bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cryptocurrencies as a new trigger for credit card misuse during economic downturns
Authors: Bai Zefeng , Wang Pengcheng , Jia Miaoqing
Published: December 2024

Purpose

In this paper, we empirically investigate how crypto investments in times of economic downturn would affect credit card usage, a widely used payment method that has a significant impact on individual financial well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

We carry out an ordinary least squares regression analysis and an instrumental variable design on data from the most recent National Financial Capability Study 2021 (NFCS2021). The NFCS2021 collects information about various demographic and financial backgrounds of US adults.

Findings

We find that crypto investments are associated with a significantly higher likelihood of credit card misuse, as indicated by making only the minim um payments, late payments and using credit cards for cash advances. Meanwhile, social media use is a strong predictor of crypto investments. Results from our analysis are robust after accounting for endogeneity concerns using an instrumental variable design.

Originality/value

Our findings provide new insights into the influence of emerging financial instruments on delinquent credit card behaviors, which can further intensify individual and household financial instability during periods of market stress. Furthermore, our findings underscore the necessity of improving individual awareness of the high-risk characteristics of cryptocurrencies, despite their increasing popularity in the financial marketplace in the current financial marketplace.
EU climate countdown: economic risks, adaptation and smart policies
Authors: Varadi Ana-Elena , Lobont Oana-Ramona , Vatavu Sorana
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the impact of various climate change indicators on economic growth while further scrutinising the overall efficiency of environmental policies adopted at the European Union (EU) level. The paper considers the European Green Deal policy framework as a prism for assessing whether an increase in environmental expenditure mitigates climate change.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the duality of the study, this paper examines the immediate impact of climate change on economic growth by using multiple linear regression and evaluates the effectiveness of environmental policies through a multiple indicators multiple cause (MIMIC) Model. As the paper assesses the policy efficiency in EU countries, this paper has used various climate and economic-related indicators from all 27 EU member states for a period of 12 years (2010–2021).

Findings

The results suggest that the macroeconomic environment is indeed impacted by climate change mechanisms, particularly through industrial activity that leads to pollution and resource depletion. Furthermore, through the MIMIC model approach, the results display that environmental expenditures have also diminished the risks associated with climate change indicators, especially in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Originality/value

This paper provides a clear overview of the manner in which climate change risks affect economic growth and, in turn, how EU countries are mitigating such risks. It proposes a traditional yet controversial method for assessing the correlation between indicators and corresponding causes whilst also considering various indicators to explain the means through which the EU Commission had applied its adopted environmental policies to mitigate environmental risks.
What makes an AI-themed hotel successful? New evidence from a sequential research design
Authors: Yi Bowen , Shi Da , Li Gang
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Although artificial intelligence (AI) is an essential component of hospitality in the technological empowerment era, AI’s effectiveness as an attraction in this context remains unclear. Grounded in Herzberg’s motivation theory and complexity theory, this study aims to explore configurational paths whereby combinations of qualities lead to success for different types of AI-themed hotels.

Design/methodology/approach

This study innovatively blends topic modeling and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to investigate configurational paths whereby combined qualities produce positive guest evaluations of 12 AI-themed hotels as evidenced by 7,431 customer reviews.

Findings

The results indicate that AI could serve as a “theme” to attract customers under certain circumstances. First, “attractive” and “must-be” qualities are first identified for different types of AI-themed hotels. Furthermore, 6, 15 and 15 configurational paths inspiring favorable guest evaluations of luxury-independent, budget-independent and chain AI-themed hotels, respectively. Technology-related qualities are found to be especially attractive for luxury-independent AI-themed hotels, whereas the role of technology is minimal for budget AI-themed hotels. The impact of technology is salient for chain AI-themed hotels when combined with other factors. In addition, the effect of price differs among the configurational paths for the three hotel types.

Research limitations/implications

This study expands the understanding of AI applications within the hospitality context by exploring the role of AI in AI-themed hotels and comparing its effectiveness in attracting customers across various hotel types. It also provides operational strategies for adopting AI for different types of hotels and for other hospitality and tourism sectors.

Originality/value

This study represents an early attempt to integrate topic modeling and fsQCA to clarify customers’ perceptions of AI-themed hotels and the combined impacts of various qualities. The findings expand on Kano’s model by classifying technology-related qualities into attractive qualities within AI-themed hotels.
Comparative analysis of multi-platform e-commerce online reviews based LDA and sentiment dictionary
Authors: Xie Wanying , Zhao Wei , Xu Zeshui
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the differences in consumer reviews across multiple e-commerce platforms to better assist consumers in making informed decisions. By examining the specific content of these differentiated reviews, the study seeks to provide insights that can enhance e-commerce services and improve consumer satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The research utilizes the latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) method for text analysis to identify the varying concerns of consumers across different e-commerce platforms for the same product. Additionally, the study expands the sentiment dictionary to address polysemy issues, allowing for a more precise capture of sentiment differences among consumers. A non-parametric test is employed to compare reviews across multiple platforms, providing a comprehensive analysis of review disparities.

Findings

The findings reveal that consumer concerns and sentiments vary significantly across different e-commerce platforms, even for the same product. The combination of text analysis and non-parametric testing highlights the objectivity of the research, offering valuable evidence and recommendations for improving e-commerce services and enhancing the shopping experience.

Originality/value

This study is original in its approach to combining text analysis with non-parametric testing to examine multi-platform review differences. The research not only contributes to the understanding of consumer behavior in the context of e-commerce but also provides practical suggestions for platforms and consumers, aiming to optimize service quality and consumer satisfaction.
Addressing climate change education: relevant contributions from universities
Authors: Leal Filho Walter , Sow Baba Libasse , Perlin Ana Paula , Mbah Marcellus Forh , Costa Cristina Amaro da , Safiul Azam Fardous Mohammad , Dinis Maria Alzira Pimenta
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify and describe the nature of higher education institutions’ (HEIs) engagement with climate change (CC) education, exploring their contributions to addressing the multifaceted challenges associated with the phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

By using a dual methodological approach consisting of an expert-driven literature review with supporting cases, the study provides a novel perspective of university involvement in CC education, emphasising theoretical insights and practical applications.

Findings

The study asserts that universities contribute significantly to CC education through the development of specialised teaching programmes, innovative research initiatives and the establishment of interdisciplinary collaborations. However, challenges abound, including limited financial resources, institutional inertia and the complexity of integrating CC topics across diverse academic disciplines. By fostering partnerships with external stakeholders, implementing innovative teaching methodologies and strengthening governance frameworks, universities can further enhance the effectiveness and reach of CC education initiatives.

Research limitations/implications

While the study offers valuable insights, it acknowledges potential limitations, including the scope of example studies and the specificity of findings to certain institutional contexts, which impedes generalisation. Avenues for further research to understand university contributions to CC education have been advanced.

Practical implications

The paper provides practical insights for universities to optimise their engagement in CC education, emphasising the mobilisation of student involvement and the promotion of transdisciplinary approaches, amongst others.

Social implications

While emphasising the role of universities in CC education, the study underscores the broader societal impact of informed and engaged HEIs to drive positive change by instilling awareness and promoting sustainable practices.

Originality/value

The findings offer original perspectives on the importance of university engagement in CC education and provide practical measures for optimising their contribution to a sustainable future via pedagogical, programme and strategic/whole institutional levels.
Disadvantages of the food beauty premium: new marketing communication for organic food
Authors: Kato Takumi , Yoshimura Wakako , Shinozaki Yusuke , Hayami Katsuya , Ikeda Ryosuke , Koizumi Masaki
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Despite growing knowledge about its benefits, the organic food market’s expansion has been limited. A problem with ethical consumption is the attitude–behavior gap. The simplest reason for this gap is that in survey settings, social desirability bias elicits positive attitudes; whereas in real settings, the ambiguity of direct benefits leads to negative behavior. By clinging to the excessive values of a beauty premium, consumers abandon essential health in favor of apparent health, increasing product prices and contributing to environmental degradation. Using organic food, this study aims to eliminate this gap in the consumption of organic foods.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a randomized controlled trial – the gold standard for estimating the causal effects of treatments – with 1,500 individuals aged 20–70 years in Japan. The authors consider appealing aspects other than product characteristics, such as health and environmental considerations, and focus on the negative effects of beauty premiums.

Findings

The above marketing communication significantly increased purchase intention. This effect was more pronounced among younger people, men, those with higher incomes and those who cook less frequently as compared to their counterparts. Health and environmental considerations had no effect on purchase intentions.

Originality/value

This study incorporated consumer values regarding health and environmental benefits in new marketing communications to address the “beauty premium” and resolve the conventional attitude–behavior gap concerning organic foods.
Understanding police officers’ experiences of post-shooting interviews: factors influencing account-giving
Authors: Porter Louise E. , Powell Martine
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to understand the factors that are perceived to influence the completeness and accuracy of officers’ accounts of an officer-involved shooting (OIS).

Design/methodology/approach

Research interviews were conducted with 13 Australian police officers who had been involved in a shooting and subsequently undergone an investigative interview by their agency’s internal investigators. The authors integrated the officers' experiences of, and perspectives on, these investigative interviews using inductive thematic analysis.

Findings

Officers’ accounts of a shooting relied not just on their memory but their engagement and ability to provide their account. This was influenced by their psychological state as well as the interview process. Interview timing was relevant. However, it was not necessarily the length of time to wait, but the treatment experienced during that time that had the most impact, not only on officers’ satisfaction with the process but also on the quality of information provided. Officers felt they performed best when supported, and demonstrations of procedural and informational justice were key.

Practical implications

Knowledge of the factors that affect officers’ ability to provide accounts of stressful events can contribute to policies that recognise individual-level needs and ensure fair treatment of subject officers.

Originality/value

While prior research has recognised OISs as traumatic events with long-term impacts on officer wellbeing, far less is known about the immediate aftermath of a shooting with respect to the needs of the officer and how this might impact the interview process. By drawing on the insights of officers with direct experience, this study adds to the evidence for best-practice interviewing of officers after a shooting.
The role of mindfulness in the relationship between uncertainty and adaptive performance via affect: a within-person approach
Authors: Taşkan Burcu , Junça-Silva Ana , Caetano António
Published: December 2024

Purpose

In the current uncertain working environment, how and when employees adapt their performance is an essential issue. Based on the integrative model of uncertainty tolerance, this study aims to investigate the relationship between uncertainty and adaptive performance by testing the mediating role of negative affect and mindfulness as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the model, 159 participants took part in a diary study during 10 working days (n = 159 x 10 = 1,590).

Findings

The multilevel results showed that negative affect mediated the within-person effect of uncertainty on adaptive performance. Further, mindfulness moderated the relationship between uncertainty and adaptive performance in such a way that it became stronger for individuals who scored lower on mindfulness (versus higher mindfulness).

Research limitations/implications

Understanding what may sustain and amplify responses to uncertain working conditions may help managers to design interventions that may support their employees’ responses to effectively cope with them.

Originality/value

This study shed light on the relevance of both negative affect and mindfulness on the relationship between uncertainty and adaptive performance. In addition, the findings expand the theoretical knowledge of the mechanism underlying the relationship between uncertainty and adaptive performance, and the condition that may strengths this relationship.
A novel method of hydraulic valves design for additive manufacturing based on structural decomposition
Authors: Li Dongfei , Guo Gaofeng
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a design method for additive manufacturing (AM) hydraulic valves based on valve body structural decomposition. The method aims to achieve the design of a hydraulic valve with minimum mass or maximum stiffness or minimum pressure loss that also satisfies the structural strength requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

Decompose the hydraulic valve into typical feature structures and functional structures. Generative design (GD) tools are used to perform GD on the typical feature structures while considering loads and constraints. Based on the GD results, automatically design flow channels with variable wall thickness driven by fluid pressure. The GD results under different design objectives are combined with the automatically designed variable wall thickness channels to obtain hydraulic valves with different performance characteristics.

Findings

The case study section redesigned and manufactured a minimum mass fuel regulator valve. Compared to the conventional fuel regulator valve, the mass of the redesigned valve was reduced by 77%, the pressure loss was reduced by 40% and the flow rate was increased by 38%.

Originality/value

The value of this work is the combination of structural and flow optimization, as well as the design of flow channels with variable wall thickness. The proposed method contributes a novel solution to the design of AM hydraulic valves.
Enhancing carbon neutral supply chain performance: can green logistics and pressure from supply chain stakeholders make any differences?
Authors: Tetteh Francis Kamewor , Owusu Kwateng Kwame , Mensah John
Published: December 2024

Purpose

With limited empirical evidence, prior studies have proposed that green practices can be leveraged to enhance carbon neutrality. This study draws on the contingent natural resource-based view (NRBV) to theorize and validate how pressure from supply chain (SC) stakeholders could amplify the effect of green logistics practices (GLPs) on carbon-neutral supply chain performance (CNSCP) among firms in developing countries. Specifically, this study contends that high levels of supply chain pressures (SCPs) (customers and suppliers) amplify the influence of GLPs on CNSCP.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated model was tested using survey data gathered from 208 managers of logistics firms in Ghana. SPSS 23 and structural equation modeling were used for the data analyses.

Findings

Findings showed that all five dimensions of GLPs (transportation, warehousing, packaging and distribution, logistics information sharing and sustainable waste management) significantly enhance CNSCP. This study also found varying interactive effects of SCPs (customers and suppliers) on the link between GLPs (green transportation, green packaging and distribution) and CNSCP, such that different practices exert varying interactive effects at varying levels of SCPs.

Practical implications

This study offers fresh insights into how managers can leverage GLPs to achieve enhanced benefits in the form of CNSCP. The outcome of this study offers a comprehensive understanding of the GLPs-CNSCP link while shedding light on how firms can manage SCP to drive enhanced carbon-neutral performance through GLPs.

Social implications

This study contributes to policymakers in enhancing the decarbonization of global SCs through sustainable logistics practices.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to theorize and empirically validate the influence of GLPs on CNSCP. This study identified five practices and demonstrated how these practices uniquely drive CNSCP, as opposed to previous studies that examined GLPs from a one-dimensional perspective. This study also expands the borders of sustainable logistics literature by theorizing and empirically validating SCPs (customers and suppliers) as necessary conditions to amplify the benefits of GLPs. In essence, the novelty of the present study lies in the integration of NRBV and stakeholder theories to unearth the mechanism for optimizing the GLP-CNSCP relationship, which is rare in the sustainable logistics literature.
Impact measurement among social purpose organizations: which practices are associated with useful, non-burdensome impact measurement
Authors: Akwetey John F. , Ricci Lisa , Ruff Katherine (Kate) , Zaredorahi Farnaz
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The benefits and challenges of impact measurement for social purpose organizations are well known. Measuring impact can equip managers with information to further their organizations’ purposes. Measurement can also be costly and time-consuming. The many tools and techniques give managers a choice; however, the techniques are not appropriately scaled to the financial and human resources available. This study aims to identify and validate a minimum set of essential impact measurement practices associated with useful, non-burdensome impact measurement among social purpose organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use data from a sample of social purpose organizations that answered questions about impact measurement practices based on the common approach to impact measurement’s common foundations model and three questions about impact measurement’s perceived benefits and value. The authors use factor analysis (first confirmatory factor analysis and then exploratory factor analysis) to identify the minimum set of impact measurement practices associated with the useful, non-burdensome impact measurement.

Findings

The authors found that the Common Foundations 21 practices are correlated and consistent with the perception that measurement is useful and not burdensome. However, the model that underpins the Common Foundations had a poor fit when tested with confirmatory factor analysis. The authors present and validate a revised model with a high goodness of fit. The revised model identifies ten impact measurement practices that, when implemented, are highly correlated with useful, non-burdensome measurement.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to empirically examine a minimum set of impact measurement practices associated with the benefits of measurement while reducing the burden. These findings are of practical value to social purpose organizations looking to benefit from impact measurement whose financial and human resources are limited. The authors offer them ten essential impact measurement practices. The findings offer a validated instrument for assessing if an organization’s impact measurement practices will likely lead to useful, non-burdensome impact measurement.
Inhibition mechanism of palladium on intermetallic compounds in Au–Al bonding under high temperature storage
Authors: Liang Zhimin , Zhao Xinyu , Li Yunjia , Rao Yuzhong , Wang Kehong , Wang Xiaobing
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Adding Pd element to Au wire can improve the reliability of Au-Al bonding, but the mechanism of Pd element has not been well revealed so far. The purpose of this study is to reveal in more detail the mechanism of the role of Pd elements in Au/Al bonding.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the microstructure changes and tensile data of 99.99% (4N) gold wire and 99% (2N) gold wire with 1 at % Pd were compared through high-temperature thermal aging treatment of the specimens, so as to explore the influence mechanism of Pd element on Au-Al bonding reliability.

Findings

The addition of Pd element effectively reduces the thickness of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) layer and strengthens the fracture tension and reliability. Compared with the 4N specimen, the average thickness of the IMCs layer of the 2N specimen under the same conditions is reduced by 1 µm, and the tensile value of the 2N specimen is increased by 1−3 g. Stored at 200°C for 200 h, the failure rate of bond point of 4N specimen reached 94.64%, and that of 2N specimen was 20%, with a difference of 4.73 times.

Originality/value

Through comparative analysis of the data, this study found that the doping of Pd element in Au-Al IMCs in the early stage slowed down the growth rate of the IMCs, and the precipitation of Pd element in the late stage to form a better Pd-rich layer hindered the element mutual diffusion behavior between Au and Al.
Compressive sensing principles applied in time and space for three‐dimensional land seismic data acquisition and processing
Authors: Jeong Woodon , Tsingas Constantinos , Almubarak Mohammed S. , Ma Yue
Published: December 2024

Compressive sensing introduces novel perspectives on non‐uniform sampling, leading to substantial reductions in acquisition cost and cycle time compared to current seismic exploration practices. Non‐uniform spatial sampling, achieved through source and/or receiver areal distributions, and non‐uniform temporal sampling, facilitated by simultaneous‐source acquisition schemes, enable compression and/or reduction of seismic data acquisition time and cost. However, acquiring seismic data using compressive sensing may encounter challenges such as an extremely low signal‐to‐noise ratio and the generation of interference noise from adjacent sources. A significant challenge to this innovative approach is to demonstrate the translation of theoretical gains in sampling efficiency into operational efficiency in the field. In this study, we propose a spatial compression scheme based on compressive sensing theory, aiming to obtain an undersampled survey geometry by minimizing the mutual coherence of a spatial sampling operator. Building upon an optimised spatial compression geometry, we subsequently consider temporal compression through a simultaneous‐source acquisition scheme. To address challenges arising from the recorded compressed seismic data in the non‐uniform temporal and spatial domains, such as missing traces and crosstalk noise, we present a joint deblending and reconstruction algorithm. Our proposed algorithm employs the iterative shrinkage‐thresholding method to solve an ℓ2–ℓ1 optimization problem in the frequency–wavenumber–wavenumber (ω–kx–ky) domain. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the proposed algorithm produces excellent deblending and reconstruction results, preserving data quality and reliability. These results are compared with non‐blended and uniformly acquired data from the same location illustrating the robustness of the application. This study exemplifies how the theoretical improvements based on compressive sensing principles can significantly impact seismic data acquisition in terms of spatial and temporal sampling efficiency.
Inhibition of DNA Methyltransferase DNMT1 Reverses Th2 Response Polarisation and Alleviates Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Zou Peng , Li Jianguo , Li Jia , Wang Jian
Published: December 2024

Background

Type 2 T helper (Th2) cells‐mediated immune response plays vital roles in allergic rhinitis (AR), and DNA methylation is previously found to be closely related to AR development.

Aims

Our study aims to reveal the detail mechanism of DNA methylation affecting Th2 response in AR.

Methods

Mice were stimulated with ovalbumin (OVA) to induce AR symptoms, and CD4+ T cells were subjected to Th2 induction culture. Real‐time quantitative PCR, western blot, flow cytometry, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were performed to analyse the activation of Th2 response.

Results

DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) was significantly upregulated in OVA‐induced AR model mice, and DNMT1 knockdown alleviated AR symptoms and pathological changes of nasal mucosa tissues in the model mice. DNMT1 knockdown obviously reduced the expression of GATA binding protein 3 (GATA3), the ratio of interleukin (IL)‐4+CD4+ cells and the release of Th2 cytokines, but elevated the expression of T‐box expressed in T cells (T‐bet), the ratio of interferon (IFN)‐γ+CD4+ cells and the levels of Th1 cytokines to improve Th1/Th2 imbalance in the model mice and Th2‐induced CD4+T cells. Mechanistically, DNMT1 promoted promoter methylation of forkhead box O3 (FOXO3), inhibited FOXO3 expression and activated the nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB)/GATA3 signalling. FOXO3 overexpression remarkably inactivated the NF‐κB/GATA3 pathway and mitigated Th2 polarisation in DNMT1‐deficient and Th2‐conditined CD4+T cells, which was reversed by a NF‐κB inhibitor.

Conclusion

Altogether, DNMT1 downregulated FOXO3 expression to activate the NF‐κB/GATA3 pathway and promote Th2 response in AR.
Enhancing motivation in Filipino learners with ADHD: Insights from kindergarten mesosystems
Authors: Lukban Abylyn S. , Custodio Zhanina U. , Datu Jesus Alfonso D. , Arrieta Cherie Lou A. , Estacio Albenett Josanne J. , Julian Abigail F. , Paet Mariel G. , Andrada Li Daphne V.
Published: December 2024

Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition that impacts approximately 5% of children worldwide. Children with this ADHD often struggle with behavioural issues that disrupt their ability to meet the demands of learning in educational settings. This research aims to identify the motivational strategies used by primary caregivers to address the challenging behaviours of Filipino kindergarteners diagnosed with ADHD via a qualitative research design. Focus group discussions and one‐on‐one interviews were conducted with 11 primary caregivers of children with ADHD. The findings identified the challenges faced and support strategies used by caregivers—parents or guardians—in supporting children with this neurodevelopmental disorder. This study highlights the motivational and academic benefits associated with employing preparatory, remediation, and teacher‐caregiver collaborative, and activity engagement strategies to address the needs of young children with ADHD. These findings underscore the importance of capacity‐building initiatives aimed at supporting caregivers of children with ADHD.
Performance evaluation of a Cadre Forensics TopMatch‐GS 3D system for cartridge case comparisons
Authors: Alsdurf Joseph W. , Law Eric F. , Luehr Stephanie C.
Published: December 2024

Three‐dimensional (3D) measurement systems for firearm forensics are becoming more prevalent in forensic laboratories, and these instruments are typically coupled with algorithms to assist firearm examiners with comparisons. Due to differences in firearm feature reproducibility on different types of ammunition, comparison algorithms need to be tested utilizing a variety of ammunition brands. For this study, 30 shots were fired, utilizing six common ammunition brands, from each of the 10 casework firearms for a total of 300 cartridge cases. All cartridge cases were scanned on a Cadre Forensics TopMatch‐GS 3D desktop system and compared using Cadre's breech face and firing pin aperture shear algorithms for a total of 44,850 comparisons. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to quantify the performance of the algorithms when comparing within and between ammunition brands. Same ammunition brand comparisons (AUC = 0.964) performed statistically significantly better (p = 0.0075) than different ammunition brand comparisons (AUC = 0.944). Overall, the results generally indicated greater reproducibility of characteristics from a firearm when the ammunition in a comparison is the same, however, Cadre's algorithms demonstrated excellent overall discrimination between same and different‐source comparisons regardless of ammunition brand (AUC = 0.946). Additionally, score thresholds were evaluated for easier interpretation of what algorithm results mean for practitioners, where 68.6% of same‐source comparisons resulted in a similarity score greater than 0.5. These results should assist the field in moving toward the use of algorithms to assist examiners in casework comparisons.
Physical field‐assisted deep eutectic solvent processing: A green and water‐saving extraction and separation technology
Authors: Zhou Cunshan , Adeyanju Adeyemi Ayotunde , Nwonuma Charles Obiora , Inyinbor Adejumoke A. , Alejolowo Omokolade Oluwaseyi , Al‐Hamayda Asmaa , Akinsemolu Adenike , Onyeaka Helen , Olaniran Abiola F.
Published: December 2024

Extraction of organic and bioactive compounds from plant materials with the traditional organic solvents aided by water or oil bath heating is not sustainable, because it consumes a lot of energy, time, water/oil, solvents, and results in lower yield. This review discusses deep eutectic solvent (DES) as a green solvent, physical field technology (PFT) as a water‐saving and green technology, and how the coupling of PFT (ultrasound [US], microwave [MW], infrared [IR]) to DES will improve the yield and quality of protein, polysaccharides, polyphenols, pectin, and terpenoids extracted from plant materials. Ultrasonication increases DES extraction efficiency via cavitation dislodgement and pores creation. IR coupling to DES enhances the extraction yield of polyphenols and the antioxidant and antiradical activity. MW improves DES extraction yield, reduces energy consumption, operational cost, and compound degradation, and is inferred to be the greenest technology.
Medium chain triglycerides alleviate non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease through bile acid‐mediated FXR signaling pathway: A comparative study with common vegetable edible oils
Authors: Yue Hao , Jia Min , Li Baorui , Zong Aizhen , Du Fangling , Xu Tongcheng
Published: December 2024

With the global epidemic trend of obesity, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a significant cause of chronic liver disease, seriously affecting human health. Medium‐chain triglycerides (MCT) with a fatty acid chain length varying between 6 and 10 carbon atoms (most sources from coconut and palm kernel oils), which exhibited activities to improve lipid metabolism, prevent cardiovascular diseases, and enhance immunity. However, the efficacy differences and potential mechanisms between MCT and traditional long‐chain vegetable oils (palm oil, PA; high oleic peanut oil, OA) in obesity‐induced NAFLD were still unclear. The present study treated obesity‐induced NAFLD mice with different dietary lipids for 16 weeks. The results showed that MCT supplements significantly improved abnormal elevation of weight gain and blood lipids and reduced hepatic lipid accumulation to a greater extent than PA and OA. Furthermore, bile acid profiling results indicated that MCT significantly changed the composition of bile acids in the liver, reduced the concentrations of cholic acid (CA), deoxycholic acid (DCA), β‐muricholic acid (β‐MCA), and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and increased the concentrations of chenodeoxycholic Acid (CDCA), taurochenodeoxycholic acid （TCDCA), hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA), and taurohyodeoxycholic acid (THDCA). Mechanistically, MCT supplement upregulated FXR signal and inhibited the expression of key genes for triglyceride synthesis in the liver, thereby reducing hepatic lipid accumulation. In summary, MCT exerted a superior effect on PA and OA in improving obesity‐induced NAFLD. These results provided new evidence for the application of MCT in treating NAFLD.
Evaluation of plan quality, safety, and toxicity of brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer in an Australian setting following changes in prescription and applicator design
Authors: Flower Emily , Busuttil Gemma , Cosgriff Eireann , Thiruthaneeswaran Niluja , Zanjani Salman , Sullivan Emma , Salkeld Alison , Sykes Jonathan , Thwaites David , Chard Jennifer
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Chemoradiotherapy with MRI‐guided brachytherapy boosts is the standard of care for locally advanced cervical cancer. Data from the RetroEMBRACE and EMBRACE I trials provide dose‐response curves for target volumes and OAR. This study evaluated plan quality, safety and toxicity following escalation of the CTV_HR D90 prescription from 80–90 Gy to 85–95 Gy for two different applicator designs.

Methods

A retrospective dosimetric plan quality review was undertaken for consecutively treated locally advanced cervical cancer brachytherapy boosts between 2017 and 2022, and the relationships between implant total reference air kerma (TRAK), CTV_HR volume and vaginal dose were investigated. Safety and ≤grade 3 toxicity results were evaluated.

Results

Seventy patients were identified. All patients received a CTV_HR D90 dose >85 Gy and rectum D2cm3 of <75 Gy, while 88.6% of patients received a bladder D2cm3 <90 Gy. Needles were used in 48.6% of patients, and the mean percentage needle TRAK was 38.2%. Increasing the percentage of needle TRAK decreased vaginal TRAK. Sixty‐three patients had more than 12 months of follow‐up (median 27 months). From this cohort, grade 3 or higher toxicity for vaginal, genitourinary, gastrointestinal and fistula events were seen in 3.2%, 1.6%, 0% and 3.2% of patients, respectively.

Conclusion

Increased dose prescriptions and a change of applicator design were successfully adopted into an Australian practice. Applicator design and interstitial needle use affect the plan quality and ability to meet OAR dose constraints following target dose escalation. No safety concerns with needle use or dose escalation were identified.
Long‐Term Function Recovery Following Upper Versus Lower Lobectomy for Lung Cancer: A Multicenter Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Wei Xing , Yu Hongfan , King‐Kallimanis Bellinda , Liu Yangjun , Huang Lin , Dai Wei , Yang Ding , Zhou Xiangxi , Li Qiang , Shi Qiuling
Published: December 2024

Background

The effects of lobectomy at various lung sites on postoperative function and recovery vary. This study aimed at assessing the long‐term impact of upper versus lower lobectomy on patients' postoperative daily function by analyzing patient‐reported outcomes.

Methods

This multicenter prospective cohort study enrolled patients from six hospitals in China. Functional impairments and symptom severity were measured using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory‐Lung Cancer. A mixed‐effects linear model was employed to analyze the average trajectories of each functional item and the top five symptoms over the first year following surgery between patients undergoing upper and lower lobectomy. The median recovery days for daily function were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method, with the log‐rank test comparing differences between upper and lower lobectomy.

Results

Two hundred twenty‐six patients met the final analysis criteria, with 137 undergoing upper and 89 undergoing lower lobectomies. Those in the lower lobectomy group reported significantly greater interference with daily activities (estimate = 0.872, SE = 0.306, p = 0.004), mood (estimate = 0.667, SE = 0.297, p = 0.025), and work (estimate = 0.856, SE = 0.358, p = 0.017), indicating a more pronounced impact on postsurgical functional recovery compared to the upper lobectomy group within the first year after surgery. They also experienced longer median recovery times for daily activities (15 vs. 4 days), mood (6 vs. 3.5 days), and walking (7 vs. 4 days) compared to the upper lobectomy group.

Conclusions

Within the first year after surgery, lower lobectomy patients experienced greater impairment in daily functions and required longer recovery times compared to upper lobectomy patients.

Trial Registration

NCT03341377
Maternal and paternal risk factors associated with diagnoses within the continuum of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in the USA: Proximal and distal influences
Authors: May Philip A. , Hasken Julie M. , Stegall Julie M. , Mastro Heather A. , Baete Amy , Russo Jaymi , Bozeman Rosemary , Burns Mary Kay , Jones Jo‐Viviane , Kalberg Wendy O. , Buckley David , Abdul‐Rahman Omar , Adam Margaret P. , Jewett Tamison , Robinson Luther K. , Manning Melanie A. , Hoyme H. Eugene
Published: December 2024

Background

We sought to determine risk factors for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) in the United States.

Method

Mothers of first‐grade children participating in the Collaboration on FASD Prevalence (CoFASP) in three regional sites were interviewed. Maternal and paternal data were reported by mothers of children with an FASD diagnosis and controls.

Results

Interviews were conducted with mothers of children with an FASD (n = 114) and controls (n = 753). Fifty‐seven percent of control mothers usually drank 2.7 drinks per drinking day (DDD) once per month prior to pregnancy, and 79% of mothers of children with FASD reported drinking 4.2 drinks 1–2 times per week. Mothers of children with alcohol‐related neurodevelopmental disorder reported the most alcohol consumption overall: bingeing, drinking frequency, drinking in each trimester, and other drug use. Mothers of children with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and partial FAS (PFAS) underreported consumption. Distal maternal risk factors were liver problems, depression, later pregnancy recognition and first prenatal visit, lower frequency of marriage, and lower spirituality. Postnatal risk indicators were low birthweight and gestational age. Regression analysis indicated that maternal reports of three DDD before pregnancy were associated with a diagnosis within the FASD continuum (p < 0.001, OR = 9.92). First‐trimester exposure (p < 0.001, OR = 7.64) and all three trimesters (p < 0.001, OR = 7.77) were associated with a child's FASD diagnosis. An independent association was found between paternal DDD during pregnancy and FASD diagnoses (p = 0.002, OR = 1.08); but, once maternal drinking was a covariate, paternal influence was not significant. Stepwise models indicated that combined maternal alcohol use measures (p < 0.001, χ2 = 61.09), later pregnancy recognition (p = 0.032, χ2 = 4.58), later prenatal visits (p = 0.036, χ2 = 4.38), and depression in lifetime (p = 0.002, χ2 = 9.47) were significant FASD predictors. The final 10‐step model explained 27.4% of the variance in FASD risk.

Conclusion

While multiple, significant maternal risk factors for FASD were identified, paternal drinking was not a statistically significant, independent risk factor.
Photodynamic antibacterial evaluation of polydopamine nanoparticle optimised Curcumin Longa against endodontic biofilm—An in‐vitro study
Authors: Gunasekaran Gokul , Madhubala Manavalan Madhana , Nayanthara G. S. , Mahalaxmi Sekar
Published: December 2024

This study aims to evaluate the effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy(aPDT) with polydopamine nanoparticle functionalised with Curcuma longa(nPD‐Cur) against root canal biofilm. nPD‐Cur was prepared and characterised using Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM), dynamic light scattering(DLS), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR) and Ultraviolet visual(UV/Vis) spectrophotometry. Root sections (10 mm length) were obtained from 53 single‐rooted human premolars and chemo‐mechanically prepared followed by inoculation with E. faecalis. All the specimens were randomly divided into five groups(n = 10) and irrigated (Group 1—Saline; Group 2—2.5% Sodium hypochlorite(NaOCl); Group 3—Cur; Group 4—nPD; and Group 5—nPD‐Cur) followed by diode irradiation and analysed for reduction in colony‐forming units(CFU)/mL, bacterial viability using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy(CLSM) and SEM for biofilm disruption. Results were analysed using one‐way ANOVA followed by post hoc Tukey's test for pairwise comparison (p < 0.05). nPD‐Cur revealed the characteristic absorption patterns. The antimicrobial potency was highest for NaOCl followed by nPD > Cur‐nPD > Cur.
Respiratory System of the Two‐Toed Sloth (Choloepus didactylus): Macroscopic, Histological and Scanning Electron Microscopy Analysis
Authors: do Prado Cíntia Francieli , Mançanares Celina Almeida Furlanetto , Mesquita Ellen Yasmin Eguchi , Giese Elane Guerreiro , Branco Erika , de Lima Ana Rita
Published: December 2024

Relatively little research has been conducted regarding Choloepus didactylus and studies that have been done have mainly covered physiology and morphology, as well as studies on its respiratory system. The objective of this study was to describe the components of the respiratory system of the two‐toed sloth and compare it with other species already described in the literature. For this purpose, eight adult animals were used. Macroscopic analyses were carried out on the organs that make up the respiratory system, which confirmed the existence of four cartilages of the larynx, trachea with an average of 37 incomplete tracheal cartilages and lung, highlighting the absence of the accessory pulmonary lobe being composed only of the right cranial and caudal, left cranial and caudal lobes. After the standard protocol, microscopic analyses of fragments of the organs evidenced in the macroscopic study were carried out, using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, in addition to chest x‐rays with positive contrast media through orotracheal intubation. Finally, we conclude that microscopically the respiratory system of the two‐toed sloth is like other Xenarthra and some domestic animals. Macroscopically, the nose is like Choloepus hoffmanni, the nasal cavity to other species of Xenarthra already described in addition to domestic animals. The trachea differs from other species in terms of the number of tracheal rings and extension. As for the lungs, they were the ones that differed most when compared to other Xenarthra and to domestic animals as it was the species with the least lobation.
The influence of social capital on perceived social mobility: Empirical evidence
Authors: Cascavilla Alessandro
Published: December 2024

This study aims to investigate the influence of social capital on perceived social mobility (PSM) at the individual level. Although evidence exists regarding both the relationship between social capital and actual mobility and about the social capital's influence on individual perceptions, the literature lacks evidence on the possible behavioural aspects related to its influence on the perception of such mobility. Employing data from the seventh wave of the World Values Survey, representing citizens from 63 countries, this study shows that individuals’ social interactions in voluntary associations are significantly related to personal values, particularly the belief in meritocracy and the role of individual effort to obtain success. Consistently with prominent studies highlighting the potential heterogeneous effects of social capital on personal attitudes and behaviours, this research provides evidence that bridging social interactions positively influences the perception of a more mobile and meritocratic society, whereas volunteering in bonding groups may hamper PSM. The size of these effects may depend on the contextual framework because the externalities created by bridging social capital outweigh those of bonding in wealthier countries.
Mastering the canvas of life: Identifying the antecedents of sense of control using a lagged exposure‐wide approach
Authors: Kim Eric S. , Chen Ying , Hong Joanna H. , Lachman Margie E. , VanderWeele Tyler J.
Published: December 2024

Accumulating studies have documented strong associations between a higher sense of control and improved health and well‐being outcomes. However, less is known about the determinants of increased sense of control. Our analysis used data from 13,771 older adults in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS)—a diverse, longitudinal, and national study of adults aged >50 in the United States. Using generalized linear regression models, with a lagged exposure‐wide approach, we evaluated how changes in 59 predictors (i.e., physical health, health behavior, and psychosocial factors) over a 4‐year period (between t0;2006/2008 and t1;2010/2012) might lead to changes in sense of control another 4‐years later (t2;2014/2016). After adjusting for a rich set of baseline covariates, changes in some health behaviors (e.g., sleep problems), physical health conditions (e.g., physical functioning limitations, eyesight), and psychosocial factors (e.g., positive affect, purpose in life) were associated with changes in sense of control four years later. However, there was little evidence that other factors were associated with a subsequent sense of control. A key challenge in advancing intervention development is the identification of antecedents that predict a sense of control. Our results identified several novel targets for interventions and policies aimed at increasing a sense of control.