer scores when watching videos with high levels of teacher enthusiasm; however, students with high prior knowledge do not show these differences. In addition, high prior chemistry knowledge had a significant beneficial impact on the motivational outcomes of the students (satisfaction and engagement).

Implications

The results suggest that teacher enthusiasm in a video lecture may affect students' chemistry learning, and students' prior chemistry knowledge should be considered when choosing whether to display teacher enthusiasm.
Application of a fuzzy, indicator‐based methodology for investigating the functional vulnerability of critical infrastructures to flood hazards
Authors: Binesh Negin , Aronica Giuseppe T. , Hadzic Emina , Sulejmanovic Suada , Milisic Hata , Deda Miranda , Koxhai Halim , McCarthy Simon , Rossello Laura , Viavattene Christophe , Mujic Fehad , Brigandi Giuseppina , Gabellani Simone , Masi Rocco
Published: January 2025

Hazard vulnerability assessment of critical infrastructures (CIs) is crucial for ranking infrastructures based on their level of criticality, enabling the urban managers to prioritize CIs for allocating funds in the hazard mitigation/recovery process. This study aims to provide a framework for ranking CIs based on a rapid and preliminary flood vulnerability assessment by introducing a methodology for classifying CIs according to their vulnerability to riverine flooding. An indicator‐based vulnerability curve is calculated both quantitatively (using Fuzzy Logic Toolbox in MATLAB) and qualitatively (using susceptibility–exposure matrix), based on which CIs prioritization is accomplished with a focus on functional flood vulnerability considering structural/nonstructural damages. Besides, this study addresses the consequences that a damaged infrastructure may have on the rest of CIs and estimates their vulnerability given the additive impact of the surrounding failed infrastructures considering their interdependence. The methodology was applied to Berat (Albania) and Sarajevo (Bosnia‐Herzegovina) with findings compared to those of a multi‐criteria decision‐making‐based approach commonly used in CI ranking literature. The obtained results from both methods represent that roads are the most vulnerable studied infrastructure in the case of Berat, while regarding the city of Sarajevo, road infrastructures are considered the least vulnerable to riverine floods compared to bridges and schools.
Spatio‐temporal impact of land use changes on nitrogen emissions in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area
Authors: Chen Chen , Zhang Xiaohu , Webster Chris
Published: January 2025

Land use changes, especially urban land expansion, exert a profound effect on nitrogen (N) cycles in the interconnected human–natural systems, altering the distribution and intensity of N emissions resulting from anthropogenic activities. However, few studies have revealed the dynamic response of N emissions to diverse land use changes at the regional scale. This study developed a holistic spatial urban metabolism framework that combines land‐use classification, N‐flow modeling, and spatial analysis to examine the heterogeneous land‐related N transitions across cities and timeframes at a fine spatial resolution. Using the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) as the case, we observed a drastic expansion of built‐up land during 1990–2018, mainly converted from cropland (81.35%) and forest (9.55%). Intensified N emissions became increasingly concentrated in densely populated urban areas and croplands in the GBA's western peripheral cities. Land conversion from cropland to built‐up land contributed the most to the rise in N emissions, totaling 368.2 Gg during the study period. The increase in N emission intensity associated with built‐up land expansion gradually fell over time due to enhanced N removal in waste treatment, while the exploitation of water and wetland exhibited the highest average increased intensity of 35.01 t N/km2 after 2010. Our findings highlight the need for tailored and collaborative land management strategies that adapt to different development stages and local conditions to mitigate N pollution in the fast‐urbanizing bay area.
Scott's Tots: A Class Activity in Contract Formation
Authors: Conklin Michael
Published: January 2025

This teaching note presents an active learning exercise using a clip from the television show The Office. The exercise centers on a promise to pay for the college education of a group of third graders, raising questions about capacity, consideration, offer, acceptance, statute of frauds, revocations, promissory estoppel, and other key contract elements. This resource is designed to be adaptable for various teaching styles and class modalities and can be implemented at any point in the semester, even before contracts have been covered. The note explores the pedagogical benefits of implementing pop culture videos and active learning techniques to enhance student engagement and understanding. It provides detailed guidance on conducting the activity, including discussion points, sample exam questions, and an analogous, real‐life circumstance.
Things at Work: How Things Contribute to Performing Work
Authors: Sandberg Jörgen , Dall'Alba Gloria , Stephens Anna
Published: January 2025

A crucial question for organizations is what constitutes work performance. While the importance of human competence and motivation to work performance has been established, less well understood is how ‘things’ – such as algorithms, tools, instruments, and raw materials – contribute to work performance. As ‘intelligent’ and ‘agentic’ technologies become further involved in work, it is increasingly important to understand the impact of things upon work performance. Although research adopting an entanglement perspective (e.g., practice theory, sociomateriality, affordances, science and technology studies) has convincingly demonstrated things are integral to work performance, there is a need for heightened clarity on how things contribute to performing work. Informed by an ontology of things and drawing on an ethnographic study in the biotechnology industry, we propose things are constitutive of work performance in three interrelated ways: (1) by belonging to a nexus of useful things, (2) through performing interlinked roles, and (3) while co‐constituting work performance in concert with practitioners. Our theoretical and empirical account offers a more integrative and comprehensive understanding of how things are constitutive of work performance compared to the existing entanglement literature. This opens several new possibilities for enhancing work performance in organizations, which we outline in the paper.
Evidential transformer for buried object detection in ground penetrating radar signals and interval‐based bounding box
Authors: Tong Zheng , Zhang Yiming , Ma Tao
Published: January 2025

Three‐dimensional (3D) buried object detection using ground penetrating radar (GPR) benefits from the powerful capacity of image‐wise deep neural networks. However, it still faces the challenge of information loss from raw GPR signals to two‐ and three‐dimensional images, such as the frequency‐domain information loss when normalizing GPR signals into gray‐scale images and spatial information loss when using stacked B‐ and C‐scan images to replace raw GPR signals as inputs. To solve the challenge, this study has proposed an ENNreg‐transformer model, directly using raw 3D GPR signals to perform buried object detection. In the proposed model, 3D GPR signals are first converted into sequential voxelization to obtain spatiotemporal features. The features are then aggregated by an intuition‐guided feature aggregation layer to simulate the expert behavior to analyze 3D GPR data. Finally, an evidential detection header outputs 3D interval‐based bounding boxes for buried object detection. The experiment on two 3D GPR road datasets demonstrates that the proposed model exceeds other state‐of‐the‐art models on the tasks thanks to raw 3D signals and intuition‐guided feature aggregation. In addition, the interval‐based bounding box represents the spatial bounding‐box uncertainty, which derives from the inherent limitations of GPR and deep networks.
Oral Health Care: A Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines
Authors: Gallione Chiara , Bassi Erika , Cattaneo Arianna , Busca Erica , Basso Ines , Dal Molin Alberto
Published: January 2025

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for preventing and managing oral health problems. This systematic review aimed to identify and assess clinical practice guidelines on oral hygiene, focusing on quality and key areas. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane, and organizational websites. Guidelines from health organizations that focused on oral health, hygiene education, and disease prevention were included. Guidelines based on expert opinions and those focusing on specific pathologies were excluded. The AGREE II tool was used to evaluate quality, and a narrative synthesis summarized recommendations across pediatric, adult, and senior age groups. Nine studies were reviewed. Results showed that electric toothbrushes do not significantly outperform manual ones in preventing cavities, though they may reduce plaque. Fluoride toothpaste is less effective if followed by rinsing with water. For adults, mouthwashes with chlorhexidine or sodium fluoride are recommended. Checkups every six months are advised for healthy children and adults. Proper denture care is also emphasized. Regular updates to oral care guidelines are necessary, as oral health affects essential functions and social well‐being.
A 2OGD multi‐gene cluster encompasses functional and tissue specificity that direct furanocoumarin and pyranocoumarin biosynthesis in citrus
Authors: Goldenberg Livnat , Ghuge Sandip Annasaheb , Doron‐Faigenboim Adi , Carmeli‐Weissberg Mira , Shaya Felix , Rozen Ada , Dahan Yardena , Plesser Elena , Kelly Gilor , Yaniv Yossi , Arad Tal , Ophir Ron , Sherman Amir , Carmi Nir , Eyal Yoram
Published: January 2025

Furanocoumarins (FCs) are plant defence compounds derived from the phenylpropanoid pathway via the coumarin umbelliferone that harbour some therapeutic benefits yet are the underlying cause of ‘grapefruit–drug interactions’ in humans. Most of the pathway genes have not been identified in citrus.

We employed a genetic/Omics approach on citrus ancestral species and F1 populations of mandarin × grapefruit and mandarin × pummelo. Enzyme specificity was characterized by In vivo 2‐oxoglutarate‐dependent dioxygenase family (2OGD) activity assays.

We identified a 2OGD multi‐gene cluster involved in coumarin/FC/pyranocoumarin biosynthesis; Species lacking FCs in leaves/fruit were homozygous for a 655‐base solo‐LTR frame‐disrupting insertion within one dual specificity C2′H/F6′H encoding 2OGD gene, demonstrating that integrity of this gene is fully correlated with the capacity to biosynthesize metabolites of the extended FC pathway in leaves/fruit. A second 2OGD is the prominent gene expressed in citrus roots, which contain a unique pattern of extended FC pathway metabolites, including the predominant pyranocoumarins. A third 2OGD gene encodes a single activity F6′H, which appears to be induced at the transcript level by citrus pathogens.

The results provide insights into the genetic basis underlying the difference between citrus fruit FC producers (grapefruit and pummelo) and nonproducers (mandarin and orange) and provide a gene target to breed for FC‐free varieties by marker‐assisted breeding or genome editing.
Characteristic of Immunotherapy Trials in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: 2013–2023
Authors: Xia Binbin , Wu Fan , Wei Bin , Li Qunxing , Lin Hsinyu , Lu Peichia , Xie Zhijun , Liu Niu , Wu Jiaying , Zhong Jianglong , Fan Song
Published: January 2025

Objective

This research provides a comprehensive analysis of immunotherapy clinical trials for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, aiming to enhance future trial designs.

Methods

We analyzed all clinical trials focused on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma immunotherapy registered on ClinicalTrials.gov from January 1st, 2013, to December 31st, 2023, examining general characteristics, methodological features, and types of immunotherapeutic drugs.

Results

The analysis included 727 trials, with 687 interventional (94.50%) and 40 observational (5.50%). Most trials were small‐sized (64.37%), single‐centered (56.67%), non‐blinded (94.76%), and non‐randomized (72.93%). Over half of the trials were conducted in North America (55.71%), but trials in Asia increased significantly in the past 5 years (9.88% vs. 32.38%, p < 0.001). Only 20.63% of completed trials updated outcomes, with most results published 6–12 months after primary completion (55.13%). Immune checkpoint inhibitors were the predominant focus, and neoadjuvant immunotherapy was the main regimen in trials with resectable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (74.83%).

Conclusions

There has been a gradual increase in clinical trials over the past decade, with most being interventional. Delays or absences in outcome submission were prevalent. Novel immunotherapeutic drugs and treatment regimens are a significant focus.