bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights into mobile app experience: a systematic literature review using TCCM framework
Authors: Vyas Samiksha , Rathore Jitendra Singh , Kumar Vinod
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to conduct a systematic literature review on mobile application experience, recognizing its growing importance in research and practical applications. The purpose is to address the factors influencing customer mobile application experience in this dynamic environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the theories, context, characteristics, methodology (TCCM) review framework. This research meticulously analyzes 42 articles published between 2015 and 2023. The selected articles are sourced from prominent journals in widely recognized databases, including Scopus and the Australian Business Deans Council.

Findings

The examination of the pertinent literature culminates in the formulation of the TCCM framework, shedding light on the antecedents, mediators, moderators and outcomes, related to the mobile application experience.

Research limitations/implications

This study pioneers a unified framework for mobile application experience, shedding light on unexplored territories and shaping the trajectory of future mobile application experience investigations. Its emphasis on a strong academic foundation enriches technological marketing literature, offering managers actionable insights aligned with TCCM. This study marks a pivotal contribution, bridging theoretical advancements with practical strategies for the dynamic landscape of mobile applications experience.

Originality/value

This research uncovers overlooked areas and proposes discerning research directions to advance the understanding of mobile applications experience. It addresses a crucial gap in current knowledge and motivates further investigation into the intricate dynamics of mobile application experience.
Dabbled vs sustained self-employment: exploring educational returns within dynamic employment groups
Authors: Hussein Hiba , Haj Youssef Moustafa , Nolan Steve
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study examines the returns from education for three distinct groups: always employees, dabblers in self-employment and sustained self-employed individuals. We aim to understand how educational attainment translates into earnings across these employment types in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from the British Household Panel Survey (BHPS) and Understanding Society: The UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS), we employ a random effects (RE) model to account for unobserved individual characteristics and the Heckman selection model to address self-selection bias, ensuring accurate estimates of educational returns.

Findings

Our findings indicate that sustained self-employed individuals benefit more from education compared to dabblers and, in certain cases, traditional employees. Dabblers with postgraduate education report higher returns than always employees, but those with lower educational levels experience disadvantages due to their intermittent labour market engagement.

Originality/value

This study introduces new evidence on the heterogeneity of educational returns for self-employed individuals in the UK, providing a novel comparative analysis of different employment types and highlighting the unique challenges and outcomes related to educational attainment and earnings.
Gig work, management education and changes in working conditions: a qualitative study
Authors: Mousa Mohamed
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the changes in management education students in business schools prefer since the spread of gig work.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data is based on focus groups with 30 management educators working in five public business schools in Egypt. Thematic analysis was subsequently used to determine the main ideas in the transcripts from the interviews.

Findings

The author finds that both curricular changes (indifference to traditional management theories, student calls for more practical case studies, student passion for entrepreneurship-related courses) and structural changes (concentration on student-centred teaching, student preference for short flexible lectures and increasing student doubts regarding the competence of their teachers) are the two main forms of change in management education students prefer since the spread of gig work.

Originality/value

This paper is a pioneering study that specifically investigates how the spread of gig work triggers change in management education in response to calls from students. No previous studies (to the author’s knowledge) have theorized and empirically analysed this specific topic, especially in the under-researched settings of developing countries in North Africa.
Use of unmanned aerial vehicles by the entities of National Firefighting and Rescue System in Poland to search for people – a review of interventions performed in the years 2021–2023
Authors: Kubiak Tomasz , Dudzinski Lukasz , Fellner Radosław , Feltynowski Mariusz , Czyżewski Łukasz
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The study aims to analyze the interventions of Fire Protection Units (FPUs) to incidents using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) (drones) to search for missing persons in 2021–2023. It comprised some data obtained from the Decision Support System of the State Fire Service, made available to the authors by the Office of Operational Planning. Analyzed were the incidents occurring in the period from 01.01.2021; 00.00 am to 31.12.2023; 11:59 pm. The quantitative data were described by using the mean and the standard deviation (SD). Correlations and differences at a significance level of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The data were de-identified for both the sufferers and officers involved in the interventions.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of interventions of FPUs in incidents with the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs/drones) to search for people in the years 2021–2023.

Findings

Between 2021 and 2023, firefighters were dispatched 780 times to operations with the use of UAVs. The incidents observed (search for people) accounted for 36.2% of the total drone-intervention incidents, and the number of incidents increased in each year of analysis. The average drone intervention time was 306.8 ± 176.4 (min.) to search for women and 385.3 ± 187.7 (min.) to search for men. Search operations in forest areas, bodies of water and rivers predominated.

Originality/value

The use of UAVs by National Firefighting and Rescue System entities offers a variety of possibilities in the search for people, increasing thus the rescue potential and effectiveness of operations. Investments in new technologies in rescue activities contribute to the effectiveness of operations where the time criterion is of primary importance. According to the analysis performed, the average time of a drone intervention operation is more than 300 min, which should give rise to further analyses and proposals, such as a greater availability of drones or a specific number of drones dedicated to the search area. The future associated with increased drone performance and efficiency may change the nature of their use.
Assessing the environmental consequences of fossil fuel consumption in newly industrialized countries
Authors: Umair Muhammad , Yousuf Muhammad Uzair , Cheema Ahmed Raza , Ul-Haq Jabbar
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the environmental impact of fossil fuel use in newly industrialized countries (NICs), focusing on the relationship between economic growth, energy consumption and environmental sustainability from 1971 to 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses pool mean group autoregressive distributive lag, fully modified ordinary least squares and dynamic ordinary least squares econometric models to analyze long-run data. These methods enable a detailed assessment of how economic and industrial factors affect environmental pollution.

Findings

The study finds that nonrenewable energy consumption is positively linked to environmental pollution, with a 1% increase leading to a 6.25% rise in pollution. Industrialization, urbanization and globalization also significantly increase pollution, with increments of 2.51%, 3.97% and 2.11%, respectively. Conversely, economic growth has a beneficial effect, reducing pollution by 2.59% for every 1% increase in growth.

Practical implications

Policymakers should balance economic growth with environmental sustainability by reducing nonrenewable energy consumption and supporting renewable energy adoption.

Originality/value

This research provides fresh insights into the dynamics between economic growth and environmental pollution in NICs. By using advanced econometric techniques over an extended period, it offers a view of how economic and industrial activities influence environmental outcomes, highlighting the dual role of economic growth in both promoting development and reducing pollution.
Practicum lesson study: insights from a design-based research in English language teaching practicum
Authors: Çetin Kenan , Daloğlu Ayşegül
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the implementation of the Practicum Lesson Study (PLS) model, which is designed to be used by preservice teachers (PSTs), mentor teachers and advisors during school practicum.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a design-based research (DBR) framework and a multiple case study design, the research in this study evaluated the PLS model through eight distinct cases across two phases of research. In both phases, the qualitative research explored the nature of the stages and steps followed in each case, providing detailed descriptions of the procedural arrangements, teaching sessions and discussion meetings. Views of the participants regarding their satisfaction levels towards the PLS model, its benefits and challenges were collected through semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire.

Findings

The results of the research highlighted significant benefits of the PLS model, such as self-reflection, peer reflection and collaborative practices. These processes notably enhanced PSTs’ abilities to dynamically adjust teaching strategies based on real-time observations and feedback, effectively integrating suggestions from meetings with practical classroom experiences. However, the study also identified several challenges, such as managing diverse opinions and coping with information overload.

Research limitations/implications

Based on the comprehensive exploration of the PLS model, the study offers several implications for practitioners and suggestions for future research such as a closer examination of changes in beliefs and identity over time during PLS.

Originality/value

The study carries the significance of employing a DBR in the context of implementing LS during ELT school practicum.
Digital transformation in emerging markets: the role of technology adoption and innovative marketing strategies among SMEs in the post – pandemic era
Authors: Jibril Abdul Bashiru , Amoah John , Panigrahi Rashmi Ranjan , Gochhait Saikat
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on technology adoption, innovation and business relationships among small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana. Specifically, it examines how technical know-how and innovative sustainable marketing strategies mediate and moderate these relationships, offering insights into the broader dynamics of digital transformation and sustainability in emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The study surveyed management and employees from SMEs in Ghana’s financial sector. A Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling approach was used to test the constructs’ reliability and validity and evaluate the hypothesized relationships with 357 completed questionnaires out of 452 total responses gathered.

Findings

The results indicate that post-pandemic, challenges in maintaining business relationships and the lack of technical know-how have driven the increased adoption of technology and innovative sustainable marketing strategies. These factors have also contributed to improved hygienic practices among SMEs. The study concludes that these changes are crucial for accelerating digitalization and ensuring long-term sustainability for SMEs in developing countries, especially in the wake of pandemic disruptions.

Originality/value

This study provides a novel contribution by exploring the intersection of emerging technologies such as mobile applications and blockchain within the context of pandemic-induced digital transformation. The findings emphasize the importance of these technologies in shaping the future growth and sustainability of businesses. Additionally, the paper highlights both the limitations of the current study and proposes future research directions to further advance the understanding of digital transformation in emerging markets.
Quiet quitting behaviours: investigating trigger factors and mitigation strategies through relational job design, work alienation, and inclusive leadership
Authors: Karrani Mariam Arif , Bani-Melhem Shaker , Mohd-Shamsudin Faridahwati , Usman Muhammad , Boğan Erhan
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to utilize Relational Job Design (RJD) theory and Conservation of Resources (COR) theory to explore the impact of RJD, particularly its key components – job impact (JI) and job contact (JC) – on employees’ quiet quitting (QQ) behavior. It also investigates the role of work alienation (WA) as a mediator and examines whether inclusive leadership (IL) has a moderating effect on these proposed relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used paired dyadic surveys to gather data from 166 full-time employees and their immediate supervisors used in service organisations across the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study’s moderated mediation model was tested using hierarchical regression and the PROCESS Macro in statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) v.26.

Findings

The results empirically support our hypotheses: RJD (JI and JC) significantly reduces employees’ feelings of WA, thereby decreasing the likelihood of engaging in QQ behaviours. As expected, the study also revealed that IL acts as a moderator by amplifying the detrimental effects of RJD (JI and JC) on feelings of alienation from one’s work, which in turn decreases the likelihood of engaging in QQ behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

This study fills a gap in understanding how relational work design and IL jointly influence unfavourable workplace attitudes and behaviours. It offers a foundation for future studies on QQ in diverse cultural and organisational contexts.

Practical implications

This study provides practical insights for organisations aiming to tackle employee quitting behaviours. Human resource (HR) professionals and leaders should focus on enhancing both JC and JI, while actively fostering IL. These actions are critical for significantly boosting employee engagement, fostering a more motivated and connected workforce and reduce QQ behaviours in the workplace.

Social implications

Although the data in this study were collected from an organisation with multiple branches across the country, the findings may still have limited generalisability to other organisations or industries. While this paper acknowledges this as a limitation, it also presents an opportunity for future research to explore QQ across diverse cultural and organisational contexts. Larger and more varied samples in future studies could provide deeper insights into the prevalence and drivers of QQ in different workplace environments.

Originality/value

This study explores the under-researched phenomenon of QQ, revealing how RJD can mitigate these behaviours. It uncovers new psychological mechanisms, offering actionable insights for management strategies to enhance employee commitment and reduce negative behaviours.
On the prediction of fatigue life of WAAM-processed Ti-6Al-4V under consideration of manufacturing defects
Authors: Odermatt Anton Emil , Vázquez Lexuri , Álvarez Pedro , Kashaev Nikolai
Published: December 2024

Purpose

There is still a need for a comprehensive investigation into how wire and arc manufactured (WAAM) parts fail under cyclic loading. This study investigates the effect of process-induced defects on the high-cycle fatigue performance of WAAM-processed Ti-6Al-4V with dedicated thermal treatment. Furthermore, the study assesses the applicability of the fatigue life prediction model, which was originally developed and validated for laser beam-welded Ti-6Al-4V joints, to WAAM-fabricated structures.

Design/methodology/approach

The fatigue life assessment model was adapted to WAAM-fabricated Ti-6Al-4V. This model is based on the NASGRO equation, which considers short crack growth from internal and surface defects, such as lack of fusion defects and pores. The model was used to create artificial Wöhler curves, and the results from stress intensity factor range-decreasing fatigue crack propagation rate tests are compared to the experimental data in the form of a Kitagawa–Takahashi (KT) diagram.

Findings

The results demonstrate that the model can accurately predict the minimum fatigue life of specimens extracted from WAAM structures. When considering that the crack from internal defects grows in a vacuum-like environment, accurate Wöhler curves are predicted. The experimental data does not follow the expected trends of the KT diagram. Nonetheless, the measured long crack threshold stress intensity factor range produces a suitable estimate of defect severity.

Originality/value

The study results in a model with which a probabilistic computation of the fatigue life of additively manufactured samples based on the defect size distribution is possible. Furthermore, the KT diagram as a criterion for the assessment of defect severity is evaluated.
Servitization and firm performance: a p-curve analysis
Authors: Latan Hengky , Lopes de Sousa Jabbour Ana Beatriz , Chiappetta Jabbour Charbel Jose , Ali Murad , Godinho Filho Moacir
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Motivated by the ongoing debate around transparency in empirical research and the reproducibility of scientific discoveries, this study aims to quantify the presence or absence of evidential value in published findings within the field of servitization research. Specifically, it evaluated whether the findings of published articles on the relationship between servitization and firm performance were free from p-hacking and selective reporting practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 76 studied on this relationship were synthesized. For the main p-curve analysis, only one significant p-value was extracted from each article, ensuring compliance with the requirements of the p-curve method. Specifically, the analyzed p-values were independent of one another and exhibited a uniform distribution.

Findings

Both the main p-curve analysis results and robustness tests support the conclusion that this branch of the literature does have evidential value based on the published findings. Furthermore, approximately 60 studies included in the main p-curve analysis reported a significance level of p < 0.025 regarding the relationship between servitization and firm performance.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the ongoing debate on transparency in servitization research and advances the current understanding of the relationship between servitization and firm performance.
The extended theory of planned behavior in customer’s intention to visit halal hotels
Authors: Dassouli Sara , Satt Harit , Chetioui Youssef , Semahi Mehdi
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the application of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in understanding Muslim consumers’ visitation motives to halal hotels. The model tests the impact of additional factors to the TPB such as religious commitment, religious-identification and information seeking behavior on consumers’ attitudes and intentions to visit Halal hotels.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data was collected from 183 respondents to examine the relationships between these factors and customers’ intention to visit halal hotels. The survey participants were selected from diverse backgrounds to ensure a representative sample. Structural equation modeling was used to assess the conceptual model.

Findings

This study highlights the significance of attitudes shaped by subjective norms and information seeking behavior, emphasizing their influence on consumers’ inclination to visit halal hotels. In addition, the role of religious commitment is examined, shedding light on the impact of individuals’ strong faith in shaping their attitudes and behaviors toward halal hotels.

Originality/value

These results contribute to the existing literature on Halal consumer behavior and provide practical implications for professionals and policymakers in the hospitality industry. Understanding the factors that influence customers’ intentions to visit halal hotels can assist in developing tailored marketing strategies and creating an inclusive environment.
The impact of social media influencer information overload on purchase avoidance: the role of customer confusion and prior product knowledge
Authors: Agnihotri Durgesh , Chaturvedi Pallavi , Tripathi Vikas
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the impact of social media influencer information overload (SMIIO) on customer purchase avoidance through mediation of customer confusion along with the moderation of prior product knowledge through the stressor-strain-outcome (SSO) framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The data collected from 429 participants (YouTube and Instagram followers) from an online survey were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings reveal that SMIIO significantly leads towards customer purchase avoidance. Customer confusion mediates between SMIIO and purchase avoidance, while prior product knowledge weakens the impact of SMIIO on confusion through moderation.

Practical implications

The findings provide a wide range of applications for brand managers and social media influencers to adopt clear, concise communication strategies. Reducing information overload and minimizing confusion can enhance consumer decision-making. Tailored messaging based on consumer product knowledge can further optimize marketing efforts and reduce purchase avoidance.

Originality/value

This study uniquely applies the SSO framework to examine the effects of SMIIO on purchase avoidance, highlighting the mediating role of customer confusion and the moderating influence of prior product knowledge, offering a fresh perspective on consumer behavior.
Debt financing as moderator in the relationship between intellectual capital and SMEs performance
Authors: Ali Sarmad , Rangone Adalberto , Martín-de Castro Gregorio
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the moderating role of debt financing in the relationship between intellectual capital (IC) and small and medium enterprise (SME) performance in high-tech and low-tech industries.

Design/methodology/approach

This longitudinal study uses a balanced panel sample of 7,293 (3,563 high-tech and 3,730 low-tech) SMEs in Southwestern European countries from 2013 to 2020. The data are analyzed using a fixed-effect model as baseline estimation, and a generalized method of moments estimation is used for robustness checks.

Findings

The results show strong positive effects of human capital (HC) and structural capital (SC) and a weak effect of capital employed (CE), on the performance of high-tech SMEs. Debt financing is negatively and significantly associated with SME performance, and the moderating effect of debt financing is more significant in low-tech industries. Specifically, debt financing accentuates (attenuates) the positive effect of HC (SC and CE) on the performance of low-tech SMEs.

Practical implications

This study offers a valuable framework for managers and policymakers when considering the role of debt financing in the IC components – SME performance relationship in distinctive industrial environments.

Originality/value

This study provides new insights into the close and complex relationships between IC components, debt financing and SME performance.
Experiences and perceptions of Saudi EFL teachers on professional development in technology integration into teaching
Authors: Alshehri Mona
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The study aims to explore the experiences and perspectives of EFL teachers on professional development in integrating technology into teaching at Saudi universities from the teachers’ perspective. It also tries to provide the educational research community with an updated professional development description of the experiences and perceptions of EFL teachers regarding the professional development of technology integration into their teaching opportunities at their universities.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study used survey research. The participants are EFL university teachers who completed an online questionnaire.

Findings

The survey research findings show that most EFL teachers have extensive experience and a wide range of technology skills acquired mainly through self-directed learning and interactions with colleagues. However, they face challenges accessing professional development opportunities for technology integration in EFL teaching at their universities. Most believe the current professional development programs are inadequate and not tailored to their needs. While some teachers see a positive impact on student engagement and teaching efficiency, others are uncertain about the impact of attending professional development in technology integration into teaching students’ language skills. Overall, EFL teachers express a strong need for more specific training and support in technology integration into teaching.

Originality/value

Some studies focused on professional development training related to the use of technology in education in Saudi Arabia (Alsowat, 2021; Alghamdi, 2022; Aljameel, 2022; AlMutairi et al., 2022). To my knowledge, no study has aimed to examine EFL university teachers’ experiences and perceptions of professional development regarding the use of technology in their EFL teaching.
Business resilience in digital future: a short case study on Etisalat, UAE
Authors: Ali Nadir
Published: December 2024

Research methodology

The idea for this case study evolved from the latest technological developments in the UAE and Etisalat’s role in digital facilities in particular. Being one of the Etisalat’s customer, an author wanted to develop a short case study on its resilience approach and strategic focus on digital future. The data for this short case study was collected through published sources, company website, personal visits to some branches of the company and author’s experience and priori knowledge on the topic. The one-on-one interviews with some employees helped to collect the authentic information on the history, nature of company’s business, company’s projects, IT setup and customer happiness centers.

Case overview/synopsis

Etisalat has set directions following the development of UAE. Etisalat did not have many challenges, as there are not many competitors in the telecom sector. The significant problems are on customer preferences, employees’ capability and governmental initiatives in technological reforms. Customer preferences refer to the demands in quick service, employees’ capability refers to the company’s response to technical issues, and governmental initiatives refer to connect all entities and different emirates at the federal level. UAE’s new initiatives in innovation, research, artificial intelligence and technological reforms in business are particularly focused on career welfare, organizational welfare and country welfare. The relevant literature on digital future and Etisalat’s approach as cited in the main case would benefit instructors and students. They can relate the major trends of business resilience and digital future with the modern technology management. The literature also connects the business resilience and digital future with the technological aspects as mentioned in the case study.

Complexity academic level

This case study is best suited for use in business management and technology management courses at undergraduate and graduate levels. The case study is also suitable for use in international business management focusing on business resilience, business intelligence and technology management aspects. The topics related to business resilience and digital transformation would be suitable for discussion. Following are the couple of resources than can be a good idea for some concepts on digital world.
Role of life and usage characteristics, technical attributes and crowdsourced product reviews in smartphone exchange prices
Authors: Goswami Mohit , Kumar Akhilesh , Prashar Sanjeev
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Smartphone demand has been driving people towards refurbished electronic products. However, a lack of transparency in refurbished product pricing makes purchases time-consuming and reduces customer trust. Thus, our research aims to help practitioners and researchers understand how product life and usage characteristics, technical attributes and crowdsourced product reviews and sentiments affect exchange prices for refurbished/remanufactured smartphones.

Design/methodology/approach

Our five-stage exchange price predictive framework begins with data gathering and predictor variable identification. Thereafter, customer review data were scraped to populate both customer ratings and textual content, enabling sentiment analysis for the various smartphone configurations. Stepwise regression was used to find statistically significant factors and validate the predictive model. Testing for nonlinear effects, normality, outliers and homoskedasticity warrants power transformation of the target variable. The analysis used data from GSMArena.com and Amazon.com.

Findings

Our study validates extant findings and provides several novel insights for functional yet hedonistic products like smartphones. Unlike other pure hedonistic products, refurbished phone buyers care more about usage duration than life. Besides having a strong affinity for the sleekness of the phone, such customers are strongly dissuaded by the presence of negative textual content in the customer reviews.

Originality/value

Our study augments the current understanding of exchange price modelling by bringing in perspectives from life cycle characteristics, technical attributes and product reviews.
Influence of fat globules structure on the physicochemical properties and digestive characteristics in dairy products: A study on liquid cow milk, semi‐liquid yoghurt and semi‐solid cheese
Authors: Zhao Pu , Cai Nianbin , Ye Shengyuan , Zheng Lili , Jiang Chenyu , Wei Wei , Wang Xingguo
Published: December 2024

The physicochemical properties and in vitro digestion behaviours analysis of dairy matrices (liquid cow milk, semi‐liquid yoghurt and semi‐solid cheese) with different fat globules were evaluated. Yoghurt and cheese with large/small‐sized fat globules were produced with raw (~4 μm) and homogenised cow milk (~0.40 μm). During the whole in vitro digestion, small‐sized dairy matrices had a higher lipolysis degree (~70–83%) compared to large‐sized ones (~55–77%) during the whole digestion. Small‐sized dairy matrices showed greater in vitro proteolysis and more porous protein matrix compared to large‐size ones. Dairy matrices with different fat globules exhibited different digestive behaviours, helping design lipid structures in different food matrices and their application in regulating digestive kinetics.
Analysis of nutritional profiles in colostrum and mature milk of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) based on proteomics
Authors: Shu Qin , Yu Zhezhe , Shi Lin , Yan Tao , Lei Yinghu , Zhao Pengpeng , Li Linqiang , Liu Yongfeng
Published: December 2024

Breast milk plays a crucial role in giant panda growth (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). This study aimed to analyse nutritional profiles in colostrum and mature milk. Based on DIA proteomics, the colostrum was rich in immunoreactive proteins, anti‐inflammatory and antimicrobial proteins. The mature milk contained proteins involved in ribosome, fatty acid degradation and amino acid metabolism. Besides, there were more amino acids and saturated fatty acids in mature milk than colostrum. This research enclosed the nutritional difference in colostrum and mature milk of giant panda innovatively, and provided scientific evidence for exploiting substitutes that simulate natural breast milk for different lactation stages.
How specific is the specificity rule in duty to warn or protect jurisprudence following the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's Maas decision?
Authors: Radley Allison , Felthous Alan R.
Published: December 2024

Of the various rules establishing a mental health clinician's legal duty to take precautions to protect their patient from harming others, the most common is the specificity rule that limits the protective duty to warn reasonably identifiable victims. The specificity rule is important wherein the main or only specified protective measure is warning the victim. In the last quarter century, Pennsylvania adopted the specificity rule from its Supreme Court Emerich decision. In its recent Maas decision, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court expanded the duty to apply to potential victims who are unnamed and unidentifiable except for living on the same floor as the patient of a multiunit building. Victims constituted a group referenced by the patient as a “neighbor,” but from the patient's threats both narrower “next door neighbor” and broader “anyone.” We place this judicial expansion of the duty to warn within the context of professional ethics guidelines and state Tarasoff statutes that pertain to psychiatrists. The potential adverse consequences of this vague expansion of the specificity rule for clinicians, psychiatric patients, and unconnected citizens of Pennsylvania and for other jurisdictions in which courts could misguidedly follow this expansionist example are discussed, along with potential solutions.
Advances in insect biomonitoring for agriculture and forestry: A synthesis on a multifaceted special issue of Agricultural and Forest Entomology
Authors: Cuff Jordan P. , Watt Allan
Published: December 2024

Advancing biomonitoring of insects is vital if we are to safeguard insect biodiversity whilst optimizing the ecosystem service provision necessary for production systems such as agriculture and forestry.

Over recent years, many key technological, methodological and conceptual advances have been made in and adjacent to biomonitoring. These advances are set to form the biomonitoring toolbox of the 21st century.

The Agricultural and Forest Entomology special issue “Advances in insect biomonitoring for agriculture and forestry” exemplifies several of these advances across ten articles. From artificial intelligence‐based image analysis and identification, through molecular methods for highly resolved monitoring, to innovative use of existing methods, the articles highlight the diverse future of biomonitoring and the multi‐modal nature of its data.

Through the advances represented in this special issue, progress towards highly resolved and scalable biomonitoring is certain, with fully automated biomonitoring seeming increasingly possible. These examples do, however, largely still depend on traditional monitoring and identification of insects for validation or reference data collection.

To advance biomonitoring effectively, traditional approaches therefore must remain a key component of monitoring schemes and should be integrated with emerging technologies for robust and accurate biomonitoring.
Lower limb nodules with angioinvasive Phaeoacremonium spp. fungus in an immunocompetent host
Authors: Tay Charmaine Jieying , Koh Yun Pei , Koh Mark Jean Aan
Published: December 2024

Phaeohyphomycosis has been described to cause a variety of cutaneous manifestations in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts. We report an unexpected case where an immunocompetent elderly female developed a rare angioinvasive fungal cutaneous infection. She had no known history of inoculation, and her lesions resolved without treatment.
Can interest groups influence elections? Evidence from unions in Great Britain, 1900–2019
Authors: Fouirnaies Alexander
Published: December 2024

Unions sponsor electoral candidates around the world, yet little is known about the consequences of these arrangements. I study how union sponsorship affected the electoral prospect of British parliamentary candidates throughout the 20th century. I collect new data on the universe of union‐sponsored candidates. Employing a difference‐in‐differences design based on within‐candidate variation induced by the sponsorship institution and its abolishment, I document that sponsorship caused a six percentage point increase in candidate vote shares. I outline theoretical mechanisms and examine whether sponsees improved their electoral fortune because of changes in constituencies, opponents, resources, mobilization, or information. The evidence supports the constituency and resource mechanisms: Sponsorship helped candidates get nominated in attractive constituencies, accounting for two‐thirds of the effect, and caused an inflow of resources into constituency–party organizations. Overall, sponsorship promoted the representation of union‐friendly candidates in parliament, but it only led to moderate shifts in the balance of power between parties.
The safety profile of usage of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists in pregnancy: A pharmacovigilance analysis based on the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System
Authors: Zhou Jianxing , Wei Zipeng , Lai Weipeng , Liu Maobai , Wu Xuemei
Published: December 2024

Aims

The use of (GLP‐1 RAs) among pregnant women is escalating, yet safety data remain insufficient. This study aims to comprehensively assess adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with GLP‐1 RAs in pregnant women using the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database.

Methods

FAERS data from 2004 to 2023 were analysed, focusing on pregnant women aged 15–55 years exposed to GLP‐1 RAs. Descriptive analysis covered patient demographics, clinical aspects and annual trends. Disproportionality analysis used reporting odds ratio and Bayesian confidence propagation neural network to detect ADR signals.

Results

Among 354 cases with 1671 ADR reports, an exponential rise in reported cases since 2012 was observed. The median age of the affected women was 36 years, with 50.56% classified as advanced age pregnant. The disproportionality analysis revealed significant ADR signals in the reproductive (n = 199) and gastrointestinal systems (n = 155), with spontaneous abortion and pre‐eclampsia being the most concerning. Additionally, while no significant dose‐related differences were found, the age subgroup analysis indicated heightened risk across most age groups, except for those aged 20–24 years, highlighting the need for careful monitoring of GLP‐1 RAs used during pregnancy.

Conclusion

This study highlights increasing GLP‐1 RA use in pregnant women and identifies potential pregnant ADRs. GLP‐1 RAs are not recommended for use during pregnancy. In cases of unintentional exposure, close monitoring is advised to ensure maternal and foetal safety. These findings provide valuable insights for clinicians making informed decisions and regulators considering using GLP‐1 RA in pregnancy.
Ethical considerations for biobanks serving underrepresented populations
Authors: Lee Yoon Seo , Garrido Nelson Luis Badia , Lord George , Maggio Zane Allan , Khomtchouk Bohdan B.
Published: December 2024

Biobanks are essential biological database resources for the scientific community, enabling research on the molecular, cellular, and genetic basis of human disease. They are crucial for computational, data‐driven biomedical research, which advances precision medicine and the development of targeted therapies. However, biobanks often lack racial and ethnic diversity, with many data sets predominantly comprising individuals of white, primarily northern European, ancestry. Establishing or enhancing biobanks for the inclusion of historically underrepresented populations requires meticulous ethical and social planning beyond logistical, legal, and economic considerations. This guide provides a roadmap for building and sustaining diverse biobanks, emphasizing ethical guidelines and cultural sensitivity. We highlight the importance of obtaining informed consent from donors, respecting their bodily autonomy, and the economic and research benefits of diverse biobanks to enable precision medicine, drug discovery, and industry‐academic partnerships. Prioritizing key ethical and social considerations allows biobanks to advance scientific knowledge while upholding the rights and autonomy of underrepresented populations. Diversity in biobank sample collection enhances research outcomes by ensuring findings are representative and applicable to various human population groups, fostering trust, promoting inclusivity, and addressing health disparities while informing health policy. This is vital to ensuring biobanking efforts contribute meaningfully to the advancement of health equity.
Development of a novel test of splenic function for use in a clinical diagnostic laboratory
Authors: Khan Azalea A. , Laas Claire E. , Brewin John N. , Potter Victoria , Cao Huan , Vickers Mark A. , Clark Barnaby , Rees David C.
Published: December 2024

The spleen is prone to both physical damage and functional impairment, which can be difficult to detect before catastrophic complications occur. Currently available tests of splenic function are laborious, user‐dependent and unreliable, so there is an unmet need for a reliable test offered routinely in diagnostic laboratories. In this study, we have assessed a simple flow cytometry‐based method measuring high mannose glycans (HMGs) on erythrocytes, which has previously been proposed as a potential test of splenic function. We developed the test as a diagnostic assay using blood from a range of control and potentially hyposplenic samples, including people with sickle cell disease. HMG expression correlated well with manual pit counting, an established method for assessing splenic function (r = 0.6). A threshold of >36% difference compared to the mean of control samples was used to define hyposplenism. At this threshold, the test is 93% sensitive and 100% specific for detecting splenic dysfunction. The test was highly reproducible and stable in blood samples of up to 4 days old. This test is non‐invasive with quantitative data output and requires significantly less operator time than other available techniques, making it a robust new clinical assay for determining splenic function.
Changing or stable? The effects of adolescents' social media use on psychosocial functioning
Authors: Pouwels J. Loes , Beyens Ine , Keijsers Loes , Valkenburg Patti M.
Published: December 2024

To better understand the effects of social media use on adolescents' psychosocial functioning, this study examined the temporal stability of social media effects across two separate 3‐week experience sampling methodology (ESM) studies conducted 6 months apart in 2019 and 2020. Participants were 297 adolescents (Mage = 14.1 years, SD = 0.7, 58.9% girls; 41.1% boys; 0.1% other; 97% Dutch) who completed 126 momentary questionnaires on social media use, affective well‐being, self‐esteem, and friendship closeness in each of the two ESM studies. The effects of social media on psychosocial functioning had low rank‐order stability (r = .05–.25). Findings indicated that the effects of social media use varied not only between individuals but also changed substantially within individuals over time.
Children's expectations of nationality‐based behaviors differ for immigrants and nonimmigrants
Authors: Sodhi Shreya , Liberman Zoe
Published: December 2024

Children in the United States (N = 488, 4–11 years, 239 females, 248 males, one other, 53% White; data collected 2021–2022) participated in three studies investigating their expectations about immigrants. Participants recognized that immigration impacts characters' national identity and behaviors. Although previous research reported that children may essentialize nationality, participants instead reasoned flexibly about immigrant characters. Children expected immigrant characters to share behaviors and preferences with people from both their heritage and host countries, suggesting they may think immigrants hold dual national identities. Even the youngest children tested (ages 4–6) reasoned flexibly about behaviors based on immigration status. Thus, children appear to view national identity as constructed through social and cultural experiences, rather than something innate.
CCN1 Promotes Mesenchymal Phenotype Transition Through Activating NF‐κB Signaling Pathway Regulated by S100A8 in Glioma Stem Cells
Authors: Guo Xing , Guo Shuhua , Tian Feng , Gao Zijie , Fan Yang , Wang Chuanxin , Xu Shuo
Published: December 2024

Background

The presence of glioma stem cells (GSCs) and the occurrence of mesenchymal phenotype transition contribute to the miserable prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM). Cellular communication network factor 1 (CCN1) is upregulated within various malignancies and associated with cancer development and progression, while the implications of CCN1 in the phenotype transition and tumorigenicity of GSCs remain unclear.

Methods

Data for bioinformatic analysis were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) databases. A range of primary GBM and GSC cell models were then used to demonstrate the regulatory role of CCN1 via the phenotype validation, tumor sphere formation assays, extreme limiting dilution assays (ELDA), and transwell assays. To screen out the downstream signaling pathway, we employed high‐throughput RNA‐seq. Intracranial xenograft GSC mouse models were used to investigate the role of CCN1 in vivo.

Results

Among the CCN family members, CCN1 was highly expressed in MES‐GBM/GSCs and was correlated with a poor prognosis. Both in vitro and in vivo assays indicated that knockdown of CCN1 in MES‐GSCs reduced the tumor stemness, proliferation, invasion, and tumorigenicity, whereas CCN1 overexpression in PN‐GSCs exhibited the opposite effects. Mechanistically, CCN1 triggered the FAK/STAT3 signaling in autocrine and paracrine manners to upregulate the expression of S100A8. Knockdown of S100A8 inactivated NF‐κB/p65 pathway and significantly suppressed the tumorigenesis of MES‐GSCs.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal that CCN1 may be an important factor in the enhanced invasiveness and MES phenotype transition of GSCs and highlight the potential to target CCN1 for treating GBM.
Homomorphisms and Embeddings of STRIPS Planning Models
Authors: Lequen Arnaud , Cooper Martin C. , Maris Frédéric
Published: December 2024

Determining whether two STRIPS planning instances are isomorphic is the simplest form of comparison between planning instances. It is also a particular case of the problem concerned with finding an isomorphism between a planning instance and a sub‐instance of another instance . One application of such a mapping is to efficiently produce a compiled form containing all solutions to from a compiled form containing all solutions to . We also introduce the notion of embedding from an instance to another instance , which allows us to deduce that has no solution‐plan if is unsolvable. In this paper, we study the complexity of these problems. We show that the first is GI‐complete and can thus be solved, in theory, in quasi‐polynomial time. While we prove the remaining problems to be NP‐complete, we propose an algorithm to build an isomorphism when possible. We report extensive experimental trials on benchmark problems that demonstrate conclusively that applying constraint propagation in preprocessing can greatly improve the efficiency of a SAT solver.