bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Savings in the digital age: can Internet wealth management services enhance savings behaviour among Chinese Gen Z?
Authors: Hii Ivy S.H. , Ho Jie Min , Zhong Yuyue , Li Xinyue
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the factors influencing the saving behaviour of Chinese Generation Z (Gen Z) through Internet wealth management (IWM) services. It adopts the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) as the theoretical framework, focusing on key determinants such as performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI) and facilitating conditions (FC). The research also explores the mediating role of the intention to save via IWM and its subsequent influence on actual saving behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses were assessed using data collected from 274 Gen Z users in China. The data were analysed using the partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results suggest that the formation of intention among Gen Z to save through IWM services is directly affected by factors such as PE, EE, SI and FC. Intention to save via IWM positively influences actual saving behaviour. Mediation analysis further confirms the mediating role of intention to save via IWM in these relationships.

Research limitations/implications

The findings have direct implications for financial institutions and policymakers engaged in promoting the practice of saving via IWM services among Gen Z, thereby fostering a culture of proactive financial management and encouraging saving behaviour.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the existing literature by being among the first to examine Gen Z’s IWM adoption as a personal saving tool through the theoretical lens of the UTAUT.
The effect of corporate diversification on corporate investment during economic policy uncertainty: global evidence
Authors: Jumah Zahid , Safdar Nabeel , Younas Zahid Irshad , Islam Tanweer Ul , Manzoor Wajiha
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study explores the interplay between economic policy uncertainty (EPU) and corporate investment, with a focus on how corporate diversification influences this relationship based on a diverse sample of developed and emerging 22 countries firms from year 2000–2020 investment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the ordinary least square regression method with year, industry, country fixed effect. Also, robustness tests including two stage least square, propensity score matching, subsampling analysis applied to support the main findings.

Findings

Grounded in the real options perspective and financial constraints theory, the research reveals that diversified firms mitigate the adverse impact of EPU on corporate investment. Empirical findings from a sample of listed firms across 22 countries (2000–2020) demonstrate that, during high EPU, companies generally limit investment, in line with the real options perspective. However, diversified firms show a reduced negative impact highlighting diversification’s moderating role. Notably, sub-sampling analysis indicates that the moderating impact of corporate diversification is more pronounced in developed economies than emerging economies with related diversification measure and vice versa with unrelated diversification measure.

Practical implications

This research highlights the strategic significance of corporate diversification in alleviating the effects of economic uncertainty, with implications for both developed and emerging economies’ firms’ strategic decision-makers.

Originality/value

Our study is the first which highlighted the role of corporate diversification between economic policy uncertainty and firm investment based on 22 emerging and developed economies from around the world.
Fatigue and fracture surface characteristics of additively manufactured titanium alloy under various loading configurations and build orientations
Authors: Owsiński Robert , Moj Kevin , Lachowicz Cyprian , Prażmowski Mariusz , Nag Akash , Gupta Munish Kumar , Halama Radim
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Computer tomography (CT) is widely used in engineering applications, allowing for precise structural analysis of materials and components, enabling the measurement of internal properties and features, which is crucial for assessing their quality and durability. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze the fatigue fracture surface features of titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) under different loading configurations and structure orientations using computational micro-tomography.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, the specimens were fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) and subjected to fatigue tests to analyze the effects of different printing parameters on mechanical properties and microstructural features. The comprehensive methodology included metallographic testing, fatigue life testing, fractographic analysis and CT analysis, followed by microhardness measurements, providing a detailed assessment of internal defects and their impact on fatigue performance.

Findings

The fatigue test results showed better fatigue life for samples printed with Y orientation followed by X and Z orientation. The measurement values were fitted to obtain mean variable values of A as 6.522, 10.831 and 6.747 and values of m as −0.587, −2.318 and −0.771 for samples printed with X, Y and Z orientation for the Basquin’s equation to determine fatigue life. CT analysis revealed that the mean equivalent defect diameters were 0.0506, 0.0496 and 0.0513 mm and mean defect volume of 0.000714, 0.000467 and 0.000534 mm3 for X, Y and Z orientation samples, respectively.

Originality/value

The novel aspect of this study is to investigate the effect of extreme SLM process parameters on the durability of the material subjected to complex multiaxial loading conditions, including nonproportional fatigue loading.
Investigation of the thermal properties, microstructure, and mechanical properties of Sn-3Ag-3Sb-xIn lead-free solder alloys
Authors: Zhou Jiacheng , Shi Jinglin , Yin Dongfan , Xu Lei , Zhang Fuwen , Wang Zhigang , Hu Qiang , He Huijun
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of indium (In) content on the thermal properties, microstructure and mechanical properties of Sn-3Ag-3Sb-xIn (x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Wt.%) solders to enhance the performance of tin-based solder under demanding conditions and to meet the urgent need for high-reliability microelectronic interconnection materials in emerging sectors such as automotive intelligent technology, 5G communication technology and high-performance computing.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, Sn-3Ag-3Sb-xIn solder alloys were prepared. The thermal properties of the solder alloys were characterised by differential scanning calorimetry. Subsequently, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and an electron probe X-ray microanalyser were used to analyse the influence of the In content on the microstructure of the solder. The mechanical properties of solder alloys were determined through tensile testing.

Findings

As the In content increased, the melting temperature of the Sn-3Ag-3Sb-xIn solder decreased, accompanied by less nucleation undercooling and an expanded melting range. The incorporation of In led to an enhancement in the yield and tensile strengths of the Sn-3Ag-3Sb-xIn solder alloys, but with a concomitant decrease in plasticity. In comparison to commercial Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu solder alloys, the yield strength and tensile strength of the Sn-3Ag-3Sb-3In alloy increased by 8.64 and 21.69 MPa, respectively, while the elongation decreased by 11.48%.

Originality/value

Sn-3Ag-3Sb-3In solder alloy was the most appropriate and expected comprehensive properties. The enhancements will provide substantial assistance and precise data references for the interconnection requirements in high-strength interconnection fields, such as automotive intelligent technology, 5G communication technology and high-performance computing.
An update of a systematic review and meta‐analyses exploring flavours in intervention studies of e‐cigarettes for smoking cessation
Authors: Lindson Nicola , Livingstone‐Banks Jonathan , Butler Ailsa R. , Levy David T. , Barnett Phoebe , Theodoulou Annika , Notley Caitlin , Rigotti Nancy A. , Chen Yixian , Hartmann‐Boyce Jamie
Published: December 2024

Aims

To determine patterns of e‐cigarette flavour use (sweet, tobacco, menthol/mint) in interventional studies of e‐cigarettes for stopping smoking, and to estimate associations between flavours and smoking/vaping outcomes.

Methods

Update of secondary data analyses, including meta‐analyses subgrouped by flavour provision and narrative syntheses, incorporating data from January 2004 to February 2024. Eligible studies were identified from a Cochrane review. Studies provided adults who smoked cigarettes with nicotine‐containing e‐cigarettes for smoking cessation and provided data on e‐cigarette e‐liquid flavour use. Outcomes included participants' flavour use measured at any time, plus smoking abstinence, abstinence from all tobacco or commercial nicotine products and allocated product use at 6 months or longer, reported as risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals. We assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 1 tool.

Results

We included 25 studies (n = 16 748); 21 contributed to subgroup meta‐analyses and 18 provided flavour choices. We judged 15 studies at high, seven at low and three at unclear risk of bias. In studies where participants had a choice of flavours, some switching between flavours occurred (five studies). A preference for sweet (including fruit) flavours over tobacco and menthol was indicated (in 6 of 11 studies); however, there were differences across studies. Subgroup meta‐analyses showed no clear associations between e‐liquid flavours provided and smoking cessation or study product use. One included study randomised participants to two different flavour conditions and found similar cessation rates and long‐term e‐cigarette use between arms at 12 months.

Conclusions

Some people using e‐cigarettes to quit smoking switch between e‐cigarette flavours during a quit attempt. Sweet flavours may be preferred overall, but this may differ depending on context. Based on intervention studies, there is no clear association between the use of e‐cigarette flavours and smoking cessation or longer‐term e‐cigarette use, possibly due to a paucity of data.
Evaluating the impacts of infrastructure improvements based on link criticality and network performance: A case study of the trucking industry in the province of Ontario, Canada
Authors: Vani Georgiana , Maoh Hanna
Published: December 2024

A reliable transportation network is essential to maintaining and growing a region's economic productivity through the movement of goods, a significant proportion of which is moved by truck. Criticalities in the network should be identified and mitigation measures implemented to ensure that minimal negative impacts arise from link disruptions. Using criticality measures that account for network, freight flow, and economic characteristics, a comparison is made among locations of highly critical segments in the province of Ontario, Canada, and infrastructure improvement projects planned by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario. Four highway capacity expansion segments are explored through a scenario analysis, comparing the effects resulting from their implementation to a status quo base case. Freight and passenger flows are forecasted to the year 2036 for the analysis. A comparison is made among the scenarios to assess the network‐wide impacts of each segment's improvements with respect to vehicle and shipment value flows, travel time, greenhouse gas emissions, and each segment's average operating conditions. Of the four segments compared, the improvements of Highway 404 appear to provide the most significant benefits with respect to network performance. Such analysis can inform policy measures for the prioritization of infrastructure improvements to address network criticalities.
Rudderless in the Storm? The Crisis of Adaptability in Canadian Governance
Authors: Roberts Alasdair
Published: December 2024

Conditions facing Canadian governments will be challenging for the remainder of this century. If dangers are managed poorly, Canada will not thrive, and in the worst case the Canadian state will not survive. Adaptability, the capacity to anticipate and manage threats, is a critical quality for state survival in turbulent conditions. Achieving adaptability is always difficult in decentralized polities because of tendencies toward short‐sightedness, confusion, and miscoordination. Moreover, adaptability has declined in Canada in recent decades. This is partly attributable to socio‐economic transformations, and partly due to choices that Canadian leaders have made about dismantling or redesigning government institutions. Four reforms are suggested to restore adaptability in Canada: more investment in long‐term thinking, revival of national leadership summits, closer attention to the health of the Canadian public sphere, and independent review of Canada's public and political services.
From Machinery to Executive Density: Time for Structural Reforms?
Authors: Wernick Michael
Published: December 2024

The Canadian public service has adapted to many forces of change in recent years. What has not changed is the core structural software of how it is constructed and organized. Two dimensions of structural change are available to the next government, and they could choose to pursue both. One is the domain of "machinery of government" and the other is in the layered hierarchical pyramid of occupations and management. These are areas where change would involve rewiring of core legislation and would face considerable internal resistance. They are also areas where change can bring unintended consequences and generate new issues and tradeoffs. Nevertheless, it won't be possible to get to a public service fit for purpose on its current foundations and scaffolding.
Bone Substitute Material in the Surgical Therapy of Peri‐Implantitis—3‐Year Outcomes of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Alibegovic Lamija , Trullenque‐Eriksson Anna , Ortiz‐Vigón Alberto , Guerrero Adrián , Donati Mauro , Bressan Eriberto , Karlsson Karolina , Dionigi Carlotta , Regidor Erik , Ichioka Yuki , Tomasi Cristiano , Ghensi Paolo , Schaller Dennis , Abrahamsson Ingemar , Berglundh Tord , Derks Jan
Published: December 2024

Objective

To evaluate the potential mid‐term benefit of the use of a bone substitute material in the reconstructive surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis.

Methods

A total of 120 subjects (127 implants) affected by peri‐implantitis were followed over 3 years in a multicenter randomized clinical trial. Participants had been randomized to either control (access flap surgery) or test group (access flap surgery and bone substitute material). Clinical, radiographic, and patient‐reported outcomes were assessed. The primary outcome was a composite measure including probing pocket depth ≤ 5 mm, absence of bleeding and suppuration on probing, soft tissue recession ≤ 1 mm, and implant neither reoperated nor lost. In an additional outcome (disease resolution), we allowed for one bleeding site and did not consider recession.

Results

While 14 implants (11%) were lost and a second surgical intervention had been performed at 3 implants (2.4%), pronounced improvements of clinical parameters were noted at remaining implants in both treatment groups at the 3‐year follow‐up. This was illustrated by a 3.2–3.5 mm reduction in probing pocket depth and a marginal bone level gain of 1.1–1.3 mm. The primary composite outcome, however, was only achieved at 14% of implants. The second composite outcome defining disease resolution was accomplished at 39% of implants. Patient‐reported outcomes were generally favorable.

Conclusion

At 3 years, the use of a bone substitute material in the surgical therapy of peri‐implantitis did not result in a clear benefit over access flap surgery alone.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT0307706
Mesenchymal Stem Cell‐Derived Exosomes: A Promising Therapeutic Strategy for Age‐Related Diseases
Authors: Wei Bohua , Wei Mengting , Huang Haonan , Fan Ting , Zhang Zhichang , Song Xiaoyu
Published: December 2024

The global increase in the aging population has led to a concurrent rise in the incidence of age‐related diseases, posing substantial challenges to healthcare systems and affecting the well‐being of the elderly. Identifying and securing effective treatments has become an urgent priority. In this context, mesenchymal stem cell‐derived exosomes (MSC‐Exos) have emerged as a promising and innovative modality in the field of anti‐aging medicine, offering a multifaceted therapeutic approach. MSC‐Exos demonstrate significant potential due to their immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory properties, their ability to inhibit oxidative stress, and their reparative effects on senescent tissues. These attributes make them valuable in combating a range of conditions associated with aging, such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegeneration, skin aging, and osteoarthritis. The integration of exosomes with membrane‐penetrating peptides introduces a novel strategy for the delivery of biomolecules, surmounting traditional cellular barriers and enhancing therapeutic efficacy. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the current understanding of MSC‐Exos, underscoring their role as a novel and potent therapeutic strategy against the intricate challenges of age‐related diseases.
Happy Normativists: Do Children Express Happiness When Following Conventional Norms?
Authors: Riggs Anne E. , Fast Anne A.
Published: December 2024

Young children rapidly acquire and rigidly adhere to conventional norms. Prior accounts of this early‐emerging norm behavior propose that children perceive conventional norms as obligations to their cultural groups and, in conforming to the norms, sacrifice their individual desires for the welfare of the group. In the current research, we investigate the hypothesis that children may actually derive happiness from adhering to conventional norms, thus aligning rather than diverging from their individual desires. To test this hypothesis, we presented 4–5‐year‐old children (N = 120) with a novel apparatus in which they were either be taught a set of actions that constituted the norm for operating the apparatus (Norm condition) or a set of actions that they chose from to use the apparatus (Control condition). While performing these actions, we videorecorded and coded children's facial expressions to measure the happiness they derived from performing the actions in the norm versus control conditions and asked them to retrospectively report on their happiness while using the apparatus. Facial expressions and self‐reports of happiness did not differ across conditions; however, they were significantly higher than neutral.
Improved glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes initiating or switching to IDegAsp in a real‐world setting in China
Authors: Guo Lixin , Chen Liming , Zhao Fan , Liu Xiaoyun , Ding Hongcheng , Wang Kun , Zhong Xing , Shankarappa Vinay Babu , Chaudhary Gaurav
Published: December 2024

Aims

To investigate glycaemic control in Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) initiating, or switching to insulin degludec/insulin aspart (IDegAsp), a co‐formulation of basal, and bolus insulin, in a real‐world setting.

Materials and Methods

A 20‐week, prospective, single‐arm, open‐label, non‐interventional study was conducted in Chinese adults with T2D initiating, or switching to IDegAsp after anti‐hyperglycaemic treatment with oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs), other insulins, or glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists. The primary endpoint was a change in HbA1c from baseline to end of the study; the secondary endpoints included a change in fasting plasma glucose and Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ) score.

Results

Significant reductions were observed in mean HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose, among both the overall population (N = 878; −1.27%‐points [95% CI: −1.36; −1.19]; p < 0.0001, and −1.61 mmol/L [95% CI: −1.81; −1.41]; p < 0.0001, respectively), and in subgroups switching from OADs only, or basal, or premix insulins ± OADs. The mean total DTSQ score increased from 26.4 (baseline) to 31.6 (end‐of‐study). No significant, or unexpected tolerability, or safety issues were observed. Significant reductions were observed in incidence rates of non‐severe (rate ratio 0.37 [95% CI: 0.24; 0.59]; p < 0.0001) and nocturnal non‐severe (rate ratio 0.45 [95% CI: 0.21; 0.94]; p = 0.0326) hypoglycaemic episodes.

Conclusions

In a broad, real‐world Chinese population of adults with T2D, initiating or switching to IDegAsp was associated with improved glycaemic control and lower rates of hypoglycaemia. The use of IDegAsp could be an effective treatment option for those with suboptimal glycaemic control or therapeutic inertia.
Diagnostic accuracy of Agile‐4 score for liver cirrhosis in patients with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of diagnostic test accuracy studies
Authors: Malandris Konstantinos , Katsoula Anastasia , Liakos Aris , Karagiannis Thomas , Sinakos Emmanouil , Giouleme Olga , Klonizakis Philippos , Theocharidou Eleni , Gigi Eleni , Bekiari Eleni , Tsapas Apostolos
Published: December 2024

Aims

A novel noninvasive score, Agile‐4 score, combining liver stiffness measurements, aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase, platelet count, diabetes status and sex has been developed for the identification of cirrhosis in patients with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). We assessed the performance of Agile‐4 for ruling‐in/out liver cirrhosis in MASLD patients.

Materials and Methods

We searched Medline, Cochrane library, Web of science, Scopus and Echosens website up to May 2024. Eligible studies assessed the accuracy of Agile‐4 for ruling‐in (≥0.565) and ruling‐out (<0.251) liver cirrhosis, using biopsy as the reference standard, at predefined thresholds. We calculated pooled sensitivity and specificity estimates for both Agile‐4 thresholds alongside 95% confidence intervals following bivariate random‐effect models. We assessed the risk of bias using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐2 tool.

Results

We included seven studies with 6037 participants. An Agile‐4 score ≥0.565 yielded a pooled specificity of 0.93 (95% CI, 0.86–0.97). Similarly, an Agile‐4 score <0.251 excluded cirrhosis with a summary sensitivity of 0.90 (0.80–0.95). Assuming a cirrhosis prevalence of 30%, the positive predictive value (PPV) for ruling‐in cirrhosis was 80%, while the negative predictive value for ruling‐out cirrhosis was 95%. Most studies were at high or unclear risk for bias due to concerns regarding patient selection and the blinding status of Agile‐4 score interpretation in relation to biopsy results.

Conclusions

Agile‐4 score performs well for ruling‐in/out liver cirrhosis in MASLD patients. Owing to the relatively low PPV, sequential application of the Agile‐4 after fibrosis‐4 index (FIB‐4) testing might further enhance its performance.
Instruction‐Tuned Large‐Language Models for Quality Control in Automatic Item Generation: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Gorgun Guher , Bulut Okan
Published: December 2024

Automatic item generation may supply many items instantly and efficiently to assessment and learning environments. Yet, the evaluation of item quality persists to be a bottleneck for deploying generated items in learning and assessment settings. In this study, we investigated the utility of using large‐language models, specifically Llama 3‐8B, for evaluating automatically generated cloze items. The trained large‐language model was able to filter out majority of good and bad items accurately. Evaluating items automatically with instruction‐tuned LLMs may aid educators and test developers in understanding the quality of items created in an efficient and scalable manner. The item evaluation process with LLMs may also act as an intermediate step between item creation and field testing to reduce the cost and time associated with multiple rounds of revision.
Hereditary spastic paraplegias: When to expect bladder dysfunction a genetic and urodynamic study
Authors: Lallemant‐Dudek Pauline , Guillaud‐Bataille Marine , Hentzen Claire , Joussain Charles , Pichon Bertrand , Robain Gilberte , Haddad Rebecca , Coarelli Giulia , Heinzmann Anna , Denys Pierre , Amarenco Gérard , Durr Alexandra
Published: December 2024

Background

The aim of this study was to characterize hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSP) patients' urodynamic profiles and development of bladder symptoms.

Methods

This is a multicentric retrospective study which included patients presenting with bladder disorders. We reviewed medical and urodynamic records in individuals with HSP and recorded age at onset of gait and bladder disorders, disability stage at the time of urodynamic assessment.

Results

We included 122 participants. They were mostly men (n = 74) with a median age at interview of 54.6 ± 13.0 [25–76] years. The underlying genetic cause was identified in 70% of participants, with 54 heterozygous mutations in SPAST, followed by 7 SPG11 and 6 SPG7. The age at onset of motor disorder was significantly younger than for the beginning of bladder dysfunction (49.3 vs. 29.7 years‐old, p < 0.001). Detrusor overactivity was present in most participants (72.1%), followed by detrusor‐sphincter‐dyssynergia (65.3%). Similar proportions were present in the SPAST group as well as the non‐SPAST group. The SPAST group developed urinary symptoms later than the non‐SPAST group as compared to the age at onset of spasticity (53.8 ± 11.3 and 44.1 ± 13.2 for the SPAST group vs. 44.1 ± 13.2 and 25.5 ± 17.3 for the non‐SPAST group).

Conclusion

We have shown that the most common urodynamic pattern in HSP is detrusor overactivity associated with detrusor‐sphincter dyssynergia, as would be expected for upper motor neuron lesions. We assessed the temporal window of onset, showing that urinary disorders are secondary to spastic gait in HSP and particularly frequent when walking capability deteriorates.
Dual antiplatelet therapy after minor strokes or high‐risk TIA: Evidence from the Austrian stroke registry
Authors: Krebs Stefan , Miksova Dominika , Knoflach Michael , Gattringer Thomas , Fandler‐Höfler Simon , Marlen Fahrner , Marko Martha , Greisenegger Stefan , Lang Wilfried , Ferrari Julia , Sykora Marek ,   the Austrian Stroke Unit Registry Collaborators
Published: December 2024

Background and Purpose

Three large, randomized trials demonstrated the benefit of short‐term dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) versus monotherapy after non‐cardioembolic minor stroke or high‐risk transient ischemic attack (TIA). The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of DAPT versus monotherapy on functional outcomes and safety in a real‐life setting.

Methods

Patients with minor stroke (NIHSS <4) or high‐risk TIA (ABCD2 score ≥4) of non‐cardioembolic origin without major vessel occlusion or revascularization therapy (thrombolysis or thrombectomy) treated between 2018 and 2023 were analyzed based on a prospective nationwide stroke unit registry. Data on risk factors, stroke etiology, admission stroke severity (NIHSS), functional status at 3 months (mRS), and mortality were extracted. Excellent functional outcome (mRS 0–1) at 3 months, early neurological deterioration (END), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH) and major extracranial bleeds were defined as study endpoints and adjusted for covariates using inverse probability of treatment weighted regression models.

Results

Two Thousand Two Hundred Fifty‐four of 8546 patients with non‐cardioembolic minor stroke or high‐risk TIA received DAPT. Patients treated with DAPT had significantly more risk factors and comorbidities compared to those treated with monotherapy. After robust statistical adjustment, DAPT was significantly associated with lower occurrence of END (OR 0.50 95% CI 0.35–0.72), increased odds of excellent outcome at 3 months (aOR 1.59; 95% CI 1.20–2.09) and equivalent frequencies of SICH (aOR 1.19, 95% CI 0.30–4.73) or major extracranial bleeding (aOR 0.84; 95% CI 0.16–4.56).

Conclusions

DAPT in non‐cardioembolic minor stroke or high‐risk TIA in a real‐life setting appears to be safe and associated with improved functional outcome.
A single‐center learning curve for stereotactic laser amygdalohippocampotomy and a surgical framework to manage failures
Authors: Raghu Ashley L. B. , Lau Jonathan , Stern Matthew A. , Faraj Razan R. , Isbaine Faical , Grogan Dayton , Bullinger Katie , Roth Rebecca W. , Dickey Adam S. , Willie Jon T. , Drane Daniel L. , Gross Robert E.
Published: December 2024

Objective

Stereotactic laser amygdalohippocampotomy (SLAH) is a minimally invasive procedure for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy that preserves more tissue than open procedures. As a result, although patients have better functional outcomes, more patients do not achieve seizure freedom. The rate at which this occurs is evolving with improved surgical practices. However, the risks and benefits of further surgical management for these patients remains a question with limited data to guide decision‐making.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed a continuous series (2011–2019) of SLAH operations at our institution to determine trends in surgical management, identifying cases where further surgery was performed. Pre‐operative and follow‐up seizure, cognitive, and functional data, and surgical complications were collated.

Results

Of 108 patients undergoing primary SLAH, 21 (19%) underwent further surgery (23 procedures). Stereo‐electroencephalography (SEEG) informed seven procedures (30%). There was a trend for quicker SLAH failure in the earlier patients. Similarly, surgical chronology was associated with progression to repeat surgery (p = .007). At 1‐year follow‐up, 6 of 13 patients (46%) achieved seizure freedom after repeat SLAH and 5 of 8 patients (63%) achieved seizure freedom after anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL), one of whom had failed two SLAHs. Two of three patients undergoing an ablation outside the mesial temporal lobe achieved seizure freedom at 1 year. Neuropsychological sequelae were more prevalent with ATL than SLAH, including decline in visual naming (p = .01) and functional status (p = .007).

Significance

Repeat SLAH and ATL post‐SLAH are both practicable and can be effective. Surgical experience, risk to cognition, and marginal benefit relative to existing improvement are principal considerations for further surgery.
Transfer RNA and small molecule therapeutics for aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetase diseases
Authors: Samuels Tristan N. , Wu Fanqi , Mahmood Maria , Abuzaid Wajd A. , Sun Nancy , Moresco Angelica , Siu Victoria M. , O'Donoghue Patrick , Heinemann Ilka U.
Published: December 2024

Aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases catalyze the ligation of a specific amino acid to its cognate tRNA. The resulting aminoacyl‐tRNAs are indispensable intermediates in protein biosynthesis, facilitating the precise decoding of the genetic code. Pathogenic alleles in the aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases can lead to several dominant and recessive disorders. To date, disease‐specific treatments for these conditions are largely unavailable. We review pathogenic human synthetase alleles, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of tRNA synthetase diseases, and emerging approaches to allele‐specific treatments, including small molecules and nucleic acid‐based therapeutics. Current treatment approaches to rescue defective or dysfunctional tRNA synthetase mutants include supplementation with cognate amino acids and delivery of cognate tRNAs to alleviate bottlenecks in translation. Complementary approaches use inhibitors to target the integrated stress response, which can be dysregulated in tRNA synthetase diseases.
Comparison of the Frequency in Changing and Using Personal Protective Equipment Among Dental Staff After Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Sim E. B. , Noh H. J.
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study was conducted to identify changes in the personal protective equipment (PPE)‐wearing behaviour of dental staff after the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) outbreak in Korea.

Methods

This study used a self‐administered questionnaire for 257 dental staff (dentists, dental hygienists and other assistants) in regions of Korea. The questionnaire investigated the change in the frequency of wearing of PPE after COVID‐19 (masks, gloves, goggles, face shields and protective clothing), and the PPE change cycle of dental staff compared with that before COVID‐19.

Results

In the case of masks, if there was an infection control manager, the change in wearing was 4.583(1.658–12.667) times higher. In case of goggles and face shields, those with infection control education experienced a 2.982(1.087–8.178) increase in wearing these. Regarding protective clothing, it was 3.831(1.537–9.553) times higher when there was an infection control manager and it was 3.103(1.481–6.504) times higher when there was a visit to a patient with confirmed COVID‐19.

Conclusions

It is necessary to prepare guidelines for wearing PPE in consideration of the type of infectious disease and the institution's characteristics, to periodically conduct infection control education to maintain this state of alert, and to prepare for personal protection to prevent the spread of new infectious diseases.
Affiliating With Jury: Analysis of Multimodal Graduation in Attorneys’ Closing Arguments
Authors: Cao Huishu , Yuan Chuanyou
Published: December 2024

graduation, a subsystem of appraisal in the stratum of interpersonal discourse in systemic functional linguistics (SFL), functions to modulate meaning by degree. It emerges as a powerful linguistic tool for attorneys to establish rapport with their audience, especially with the jury during closing arguments. This research draws upon five criminal cases related to police violence in law enforcement in the United States, employing an integrated qualitative and quantitative analysis approach to explore how both attorneys utilize multimodal graduation through the integration of verbal, vocal, and visual conduct to affiliate with the jury. The findings reveal that attorneys utilize graduation, co‐instantiating with attitude and coupling with other semiotic resources such as voice and gesture, to amplify negative attitudes toward the opposing party and positive attitudes toward their own stance. This strategic use of multimodal graduation influences the enactment of the social relations with the jury who hold the authority to determine guilt in a case. The significance of this study lies in its potential to advance the understanding of legal advocacy strategies in institutional discourse, particularly in cases involving police violence.
Factors Influencing University Students' Behavioural Intention to Use Generative Artificial Intelligence for Educational Purposes Based on a Revised UTAUT2 Model
Authors: Tang Xin , Yuan Zhiqiang , Qu Shaojun
Published: December 2024

Background

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) represents a significant technological leap, with platforms like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Baidu's Ernie Bot at the forefront of innovation. This technology has seen widespread adoption across various sectors of society and is anticipated to revolutionise the educational landscape, especially in the domain of tertiary education. However, there is a gap in understanding factors influencing university students' behavioural intention to use generative AI, leading to hesitation in its adoption.

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the factors that influence university students' behavioural intention to engage with and utilise generative AI. The study sought to delve into the fundamental reasons and obstacles that university students encounter when contemplating the adoption of this technology for their academic endeavours.

Methods

The study used a quantitative research design, utilising a revised version of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) model. Data were collected from a sample of 380 university students in Changsha, the capital city of Hunan in China. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS‐SEM) was used to analyse the relationships between the variables of the model, which included performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI), facilitating conditions (FC), learning value, habit and behavioural intention.

Results

The analysis revealed that PE and EE have a direct impact on learning value. Additionally, SI and FC were found to directly affect the formation of habit. Among these factors, learning value emerged as the most potent predictor of university students' behavioural intention to use generative AI. Habit also demonstrated a significant, albeit smaller, effect on behavioural intention.

Conclusions

The study's findings underscore the importance of learning value in driving the adoption of generative AI among university students. Efforts to enhance the learning value of generative AI could significantly increase its uptake in higher education. Furthermore, the role of habit, while less pronounced, suggests that consistent exposure and use can foster a greater inclination towards generative AI. These insights provide a foundation for targeted interventions aimed at improving the integration and application of generative AI within educational settings. Stakeholders, including educators, policymakers and designers of generative AI, can leverage these findings to create an environment conducive to the adoption and effective use of generative AI in higher education.
Market Response to Court Rejection of California's Board Diversity Laws
Authors: Klick Jonathan
Published: December 2024

California mandated that firms headquartered in the state include women (SB 826) and underrepresented minorities (AB 979) on their corporate boards. These laws, passed in 2018 and 2020 respectively, were held to violate the state's constitution by judges on the Los Angeles County Superior Court in 2022. This paper examines the market reaction to these surprising court decisions, finding that California firms appreciated significantly on the days of the rulings, and there is evidence that firms that were not in compliance with the laws exhibited larger abnormal returns than firms that were in compliance.
Plea Bargaining Procedures Worldwide: Drivers of Introduction and Use
Authors: Paolini Gabriele , Kantorowicz‐Reznichenko Elena , Voigt Stefan
Published: December 2024

Over the last three decades, plea bargaining has been adopted by many jurisdictions worldwide. However, a comprehensive account of both its adoption as well as its use is still missing. We survey 174 jurisdictions, finding that 101 allow plea‐bargaining. For 52 jurisdictions, we also compute plea‐bargaining rates, as the percentage of convictions imposed through plea bargaining over all criminal convictions. Relying on this novel dataset, we find that Muslim‐majority populations and the French and Scandinavian legal origins are associated with lower probabilities of formalizing plea bargaining, while democracies are associated with higher probabilities. The Spanish and Socialist legal origins, a looser regulation of the procedure, and jury trials are associated with higher plea‐bargaining rates, while higher income levels correlate with higher plea‐bargaining rates only up to a certain point.
Narrowing the “Digital Divide”: The Role of Fixed and Mobile Infrastructure
Authors: Hawthorne Ryan , Grzybowski Lukasz
Published: December 2024

We study the substitution between fixed and mobile broadband services in South Africa using survey data on 134,000 individuals collected between 2009 and 2014. In our discrete‐choice model, individuals choose fixed or mobile voice and data services in a framework that allows these services to be considered substitutes or complements. We find that there is substantial heterogeneity in the perception of these services as substitutes/complements. We use our model to simulate the uptake of fixed and mobile broadband across various demographic groups under different policy interventions, including (i) a reduction in mobile data prices, (ii) an expansion in fixed‐line coverage, (iii) a widespread distribution of computers, and (iv) broader Internet access in schools and workplaces. Our results suggest that, when applied in isolation, these interventions do not significantly increase Internet access among poorer households. In particular, the uptake of fixed broadband would remain limited, even if accessible to all households. This is because many households prefer mobile Internet access, perceiving it as a substitute for fixed broadband.
Perceived financial incentive salience and its undermining effect: A moderated‐mediation model
Authors: Saini Manish , Uppal Nishant , Howard Joshua L.
Published: December 2024

How incentives are perceived by a receiver can determine how they affect their autonomy and intrinsic motivation. Guided by self‐determination theory, we investigate the relationship between perceived financial incentive salience (PFIS) and change in intrinsic motivation by focusing on the mediating role of autonomy frustration and the moderating role of task heuristic. To test this model, we utilize a repeated‐measure two‐wave design in two field studies (n = 169 and 341) under a non‐contingent versus contingent pay system. The findings demonstrated that perceived salience is a key determinant behind the undermining effect caused by financial incentives, independently of incentive contingency. In addition, task heuristic and autonomy frustration are crucial factors in understanding the nuances behind the undermining effect. Under both types of incentive systems (a) PFIS had a positive association with autonomy frustration, and (b) PFIS and autonomy frustration both related negatively to intrinsic motivation in high‐heuristic tasks. However, the autonomy frustration‐intrinsic motivation relationship and PFIS‐intrinsic motivation relationship had considerable differences in low‐heuristic tasks among non‐contingent versus contingent systems. We discuss the implications of the findings for future research on incentive salience and work motivation.
Leukoreduction in a dog with acute leukemia
Authors: Hanratty Brenna , Hauck Anna , Foskett Amanda , Foster J. D.
Published: December 2024

A 9‐year‐old male castrated golden retriever cross was evaluated for an acute onset of ataxia. A complete blood count revealed marked leukocytosis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Leukocytosis was characterized by marked lymphocytosis, monocytosis, neutropenia, and eosinopenia. Flow cytometry identified CD34+ leukocytosis with cells that did not express lineage antigens, suggesting the most likely diagnosis of either acute lymphoid or myeloid leukemia. Leukoreduction via leukapheresis was elected to reduce the disease burden before initiating chemotherapy. Postleukoreduction, the dog had a 54% decrease in their white blood cell count. The dog completed multiple weeks of traditional cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone (CHOP)‐based treatment and had a survival time of 43 days before the owner elected humane euthanasia. To our knowledge, this report represents a case of acute leukemia in a dog treated with leukoreduction before starting chemotherapy.
Beneficial microorganisms: Regulating growth and defense for plant welfare
Authors: Liu Yan , Shi Aiqin , Chen Yue , Xu Zhihui , Liu Yongxin , Yao Yanlai , Wang Yiming , Jia Baolei
Published: December 2024

Beneficial microorganisms (BMs) promote plant growth and enhance stress resistance. This review summarizes how BMs induce growth promotion by improving nutrient uptake, producing growth‐promoting hormones and stimulating root development. How BMs enhance disease resistance and help protect plants from abiotic stresses has also been explored. Growth‐defense trade‐offs are known to affect the ability of plants to survive under unfavourable conditions. This review discusses studies demonstrating that BMs regulate growth‐defense trade‐offs through microbe‐associated molecular patterns and multiple pathways, including the leucine‐rich repeat receptor‐like kinase pathway, abscisic acid signalling pathway and specific transcriptional factor regulation. This multifaceted relationship underscores the significance of BMs in sustainable agriculture. Finally, the need for integration of artificial intelligence to revolutionize biofertilizer research has been highlighted. This review also elucidates the cutting‐edge advancements and potential of plant‐microbe synergistic microbial agents.
Importance of Timing of Dark Acclimation for Estimating Light Inhibition of Leaf Respiratory CO2 Efflux
Authors: Bruhn Dan , Griffin Kevin L. , Møller Ian M.
Published: December 2024

SUMMARY STATEMENT

The degree of inhibition of leaf respiration by light is often studied, but the methods used and the results obtained are variable. We suggest that in the future daytime leaf respiration is measured 3 min after dark acclimation to avoid under‐estimating the degree of light inhibition of leaf respiration. This will most likely speed up future surveys and perhaps also result in less inter‐study variation in the calculated degree of light inhibition of leaf respiration.
What is the normative added value of deliberative mini publics in the context of climate policy making?
Authors: Walkenhorst Janina , Schuppert Fabian
Published: December 2024

This paper contributes to the debate on the normative value(s) of deliberative mini publics (DMPs) in climate policy‐making. We discuss different conceptions of the objectives of DMPs, such as increasing democratic legitimacy, effectiveness, and social acceptance. Following, we critically assess the plausibility of each conception and argue why meaningful and independent participation is crucial for increasing democratic legitimacy. We also show that even if the instrumental perspective of climate policy effectiveness seems necessary against the background of the advancing climate crisis, it cannot be produced through deliberative formats without central democratic principles being ignored. Furthermore, we highlight that social acceptance as a primary objective is highly problematic because it threatens to lead to manipulation and sham participation.
MsMYB206–MsMYB450–MsHY5 complex regulates alfalfa tolerance to salt stress via regulating flavonoid biosynthesis during the day and night cycles
Authors: Su Liantai , Lv Aimin , Wen Wuwu , Fan Nana , You Xiangkai , Gao Li , Zhou Peng , Shi Fengling , An Yuan
Published: December 2024

Flavonoids are the major secondary metabolites participating in many biological processes of plants. Although flavonoid biosynthesis has been extensively studied, its regulatory mechanisms during the day and night cycles remain poorly understood. In this study, three proteins, MsMYB206, MsMYB450, and MsHY5, were found to interact with each other, in which MsMYB206 directly transactivated two flavonoid biosynthetic genes, MsFLS and MsF3′H. The expression patterns of MsMYB206, MsMYB450, MsFLS, and MsF3′H were fully consistent at regular intervals across day/night cycles that were higher at night than in the daytime. On the contrary, both gene expression levels and protein contents of MsHY5 increased in the daytime but decreased at night, and the lower expression of MsHY5 at night led to strengthened interaction between MsMYB206 and MsMYB450. The MsMYB206‐overexpression plants were more salt‐tolerant and their flavonoid contents were higher than the WT during the day/night cycles. This study revealed one mechanism interpreting the fluctuating flavonoid contents during day/night cycles regulated by the MsMYB206/MsMYB450/MsHY5‐MsFLS/MsF3′H module that also contributed to salt tolerance in alfalfa.