bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Overvaluation of the Portuguese Influence on the Formation of Brazilian Society in Raízes do Brasil
Authors: de Souza Maria Cristina
Published: December 2024

In this article, I argue that Sérgio Buarque de Holanda’s sociohistorical analyses of the formation of Brazilian society in Raízes do Brasil are based on a non-sociohistorical assumption. Holanda prioritizes the influence of the Portuguese colonizer on that formation based on a determinist-organicist standpoint. Although he also attributes deleterious traits to the Portuguese, he describes them as endowed with a consistent character able to adjust to adverse natural conditions and other ethnicities. As for African and Indigenous peoples, conversely, besides deprecating their temperament, Holanda reduces their influence to a peripheral and reinforcing function to the Portuguese temperament. Furthermore, he attributes the leading role in shaping Brazilian identity to the Portuguese. As I demonstrate, Holanda’s overvaluation of the Portuguese and his oversimplification of African and Indigenous peoples’ contribution to the sociohistorical development of Brazil reflect his view of peoples’ identities as naturally given, as organic-like features, and not as socially constructed.
The Birth and the Unanticipated Evolution of the Public History Movement
Authors: Karamanski Theodore J.
Published: December 2024

The public history movement in North America that was born amid the academic job crisis of the late 1970s aspired to a radical reformation of professional history’s audience from an inward focused conversation among professionals to one working with government and corporate institutions and in dialogue with the public. This essay focuses on the institutional evolution of the National Council on Public History (NCPH) to illustrate the unexpected, but not entirely unpropitious outcome that flowed from the failure of the organization’s original goals. How that movement failed and what it succeeded in creating may hold useful lessons for the contemporary public humanities campaign. In the late twentieth century, the public history movement failed to bring about a major reorientation of professional and academic history. In the attempt, however, it created an off shot of public history as one of a number of new but distinctly separate fields of academic historical practice. Unexpectedly, public history became a new academic specialty alongside other new fields from that era: native American history, environmental history, and gender history.
Children’s games and global politics: Masculinity, militarism, and the warrior hero
Authors: Jarvis Lee
Published: December 2024

Recent years have witnessed growing attention to popular culture’s role in the reproduction, negotiation, and contestation of global political life. This article extends this work by focusing on games targeted at young children as a neglected, yet rich site in which global politics is constituted. Drawing specifically on the Heroes of History card game in the Top Trumps franchise, I offer three original contributions. First, I demonstrate how children’s games contribute to the everyday (re)production of international relations through the contingent storying of global politics. Heroes of History’s narrative, visual organisation, and gameplay mechanics, I argue, construct world politics as an unchanging realm of conflict through their shared reproduction of a valorised, masculinised figure of the warrior hero. This construction, moreover, does important political work in insulating young players from the realities and generative structures of violence. Second, the polysemy of children’s games means they also provide opportunity for counter-hegemonic ‘readings’ of the world even in seemingly straightforward examples of the genre such as this. Third, engaging with such games as meaningful objects of analysis opens important new space for dialogue across International Relations literatures on children, popular culture, gender, the everyday, and heroism in world politics.
Present-biased heterogeneity, marginal propensity to consume, and wealth distribution
Authors: Li Yuan , Yang Jinqiang , Zhao Siqi
Published: December 2024

This paper studies the heterogeneity of households’ present bias in a heterogeneous-agent model. Our model jointly matches the average marginal propensities to consume and the wealth distribution in the USA, even when all wealth is liquid. A fiscal stimulus targeting households in the bottom half of the wealth distribution improves the consumption response. A financial literacy campaign removing present bias gets naive households out of the debt trap but harms sophisticated households’ wealth accumulation due to a lower equilibrium interest rate. Finally, we show that a borrowing cost penalty and illiquidity both discipline excessive borrowing and are therefore potential remedies for present bias and naivete.
Behavioral and Emotional Academic Procrastination Scale
Authors: Grunschel Carola , Wloch Lucas , Gadosey Christopher Kafui , Mülbe Sophie von der , Bäulke Lisa , Daumiller Martin , Dresel Markus
Published: December 2024

Abstract: The Behavioral and Emotional Procrastination Scale ( Bobe et al., 2022 ) measures the general frequency of behavioral and emotional components of academic procrastination. We used a representatively stratified sample of students based on demographic data from the Federal Statistical Office (2021 ) to provide extended evidence for the scale’s reliability and validity of test score interpretation and generate normative values. Our quota sample consisted of 890 students. We addressed deviations from the population with weighting factors. We found evidence for the reliability of the subscales delay and subjective discomfort, the assumed factorial structure, and measurement invariance regarding gender, field of study, type of university, and study phase. Motivational costs were significantly positively related to delay, and delay and subjective discomfort were significantly associated with academic performance and study satisfaction. The normative values quantify the extent of the components of academic procrastination to support researchers and practitioners in helping students overcome them.
Domain Specificity of Procrastination in School
Authors: Bäulke Lisa , Hübner Nicolas , Nagengast Benjamin
Published: December 2024

Abstract: In the educational context, procrastination is a widespread phenomenon that is detrimental to learning progress, but currently, there is little knowledge about procrastination in schools. In this study, we conducted a detailed investigation of procrastination in German schools at the upper secondary level. Of particular interest were the procrastination frequency and potential domain specificity of the construct. For this purpose, we analyzed data from 4,056 high school students (with an average age of 16.38 years) from 225 school classes. Overall, 78.2 % of the students reported that they procrastinate at least occasionally, and general procrastination tendencies in school were comparable to the higher education context. The results furthermore suggest that procrastination is domain specific. The results contribute to a better understanding of the extent of domain-specific procrastination in school.
Mitigation of AI adoption bias through an improved autonomous AI system for diabetic retinal disease
Authors: Abràmoff Michael D. , Lavin Philip T. , Jakubowski Julie R. , Blodi Barbara A. , Keeys Mia , Joyce Cara , Folk James C.
Published: December 2024

Where adopted, Autonomous artificial Intelligence (AI) for Diabetic Retinal Disease (DRD) resolves longstanding racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities, but AI adoption bias persists. This preregistered trial determined sensitivity and specificity of a previously FDA authorized AI, improved to compensate for lower contrast and smaller imaged area of a widely adopted, lower cost, handheld fundus camera (RetinaVue700, Baxter Healthcare, Deerfield, IL) to identify DRD in participants with diabetes without known DRD, in primary care. In 626 participants (1252 eyes) 50.8% male, 45.7% Hispanic, 17.3% Black, DRD prevalence was 29.0%, all prespecified non-inferiority endpoints were met and no racial, ethnic or sex bias was identified, against a Wisconsin Reading Center level I prognostic standard using widefield stereoscopic photography and macular Optical Coherence Tomography. Results suggest this improved autonomous AI system can mitigate AI adoption bias, while preserving safety and efficacy, potentially contributing to rapid scaling of health access equity. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05808699 (3/29/2023).
Equations of elasticity and the characteristics of absorption and dispersion of sound in anisotropic superconductors
Authors: Bezuglyi E. V.
Published: December 2024

A complete system of equations, taking into account macroscopic electromagnetic fields and the phase of the order parameter, that describes the dynamics of elastic deformations of an anisotropic crystal lattice of a superconducting metal with an arbitrary dispersion law for charge carriers and a deformation potential is derived. A scheme is formulated for solving the equations of electrodynamics of a deformed superconductor, which permits expressing in general form the coefficient of absorption and dispersion of acoustic waves in terms of the linear response coefficients and generalized dielectric susceptibility of the superconductor. The temperature and frequency dependences of the absorption and dispersion in a clean (q ℓ ≫1) anisotropic superconductor with arbitrary polarization and direction of propagation of acoustic waves are analyzed in the quasiclassicallimit of slowly varying fields.
Thermal expansion of solid parahydrogen
Authors: Krupskii I. N. , Prokhvatilov A. I. , Shcherbakov G. N.
Published: December 2024

X-ray data on parahydrogen crystals are presented for the temperature range from 2 °K to the melting point. The temperature dependences of the lattice parameters, molar volume, linear and bulk expansion coefficients are determined. It is shown that the thermal expansion of solid p-H2, has an essentially anisotropic nature. A number of thermodynamic crystal properties are analyzed on the basis of the data obtained.
Magnetic field induced spontaneous symmetry breaking for electrons in a nonlinear elastic medium
Authors: Vol E. D. , Kukushkin L. S.
Published: December 2024

It is shown that the axial symmetry of the ground state of quasi-two-dimensional electrons interacting with a nonlinear isotropic elastic medium can be broken by an external magnetic field oriented perpendicular to the plane of electron motion.- Systems are presented which are suitable for the observations of the above effect.
Surface impedance of thin plates during two-sided excitation of an electromagnetic field
Authors: Kirichenko O. V.
Published: December 2024

The surface impedance of metallic plates in a magnetic field perpendicular to the surface with symmetric and antisymmetric two-sided excitation of an electromagnetic field is studied theoretically. The influence of surface scattering of the charge carriers on the behavior of the surface impedance in strong magnetic fields (r ⪡ δ, r is the radius of curvature of the electron trajectory in the magnetic field, δ is the skin depth of the electromagnetic field), when the diffuseness of reflection can lead to concentration of electric currents near the boundaries of the specimen in a layer of thickness of the order of r, is studied. Surface scattering of conduction electrons is described with the help of an integral boundary condition with an arbitrary scattering indicatrix; possibilities for determining the functionals of the scattering indicatrix by studying the dependence of the surface impedance on the magnitude of the external magnetic field are indicated.
Tension-induced semiconductor-metal transition in Bi0.8Sb0.2 alloys
Authors: Brandt N. B. , Lavrenyuk M. Yu. , Minina M. Ya.
Published: December 2024

A transition to the metallic state is observed in semiconducting Bi1–x Sbx (0.2 ≤ x ≤ 0.22) alloys under tension along the binary axis. The transition is due to the overlapping of the L and H terms and the appearance of the energy spectrum characteristic of Sb. The Fermi surface formed in the process and its variation with the strain of the specimen are investigated.
Magnetic resonance at low frequencies in (C2H5NH3)2CuCI4
Authors: Vasyukov V. N. , Zhuravlev A. V. , Lukin S. N. , Telepa V. T.
Published: December 2024

We have studied the frequency and field dependence of the AFMR spectrum at (C2H5NH3)2CuCl4 at a temperature of 4.2 °K over the frequency interval ν = 10-3–2.6 GHz in magnetic fields in the range 0–2.0 kOe. We determine the value of the spin-flop field to be HSF= 305±5 Oe, the exchange field to HE= 1410 ± 10 Oe, and the zero-field gap in the AFMR spectrum to be νc = 1160 ± 50 MHz.
Distinguishing Daratumumab from Endogenous Monoclonal Proteins in Serum from Multiple Myeloma Patients Using an Automated Mass Spectrometry System
Authors: Barnidge David , Sakrikar Dhananjay , Kubicki Tadeusz , Derman Benjamin A , Jakubowiak Andrzej J , Lakos Gabriella
Published: December 2024

Background

Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (t-mAbs) may interfere with electrophoresis-based methods used to monitor multiple myeloma (MM), which can create inaccurate results. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry is an alternative to gels distinguishing between endogenous M-proteins and t-mAbs based on molecular mass.

Methods

Serum samples (n = 109) from 34 MM patients receiving Dara-KRd were collected 14 or 28 days postdaratumumab administration. Samples were analyzed using the EXENT® Analyzer that combines automated immunopurification and MALDI-TOF MS for the isotyping and quantification of monoclonal immunoglobulins.

Results

Daratumumab was identified in 103 out of 109 samples (94.5%). In all IgGλ (n = 8), IgAκ (n = 8), and IgAλ (n = 2) patients, the M-protein and daratumumab were detected. Of the IgGκ patients (n = 18), 5 patients had a total of 6 samples where the M-protein was detected but daratumumab was not. There was no difference in the detection rate of daratumumab between samples taken 14 and 28 days postadministration with the median daratumumab concentration being 0.95 and 0.54 g/L, respectively. A precision study was also performed on 25 replicates containing 1 g/L daratumumab in serum where a coefficient of variation of 4.2% was observed as determined by the EXENT Analyzer.

Conclusions

The Immunoglobulin Isotypes (GAM: IgG, IgA, and IgM) for the EXENT Analyzer detected and distinguished a daratumumab kappa light chain peak from an M-protein light chain peak in MM patient serum when resolved by the mass spectrometer.
Small bowel obstruction caused by transmesenteric hernia in a patient with complex medical history: a case report
Authors: Ahmad Y Karim , Alexia Herber , Sivarama Kotikalapudi
Published: December 2024

This case report presents a rare instance of small bowel obstruction due to a transmesenteric hernia in a 47-year-old male with a complex medical history. The patient presented with acute abdominal pain, constipation, and urinary retention. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed bowel ischemia, and open laparotomy confirmed a transmesenteric hernia with necrotic small bowel requiring resection. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged with follow-up plans. This case underscores the importance of considering internal abdominal hernias in the differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain.
Patient-reported quality of life in Asian patients with ER+/HER2− advanced breast cancer treated with palbociclib plus letrozole in the PALOMA-4 trial
Authors: Xu Binghe , Hu Xichun , Li Wei , Sun Tao , Shen Kunwei , Huang ChiunSheng , Sriuranpong Virote , Ngan Roger KC , Chia Yee H. , Reisman Arlene , Zhao Huadong , Shen Jiayun , Broughton Edward
Published: December 2024

Background:

Palbociclib plus an aromatase inhibitor is approved for treatment of patients with ER+/HER2− advanced breast cancer (ABC). In the PALOMA-4 trial, adding palbociclib to letrozole prolonged median progression-free survival in Asian women with ER+/HER2− ABC. Here, we report patient-reported outcomes (PROs) from PALOMA-4.

Methods:

PALOMA-4 was a randomized, double-blind, phase 3 trial of palbociclib plus letrozole vs. placebo plus letrozole treatment in postmenopausal Asian women with ER+/HER2− ABC. PROs were longitudinally assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Breast (FACT-B) and EuroQoL 5D three level (EQ-5D-3L) questionnaires. Group comparisons were analyzed using longitudinal, mixed-effects models.

Results:

Patients were randomly assigned to palbociclib plus letrozole (n = 169) or placebo plus letrozole (n = 171) treated groups. No significant between-arm differences in change from baseline were observed in FACT-B and its subscales, or the EQ-5D-3L index. A significant, but not clinically meaningful difference was observed in change from baseline in mean EQ-VAS score favoring palbociclib plus letrozole (3.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88–5.83; P = 0.008). When patients from both arms were combined, significant differences in the mean change from baseline for FACT-B total were observed favoring treatment responders vs. non-responders (3.84; 95% CI, 0.33–7.36; P = 0.032) and for the Breast Cancer Subscale favoring patients without disease progression vs. those with progression (0.97; 95% CI, 0.05–1.89; P = 0.038).

Conclusions:

Quality of life was maintained when palbociclib was added to letrozole in Asian women with ABC. These findings are consistent with PALOMA-2 results and support the use of palbociclib as first-line treatment in postmenopausal Asian patients with ER+/HER2− ABC.

Registration:

clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02297438
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: bridging cardiology and hepatology
Authors: Zhou Xiao-Dong , Targher Giovanni , Byrne Christopher D. , Shapiro Michael D. , Chen Li-Li , Zheng Ming-Hua
Published: December 2024

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the leading cause of chronic liver diseases, affecting approximately 30% of the global adult population, with a rise largely attributed to increasing rates of obesity and diabetes worldwide. Historically, the term “NAFLD” did not explicitly link the condition to its most common causes, such as obesity and diabetes, or its principal pathophysiological mechanisms, including insulin resistance and low-grade chronic metabolic inflammation. This semantic laxity has potentially reduced attempts at screening, diagnosis, and management. The shift to using the terms metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) reflects a more accurate understanding of the condition’s metabolic origins and highlights its broader implications, particularly its link to cardiovascular diseases. MAFLD/MASLD represents a convergence point between hepatology and cardiology, with metabolic dysfunction serving as the bridge between liver pathology and increased cardiovascular risk. Growing clinical evidence reveals a strong association between MAFLD/MASLD and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Despite this, cardiovascular risks associated with MAFLD/MASLD are often underestimated, especially among cardiologists. This narrative review explores the potential clinical implications of MAFLD/MASLD for cardiology practice, examining diagnostic criteria, cardiovascular risk assessment, adjustments in clinical practice, collaborative care strategies, treatment options, and directions for future research.
PPAR agonists for the treatment of cholestatic liver diseases: Over a decade of clinical progress
Authors: Hayes Colleen M. , Gallucci Gina M. , Boyer James L. , Assis David N. , Ghonem Nisanne S.
Published: December 2024

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are characterized by the destruction of the small bile ducts and the formation of multifocal biliary strictures, respectively, impairing bile flow. This leads to the hepatic accumulation of bile acids, causing liver injury and the risk of progression to cirrhosis and liver failure. First-line therapy for PBC is ursodeoxycholic acid, although up to 40% of treated individuals are incomplete responders, and there is no effective therapy for PSC, highlighting the need for better therapeutic options in these diseases. In addition, pruritus is a common symptom of cholestasis that has severe consequences for quality of life and is often undertreated or untreated. Nuclear receptors are pharmacological targets to treat cholestasis due to their multifactorial regulation of hepatic enzymatic pathways, particularly in bile acid metabolism. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) is of significant clinical interest due to its role in regulating bile acid synthesis and detoxification pathways. PPAR agonism by fibrates has traditionally been explored due to PPARα’s expression in the liver; however, recent interest has expanded to focus on newer PPAR agonists that activate other PPAR isoforms, for example, δ, γ, alone or in combination. Several PPAR agonists have been investigated as second-line therapy for people living with PBC, including the recent accelerated United States Food and Drug Administration approval of elafibranor and seladelpar. This review evaluates available data on the efficacy and safety of the five PPAR agonists investigated for the treatment of cholestasis and associated pruritus in PBC and PSC, namely fenofibrate, bezafibrate, saroglitazar, elafibranor, and seladelpar.
First comparison between artificial intelligence-guided coronary computed tomography angiography versus single-photon emission computed tomography testing for ischemia in clinical practice
Authors: Cho Geoffrey W. , Sayed Sammy , D’Costa Zoee , Karlsberg Daniel W. , Karlsberg Ronald P.
Published: December 2024

Background

Noninvasive cardiac testing with coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) are becoming alternatives to invasive angiography for the evaluation of obstructive coronary artery disease. We aimed to evaluate whether a novel artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted CCTA program is comparable to SPECT imaging for ischemic testing.

Methods

CCTA images were analyzed using an artificial intelligence convolutional neural network machine-learning-based model, atherosclerosis imaging-quantitative computed tomography (AI-QCT)ISCHEMIA. A total of 183 patients (75 females and 108 males, with an average age of 60.8 years ± 12.3 years) were selected. All patients underwent AI-QCTISCHEMIA-augmented CCTA, with 60 undergoing concurrent SPECT and 16 having invasive coronary angiograms. Eight studies were excluded from analysis due to incomplete data or coronary anomalies.

Results

A total of 175 patients (95%) had CCTA performed, deemed acceptable for AI-QCTISCHEMIA interpretation. Compared to invasive angiography, AI-QCTISCHEMIA-driven CCTA showed a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 70% for predicting coronary ischemia, versus 70% and 53%, respectively for SPECT. The negative predictive value was high for female patients when using AI-QCTISCHEMIA compared to SPECT (91% vs. 68%, P = 0.042). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curves were similar between both modalities (0.81 for AI-CCTA, 0.75 for SPECT, P = 0.526). When comparing both modalities, the correlation coefficient was r = 0.71 (P < 0.04).

Conclusion

AI-powered CCTA is a viable alternative to SPECT for detecting myocardial ischemia in patients with low- to intermediate-risk coronary artery disease, with significant positive and negative correlation in results. For patients who underwent confirmatory invasive angiography, the results of AI-CCTA and SPECT imaging were comparable. Future research focusing on prospective studies involving larger and more diverse patient populations is warranted to further investigate the benefits offered by AI-driven CCTA.
Malaria rapid diagnostic test (MRDT) negative in a patient with severe malaria: A case report
Authors: Stanley Shija Somba , Malyatabu Josephat Evarist , Oguma Erick Donard
Published: December 2024

Rationale:

Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (MRDTs) are commonly used for the diagnosis of malaria in primary health facilities. This is because they are less expensive and easier to use than microscopic blood smears, which need highly skilled professionals to detect malaria. Although MRDTs are known to have a good specificity for the diagnosis of malaria, there are factors that affect the accuracy of MRDTs. Also, there is an occurrence of false positive and false negative of malaria in MRDTs. In this study, we accept the presence of false negative in MRDTs when it was used to diagnose malaria case. Here, we report a case of a patient with severe malaria with negative MRDT.

Patient concerns:

A 21-year-old female presented with a history of gradual onset of high-grade fever (temperature = 38.9°C), headache, dizziness, chills, and myalgia. Laboratory tests MRDT and a full blood picture were done at Grambah Health Centre. Then the peripheral blood smear and reticulocyte count were performed at Bugando Medical Centre to rule out other blood disorders like hematological malignancy. The laboratory investigation results reported MRDT negative, full blood count showed pancytopenia with anemia of 3.3 g/dL, mean corpuscular volume 95.0 fL, mean corpuscular hemoglobin 37.3 pg, leukopenia of 3.0 × 109/L, thrombocytopenia 30 × 109/L, and urinalysis was unremarkably normal.

Diagnoses:

The results of the peripheral blood smear from Bugando Medical Center showed Plasmodium falciparum and other red cell morphology were seen. Following peripheral blood smear results, the final diagnosis was severe anemia due to severe malaria and severe sepsis.

Interventions:

She was kept on intravenous antimalarial, intravenous antibiotics, and intravenous antipyretics.

Outcomes:

After being on an intravenous antimalarial regime, the symptoms subsided and the anemia resolved. Then the patient was discharged with oral antimalaria, hematenics, and oral antibiotics. The patient was followed up 7 days following her discharge where a full blood picture was repeated which was normal, blood smear was also negative and the patient was clinically stable and recovered.

Lessons:

This case emphasizes it is important for medical professionals in tropical countries where malaria is endemic to be knowledgeable about the existence of false-negative MRDTs. A microscopy blood smear is still required and advised for patients with fever and other malarial symptoms who reported MRDT-negative results.
Advancement in medical treatment for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs): a ray of hope
Authors: Singh Harpreet , Mohanto Sourav , Chopra Hitesh , Chopra Shivani , Mishra Arun Kumar , Venkatachalam T. , Emran Talha Bin
Published: December 2024

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) present unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This review highlights advancements facilitated by molecularly targeted therapies like imatinib for advanced, metastatic, and high-risk GISTs, underscoring their neoadjuvant/adjuvant utility and the importance of multidisciplinary care. Emerging avenues, including immunotherapy, PI3K/mTOR/HSP90 inhibitors, are examined, reflecting the evolving treatment landscape. Furthermore, it explores distinct clinical considerations for GIST subtypes like spindle cell, epithelioid, mixed, and SDH-deficient tumors. Crucially, identifying predictive biomarkers (molecular alterations, non-coding RNAs, SLITRK3 expression, aberrant DNA methylation, radiomics) is emphasized for optimizing individualized regimens and improving outcomes. Overall, the review highlights the remarkable advances in GIST treatment while emphasizing the need for ongoing research into novel, molecularly tailored therapeutic strategies.
Evidence for the importance of trophically transmitted parasites and predation at the lower latitudes of species ranges
Authors: Novoa Anai , Hechinger Ryan F.
Published: December 2024

The lack of information concerning how parasitism maps onto host geographical distributions represents a striking gap in ecological knowledge. This knowledge gap limits our understanding of a wide range of phenomena, including the consequences of climate change-induced range shifts of both hosts and parasites. To help solve this problem, we created a predictive theoretical framework and quantified latitudinal variation in parasitism by animal and protozoan parasites throughout the entire contiguous geographical ranges of four estuarine fish species. To circumvent frequent limitations in data and to permit revealing of novel biogeographical patterns, we (i) quantified parasitism at the individual host level, (ii) quantified parasite species diversity and biomass load, and (iii) tracked functionally distinct parasitic consumer strategies. Parasite diversity always increased at lower latitudes, and this pattern was largely driven by parasites using trophic transmission. Furthermore, in three of four cases, the role of fish as predator- versus prey-host for trophically transmitted parasite (TTP) species increased at lower latitudes. Parasite diversity patterns followed predictions more consistently than did biomass load, indicating that increased predation at lower latitudes may decrease observed parasite biomass load. These findings suggest a particularly strong role for TTPs and predation in community structure and dynamics at lower latitudes.
The impact of remote work on job satisfaction, engagement and individual work performance in the banking sector
Authors: Ruželė Darius , Stankevičienė Asta , Koreivaitė Gabija
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to explore various effects of remote work on employee job satisfaction, engagement and aspects of individual work performance, namely task performance, contextual performance and counterproductive work behaviour, in the banking sector.

Design/methodology/approach

We used a survey-based quantitative approach. The sample comprised 403 bank employees in Lithuania, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Sweden. To analyse the data, we employed a confirmatory factor analysis, a CB-SEM multiple regression analysis, mediation analysis and moderation analysis.

Findings

The analysis of direct effects showed that the intensity of remote work has a positive impact on job satisfaction, a negative impact on engagement and a nonsignificant impact on individual performance. Job satisfaction has a positive impact on engagement and task performance and a nonsignificant impact on contextual performance and counterproductive behaviour. Engagement improves task performance and contextual performance and decreases counterproductive work behaviour. Job satisfaction positively mediates the impact of remote work on engagement; however, the total impact of remote work on engagement is negative. The intensity of remote work significantly moderates the impact of job satisfaction on engagement.

Practical implications

This study provides insights that allow for the optimisation of individual work performance by means of the proper management of the intensity of remote work, job satisfaction and engagement.

Originality/value

We present the original discovery that the intensity of remote work acts as a moderator of the impact of job satisfaction on engagement.
Assessing avalanche susceptibility using the analytic hierarchical process and multi-criteria weighted overlay: a case study of the Leh-Parthapur road axis
Authors: Singh Sukhwinder , Ramiya Anandakumar M.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on devising a comprehensive approach for avalanche susceptibility mapping leveraging the analytic hierarchical process (AHP) coupled with multi-criteria weighted overlay (MCWO) technique and further prioritizing based on ASSI and flow modeling.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology comprises four main stages. Initially, relevant spatial data sets, including terrain attributes and meteorological factors, are collected, processed and reclassified. The AHP with MCWO is then applied to establish hierarchical criteria and determine the relative importance of each criterion, resulting in a composite avalanche susceptibility map (ASM). Avalanche sites identified and vectorized from ASM, prioritized using avalanche site susceptibility index (ASSI). Final prioritization is based on RAMMS flow modeling for three sites with the highest ASSI. Finally, a Web-based application, AvalSAFE-LPR, is created using Google Earth Engine for visualization and dissemination of results.

Findings

The final analysis of the study area shows that 28.5% is classified as low susceptibility, 56.6% as moderate susceptibility and 14.9% as high susceptibility zones. Additionally, 28 avalanche sites were identified along the LPR, and the three sites with the highest ASSI were modeled using the RAMMS: Avalanche Module.

Originality/value

This research represents a novel approach to identify, vectorize and prioritize the avalanche prone sites by integrating AHP with RAMMS: Avalanche Module and ASSI.
Linking entrepreneurship and society: solutions for today and tomorrow
Authors: Audretsch David B. , Aparicio Sebastian , Hughes Mathew (Mat) , Urbano David
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Motivated by the constant daily emerging social challenges worldwide, this special issue analyzes how entrepreneurship becomes a mechanism for social change under different institutional settings. A brief reference to the content of each of the articles included in this special issue is presented.

Design/methodology/approach

Institutional theory at the macro, meso and individual levels is utilized to further comprehend the inherent complexities involved in the entrepreneurship–society nexus. A brief literature analysis is offered for the different research questions that framed the current special issue.

Findings

By exploring the extant research and the articles collected in this special issue, we find that social, sustainable, immigrant and ethnic entrepreneurship, among others, emerge as a response to exclusion and market failures. However, we also observe that other forms of entrepreneurship, such as opportunity-driven, self-employment, senior, etc. transcend economic purposes to pursue societal outcomes.

Social implications

Our results serve to inform scholars, policymakers and practitioners about the importance of integrating and coordinating actors and elements in national, regional, university and community ecosystems to guarantee entrepreneurial activities that bring inclusion and social solutions as a natural mission and action.

Originality/value

Our paper offers insights into how to bridge entrepreneurship and society. This stems from the institutional analysis of entrepreneurship as a catalyst for personal realization, industrial development, economic growth and social inclusion.
Corporate violations, reputation, trade credit financing and provision: evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Chen Changchun , Wei Jiuchang
Published: December 2024

Purpose

We examine how corporate violations impact trade credit behaviors within the supply chains, focusing on both trade credit financing and provision through the lens of reputation damage and restoration. We distinguish trade credit financing under different supply chain concentrations, firm characteristics and analyst attention. Additionally, we examine how violating firms adjust trade credit provision to customers and suppliers of varying sizes.

Design/methodology/approach

We empirically test the hypotheses using fixed effects ordinary least squares with a sample of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2007 to 2022. Additionally, we conduct robustness tests, including the use of alternative estimation models, substitution of independent variables and the application of instrumental variables.

Findings

Firstly, trade credit financing declines post-violations. Secondly, companies raise trade credit provision to suppliers and customers to restore trust relationships and reputation. Thirdly, reputation acts as a mediator between violations and trade credit behaviors. Fourthly, negative effects are more pronounced in low supply chain concentration, more analysts and non-state-owned companies. Lastly, trade credit provision is increased for small suppliers and large customers to restore trust relationships and reputation.

Practical implications

We find corporate violations reduce trade credit financing while increasing trade credit provision, thereby increasing operating costs. Even in emerging economies with weak market institutions, firms should avoid violations to maintain trust and ensure operational stability.

Originality/value

We examine how violations influence credit management in supply chains, filling the research gap. Additionally, we supplement an understanding of reputation damage and restoration behaviors, contributing to the literature on how to restore reputation.
Relationship between quality governance model and performance in EPC projects
Authors: Shen Zhifeng , Wei Xiangdong , Siraj Ahsan , Taneja Shilpa , Fang Linyan , Li Zhihui
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study is to find the governance mechanism that matches the EPC project governance model as well as the performance criteria for measuring the quality governance of EPC projects so as to improve the level of quality of EPC project delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

An in-depth questionnaire survey of 199 EPC engineering practitioners and quality control units was conducted and the survey data was analysed using SPSS 24.0 software.

Findings

The results show that administrative governance, industry governance and internal project governance have direct effects on the quality governance performance of EPC projects. Administrative governance has a positive impact on the quality governance performance of EPC projects through industry governance and project internal governance.

Research limitations/implications

This study enriches the research on engineering quality governance in the context of EPC projects, discusses how to improve the performance of EPC engineering quality governance and will provide certain reference and information for other EPC projects to establish an adapted engineering quality governance mechanism.

Originality/value

This paper exploratively proposes EPC administrative governance mode, industry governance mode and internal project governance mode and analyzes the logical relationship between them and EPC project quality governance performance and constructs a theoretical model influencing the improvement of EPC project quality governance performance.
From science class to studio: supporting transformative sustainability learning among future designers
Authors: Bales Ashley D. , Jensen Christopher X Jon , Sekor Michael Robert , Adinolfi Bryan
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to describe the role of design thinking in achievement of transformative sustainability learning outcomes among undergraduate art and design students to support future curricular design efforts and thereby train sustainability minded future designers.

Design/methodology/approach

Baseline and culminating sustainability concept mapping assessments and reflective surveys were administered to 70 students enrolled in a general ecology and design-centric Ecology for Architects course. Correlation and regression analyses compared samples and case studies, further elucidated patterns of variation relating to the complexity and breadth of students’ sustainability knowledge and transformative potential.

Findings

Students in the design-centric course performed better on transformative sustainability indicator metrics than those enrolled in the General Ecology course, driven by improvement in design applications. Complexity of sustainability knowledge improved more among the general ecology students but was accompanied by declines in transformative indicators. Increasing foundational sustainability knowledge is unlikely, on its own, to support transformative learning. Survey responses indicated students were, however, motivated to apply what they learned to their design work, with the most significant improvement in transformative indicators seen in students enrolled in the design-centric course.

Originality/value

This study focuses on a population of students often marginalized in STEM education and provides a unique perspective on the value of design-centric general education courses in a population of students accustomed to design thinking pedagogies.
Power plant waste (fly ash, bottom ash, biomass ash) management for promoting circular economy in sustainable construction: emerging economy context
Authors: Prasittisopin Lapyote
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study explores the contributions of fly ash, bottom ash and biomass ash from coal and biomass power plants for enhancing circular economy of construction sectors in emerging economies.

Design/methodology/approach

This research investigates their applications in construction, emphasizing their role in reducing environmental impact and promoting circular economy principles. Through a qualitative analysis using data from structured interviews with 41 involved stakeholders, the study highlights the economic and environmental benefits of integrating these by-products into business operations.

Findings

Currently, the cement and concrete industries can successfully adopt almost 100% fly ash, but logistic optimization is necessary to address the wet fly ash problem. The practical applications of bottom ash pose disposal challenges due to their poor adoption. Biomass ash can be alternatively implemented as a soil amendment and fertilization in the agriculture industry while current growth seems significant with the shift to a clean energy policy.

Practical implications

This research underscores the importance of policy support and collaboration between industry stakeholders to maximize the sustainable potential of these by-products in an emerging economy context.

Originality/value

The sustainability development goals (SDGs) were well-established in developing economies. Nevertheless, the literature review indicates that there is a lack of understanding regarding their backgrounds, influencing factors, challenges and practical applications for the circular economy.
Capturing an authentic pupil voice from pupils with moderate and severe SEN in semi‐structured interviews
Authors: Hockey Amy E. , Dawkins Donna J.
Published: December 2024

This report explores how 1:1 semi‐structured interviews were conducted and adapted to gain views from pupils with moderate and severe learning difficulties. The report conveys how interview questions were structured, scaffolded and integrated with multi‐sensory activities to support pupils' confidence and ability to respond. By providing these additional supports, giving pupils sufficient time to respond and working with an interviewer who could support their communication needs we were able to capture authentic and reliable views from pupils with moderate and severe special educational needs (SEN).
From ashes to evidence: A study on the alterations in bloodstain patterns in high heat environments and post‐fire scenes
Authors: Kowalske Zack , Oleiwi Abdulrahman , Williams Graham
Published: December 2024

Fire is often used to conceal or destroy evidence of violent crimes, making it essential to understand how fire environments affect forensic evidence, particularly bloodstain patterns. This study investigates the impact of high heat environments and fire on the morphology and analysis of bloodstain patterns. Using controlled fire exposure, bloodstains were analyzed pre‐ and post‐fire exposure on various substrates, including glass, painted drywall, and painted plywood. Measurements of angle of impact (AOI) and area of origin (AOO) were conducted using Faro Zone 3D Expert software. Despite physical alterations due to extreme temperature exposure, certain characteristics of the original bloodstains persisted. AOI calculations showed minimal deviation between pre‐ and post‐fire measurements, with standard deviations generally under two degrees. AOO estimations also demonstrated no substantial statistical differences between pre‐ and post‐fire data. The study confirms that bloodstain patterns retain observable traits despite exposure to high heat conditions, supporting the reliability of BPA in fire‐affected scenarios. These findings enhance the understanding of bloodstain behavior in fire environments, aiding forensic investigations in accurately analyzing bloodstain patterns in cases involving fire or high‐temperature conditions.
Formation and Evolution Mechanism of High‐quality Reservoirs in the Lacustrine Hyperpycnal System: The 2nd Member of the Lower Jurassic Sangonghe Formation, Qiudong Subsag, Turpan–Hami Basin, NW China
Authors: LI Zhiyuan , HUANG Zhilong , WANG Junhui , WANG Boran , YAO Wenjiao , JIA Xueli , YANG Yizhuo , PAN Yongshuai , WU Yunfei
Published: December 2024

Hyperpycnal deposits has gradually emerged as a current research hotspot, with a special focus on lacustrine hyperpycnal deposits. However, our understanding of the formation mechanism and distribution of high‐quality reservoirs in hyperpycnal deposits remains insufficient. In this study, the formation mechanism and distribution of high‐quality reservoirs in the second member of the Sangonghe Formation are studied through sedimentology, petrology, and geochemistry, and 10 types of lithofacies were identified in the depositional sequences of the hyperpycnal flow. These can be summarized as gravelly bed to suspended load lithofacies association (GBS), gravelly reverse to normal compound‐graded (GNR), coarse‐grained sandy suspended load (CSS), and fine‐grained sandy suspended load (FSS) lithofacies associations. The hyperpycnal system can be divided into four individual units: restricted channel, unrestricted channel, lobe, and levee. The reservoir quality varies with lithofacies. Gravelly bed load lithofacies has coarse grain sizes, high content of rigid minerals, and soluble components, such as magmatic rock fragments. Therefore, the gravelly bed load lithofacies reservoir has developed dissolution pores and well‐preserved pore throats. Its reservoir quality is good. GBS and GNR are the main lithofacies associations in the restricted channel, where type I and type II reservoirs developed. The unrestricted channel is dominated by the CSS lithofacies association, with type III reservoirs developed. The lobe is dominated by the CSS and FSS lithofacies associations, with type III and type IV reservoirs developed. High‐quality reservoirs mainly develop in the restricted and unrestricted channels, whereas reservoirs in the lobe have poor quality. The levees are dominated by siltstone and gray mudstone and are generally nonreservoirs.
Problematic Periods Costing Young Women—The Impact of Menstrual Symptoms on Work and Study
Authors: Mardon Amelia K. , White Sarah , Howe Danielle , O'Shea Michelle , Eathorne Allie , Gannott Mark , Schott Ally , Armour Mike
Published: December 2024

Menstrual disorders are common, but their economic and social impact is still underreported. This study used a cross‐sectional design to investigate menstrual symptom prevalence, impacts and economic burden in Australian women of reproductive age. One thousand two hundred thirty‐eight responses were analysed (median age 33 years). Most respondents (77%) reported having bothersome menstrual symptoms, and almost half (44%) reported missed days of work or study because of their symptoms. Those aged 18–24 years were more likely to report bothersome menstrual symptoms, and time away from work and study, than those aged 35–44 years. The economic burden due to menstrual symptoms was approximately AUD $14.2 billion per year.