bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-reported impulsivity, aggression and childhood trauma in the general population: a United-Kingdom-based online survey
Authors: Aubrey Olivia , Jones Katy A. , Paddock Elizabeth
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The societal, economic and personal costs of aggression are indisputable. Impulsivity and childhood trauma (CT) play a role in aggression but less is known about the potential mechanisms underlying these associations. This study aimed to investigate the influence of CTs and impulsivity on aggression in the general population.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 178 participants (aged 18–86, M = 30.93, SD = 14.50) including 65 men (36.5%), 110 women (61.8%), 3 participants self-identified (1.7%)(n = 2 nonbinary, n = 1 gender fluid) of the UK adult population completed an online survey. Questionnaires measured impulsivity (Short UPPS-P), adverse childhood experiences (CT Questionnaire) and aggression (Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire).

Findings

Emotional neglect and abuse were the most endorsed CTs (abuse and neglect). As predicted, results showed the impulsivity facet “negative urgency” was associated with the behaviour, emotions and cognitions of aggression. Findings showed a distinct effect of both impulsivity and emotional abuse on physical aggression, which may reflect a pathway in which impulsivity influences adverse childhood experiences and future violence. Types of aggression may have potentially distinct pathways. This study discusses the reasons for these observed results and future research.

Originality/value

The originality/value of the paper lies in the acknowledgement of the role of negative and positive urgency in behaviours related to emotional dysregulation. It also highlighted the importance of examining different types of aggression. There was a distinct effect of both impulsivity and CTs on physical aggression and hostility. Further research in larger samples should examine pathways in which impulsivity mediates the effects of adverse childhood experiences and adulthood aggression. These collective insights can help further our understanding of the role adverse and traumatic events in childhood and impulsivity has on aggression and may be relevant to tailored support and intervention strategies for individuals expressing aggressive behaviours.
Digital transformation and enterprise market value: a perspective on knowledge search and recombination
Authors: Huang Shicheng , Wang Yaqi , Gong Xiaoya , Deng Fumin
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the underlying mechanisms and boundary conditions through which equipment manufacturing enterprises can capture market value from digital transformation, with a specific focus on the roles of knowledge search and knowledge recombination.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a double fixed-effects model to test the hypotheses, using a unique data set of “firm-year” observations from 739 publicly listed equipment manufacturing companies in China, spanning the period from 2018 to 2022.

Findings

Digital transformation drives market value creation in equipment manufacturing enterprises through both breakthrough knowledge recombination (BKR) and progressive knowledge recombination (PKR). In addition, the analysis of marginal conditions reveals that diversified knowledge search serves as a substitute for digital transformation in promoting BKR, while also positively moderating the relationship between digital transformation and PKR.

Originality/value

Grounded in the knowledge-based view theoretical framework, this study introduces the novel concepts of BKR and PKR and systematically examines how digital transformation impacts market value in equipment manufacturing enterprises.
Understanding the relationship between diversity-oriented leadership and knowledge sharing among public employees: the roles of internal communication
Authors: Tran Pham Toan Khanh , Tu Thuan Minh
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Little study has focused on diversity-oriented leadership in the context of public organizations. Thus, this study aims to investigate how diversity-oriented leadership impacts knowledge sharing through transparent internal communication. In addition, this study also explores the moderating role of internal social network use in the proposed model.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 422 public servants working in wards (grassroot-level government) in Vietnam. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

Empirical findings indicate that diversity-oriented leadership positively impacts knowledge sharing through the mediating mechanism of transparent internal communication. Moreover, internal social network use moderates the nexus between diversity-oriented leadership and knowledge sharing.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that public managers can promote knowledge-sharing behaviors among employees by building diversity-oriented leadership and enhancing transparent internal communication. Moreover, public managers should encourage employees to use internal social network.

Originality/value

This inquiry advances the understanding of knowledge sharing in public organizations via the predictive role of diversity-oriented leadership and the mediating mechanism of transparent internal communication. Moreover, this study is among the pioneering studies investigating the moderating role of internal social network use.
The development of a Web-based in-text citation analysis tool
Authors: Yoganingrum Ambar , Maryati Ira , Yaniasih Yaniasih , Karsanti Hayuning Titi , Puspita Gita Citra , Marlina Ekawati
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Critical evaluation of in-text citations is a substitute qualitative measurement method to determine the quality of scientific publications. Unfortunately, the development of tools to facilitate the measurement process has not received attention from academics. This study aims to develop a system to analyze the qualitative quality of publications in Indonesian-language or Indonesian written works.

Design/methodology/approach

The prototyping approach is used to develop applications with requirements gathered from previous research analysis and focus group discussions.

Findings

This research outcome, a Web-based system contains five methods for measuring publications based on in-text citations, namely, the location of citations (introduction, literature review, methods, result, results and discussion, discussion); frequency of citations, sentiment (positive, negative and neutral); function (utilization, introduction, comparison, explanation and links); and role of sources (data, supplements, methods and results).

Research limitations/implications

This tool has limitations that have the potential to be developed in further research. The notes given for each publication are made manually. In the future, this annotation process needs to be developed automatically and proposed to apply the Natural Language Processing methods. Thus, the analysis results will be faster and more accurate.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the development of a system to analyze the citation quality of an Indonesian scientific paper. The system can be developed in the future to automatically detect the required attributes.
Informing mental health research priorities and design with rural and agricultural communities: a public involvement consultation case study
Authors: Teague Bonnie , Crouch-Read Louise , Haley Emma
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this case study is to undertake a public involvement consultation with members of a rural and agricultural mental health support organisation to explore mental health research priorities and factors relating to research study design that may support or prevent participation.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-methods approach was used for data collection for this case study: an online survey (n = 29) and qualitative community group discussions (n = 10). Findings are presented descriptively and analysed with content analysis to generate indicative research priorities and recommendations for future mental health research study design.

Findings

Three research priority themes were identified: improving rural health service provision; understanding the impact of rural living and working on mental health; improving community connections. Research design recommendations involve where to promote studies to increase engagement in rural and farming communities, communicating clarity over time and place and clear involvement of farmers and rural community members as part of the research team.

Originality/value

This is the first reported mental health research consultation case study exploring the views of rural and agricultural community members about aspects of research study design and local research priorities.
From local innovation to national policy: Cross‐boundary policy entrepreneurship in China's health regulatory reform
Authors: Jingwei He Alex , Fu Hongqiao , Tang Na
Published: January 2025

Many contemporary social problems are innately complex, increasingly requiring joint efforts across sectoral boundaries to find a resolution. Cross‐boundary policy entrepreneurship, a distinctive form of policy dynamism, represents a nascent approach to policy innovation in the face of emerging disruptive technologies. By analysing a major health regulatory reform in China that was catalysed by local innovation, this study explains how a coalition of entrepreneurial actors across the local government, the corporate sector, and public hospitals was formed, and how it secured policy adoption at both local and national levels. In‐depth interviews were extensively used in data collection, and a processual approach was adopted in qualitative analysis. This two‐episode case study characterises four types of policy entrepreneurs and explains their respective motivations and entrepreneurial strategies used in the reform. This study's findings illustrate how local innovations are scaled‐up into national policies in a multilevel governance structure through collective manoeuvres.

Points for practitioners

Many contemporary social problems require joint innovative efforts across sectoral boundaries.

Policy entrepreneur, process broker, program champion, and technology innovator play distinctive roles in cross‐boundary policy innovations.

Issue framing, strategic planning, coalition building, venue‐shopping, persuasion, and leading by example are common entrepreneurial strategies in scaling up local innovations to national policies.

Caveats must be drawn from both legal and ethical grounds to scrutinise cross‐boundary policy entrepreneurship.
Will childcare subsidies increase the labour supply of mothers in Ireland?
Authors: Doorley Karina , Tuda Dora , Duggan Luke
Published: January 2025

We study the effect of the largest childcare subsidy scheme in Ireland, a country where, historically, mothers provided childcare and did not participate on the labour market. In 2019, the cost of full‐time centre‐based childcare was among the most expensive in the OECD. At the end of 2019, a means‐tested childcare subsidy was introduced to improve childcare affordability, but nothing is known of the maternal labour supply effects. We model the joint decision of labour supply and childcare for lone and coupled mothers of children under six. Mothers are likely to respond to the introduction of childcare subsidies in 2019 by switching from informal childcare to formal childcare (12 percentage points), and by slightly increasing their participation in the labour market (0.5 percentage points). We simulate that recent (2023) reforms of the National Childcare Scheme, which increase the generosity and the scope of the subsidy, will increase mothers' participation by one further percentage point, but also substantially decrease the demand for informal childcare. Extending childcare subsidies to informal care (such as childminders and nannies) would decrease the demand for formal childcare and further increase maternal labour supply.
LncRNA‐HHCP5 Regulates KLF5 in ceRNA and m6A Pathways to Inhibit the Progression of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Jiang Peng , Song Yuxuan , Li Pengfei , Yang Yanhui , Zhang Jiyang
Published: January 2025

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common bone disorders and has a serious impact on the quality of life of patients. LncRNA‐HCP5 (HCP5) is downregulated in OA tissues. However, the latent function and regulatory mechanisms of HCP5 in OA are unclear.

Methods

In the current study, IL‐1β‐induced C28/I2 cells were used to establish an in vitro model of OA. The expression of HCP5 in OA cartilage tissue and in the in vitro model of OA was detected by RT‐qPCR. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed by CCK‐8 and Annexin V‐PI double staining. Western blotting was employed to detect the protein expression of MMP‐13 and aggrecan.

Results

The results showed that the findings suggested that HCP5 was downregulated in OA cartilage tissue and IL‐1β‐induced C28/I2 cells. HCP5 overexpression greatly enhanced IL‐1β‐induced proliferation of C28/I2 cells, as well as prevented cell apoptosis and degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Besides, we have shown that HCP5 is a ceRNA that regulates KLF5 by sponging miR‐375. Furthermore, KLF5 is also regulated by m6A regulation induced by HCP5. Finally, overexpression of miR‐375, the m6A modification inhibitor, as well as KLF5 inhibition reversed the impact of HCP5 on IL‐1β‐induced C28/I2 cells.

Conclusion

In summary, the present study demonstrated that the HCP5/KLF5 axis inhibited the progression of osteoarthritis.
Transcriptomic Analysis and Experimental Verification of Ferroptosis Signature Genes in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Gao Zhen‐yu , Yan Guo‐qing , Su Linchong , He San‐shan , Sheng Jiao‐e , Wu Qing‐chao , Huang Xia , Dai Yu‐fang
Published: January 2025

Osteoarthritis is a systemic disease that primarily damages articular cartilage and also affects the synovium, ligaments, and bone tissues. The key mechanisms involved are chondrocyte death and degradation of the extracellular matrix. This study aims to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with ferroptosis and investigate their roles in the development of osteoarthritis. We used several methods, such as transcriptomic data analysis, gene enrichment analysis, protein–protein interaction network construction, animal model experiments, and immune cell infiltration analysis. Our examination of the GSE114007 dataset uncovered 2614 DEGs, including 1300 that were upregulated and 1314 that were downregulated. From these, we identified eight ferroptosis‐related DEGs (FRGs‐DEGs). Functional enrichment analysis showed that these genes are significant for cellular migration and tissue remodeling. They are particularly involved in the HIF‐1 and PPAR signaling pathways. Additionally, our immune cell infiltration analysis indicated an increase in M0 and M2 macrophages in osteoarthritis samples, while levels of eosinophils and memory B cells were notably decreased. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified GJA1, TIMP Metallopeptidase Inhibitor 1 (TIMP1), and DPP4 as potential biomarkers for osteoarthritis diagnosis, with area under the curve of 0.91, 0.85, and 0.83, respectively. Moreover, RT‐qPCR validation in an osteoarthritis rat model confirmed the upregulation of TIMP1, supporting our bioinformatics results. In summary, our study identifies key FRGs‐DEGs and their potential roles in osteoarthritis. This research provides new insights into the disease's molecular mechanisms and suggests innovative therapeutic targets for clinical intervention. Future research should aim to include larger patient cohorts and clinical validation to improve the applicability of these findings.
Ankylosing Spondylitis and Cancer Risk
Authors: Su Shiuan‐Tzuen , Lee Yung‐Heng , Shih Po‐Cheng , Wei James C.‐C.
Published: January 2025

Chronic inflammation is a major characteristic of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and is closely related to the mechanisms of cancer development. Persistent inflammatory responses can lead to DNA damage, gene mutations, and abnormal cell proliferation, all of which may increase the risk of cancer. We also explore the use of biologic therapy of AS and their potential cancer risks.
Accounting students' motivation during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A self‐determination theory perspective
Authors: Ozdil Esin , McDonald‐Kerr Lachlan , Tharapos Meredith , Khosa Amrinder , Burch Steven
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the experiences and motivation of undergraduate accounting students during the COVID‐19 pandemic's emergency online learning period at an Australian university. Interviews reveal that psychological needs satisfaction – autonomy, competence, and relatedness – played a crucial role in student motivation. Effective communication by educators was pivotal in driving motivation and mitigating the psychological effect of isolation. While students valued the flexibility and autonomy of online learning, concerns emerged about technological barriers, the absence of networking opportunities, and difficulties in engaging deeply with complex accounting content. These findings highlight the importance of addressing both academic and psychological needs in online education.
Horizontal merger simulation in a Cournot oligopoly with competitive fringe: The U.S. broiler industry case
Authors: Pi Lulu , Vukina Tomislav
Published: January 2025

This article analyzes the impact of a recent merger between the third and the seventh largest broiler producers in the United States on the equilibrium of the downstream broiler market. Reflective of the broiler industry market structure, in the theoretical part of the article we adopt the model of a Cournot oligopoly with a competitive fringe and then apply merger simulation to predict the welfare effects. We fit our theoretical framework to the pre‐merger data under the assumption of different numbers of oligopoly firms. The results suggest that the merger between Sanderson Farms and Wayne Farms will significantly increase the market price of chicken meat and decrease consumer surplus, and that the magnitude of these impacts hinges on the size of the oligopoly. The net welfare effect could be positive or negative, but it is not statistically significant at the 5% level.
Destination categories, channel choice, and beer distribution laws
Authors: Malinovskaya Anna , Richards Timothy J. , Rickard Bradley
Published: January 2025

Consumers tend to choose the type of store, or grocery channel, on the basis of “destination categories,” or categories that tend to be important attractors relative to others. Whether or not a category is truly important to generating incremental market share, however, is a difficult empirical question, because there has been little exogenous variation that permits a clear test of whether categories tend to attract traffic. In this study, we leverage a change in beer distribution laws in the state of Colorado that permitted full‐strength beer to be sold for the first time in traditional supermarkets. We use a difference‐in‐difference estimation strategy to test whether the introduction of a new category of products represented an incremental gain in channel attraction using both consumer panel and retail scanner data. Our results show that the introduction of beer into grocery stores in Colorado led to an increase in total weekly sales (1.2%) and a relative increase in expenditures for some categories, notably those that are likely to be complementary to beer purchases. Additional results using the consumer panel indicate an increase in the frequency of grocery store visits by beer‐purchasing households as well as an increase in monthly grocery store expenditures (8.0%) among beer‐purchasing households.
Factors that influence the decision to release rehabilitated koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) to fire‐affected home sites
Authors: Hill D , Higgins DP
Published: January 2025

This study appraises recent research to critically evaluate knowledge on the factors that influence decisions around the release of rehabilitated koalas to fire‐affected home sites. Availability of koala release sites could be compromised at times in the future by the increasing incidence of large and intense bushfires due to climate change. In addition, factors such as the fragmentation of koala habitat and increasing urbanisation impose other threats to the long‐term survival of the released koala. Our investigation is conducted as a Critically Appraised Topic (CAT) with eight papers selected to be appraised. We highlight three key areas that affect koala rehabilitation and release to fire‐affected home sites ‐ the resilience of the koala in recovery, the adaptation ability of the koala upon release and the components of the fire‐affected habitat. The evidence shows that the koala is a good candidate for release given that burnt koalas are resilient in rehabilitation and many can recover and then adapt quickly to their release site. Findings from this study indicate that, when the release site is affected by fire, the conditions that are more favourable for koala release are low severity of fire impact, greater distance from urban areas, connection to unfragmented habitat and previous management of predators. These findings can inform wildlife release and rescue as well as government planning and urban development.
Early markers of literacy and numeracy in Chinese children: The roles of counting and rapid automatized naming
Authors: Sun Ruinan , Yin Li , Joshi R. Malatesha
Published: January 2025

This study investigated the relationships between counting, Rapid Automatized Naming (RAN), and reading and arithmetic abilities in Chinese children at different developmental stages. Study 1 examined 51 kindergarteners (mean age 5.43 years) for character reading accuracy and arithmetic accuracy before formal schooling. Study 2 extended the investigation to 158 primary school children in Grades 1–3, assessing word and sentence reading fluency, arithmetic fluency, and associated cognitive factors. The findings from both studies revealed that RAN significantly predicts reading abilities across all age groups, with its importance increasing in older children. Counting was a crucial predictor for arithmetic skills, especially in early grades. While counting correlated with reading abilities in Chinese, it did not explain unique variance beyond RAN and phonological awareness. These results highlight differences across age groups in cognitive and academic skills, emphasizing the increasing role of RAN in both reading and arithmetic fluency as children progress through primary school. The study underscores the need for linguistically sensitive frameworks in education and suggests potential targets for early screening and intervention to enhance academic outcomes in Chinese children.
Spatiotemporal Growth of Seismic‐Scale Syn‐Flexural Normal Faults in the German Molasse Basin
Authors: Eskens Lucas H. J. , Andrić‐Tomašević Nevena , Kumar Ajay , Scheck‐Wenderoth Magdalena
Published: January 2025

Flexure in pro‐foreland basins results from the interplay between (sub)surface loading, foreland plate strength, inherited crustal architecture, and the degree of plate coupling. It is expected that lateral variations in these controlling mechanisms will result in along‐strike variations in the flexural profile of the foreland basin. This will directly influence the position and width of the forebulge, thereby altering the associated extensional stress field in space and time around which syn‐flexural normal faults accommodate deformation. As such, spatiotemporal variations in the growth of the syn‐flexural normal faults in foreland basins may provide valuable information regarding the evolution of an orogen‐foreland basin system. However, the relation between syn‐flexural normal fault growth and the mechanisms controlling foreland basin flexure remains underexplored. Here, we quantify lateral and vertical throw distributions for growth strata of syn‐flexural normal faults in the German Molasse Basin. This allowed us to develop a 4D fault growth model. Our results indicate that the flexure in the German Molasse was associated with both the nucleation of new faults and selective reactivation of pre‐flexural faults, with the latter depending on fault burial depth at the onset of flexure. Furthermore, our results suggest that localisation of the extensional strain and deformation at the top of the European plate during flexure controlled the nucleation site of the syn‐flexural normal faults in the German Molasse. Additionally, the spatiotemporal variation in the onset of syn‐flexural normal fault activity suggests a northward migration rate of 7.8 mm/year of the orogen‐foreland basin system. This is consistent with previous estimates based on other independent methods. Lastly, a west‐to‐east increase in cumulative syn‐flexural offsets down‐dip the normal faults in the German Molasse Basin may have been controlled by orogen‐parallel lithospheric strength variations in the downgoing European plate.
Synthesis and Investigation of Peptide–Drug Conjugates Comprising Camptothecin and a Human Protein‐Derived Cell‐Penetrating Peptide
Authors: Palombi Isabella R. , White Andrew M. , Koda Yasuko , Craik David J. , Lawrence Nicole , Malins Lara R.
Published: January 2025

Drug targeting strategies, such as peptide–drug conjugates (PDCs), have arisen to combat the issue of off‐target toxicity that is commonly associated with chemotherapeutic small molecule drugs. Here we investigated the ability of PDCs comprising a human protein‐derived cell‐penetrating peptide—platelet factor 4‐derived internalization peptide (PDIP)—as a targeting strategy to improve the selectivity of camptothecin (CPT), a topoisomerase I inhibitor that suffers from off‐target toxicity. The intranuclear target of CPT allowed exploration of PDC design features required for optimal potency. A suite of PDCs with various structural characteristics, including alternative conjugation strategies (such as azide–alkyne cycloaddition and disulfide conjugation) and linker types (non‐cleavable or cleavable), were synthesized and investigated for their anticancer activity. Membrane permeability and cytotoxicity studies revealed that intact PDIP‐CPT PDCs can cross membranes, and that PDCs with disulfide‐ and protease‐cleavable linkers liberated free CPT and killed melanoma cells with nanomolar potency. However, selectivity of the PDIP carrier peptide for melanoma compared to noncancerous epidermal cells was not maintained for the PDCs. This study emphasizes the distinct role of the peptide, linker, and drug for optimal PDC activity and highlights the need to carefully match components when assembling PDCs as targeted therapies.
Interplay of Weight Status and Sleep Autonomic Function in Mediating and Moderating the Link Between Disease Severity and Blood Pressure in Paediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Authors: Chao Yuan , Chuang Hai‐Hua , Lin Wan‐Ni , Hsin Li‐Jen , Fang Tuan‐Jen , Li Hsueh‐Yu , Huang Chung‐Guei , Lee Li‐Ang
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in children is associated with numerous adverse outcomes, including elevated blood pressure. While the associations between OSA, obesity, and autonomic dysfunction are recognised, the precise mechanisms linking these factors and their relationship with elevated blood pressure in children remain unclear.

Methods

This retrospective case series included 76 children with OSA. The relationships between night‐time systolic and diastolic blood pressures, body mass index, and clinical, polysomnographic, and sleep heart rate variability variables were investigated. Mediation and moderation analyses were performed.

Results

Correlation analyses revealed significant associations between both systolic and diastolic blood pressures with body mass index, age, sex, adenoidal‐nasopharyngeal ratio, apnoea‐hypopnoea index, and sleep low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF) ratio. In multivariable linear regression models, body mass index, adenoidal‐nasopharyngeal ratio, and LF/HF ratio were independently associated with systolic blood pressure, while body mass index and adenoidal‐nasopharyngeal ratio were independently associated with diastolic blood pressure. Mediation and moderation analyses identified a conceptual mediation with a moderated direct path model in which body mass index mediated, and the LF/HF ratio moderated, the relationship between apnoea‐hypopnoea index and systolic blood pressure. Additionally, children with concomitant OSA and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder had a significantly higher LF/HF ratio than those with OSA alone.

Conclusion

In children with OSA, the relationship between apnoea‐hypopnoea index and systolic blood pressure was mediated by weight status and modulated by sleep sympathovagal balance. Children with OSA and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder exhibited greater disturbances in sympathovagal balance. Further research is warranted to explore these associations.
Significance of Combining Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid With Targeted Next‐Generation Sequencing in the Pathogen Detection‐Based Diagnosis of Pulmonary Infections
Authors: Liu Jiangbo , Yang Bo , Wu Yu , Yang Guihong , Zha Xiaojiu , Jiang Wei
Published: January 2025

Objective

In this study, we investigated the application value of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) combined with targeted next‐generation sequencing (tNGS) in the pathogen detection‐based diagnosis of patients with lung infections.

Method

A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent tracheoscopy and conventional microbiological tests (CMTs) on BALF, coupled with metagenomic next‐generation sequencing (mNGS) or tNGS. This investigation encompassed individuals with suspected lung infections at Tianjin First Central Hospital from March 2023 to July 2023. Diagnostic rates based on pathogens detected via tNGS were compared with CMTs within the tNGS group. Additionally, diagnostic rates obtained through tNGS were compared with mNGS between the two groups.

Results

The data of a total of 169 patients (78 in the tNGS group and 91 in the mNGS group) were collected, and 145 patients (67 in the tNGS group and 78 in the mNGS group) were finally diagnosed with lung infections. The comprehensive positive pathogen detection‐based diagnosis rate for tNGS was 86.6%, with a single‐pathogen lung infection diagnosis rate of 85.7% and a mixed‐pathogen pulmonary infection diagnosis rate of 88.0%. In contrast, the overall positive pathogen detection‐based diagnosis rate for CMTs was 38.8%, comprising a single‐pathogen pulmonary infection diagnosis rate of 28.6% and a mixed‐pathogen pulmonary infection diagnosis rate of 20.0%. The difference in positive diagnosis rate was deemed statistically significant (p < 0.05). In the mNGS group, the overall pathogen detection‐based diagnosis rate was 89.7%, with a single‐pathogen pulmonary infection diagnosis rate of 84.9%, and a 100% diagnosis rate for mixed‐pathogen pulmonary infections. There was no statistically significant difference in the positive diagnosis rate when compared with the tNGS group (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

In patients with pulmonary infections, the diagnosis rate based on BALF pathogen detection using tNGS exceeded that of CMTs, showing no statistically significant difference compared to mNGS.
Closure method to prevent leakages from perforations using multiple over‐the‐scope clips in an over‐the‐line method
Authors: Kobayashi Makoto , Nomura Tatsuma , Yano Motoyoshi
Published: January 2025

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Verification in an animal study of the appropriate settings for a novel radiofrequency generator in radiofrequency ablation therapy for residual intraductal lesions after endoscopic papillectomy (with video)
Authors: Yamamoto Kenjiro , Itoi Takao , Sofuni Atsushi , Tsuchiya Takayoshi , Tanaka Reina , Tonozuka Ryosuke , Nagai Kazumasa , Matsunami Yukitoshi , Kojima Hiroyuki , Minami Hirohito , Hirakawa Noriyuki , Asano Kyoko , Mukai Shuntaro
Published: January 2025

Endoscopic intraductal radiofrequency ablation (ID‐RFA) can curatively treat residual intraductal lesions after endoscopic papillectomy. This study aimed to verify the tissue invasiveness of ID‐RFA using a novel RF generator and to explore its appropriate settings in an animal experiment, followed by a small clinical study. Pig liver specimens were ablated using a dedicated RF catheter and two RF generators to investigate structural differences between them and the ablation effects produced under various voltage and power settings. Appropriate settings for the novel generator were sought to provide an ablation effect equivalent to that with the recommended settings for a conventional generator. The ablation effect was also observed at various ablation times in vitro. Then we performed ID‐RFA in five patients. Each generator has a different structure, and no novel generator settings are identical to the recommended conventional generator settings. Obtaining adequate ablation requires both sufficient power and sufficient voltage. Based on the validation experiments, we concluded that the appropriate novel generator settings were 125 Vp and 30 W for 30 s. In the clinical study, good tumor ablation was obtained with no recurrence after a single ID‐RFA treatment, although the incidence of ductal stricture was relatively high. ID‐RFA for residual intraductal lesions may potentially be curative. However, excessive ablation should be avoided. To ensure safe and effective ID‐RFA, a thorough understanding of the RF generator specifications is required.
Deep‐sea food‐web structure at South Sandwich Islands (Southern Ocean): net primary production as a main driver for interannual changes
Authors: Queirós José P. , Hollyman Philip R. , Bustamante Paco , Vaz Diana , Belchier Mark , Xavier José C.
Published: January 2025

Food‐webs are a major component of ecosystems and determinant for their functioning and structure. The food chain length (FCL) is a key feature of food‐webs and it is crucial for the resistance of the community to external stressors. The Southern Ocean (SO) food‐web is known for being short and dominated by an Antarctic krill Euphausia superba surplus, though recent studies proved the existence of different pathways. However, previous studies focused on the pelagic realm, with the deep‐sea and benthopelagic coupling remaining poorly understood. Using stable isotopes of δ13C and δ15N in muscle from individuals collected during toothfish fishing seasons 2020, 2021 and 2022, we 1) studied the bathyal food‐web structure at South Sandwich Islands; 2) evaluated the interannual variability of FCL; and 3) tested which FCL hypothesis better explains the variability at the SO deep‐sea. Our results show that this food‐web is composed of five trophic levels with both Patagonian Dissostichus eleginoides and Antarctic Dissostichus mawsoni toothfish as top predators. The 4th and 5th trophic levels are mostly composed of fish, while in the 3rd trophic level we mainly found cephalopods and crustaceans. The benthopelagic coupling occurs at different trophic levels, though mostly between the 3rd and 4th trophic level. The FCL varied between years, being in 2022 0.30 trophic levels shorter than in 2020. Our results suggest that food‐webs including a benthic component are longer than pelagic and coastal SO food‐webs. The FCL is positively related with net primary productivity, supporting that the productivity hypothesis explains the variability in FCL in SO bathyal food‐webs in slope and seamount areas. With climate change, the productivity in the SO is expected to increase which will increase the length of the food‐web. This change will affect the structure of the ecosystem, increasing assimilation losses, exposure to biomagnifying contaminants and changing nutrient cycles.
Impact of motor features on non‐motor symptoms in patients with de novo Parkinson's disease: Cognition, depression, anxiety, fatigue, and dysautonomia
Authors: Kwon Kyum‐Yil , Joo Byung‐Euk , You Jihwan , Kim Rae On
Published: January 2025

Aim

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) present with both motor and non‐motor symptoms, and understanding the interplay between these symptoms is crucial for individualized patient care. This study aims to investigate the relationship between motor features and non‐motor symptoms in patients with de novo PD.

Methods

A total of 105 patients were analyzed, focusing on motor subtypes or subscores and their impact on cognition, depression, anxiety, fatigue, and dysautonomia. We utilized the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale–part III (UPDRS‐III) for motor assessment, and various validated scales for non‐motor symptoms.

Results

Compared with tremor‐dominant (TD) patients, non‐TD patients showed severe scores in fatigue and dysautonomia, but no difference in other non‐motor symptoms, including global cognition, depression, and anxiety. Linear regression analysis revealed that the total motor score of UPDRS‐III was negatively related to global cognition (β = −0.4454, P = 0.0121). As a post‐hoc analysis, partial correlation analysis showed that rigidity and bradykinesia subscores were associated with global cognition (r = −0.3527, P = 0.0004; r = −0.2206, P = 0.0299, respectively), whereas the postural instability/gait difficulty subscore was associated with depression, anxiety, fatigue, and dysautonomia (r = 0.2181, P = 0.0319; r = 0.2371, P = 0.0194; r = 0.3659, P = 0.0002; r = 0.3968, P = 0.0001, respectively) but not with global cognition.

Conclusions

These results suggest that motor features in the early stages of PD can serve as important indicators of non‐motor symptoms, potentially guiding more personalized therapeutic approaches. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2025; ••: ••–••.
Influence of the MgO content on zirconia‐toughened alumina ceramic slurry properties and sintered body microstructure
Authors: Shuangyu Liu , Hongtao Chu , Ping Lu , Fulong Zhang , Binhua Wang , Machibya Ferdinand , Jun Gao , Chuanjin Huang , Xi Wang , Juan Hong
Published: January 2025

Complex ceramic components fabricated using the Vat photopolymerization ceramic 3D printing technology (VPP) exhibit mechanical anisotropy both within and between the printed layers. To address this issue, the effects of different MgO vol% on the self‐leveling properties, green body forming characteristics, microstructure of the sintered bodies, and mechanical properties of ZTA ceramic slurries were investigated. The results indicate that the layered structure of the ceramic component significantly improved with the addition of 0.75 vol% MgO. The fabricated MgO–ZTA ceramic gear exhibited high surface precision, while MgO enhanced the diffusion coefficient of Al₂O₃. The results showed that the optimized matching of flexural strength (454 MPa), fracture toughness (6.97 Mpa·m1/2), microhardness (2568 HV), and density (3.975 g·cm⁻3) was acquired by ZTA ceramic with a MgO content of 0.75 vol%.The reaction at the grain boundaries produced MgAl₂O₄, which improved boundary strength and prevented abnormal grain growth through a pinning effect, thereby enhancing the mechanical properties of the ceramic components. An appropriate amount of MgO not only reduced the uneven distribution of ceramic particles during 3D printing but also improved the surface precision and mechanical properties of the ceramic components. The research results provide foundational data for the fabrication of high‐performance ZTA ceramic parts.
A comparative study on microstructures and slag resistance of Al2O3–MgO castables with dense and lightweight aggregates
Authors: Chen Qingjie , Chen Rongchang , Zhang Wandi , He Yang , Chen Jidong , Li Nan
Published: January 2025

Lightweight Al2O3–MgO refractory castables were prepared using microporous corundum–spinel aggregate, which was fabricated using the Kirkendall effect. The physical properties, microstructure, thermal conductivity, and slag resistance of the castables were analyzed using X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermodynamic calculations. A comparative analysis was carried out between these findings and the corresponding ones for dense aggregates of Al2O3–MgO castables. Compared with dense aggregates, the reaction between microporous aggregate and matrix results in a smaller pore size in lightweight aggregate castables. The less soluble spinel in the microporous aggregate contributes to the reduced solubility of lightweight castables in slag, thus enhancing their corrosion resistance. Porous aggregates could absorb more Fe2+/Mn2+ ions from slag than dense aggregates, resulting in an increased viscosity of the slag. This, combined with the small pore size of the matrix, contributes to the superior penetration resistance of the lightweight aggregates castable compared with the dense aggregates castable. Consequently, lightweight aggregate castables exhibit superior corrosion and penetration resistance compared with dense aggregate castables. In contrast to dense aggregates castables, lightweight aggregates castables exhibit a 16.3% reduction in bulk density, an 8.2% decrease in thermal conductivity, and a notable enhancement in slag corrosion resistance.
Strength and microstructure evolutions of calcium aluminate cement bonded alumina‐spinel castables containing Cr2O3 in the presence of ZnO
Authors: Liu Jintong , Dong Yifan , Qiu Xin , Ma Haoxuan , Li Tianqin , Liu Xinhong , Jia Quanli
Published: January 2025

Unfired calcium aluminate cement (CAC) bonded alumina‐spinel based plug precasts have many advantages including energy saving, shorter placement period, lower cost and good thermal shock resistance in comparison with fired purging plugs. Unfortunately, their strength was drastically decreased in the range of 700°C–1000°C, which was attributed to the destruction of the hydrates network of the castables, and structural spalling was also occurred because of their lower strength. To respond these, a feasible method to fabricate higher strength of unfired precast was proposed by adding ZnO powders, and the effect of the ZnO content on the microstructure and properties of the castables was studied in this paper. Results demonstrate that cold strength of the specimens after heat‐treating at different temperatures increases significantly by rising of the ZnO level, permanent linear change of the castables after firing at 1400°C and 1600°C decreases, and hot strength value noticeably increases from 36.3 to 58.4 MPa, exhibited that cold and hot strength of CAC bonded castables significantly improve via adding ZnO powders. Strengthening mechanism on the strength of ZnO‐bearing castables is ascribed to formation of ZnAl2O4 and ZnCr2O4, and their strengthening effect is much higher than that of the weakening effect by CAC hydration products fired at 600°C–1000°C, and this strength reinforcing effect is intensified with rising of heat‐treating temperature. In addition, ZnCr2O4 and ZnAl2O4 can dispense in MA spinel grains to form spinel solid solution at 1400°C–1600°C, (Al1−xCrx)2O3 solid solution is formed via Cr2O3 reacts with Al2O3. Those favor the densification process of the matrix structure, creating strength reinforcing effect of the ZnO‐containing castables, thereby significantly increase their strength.
How Do User Commitment and Lean Usage Promote Rich Usage in Social Virtual Worlds: Differential and Quadratic Relationships
Authors: Zhou Zhongyun , Fang Yulin , Jin Xiao‐Ling
Published: January 2025

Social virtual world (SVW) platforms face a critical challenge to retain a sound base of active users, which is key to their success and requires a deep understanding of how much (lean usage) and how exactly (rich usage) users' usage behaviours occur in these platforms. While both lean and rich usage are pivotal considerations in the SVW context, prior research has primarily assumed an omnibus conceptualisation of SVW usage that does not differentiate subtypes of usage. This results in limited knowledge about the sophisticated relationships and differences between lean and rich usage, making it difficult to reconcile inconclusive findings regarding how SVW usage is affected by its antecedents (e.g., commitment). In this paper, we draw upon the tripartite view of system usage to substantiate lean and rich usage constructs in the SVW context. Then, based upon the sociotechnical perspective (particularly the concepts of multifinality and equifinality) and the literature on SVW usage, we develop a research model to investigate the curvilinear relationships between lean usage (manifested in the extent and breadth of usage) and rich usage (represented by task variety and cognitive absorption), and the differential effects of two commitment components (affective and calculative commitment) on rich versus lean usage in the SVW context. Using two‐wave field survey data from 312 users of Second Life (a pioneering SVW platform), we find sophisticated (linear/quadratic) relationships between lean and rich usage constructs: the extent of usage triggers the breadth of usage and task variety, and has a convex (U‐shaped) relationship with cognitive absorption; the breadth of usage is positively related to cognitive absorption and has a concave (inverted J‐shaped) relationship with task variety. Furthermore, we confirm that affective commitment positively affects both lean and rich usage, whereas calculative commitment directly triggers only lean usage (the breadth of usage) but not rich usage. These findings have important theoretical implications for the research on SVW usage and commitment and provide useful insights for SVW practitioners to promote users' prolonged and active usage behaviours.
Moral Disengagement and Charitable Giving: Experimental Evidence From South Africa
Authors: Chingwere Fadzayi , Nicholls Nicky , Yitbarek Eleni
Published: January 2025

Moral disengagement has been linked to harmful behaviour and reduced inclination to assist others. Charitable giving, a form of assistance to others, is an important form of domestic resource mobilization in middle‐income countries. Moral disengagement can impact decisions regarding charitable giving by enabling individuals to rationalize less generous behaviour. We conducted a survey to investigate how moral disengagement varies across demographic groups and whether moral disengagement helps explain charitable giving. Because studies have shown that interventions can reduce moral disengagement, research highlighting groups demonstrating more moral disengagement can help to target such interventions. Understanding factors associated with moral disengagement can also show whether such interventions might be worthy of investment. We find higher moral disengagement for men and younger and less educated and unemployed respondents. Moral disengagement was a significant predictor of self‐reported less frequent charitable giving but not of the amount donated in an incentivised giving task.