bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patronizing Islamic finance services by Cameroonian small and medium-sized entrepreneurs: examining the level and the role of Islamic finance awareness
Authors: Mboutchouang Kountchou Armand , Haruna Ali , Tadzong Mouafo Paul
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the level of Islamic finance awareness by Cameroonian small and medium-sized entrepreneurs (SMEs) on the one hand, and the effects of this awareness on the entrepreneurs’ decision to patronize (adopt) Islamic finance, on the other hand.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses primary data collected from a cross-section of 1,358 SMEs in eight regions of Cameroon using self-administered structured questionnaires. The authors apply mean computation analyses and a binary logistic model to test the study hypotheses. The authors also check for endogeneity and carry out sensitivity analyses.

Findings

The results show that the level of Islamic finance awareness among Cameroonian SMEs can be regarded as average. Furthermore, after dividing the sample into two groups based on the religion of the entrepreneur, it is revealed that the awareness level among Muslim entrepreneurs is considered higher than that of the non-Muslims, with a below-average level of awareness, thereby underlying the place occupied by the Islamic religion as a driver of the decision to engage in the Islamic mode of finance. The application of the simple logistic model reveals that awareness enhances the adoption of Islamic finance by Cameroonian SMEs and that these effects are modulated by the Islamic religion and the educational level channels.

Practical implications

Policymakers and bank managers are encouraged to prioritize more consumer awareness programs as a means of promoting the adoption of Islamic finance by SMEs in Cameroon. Future research in this area should equally consider the supply-side aspects of Islamic finance such as bank managers whose perception and awareness are equally key toward ensuring a more holistic agenda for the promotion of Islamic finance services.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that analyzes the awareness level of SMEs in the context of a non-Muslim-dominated sub-Saharan African country.
When the mindful ones experience flow: a moderated-mediation model of purchase intention in live commerce
Authors: Wang Qian , Li Xixi , Yan Xiangbin
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The emerging live streaming technology has provided a novel means for streamers to interact with viewers, allowing for synchronous and vivid demonstrations of products for sale. However, individual streamers as sellers still struggle to improve sales in their live stores. Drawing upon flow theory, our study proposes and tests a moderated-mediation model that explores (1) the indirect influences of telepresence and social presence as two important live streaming affordances on viewers’ purchase intentions through the immersive state of flow and (2) the dynamic contingency embedded in the indirect relationships between presence and purchases through flow as created by mindfulness.

Design/methodology/approach

We collected survey data from 251 experienced consumers of a three-year Kuaishou store run by an Inner Mongolian singer in China. We applied a covariance-based structural equation modeling approach to examine the first-stage moderated-mediation model.

Findings

Our results show that viewers’ flow state mediated the effects of telepresence and social presence on purchase intentions of both virtual gifts and physical products. Additionally, mindfulness toward live streaming strengthened the mediation effect of flow on the relationship between telepresence and purchase intentions but weakened its mediation effect between social presence and purchase intentions.

Originality/value

Our study not only expands the existing knowledge on live commerce but also systematically addresses the theoretical tension between flow and mindfulness as two important user states that coexist in the live commerce context. Our findings also reveal practical implications for streamers, managers and designers of live commerce.
Boosting crowdfunding via knowledge ecosystems: an exploratory analysis through a bibliometric literature review
Authors: D'Amato Antonio , Festa Giuseppe , Vrontis Demetris , Mueller Jens , Rossi Matteo
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to highlight the fundamental elements about the potential knowledge ecosystems underlying the crowdfunding environment, providing a tentative analysis of the state of the art and suggesting a possible research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a sample of 51 papers retrieved from the Web of Science (WOS) database, the investigation, implementing a bibliometric literature review (BLR), has examined the main metadata of the scientific literature that includes studies about crowdfunding and knowledge ecosystems.

Findings

The main research areas in the field, in terms of occurrence network analysis, seem to affect three main clusters (entrepreneurial ecosystems, business ecosystems and service ecosystems), being the role of knowledge (and consequent knowledge management) relevant mostly in regard to entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Originality/value

The research is intended to shed light on the potential connections, relationships and interactions between crowdfunding and the knowledge ecosystems that may emerge in the dynamics involving crowdfunding platforms, projects and operators, emphasizing the contribution of knowledge management in this respect.
Understanding women entrepreneurship in Vietnam: motivators and barriers through integration of two theoretical frameworks
Authors: Maheshwari Greeni , Vu Oanh Thi Kim , Thanh Hang Pham
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to explore the motivators and barriers faced by successful women entrepreneurs in Vietnam, a country with high rates of early-stage and established business ownership by women. By integrating the push-pull theory with macro, meso, and micro-level factors, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the factors influencing female entrepreneurship in this context.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for this exploratory qualitative study were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 31 successful female entrepreneurs in Vietnam. The analysis was conducted using NVivo software, employing thematic analysis to identify the motivators and barriers associated with women’s entrepreneurship.

Findings

The findings indicate that women are motivated to start businesses by push factors like job dissatisfaction, economic improvement, and family support, as well as pull factors such as time flexibility, autonomy, and personal development. Barriers are identified at different levels: micro-level challenges include lack of financial support, inadequate skills, and work-life balance issues; meso-level barriers involve insufficient training programs, and macro-level barriers are shaped by gender prejudice. Notably, specific to the sectors, the lack of business training is a major challenge for women in consultancy, tourism, and retail sectors, alongside financial constraints in retail and services.

Originality/value

As a theoretical contribution, this study presents a novel model that integrates push/pull theory with macro, meso, and micro-level factors to analyze the motivators and barriers for female entrepreneurship. This integrated model offers a comprehensive view of women’s entrepreneurship in Vietnam’s transitional economy, enhancing understanding of their motivations and challenges, addressing existing gaps, and suggesting practical implications.
Molecular evidence for the role of the ovipositor of the fall armyworm: Where to lay or not to lay?
Authors: Xiao Yong , Lei Chun‐Mei , Yin Fei , Peng Zheng‐Ke , Zhang Yong‐Jun , Zalucki Myron P. , Li Zhen‐Yu
Published: January 2025

Oviposition behavior in insects has received considerable attention, but studies have mainly focused on the antennae, neglecting the role of the ovipositor. In this study, we investigated the functional characteristics of the ovipositor in oviposition site selection by the fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda, a destructive invasive pest of maize and other cereals. In oviposition choice assays females exhibited significant repellency to isothiocyanate (ITC), volatiles specific to non‐preferred cruciferous plants. Females retained repellency to ITC or attraction to maize volatiles even after antennae removal. Scanning electron microscopy indicated the presence of olfactory‐associated sensilla on the ovipositor. Comparative transcriptome analysis and in vitro functional studies showed that S. frugiperda odorant binding protein 30 (SfruOBP30), exclusively expressed in the ovipositor, displayed a broad sensitivity toward 18 maize volatiles and 10 ITC compounds. Site‐directed mutant assay revealed that Ser71 and Ser85 were the key binding sites for SfruOBP30 interacting with ITCs and key maize volatiles, respectively. Silencing the expression of SfruOBP30 resulted in the loss of bias in oviposition of FAW, significantly inhibiting their ability to avoid ITCs and locate the maize substrate. Overall, we propose that the ovipositor does not just seek out advantageous conditions for immature stages but more importantly, avoids potential risks during the oviposition process. Apparently, the involvement of SfruOBP30 plays a critical role in detecting both beneficial and harmful substances during this intricate process.
Effectiveness and Safety of Dupilumab for Prurigo Nodularis in China: A Multicentric and Observational Study
Authors: Zhao Zuotao , Song Xiaoting , Shang Yuanyuan , Liu Lijuan , Zheng Rui , Xia Jianxin , Liu Qiang , Hao Guodong , Li Jie , Geng Songmei , An Jingang , Wang Qiang , Liu Xiaoyan , Tang Jianping , Xiao Yizhu , Zhang Litao
Published: January 2025

Background

The efficacy and safety of dupilumab in patients with refractory prurigo nodularis (PN) is well established in clinical trials, but there is a lack of multicenter data regarding its effectiveness and safety in real‐world settings.

Methods

Patients with moderate‐to‐severe PN who initiated dupilumab treatment between July 2023 and January 2024, with a follow‐up period of at least 16 weeks at 10 hospitals in China were included. We used peak pruritus numeric rating scale (PP‐NRS), investigator global assessment (IGA) for PN, and dermatology life quality index for adults or children (DLQI/CDLQI) to assess disease control status and quality of life impairment, and monitored adverse events to assess the safety.

Results

A total of 73 PN patients (33 female, 40 male; mean age 45.9 ± 21.5 years) were included. A clinically meaningful improvement of ≥ 4 points in PP‐NRS (PP‐NRS4) was achieved in 84.9% of patients at Week 12. The percentage of patients achieving IGA 0/1 significantly increasing from 0% to 37.0% and 46.6% at Week 12 and 16, respectively. Patient‐reported quality of life outcomes showed substantial improvement, with decreasing from 16.6 ± 6.8 at baseline to 7.2 ± 4.9 at Week 12, 6.4 ± 4.5 at Week 16. The safety profile of dupilumab was favorable, with one patient reporting dry eyes.

Conclusion

Dupilumab can effectively improve the pruritus, nodular lesions and quality of life for PN in real‐world settings.
Treatment outcomes of Manchester procedure versus vaginal hysterectomy for mid‐compartment prolapse: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Qi , Manodoro Stefano , Jiang Xiaoxiang , Lin Chaoqin
Published: January 2025

Introduction

To compare the effectiveness and safety of Manchester procedure versus vaginal hysterectomy in the treatment of mid‐compartment prolapse in women.

Material and Methods

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective, or retrospective studies comparing the Manchester procedure and vaginal hysterectomy up to July 2024. Primary outcomes included anatomical recurrence, subjective recurrence, overall complication rate, and reoperation. Secondary outcomes included estimated blood loss, operative time, and relevant subgroup analyses. This study has been registered in PROSPERO with the registration number CRD42024575874.

Results

A total of 11 783 cases from 1 RCT, 1 prospective study, and 9 retrospective studies were included. For the primary outcomes, the Manchester procedure demonstrated significantly lower subjective recurrence rates (risk ratio [RR] = 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73–0.98; I2 = 0%; p = 0.03) and reoperation rates (RR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.43–0.89; I2 = 64%; p = 0.009) compared with vaginal hysterectomy, with no significant difference in anatomical recurrence rates (RR = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.58–1.21; I2 = 54%; p = 0.34) and overall complication rates (RR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.79–1.00; I2 = 0%; p = 0.06) between the two groups. Secondary outcomes indicated that the Manchester procedure had a significantly shorter operative time and less estimated blood loss (p < 0.05). Subgroup analysis indicated that the Manchester procedure was associated with lower short‐term (1–3 years) subjective recurrence rates (RR = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.78–0.98; I2 = 0%; p = 0.02) and reoperation rates (RR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.55–0.92; I2 = 0%; p = 0.008). No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of short‐term anatomical recurrence rates or in mid‐ to long‐term (>3 years) subjective recurrence rates, anatomical recurrence rates, and reoperation rates (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Overall, the rates of anatomical recurrence and overall complications for Manchester procedure and vaginal hysterectomy are similar. Manchester procedure appears to have a lower subjective recurrence and reoperation rate in the short term, but this advantage was not observed in mid‐ to long‐term follow‐up. Further high‐quality prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Glucagon‐Like Peptide‐1 Receptor Agonists in Patients With Durable Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Elad Boaz , Lee Changhee , Rahman Afsana , Rzechorzek Wojciech , DeFilippis Ersilia M. , Lotan Dor , Moeller Cathrine M. , Valledor Andrea Fernandez , Rahman Salwa , Baranowska Julia , Clerkin Kevin , Fried Justin , Yunis Adil , Yuzefpolskaya Melana , Colombo Paolo C. , Kaku Yuji , Naka Yoshifumi , Takeda Koji , Raikhelkar Jayant , Sayer Gabriel T. , Uriel Nir
Published: January 2025

Background

GLP‐1 RAs improve cardiometabolic outcomes in obese, diabetic, and heart failure patients. Data on the safety and efficacy of GLP‐1 RA in advanced heart failure with durable LVAD is limited.

Objectives

To assess the safety and efficacy of GLP‐1 RA in durable LVAD patients.

Methods

We conducted a single‐center retrospective analysis of patients on durable LVAD support treated with GLP‐1 RA. Outcomes included cardiometabolic efficacy and LVAD and GLP‐1 RA related adverse events up to 1 year post GLP‐1 RA initiation.

Results

Forty LVAD patients were treated with GLP‐1 RA therapy between 2018 and 2023. At 1 year follow‐up, the patient's weight was significantly reduced (116 (98–134) vs. 110 (91–129) kg, p‐value < 0.001), HBA1C was improved (6.4 (5.8–8.1) vs. 5.7 (5.3–6.1), p‐value 0.003), and NT‐proBNP levels were significantly reduced (810 (594–1413) vs. 732 (354–1155) pg/mL, p‐value 0.04). GLP‐1 RA therapy was not associated with cannula position change (cannula coronal angle of 29.7° (15.0–42.0) vs. 23.1° (12.8–42.3), p‐value 0.683), and LVADs complication rate was relatively low (12.5% of the patients had hemocompatibility adverse events, 15% had driveline infection, 12% had HF hospitalization, and 2.5% (1 patient) died due to HeartMate2 malfunction). There was no interruption of drug administration due to adverse events.

Conclusion

Durable LVAD patients treated with GLP‐1 RA had improved cardiometabolic profiles and low major adverse events. GLP‐1 RA therapy holds promise as a potential adjunctive treatment strategy in LVAD recipients, offering improved cardiometabolic profile, hemodynamics, and potential future transplant candidacy.
The Confrustion Constellation: A New Way of Looking at Confusion and Frustration
Authors: Baker Ryan S. , Cloude Elizabeth , Andres Juliana M. A. L. , Wei Zhanlan
Published: January 2025

There has been considerable research on confusion and frustration that has treated them as two unitary constructs, distinct from each other. In this article, we argue that there is instead a constellation of different types of confusion and frustration, with different antecedents, manifestations, and impacts, and that the commonalities between many types of confusion and frustration justify thinking of them as part of the same constellation of affect, distinct from other prominent affective categories. We discuss how these types of affect have been considered historically and in key models. We then discuss unusual manifestations of each form of affect that have been documented in the literature, and what light they shed on the broader constructs. We conclude with a discussion of a new theoretical framing that treats confusion and frustration as a confrustion constellation, and the opportunities and open questions that this perspective presents.
Utility of endoscopic pressure study integrated system for gastroesophageal reflux disease after endoscopic antireflux therapy
Authors: Yamamoto Kazuki , Inoue Haruhiro , Tanaka Ippei , Ushikubo Kei , Iwasaki Miyuki , Nishikawa Yohei , Tanaka Hidenori , Tanabe Mayo , Abiko Satoshi , Gantuya Boldbaatar , Onimaru Manabu , Shimamura Yuto
Published: January 2025

Objectives

The endoscopic pressure study integrated system (EPSIS) measures intragastric pressure (IGP) during esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Previous research demonstrated that EPSIS correlates with the 24‐h impedance‐pH (MII‐pH) test and shows lower maximum IGP (IGP‐Max) and a flatter waveform gradient in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients, attributed to lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction. Although endoscopic antireflux therapy (EARTh) is effective for GERD, the MII‐pH monitoring, the gold standard for assessing treatment outcomes, requires hospitalization and can be a burden. EPSIS offers a noninvasive alternative for evaluating post‐EARTh outcomes. This study aimed to assess EPSIS as an additional diagnostic tool in this context.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of GERD patients who underwent EARTh and were subsequently assessed using EPSIS within 6 months, from May 2018 to April 2024. Changes in IGP parameters, including IGP‐Max and waveform gradient, were analyzed pre‐ and post‐EARTh. Additionally, the study examined Hill's Classification following EARTh.

Results

Out of 39 patients assessed with EPSIS before and after EARTh, the average age was 55 years (standard deviation [SD] 16.7), with 64.1% male. Postoperative IGP‐Max increased from 15.2 mmHg to 18.0 mmHg (P = 0.004), and the pressure gradient improved from 0.16 mmHg/s to 0.28 mmHg/s (P < 0.001). Hill's Classification improved significantly from a mean of 2.2 (SD 0.7) to 1.1 (SD 0.3) (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study indicates that EPSIS is a reliable diagnostic tool for evaluating the effects of EARTh and holds potential as a supplementary tool for assessing GERD treatment outcomes.
Novel over‐the‐wire stent exchange technique with a loop cutter for endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage in a complex anatomical case
Authors: Kuraishi Yasuhiro , Horiuchi Ichitaro , Nakamura Akira
Published: January 2025

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Resource redistribution mediated by hydrological connectivity modulates vegetation response to aridification in drylands
Authors: Rodríguez‐Lozano Borja , Rodríguez-Caballero Emilio , Yolanda Cantón and
Published: January 2025

Water scarcity poses a significant life constraint in global drylands that determines species adaptations and mosaic of exposed bare areas and vegetation patches. Runoff‐water redistribution resulting from this spatial configuration has been suggested as a key process controlling water availability for vegetation and ecosystem functioning. However, the potential of this process to ameliorate the negative impacts of aridification in drylands remains unclear, and there is no empirical evidence of its relevance on natural ecosystems under different levels of aridity and disturbance regimes. To address this gap, we analysed temporal series of the normalized vegetation index (NDVI, a proxy of vegetation functioning) along a regional aridity–disturbance gradient under current and future climatic conditions. We found that mean NDVI increases in areas of runoff water accumulation (calculated using a water redistribution index) until a certain threshold, above which vegetation patches are not able to retain extra runoff water. Once thresholds were identified, we analysed the role of water redistribution on vegetation dynamics by analysing temporal series of monthly NDVI in a space–for–time substitution approach. The obtained results provided further evidence of the runoff water redistribution on vegetation, triggering a positive feedback between water accumulation and vegetation growth. Results obtained by the combination of the obtained model with climatic data from the 6th IPCC report suggest that this feedback could ameliorate the expected negative effects of aridification in drylands. However, this effect is partially counterbalanced in scenarios of high human disturbance and in areas where vegetation is not able to trap and retain the extra amount of resources given by runoff. Overall, our results provide empirical evidence of the relevance of runoff redistribution as a key process linking vegetation patterns to climate resistance in drylands that underscores its importance in the analysis and modelling of drylands' responses to aridification.
Sulfur Regulation on Microbial Biodiversity in a Montane Peatland
Authors: Carroll Rani , Jeffries Thomas C. , Reynolds Jason K.
Published: January 2025

Peatlands occur globally, and peat's microbial biodiversity is dominated by nutrient cycling. Peat soils derive acidity through carbon cycling, and the role of sulfur‐utilising bacteria is less understood. A montane peatland within the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area in New South Wales, Australia, was investigated to understand microbial controls on sulfide acidity. Peat soils were mildly acidic, with sulfides present in the transition and reduced zones. Sulfur‐reducing bacteria, including from the Desulfobaccaceae and Syntrophobacteraceae families, were present in the transition and reduced zones of the soil profile. The key drivers of the microbial biodiversity were acid extractable sulfate in the oxidised zone (0–20 cm) and chromium reducible sulfur potential acidity in the transition to reduced (60–150 cm) zones. This peatland is unique as it reflects a montane, freshwater landscape with sulfides at depth, which exert a distinct control on soil microbial biodiversity. The formation and presence of sulfides place the site at risk for acidity generation, where landscape dehydration may occur.
A Continuum From Positive to Negative Interactions Drives Plant Species' Performance in a Diverse Community
Authors: Buche Lisa , Shoemaker Lauren G. , Hallett Lauren M. , Bartomeus Ignasi , Vesk Peter , Weiss‐Lehman Christopher , Mayfield Margaret , Godoy Oscar
Published: January 2025

With many species interacting in nature, determining which interactions describe community dynamics is nontrivial. By applying a computational modeling approach to an extensive field survey, we assessed the importance of interactions from plants (both inter‐ and intra‐specific), pollinators and insect herbivores on plant performance (i.e., viable seed production). We compared the inclusion of interaction effects as aggregate guild‐level terms versus terms specific to taxonomic groups. We found that a continuum from positive to negative interactions, containing mostly guild‐level effects and a few strong taxonomic‐specific effects, was sufficient to describe plant performance. While interactions with herbivores and intraspecific plants varied from weakly negative to weakly positive, heterospecific plants mainly promoted competition and pollinators facilitated plants. The consistency of these empirical findings over 3 years suggests that including the guild‐level effects and a few taxonomic‐specific groups rather than all pairwise and high‐order interactions, can be sufficient for accurately describing species variation in plant performance across natural communities.
Lack of TRIC‐B dysregulates cytoskeleton assembly, trapping β‐catenin at osteoblast adhesion sites
Authors: Contento Barbara Maria , Garibaldi Nadia , Sala Alessandra , Palladino Erika , Oldani Amanda , Carriero Alessandra , Forlino Antonella , Besio Roberta
Published: January 2025

The trimeric intracellular cation channel B (TRIC‐B), encoded by TMEM38B, is a potassium (K+) channel present in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, where it counterbalances calcium (Ca2+) exit. Lack of TRIC‐B activity causes a recessive form of the skeletal disease osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), namely OI type XIV, characterized by impaired intracellular Ca2+ flux and defects in osteoblast (OB) differentiation and activity. Taking advantage of the OB‐specific Tmem38b knockout mouse (Runx2Cre;Tmem38bfl/fl; cKO), we investigated how the ion imbalance affects the osteogenetic process. We found an abnormal cytoskeleton in the cKO OBs, with actin accumulation at OB adhesion sites. The reduced amount of active Ca2+‐dependent actin‐binding proteins myristoylated alanine‐rich C‐kinase substrate (MARCKS) and fascin, which modulate cytoskeletal actin dynamics, explains the altered cytoskeletal assembly. The actin clusters at adhesion sites trap β‐catenin, a key structural protein at cell–cell junction sites, that abnormally accumulates despite the significant reduction in both N‐ and E‐cadherins. Besides its structural fuction at cell borders, β‐catenin also has a pivotal role as a transcription factor for proper osteoblastogenesis. Immunofluorescence of cKO nuclei revealed impaired nuclear β‐catenin translocation, further validated in human fetal OB knocked out for TMEM38B, which was not rescued by specifically stimulating the canonical Wnt pathway. Thus, we demonstrated in vitro that alterations of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, as a consequence of lack of TRIC‐B, cause cytoskeleton disorganization in cKO OBs, resulting in abnormal β‐catenin accumulation at cell adhesion sites and reduced nuclear β‐catenin translocation, contributing to impaired osteoblastogenesis.
Everyday understandings of drone incidents and misuse in the Mass Observation Archive
Authors: Jackman Anna
Published: January 2025

Drones are a growing feature of everyday airspace, with more‐than‐military drones deployed across diverse civil, commercial, and recreational applications. Yet, from reports of drones flying in proximity to manned aircraft and transporting contraband into prisons to drones used to spy on ex‐partners, so too have concerns grown around drone incidents and misuse. Drawing on the testimony of Mass Observation Archive (MOA) correspondents, this article explores everyday understandings of drone incidents and misuse, while bringing drone geographies into novel dialogue with feminist geographical and geopolitical work on the everyday, storytelling, and (digital) technology. An established UK archival project, the MOA seeks the views of ‘ordinary’ people to inform an understanding of everyday life in Britain through issuing questionnaire‐style ‘directives’ on wide‐ranging themes, from current events to articles of interest, to its panel of volunteer correspondents. Drawing on the author's development of a drone‐themed directive, this article examines everyday understandings of growing and anticipated drone presence, while reflecting on the geopolitical implications of increasingly diffuse airpower as access to drones widens. In so doing, it responds to calls from drone geographies to diversify the methodologies deployed in the drone's critical accounting, while bringing the MOA dataset into dialogue with feminist work to deepen understandings of ‘everyday droning’.
Political Judgment Above Transparency? Results From a Mixed Method Study About Politicians' Close Cooperation With Interest Organizations
Authors: Martinsson Joel
Published: January 2025

In what ways, if at all, does transparency influence how politicians cooperate with interest organizations? While there are convincing normative arguments stressing the importance of transparency in politics, empirical evidence for how transparency in practice affects how politicians reason regarding cooperating with interest organizations is scarce. In this article, I address this gap by conducting a mixed method survey experiment with 1659 Swedish politicians. The findings indicate that a lack of transparency, as explored in this study, diminishes politicians' willingness to closely cooperate with interest organizations by submitting policy proposals drafted by these organizations. However, the central concern for most politicians, in both the transparent and untransparent conditions, was whether they had exercised independent political judgment rather than blindly accepted the interest organization's suggestion. These results contribute to the literature by showing how a specific form of transparency influences cooperation between politicians and interest groups, while also offering theoretical insights into the critical role of political judgment in this cooperation.
Taxing emissions and privatizing a state‐owned enterprise under endogenous price‐quantity competition
Authors: Xu Lili , Zhao Qinghong , Lee Sang‐Ho
Published: January 2025

This study considers an endogenous competition mode between price and quantity and explores policy interaction between emission tax and privatization when a vertically integrated state‐owned enterprise competes with a downstream firm that purchases inputs from an upstream supplier in its supply chain. We find that when the product substitutability is low (high), firms choose Bertrand (price‐quantity) competition under a nationalization regime, whereas they choose quantity‐price (Cournot) competition under a privatization regime. We demonstrate that an institutional change with privatization and emission tax could switch market competition mode from aggressive Bertrand (price‐quantity) to conservative Cournot competition if (unless) the product substitutability is intermediate, which leads to improved (reduced) welfare. Our findings suggest that appropriate coordination between privatization and environmental policies in a vertical relation can enhance welfare in an era of environmental transition.
Comparison between minimally invasive surgery and open surgery in managing localized adrenocortical carcinoma treatment: A retrospective propensity‐matched study
Authors: Zhao Xin , Zhou Jiaquan , Lyu Xiaohong , Li Yanan , Liu Yihong , Zhang Yushi
Published: January 2025

Background

It was controversial to use open surgery or minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the impact on prognosis between MIS and open surgery in patients with clinical stage I–II ACC.

Methods

Patients with stage I–II ACC from December 2000 to October 2022 were retrospectively studied. The primary endpoint was recurrence‐free survival time calculated by the Kaplan–Meier curves.

Results

In total, 95 patients were enrolled in this study (50 open surgery and 45 MIS). Propensity score matching identified 32 matched pairs of patients. Compared with the open surgery group, the MIS group had a shorter median operative time (150.0 vs. 120.0 min, p = 0.014), the lesser median volume of intraoperative blood loss (200.0 vs. 60.0 mL, p = 0.006), lower incidence of postoperative complications (59.4% vs. 28.1%, p = 0.023), and shorter median postoperative length of hospital stay (8.0 vs. 7.0 days, p = 0.001). After a median follow‐up time of 20.5 months, no significant differences were observed in the local recurrence rate (62.5% vs. 78.1%), distant metastasis rate (15.6% vs. 6.3%), and median time to recurrence (15.0 vs. 20.0 months) between the two groups. The median recurrence‐free survival time between the open surgery and MIS groups did not significantly differ (16.0 vs. 21.0 months).

Conclusion

MIS might be a feasible option for treating localized ACC at a high patient's volume center with experienced surgeons.
The effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on survival outcomes in patients with variant histologies who underwent radical cystectomy with precystectomy diagnostic accuracy: A multicenter study of the Turkish Urooncology Association
Authors: Akpinar Cagri , Suer Evren , Akdogan Bülent , Izol Volkan , Celik Serdar , Aslan Guven , Akgul Hacı Murat , Bolat Deniz , Sozen Sinan , Deger Mutlu , Baltaci Sumer
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To evaluate the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the final treatment plan and its impact on survival in bladder cancer patients who were diagnosed with variant histology in the radical cystectomy specimen and whose diagnostic accuracy was achieved with the previous transurethral resection of the bladder specimen.

Methods

In this retrospective multicenter study, data from 221 patients across 9 centers were analyzed between January 2012 and January 2022. The primary endpoint was overall, cancer‐specific, recurrence‐free, and metastasis‐free survival rates among patients with and without neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and the secondary endpoint was to identify independent predictors of survival. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate overall survival, cancer‐specific survival, recurrence‐free survival, and metastasis‐free survival, and multivariate analyses were performed using the Cox‐regression model.

Results

Kaplan–Meier estimates of overall, cancer‐specific, recurrence‐free, and metastasis‐free survival demonstrated no significant difference between two groups. Cox multifactorial analysis revealed that the age (HR 1.030, 95% CI 1.003–1.057, p = 0.027), presence of pT4 tumor stage (HR 3.861, 95% CI 1.303–11.494, p = 0.015), and pN+ (HR 2.288, 95% CI 1.475–3.550, p < 0.001) at radical cystectomy histopathology were independent predictors of overall survival; presence of pT4 tumor stage and pN+ at radical cystectomy histopathology were independent predictors of cancer‐specific survival (HR 8.245, 95% CI 1.873–36.292, p = 0.005 and HR 1.792, 95% CI 1.049–3.061, p = 0.033) and metastasis‐free survival (HR 9.957, 95% CI 1.286–77.073, p = 0.028 and HR 2.949, 95% CI 1.674–5.197, p < 0.001); and the age (HR 1.047, 95% CI 1.006–1.090, p = 0.025) and pN+ at radical cystectomy histopathology (HR 4.150, 95% CI 1.917–8.981, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of recurrence‐free survival.

Conclusion

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy does not provide any survival advantage in variant histology; therefore, considering the disadvantages, such as delaying radical cystectomy, which can lead to inadvertent disease progression and chemotherapy‐related toxicities, cautious should be exercised when administering neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Exploring the Use of Sea Swimming as an Intervention With Young People With Mental Health Challenges: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Authors: Taylor Alice , O'Malley Maria , O'Callaghan Rachael , Goodwin John
Published: January 2025

There is emerging evidence that sea swimming can have a positive impact on the mental health of adults. Less is known about how this intervention can impact young people's mental health. The aim of this study was to explore young service users and staff's perspectives on sea swimming in the child and adolescent mental health services. Fourteen participants were interviewed (eight young people and six staff members). Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and five themes were identified. A preference for sea swimming was demonstrated by young people in comparison to other therapies. Young people reported an enhanced (and sustained) sense of well‐being after sea swimming. They were able to relate the act of entering cold water to their recovery journey, acknowledging the importance of leaving their comfort zone. A sense of social cohesion was also described. Staff members acknowledged the risks of open sea swimming but highlighted the importance of positive risk taking, given the benefits of this novel intervention. Owing to the positive impact sea swimming can have on the physical and psychological health of young people, there is potential for this novel intervention to be used more frequently within the services.
Bi‐objective minimization of energy consumption and cycle time for the robotic assembly line balancing problem: pseudo‐polynomial case and reduced search space metaheuristic
Authors: Lahrichi Youssef , Gamoura Samia Chehbi , Damand David , Barth Marc
Published: January 2025

Energy consumption and cycle time are two contradictory optimization objectives for the robotic assembly line balancing problem (RALBP). Indeed, minimizing the cycle time leads to choosing the fastest robots, while minimizing the energy consumption leads to choosing the robots with the smallest powers. In the context of RALBP, cycle time minimization has been extensively studied while energy minimization has been much less considered. Studies dealing with simultaneous minimization of the two later are even scarcer. A bi‐objective RALBP considering simultaneous minimization of cycle time and energy consumption is studied in this paper. The energy consumption is calculated based on recent papers from the literature. It includes energy consumed during both operation time and idle time. In this paper, a pseudo‐polynomial case is solved thanks to an exact algorithm called split. This latter enumerates all Pareto‐optimal solutions corresponding to a given giant sequence of operations. Split is then used as a decoder in a metaheuristic operating in a reduced search space where giant sequences encode solutions. An experimental study is performed on instances taken from the literature to test the suggested encoding–decoding scheme. It shows that the suggested approach yields competitive results compared to the literature.
3D printed GO‐g‐C3N4‐geopolymer components with acid treatment for the removal of methylene blue from wastewater
Authors: Liu Xuehui , Zhao Shengjian , Li Quanhong , He Peigang , Duan Xiaoming , Jia Dechang , Zhou Yu
Published: January 2025

In this work, the synthesized geopolymer was prepared using metakaolin and alkali activator, and during the geopolymerization process, g‐C3N4 and different contents of GO were added to the geopolymer, and GO‐g‐C3N4‐GP was finally obtained. These samples can remove methylene blue (MB) utilizing the synergistic effect of adsorption and photocatalysis. 10% GO‐g‐C3N4‐GP had the best removal rate of 93.28% within 30 min, under visible light. The results confirmed that geopolymers can provide a reusable carrier for g‐C3N4, and the presence of GO can hinder the recombination of charges and promote the migration of photogenerated electrons, further improving the photocatalytic performance. 10% GO‐g‐C3N4‐GP was also used to 3D print a scaffold by using the direct ink writing technology. To improve the efficiency of MB removal, 3D printed samples were treated with acid, and the sample of the 3D printed 10% GO‐g‐C3N4‐GP acid treatment was also effective in removing MB and facilitates the recovery of the active material. This work can provide a simple way for synthesizing green materials for removing organic dyes.
Interaction effects of anisotropic roughness interface and component shape characteristics on fatigue life of thermal barrier coatings
Authors: Yao Yudong , Ai Yanting , Guan Peng , Bao Tiannan , Tian Jing , Hu Xiao
Published: January 2025

The objective of this study is to investigate the interaction effects of anisotropic roughness interface (ARI) and component shape characteristics on the thermal fatigue life of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). In this study, an ARI characterization method for 3D TBCs interfaces of circular tubes is established. Then, TBCs finite element model and TBCs thermal fatigue life prediction model based on particle swarm optimization are conducted. Finally, the effect of ARI on the interface stress state and thermal fatigue life of the TBCs is discussed. The results show that the maximum error in the fatigue life prediction model of TBCs is only 45.3%, and the fatigue life prediction error for TBCs under similar operating conditions is only 30.8%. When the axial interface wavelength is 0.060 mm and the circumferential wavelength interface is 0.057 mm, the maximum equivalent stress at the interface is the smallest, with a value of 241.4 MPa. The thermal fatigue life is maximum when the axial wavelength interface is 0.060 mm and the circumferential wavelength interface is 0.049 mm, with the value of 639 cycles, which is the 47.6% increase in fatigue life compared with the initial roughness TBCs model (The interface wavelengths are all 0.040 mm). The above findings demonstrate the effectiveness of ARI in enhancing the fatigue life of TBCs, which provides a new idea for the preparation of high fatigue life TBCs.
Enhancing flexural strength of ceramics by quenching
Authors: Gu Junfeng , Zhang Fan , Wang Hao , Wang Weimin , Fu Zhengyi
Published: January 2025

Quenching has been widely used as a strengthening strategy in metals and glass; however, it is rarely applied to ceramics due to the thermal shock effect. In this work, several types of ceramic rods including commercial corundum, Al2O3, ZrO2, TiB2, and B4C were quenched in silicon oil for investigation. The flexural strength of all these ceramic rods showed an increase of 5.1%‒23.6% after quenched at 500°C. The strengthening mechanism was likely related to the transient stress at initial quenching stage. This work demonstrates that the quenching treatment is a potential method to strengthen ceramics.
Association Between SHBG Levels and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Malvi Ajay , Shabil Muhammed , Khatib Mahalaqua Nazli , R Roopashree , Kaur Mandeep , Srivastava Manish , Barwal Amit , Prasad G. V. Siva , Rajput Pranchal , Syed Rukshar , Kundra Kamal , Mittal Vinamra , Kumar Amit , Cajla Pancham , Bushi Ganesh , Mehta Rachana , Khan Zaid , Satapathy Prakasini , Gaidhane Shilpa , Sah Renu
Published: January 2025

Sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) regulates sex hormone availability and is influenced by metabolic factors. Variations in SHBG levels during pregnancy may affect the development of hypertensive disorders such as gestational hypertension (GH) and preeclampsia (PE). This systematic review and meta‐analysis explores the potential of SHBG as a biomarker for predicting GH and PE. A search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted to identify studies evaluating the association between SHBG levels and the risk of HDP, including GH and PE. Inclusion criteria encompassed observational studies reporting quantitative risk estimates (risk ratios, odds ratios, or hazard ratios) for SHBG levels. Results were pooled using a random‐effects meta‐analysis in R software (V 4.4), with the I2 statistic assessing heterogeneity. Eight studies were included in the systematic review from a total of 592 screened records. The association between SHBG levels and the risk of any HDP showed a pooled OR of 0.875 (95% CI: 0.772–0.993), for PE 0.890 (95% CI: 0.767–1.032), and for GH 0.729 (95% CI: 0.442–1.205), suggesting significant association between SHBG and HDP. Sensitivity analysis validated the robustness of the findings. This meta‐analysis found potential significant association between higher SHBG levels and risk of HDP. Further high‐quality research is required to better understand the role of SHBG in pregnancy‐related hypertensive disorders. Future studies should consider larger sample sizes, more precise measurement techniques, and explore potential confounding factors to clarify the potential utility of SHBG as a biomarker for predicting GH and PE.
Advancing adolescent bedtime by motivational interviewing and text message: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chan Ngan Yin , Chen Si‐Jing , Ngan Cho Lam , Li Shirley Xin , Zhang Jihui , Lam Siu Ping , Chan Joey Wing Yan , Yu Mandy Wai Man , Chan Kate Ching Ching , Li Albert Martin , Wing Yun Kwok
Published: January 2025

Background

Sleep deprivation is a prevalent problem among adolescents which is closely related to various adverse outcomes. The lack of efficacy of current sleep education programs among adolescents argues for the need to refine the content and format of the intervention. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a group‐based sleep intervention using motivational interviewing plus text reminders in changing adolescent sleep habits.

Methods

This study is a randomized controlled trial comparing motivational group‐based sleep intervention with nonactive control group. The primary outcomes were the sleep–wake patterns measured by both sleep diary and actigraphy at postintervention, 3 and 6 months after the intervention. The trial was registered with the Clinical Trial Registry (NCT03614572).

Results

A total of 203 adolescents with school day sleep duration of <7 hr (mean age: 15.9 ± 1.0 years; males: 39.9%) were included in the final analysis. Sleep diary and actigraphy data both showed that adolescents in the intervention group had earlier weekday bedtime at postintervention (sleep diary: estimated mean difference: 33.55 min, p = .002; actigraphy: 33.02 min, p = .009) and later wake‐up time at 3‐month follow‐up compared to the control group (sleep diary: −28.85 min, p = .003; actigraphy: −30.03 min, p = .01), and the changes in diary measured weekday bedtime were sustained up to 6‐month follow‐up. In addition, adolescents in the intervention group had longer sleep diary reported weekday sleep duration at 3‐ (35.26 min, p = .003) and 6‐month follow‐up (28.32 min, p = .03) than the controls. Adolescents in the intervention group also reported improved daytime alertness postintervention, which was maintained at the 6‐month follow‐up.

Conclusions

The motivational group‐based sleep intervention is effective in advancing bedtime with improved sleep duration and daytime alertness in sleep‐deprived adolescents.
How Does State‐Controlling Shareholders Affect Corporate Tax Avoidance?
Authors: Lin Huiting , He Yurun , Wang Maolin , Zhang Jiazheng
Published: January 2025

This paper examines the influence of state‐controlling shareholders on the tax avoidance behavior of listed Chinese state‐owned enterprises (CSOEs). Using a data set comprising 14,645 firm‐year observations from 2003 to 2022, we find that subsidiaries significantly reduce tax avoidance when state‐controlling shareholders are required to remit gains to the government under the State‐owned Capital Gains Handover System. Following the reform, these subsidiaries also experience declines in cash holdings and financial performance. We attribute these outcomes to increased shifting pressure from controlling shareholders and motivation to meet performance evaluations. Additional analyses reveal that this effect is more pronounced in firms with lower separation between ownership and control, weaker financing constraints, higher operational risks, and stronger internal controls. Furthermore, we observe that most cash flows are diverted through connected transactions. Finally, our findings indicate that subsidiaries that fail to adjust their aggressive tax practices after the reform face declines in firm value. By highlighting the pivotal role of state‐controlling shareholders in shaping corporate tax strategies, this study contributes to the literature on state ownership, corporate governance, and tax avoidance.