bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Requirements for the automated loading and unloading of autonomous trucks: an interoperability perspective
Authors: Thylén Nils , Flodén Jonas , Johansson Mats I. , Hanson Robin
Published: January 2025

Purpose

With the introduction of autonomous trucks, loading and unloading (L/UL) can no longer be performed by the driver and new requirements on automated L/UL are imposed. Compared with many other applications of automation, automated L/UL entails multiple actors, including senders, recipients, and transport providers, and thus several requirements, as explored in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple-case study method is applied consisting of three cases to explore requirements for automated L/UL across four layers of interoperability: organisational, legal, semantic, and technical.

Findings

Key requirements identified include organisational adjustments to automate or eliminate drivers’ tasks, legal aspects on load securing and liabilities, semantic alignment for common understanding among the actors, and technical infrastructure needed for automated L/UL.

Research limitations/implications

This paper emphasises the importance of automated L/UL for fully realising the benefits of autonomous trucks and considering organisational, legal, and semantic aspects beyond technical ones. The study is set in a context of stable transport systems as regards transport network and standardised unit loads.

Originality/value

Delving beyond technical aspects, it highlights crucial organisational challenges in automating L/UL and shifts in legal responsibilities among the actors of the supply chain. The paper also provides insights into actual industrial settings of automated L/UL. The development of a conceptual framework for identifying requirements and insights into interoperability provide guidance for engineers, managers, and researchers in designing automated L/UL.
Effect of thermal activation temperature on chemical-mechanical polishing of titanium alloy
Authors: Xia Jing , Zhu Siqi , He XinYuan , Shen Junfu , Li XiaoPan , Kong YiYun , Yao Chun
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how thermal activation enhances the oxidation complexation of the titanium alloy, aiming to enhance surface quality and processing efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

The titanium alloys were chemically mechanically polished under various temperatures. The removal rate and surface roughness were characterized using a three-dimensional topography tester. The surface composition, content and valence state were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The abrasion performance of the surface reaction layers was conducted using a friction wear testing machine.

Findings

The thermal activation temperature can enhance the chemical-mechanical polishing effect of titanium alloy. The thermal activation temperature can enhance the oxidation complexation synergistic effect of K2S2O8 and KF on titanium alloy, thereby improving the polishing effect. With the increase in temperature, the wear resistance of titanium alloy decreases after oxidation corrosion, making it more susceptible to removal through friction. By promoting the oxidation and corrosion of K2S2O8 and KF on the titanium alloy, higher temperatures can facilitate the formation of easily removable film layers on the surface, thereby enhancing the polishing effect.

Practical implications

This research contributes to enriching the theoretical framework of precision machining of titanium alloy and enhancing surface quality and machining efficiency.

Originality/value

With this statement, the authors hereby certify that the manuscript is the result of their own effort and ability. They have indicated all quotes, citations and references. Furthermore, the authors have not submitted any essay, paper or thesis with similar content elsewhere. No conflict of interest exists in the submission of this manuscript.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-05-2024-0167/
Conviction without confession: a case example of information seeking dialogue-based interviewing
Authors: Dion Larivière Cassandre , Crough Quintan , Ogunseye Funmilola , Mitton Paul , Eastwood Joseph
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Suspect interviewing in North America has evolved from coercive tactics to guilt-presumptive methods and, more recently, to information seeking dialogue-based (ISDB) approaches such as the PEACE model. Such approaches prioritize open dialogue and comprehensive suspect accounts over confession-driven strategies. These methods have been shown to reduce the risk of false confessions and enhance the quality of investigative information, though they are sometimes criticized for being “too soft” or insufficiently tested in real-world settings. This paper aims to explore the real-world application of an ISDB approach in the high-stakes interview of Adam Strong, who was ultimately convicted of first-degree murder and manslaughter.

Design/methodology/approach

Using PEACE as a framework, the authors detail how Detective Paul Mitton skillfully used rapport-building, strategic evidence presentation and open dialogue to elicit admissions without coercion or confrontation.

Findings

Although Strong did not confess to the homicides or discuss how the victims died, the admissions he provided during the 12-h interview were central to the court’s guilty rulings.

Research limitations/implications

Though a single-case analysis, this paper underscores the necessity for further empirical research on ISDB approaches across diverse real-world scenarios.

Practical implications

This case highlights how an ISDB approach can generate critical evidence while meeting both investigative and legal standards. The authors believe it underscores that the future of suspect interviewing lies in the continued adoption and refinement of approaches that prioritize rapport-building and open, free-flowing dialogue while incorporating safeguards to ensure the admissibility of the interview.

Originality/value

This paper presents a unique and practical application of an ISDB approach, contributing valuable insights for practitioners and researchers into advancing ethical and effective suspect interviewing practices.
“We do not always enjoy surprises”: investigating artificial serendipity in an online marketplace context
Authors: Chen Xuanning , Lin Angela , Webber Sheila
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to gain a better understanding of artificial serendipity – pre-planned surprises intentionally crafted through deliberate designs – in online marketplaces. By exploring the key features of artificial serendipity, this study investigates whether serendipity can be intentionally designed, particularly with the use of artificial intelligence (AI). The findings from this research broaden the scope of serendipity studies, making them more relevant and applicable in the context of the AI era.

Design/methodology/approach

A narrative study was conducted, gathering insights from 32 Chinese online consumers through diaries and interviews. The data were analysed in close collaboration with participants, ensuring an authentic reflection of their perceptions regarding the features of artificial serendipity in online marketplaces.

Findings

Findings reveal that artificial serendipity, particularly when designed by AI, is still regarded by online consumers as genuine serendipity. It provides a sense of real surprise and encourages deeper reflection on personal knowledge, affording the two central qualities of genuine serendipity: unexpectedness and valuableness. However, since artificial serendipity is pre-planned through intentional design, consumers cannot have entire control over it. Therefore, compared to natural serendipity – fortune surprises arising from accidental correspondence between individuals and contexts – artificial serendipity tends to be more surprising yet less valuable.

Research limitations/implications

For research, it highlights the potential of intelligent technologies to facilitate genuine serendipity, updating our understanding of serendipity.

Practical implications

Also, the study provides practical insights into designing serendipity, especially in online markets. These contributions enrich both the theoretical framework and practical strategies surrounding serendipity in the era of AI.

Originality/value

This study stands out as one of the few to provide a nuanced understanding of artificial serendipity, offering valuable insights for both research and practice. For research, it highlights the potential of intelligent technologies to facilitate genuine serendipity, updating our understanding of serendipity. Also, the study provides practical insights into designing serendipity, especially in online markets. These contributions enrich both the theoretical framework and practical strategies surrounding serendipity in the era of AI.
Effect of entrepreneurial fear of failure: a moderated mediation model of resilience and emotion regulation
Authors: Mehdi Syed Asif , Singh Lata Bajpai
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Grounded on the emotion regulation theory, this study aims to examine how and when entrepreneurial fear of failure decreases the well-being of entrepreneurs. It mainly investigates a moderated mediation model, including emotion regulation as a mediator in the association between entrepreneurial fear of failure and psychological well-being and resilience as the moderator between entrepreneurial fear of failure and emotion regulation.

Design/methodology/approach

For this study, the primary data was gathered using a reflective-formative scale of entrepreneurial fear of failure from micro-, small- and medium-sized business owners from Lucknow, the capital of India’s most populous state. Hypothesis testing was done using partial least squares structural equation modeling on 250 valid responses.

Findings

The findings suggested that fear of failure has a damaging consequence on the psychological well-being of entrepreneurs, and this link is mediated through emotion regulation. In addition, resilience was observed to moderate the link between fear of failure and emotion regulation among entrepreneurs. Furthermore, resilience moderates the indirect impact of emotion regulation concerning fear of failure and well-being among micro-, small- and medium-sized business owners.

Practical implications

The study offers theoretical and practical implications, as the results highlight the role of emotion regulation and resilience in handling the adverse outcomes of entrepreneurial fear of failure. The study asserts that business owners need to learn ways to control their emotions and be resilient to face the destructive consequences of entrepreneurial fear of failure.

Originality/value

The study marks a novel role by unfurling the underlying psychological mechanisms in the association concerning fear of failure and the well-being of existing entrepreneurs from India by examining the moderated mediation model to understand the relationships better. This study is one of the pioneer attempts to uncover the moderating role of resilience and the mediating effect of emotion regulation to explain the outcome of entrepreneurial fear of failure.
Enhancing clarity and transparency in Islamic financial practices: the role of regulatory influence
Authors: Jaradat Hana , Oudat Mohammad Salem
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the influence of the regulatory environment on the efficiency of transparency within Islamic finance practices. It specifically examines how the determination of Shariah compliance, corporate governance and auditing standards is shaped by regulatory frameworks and their effects on the level of transparent financial reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

The research path was defined, and the research hypotheses were evaluated in the model using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The study collected data through structured surveys from 203 respondents.

Findings

The results of the PLS analysis demonstrate that Shari’ah compliance practices enhance transparency by making it difficult to breach ethical or social norms. These practices also infuse the presence of good corporate practices and quality audits that promote a culture of financial accountability, which is key for market and stakeholder confidence. The regulatory environment adds a critical moderating influence in these relationships by providing the oversight and enforcement capability required to ensure uniformity in the application of Shari’ah adherence and set transparency standards across borders.

Originality/value

The findings of this study have practical implications for those who implement policies, develop regulatory structures and study Islamic finance, underscoring the importance of achieving robust governance and regulatory frameworks. However, the study admits weaknesses, such as limited geographical coverage, reliance on preexisting data and the use of a cross-sectional analysis. Future research directions should include longitudinal and cross-comparative designs, the effects of modern technologies and the integration of qualitative methods alongside quantitative ones.
Navigating the unspoken: the impact of socio-institutional factors on Pakistani employees’ perceptions of implicit promises
Authors: Chaudhry Sara , Aldossari Maryam , Aboubichr Btissam
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the under-studied construct of implicit promises within the broader field of psychological contracts by highlighting the impact of external, socio-institutional factors on employee perceptions of implicit promises.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 53 in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted in four foreign MNEs operating in Pakistan. A purposive sampling technique was applied and the four case study MNEs chosen differed considerably in terms of size, subsidiary age, organizational structure, HR strategy and industry/sector.

Findings

Our findings highlight that employees continually process their social environments, subsequently constructing a web of unwritten, perceived obligations and implicit promises, that are influenced by a range of external factors outside organizational control such as social stratification, relational networking both within and outside the employing organization, the economic health of the industry/sector, etc. We underline how implicit promises are socially constructed and therefore the socio-institutional components of implicit promises are likely to vary across contexts/countries and time.

Originality/value

Despite extensive literature on psychological contracts, implicit promises in particular remain theoretically and empirically under-operationalized, largely because of methodological challenges and a preponderance of cross-sectional, self-reported and a-contextual studies in extant psychological contract literature. Our study offers a reworked definition of implicit promises that highlights the impact of contextually-specific, socio-institutional factors on employees’ unspoken expectations and beliefs about future organizational outcomes and opportunities.
Conceptualizing the corporate-social accountability and sustainability assessment of weather-risk management policy towards stakeholders using qualitative insights: a case of weather index insurance
Authors: Singh Pankaj , Kushwaha Ruchi
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Sustainability assessment of risk-management policies has been needed to analyze their corporate social impact on stakeholders in terms of environmental, social and governance (ESG) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) accountability aspects. Thus, weather index insurance (WII) is a significant risk-management policy; there is a need to explore the corporate socio-environmental impact of WII on stakeholders. Thus, the purpose of this study is to develop a theoretical framework for theorizing the sustainability reporting aspect of WII.

Design/methodology/approach

This study performs qualitative exploratory research using in-depth interviews with ten experts. It has been carried out through semi-structured interviews with academic and professional experts and analyzed the interview transcripts using qualitative analysis.

Findings

This study’s outcomes contribute a new paradigm in the ESG and CSR accountability domain from the perspectives of stakeholder theory. The findings of this study reported a novel conceptual framework for integrated sustainability reporting of WII based on ESG and CSR constructs. The thematic content analysis of interview transcripts and WII literature exposed the significant accountability of WII towards human, ecological and financial capital.

Practical implications

This study provides valuable insights into the theoretical development of WII sustainability domain by developing a theoretical framework that provides a further pathway for future researchers.

Social implications

This study attempts to analyze the WII exposure toward ESG and CSR dimensions that are helpful for insurers, farmers, managers and governments.

Originality/value

This study firstly bridges the gap between WII theoretical knowledge and professional practice in terms of sustainability assessment of WII.
Do technological innovation and financial development determine environmental quality? Empirical evidence from Arab countries
Authors: Tabash Mosab I. , Farooq Umar , Hassen Majdi , El Refae Ghaleb A.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The Arab countries have numerous environmental problems, including massive emissions of carbon dioxide, climate change and increasingly high temperatures. Many prior studies have explored the various determinants of environmental quality. However, few papers offer adequate empirical evidence on the role of technological innovation and financial development in determining environmental quality. To fill this gap, this study aims to investigate the impact of technological innovation and financial development on CO2 emissions, controlling for several factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample data cover 10 Arab countries over a 30-year period. Because of the existence of non-stationarity and cointegration, the authors use dynamic ordinary least squares and fully modified ordinary least squares models to perform regressions among the variables.

Findings

The statistical results reveal that technological innovation and financial development both negatively determine CO2, which implies that both factors ensure environmental quality in this region. A developed financial sector facilitates access to funds for technological innovation and thus enables the adoption of cleaner production technologies and renewable energy sources. Both factors reduce environmental degradation. In addition, advanced financial systems incentivize investment in ecofriendly projects and promote sustainable practices, fostering a conducive environment for improving environmental quality. The empirical analysis then reveals the pollution halo effect of foreign direct investment inflow.

Research limitations/implications

Based on the empirical findings, the authors recommend increasing investment in research and development activities and pay more attention to improvement of the financial sector. Both factors can enhance environmental sustainability in Arab countries.

Originality/value

This study provides robustness for prior analyses and adds to the literature by widening the coverage to include Arab countries.
Talking down the competitors: How do investment banking relationships influence analysts' forecasts?
Authors: Si Fangbo , Yu Xiaoxu , Zhang Huai
Published: January 2025

Our study reveals that financial analysts issue more pessimistic forecasts for their investment banking clients' competitors than for unrelated firms. Our evidence is consistent with this behavior stemming from analysts' strategic incentives rather than their true beliefs. We find that analysts' pessimism for the client's competitors is more pronounced when the client is more important to analysts' brokerage houses, when high uncertainty prevents competitors from detecting analysts' strategic motives, and when analysts' brokerage houses are less prestigious. Additionally, we explore the economic consequences of the pessimism from the perspectives of the covered firms, brokerage houses, and financial analysts. Finally, we consider the impact of the 2003 Global Analyst Research Settlement. Overall, our results demonstrate that issuing pessimistic forecasts for clients' competitors is an understudied channel through which analysts curry favor with their investment banking clients.
Fire ant nests: Abundance and size in crops under different agricultural management systems and landscape compositions
Authors: Nagatani Victor Hideki , Silva Otávio Guilherme Morais , da Silva Nathalia Sampaio , Andrade‐Silva Joudellys , Almeida Rony Peterson Santos , de Souza‐Campana Débora Rodrigues , de Castro Morini Maria Santina
Published: January 2025

The genus Solenopsis is widely distributed in the Neotropical region, mainly in South America. In Brazil, the species S. invicta and S. saevissima, known as fire ants, cause significant impacts, especially in agricultural areas in open environments with little vegetation.

Soil cover and environmental variables can influence the dimensions and occurrence of nests of these species. Thus, this study assessed the effect of management (conventional or organic) and the dominant landscape (agricultural areas or native vegetation) on the occurrence and dimensions of S. invicta and S. saevissima nests on rural properties in the “Cinturão Verde Paulista” region, in southeastern Brazil.

Our results indicate a higher abundance of S. invicta nests in agricultural areas with conventional management, while S. saevissima nests are more abundant in areas with organic management. The morphological study revealed that the tallest nests of S. saevissima are predominantly found in agricultural landscapes, whereas management practices and landscape type appear to have no significant influence on S. invicta nesting dimensions. These findings contribute to our understanding of the ecological dynamics of S. saevissima. They also provide insights into potential strategies for population control and highlight the importance of considering both management systems and landscape factors when studying invasive species, such as S. invicta.
Pre‐operative subjective functional capacity and postoperative outcomes in adult non‐cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Takahashi Kyosuke , Chiba Kyoko , Honda Ayano , Iizuka Yusuke , Yoshinaga Koichi , Deo Alka Sachin , Uchida Tokujiro
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Assessment of functional capacity is an essential part of peri‐operative risk stratification. Subjective functional capacity is easier to examine than objective tests of patient fitness. However, the association between subjective functional capacity and postoperative outcomes has not been established.

Methods

Four databases were searched for studies describing the associations between subjective functional capacity and postoperative outcomes in adults undergoing non‐cardiac surgery. Meta‐analysis was conducted among studies where functional capacity was expressed in metabolic equivalents. The primary outcome was postoperative major adverse cardiovascular events. Secondary outcomes were mortality and postoperative overall complications. We estimated the ORs of the outcomes in patients with poor functional capacity (< 4 metabolic equivalents) as compared with those with good functional capacity (≥ 4 metabolic equivalents). Random‐effects models were used for the meta‐analysis.

Results

We identified 7835 abstracts. After screening and a full‐text review, 23 studies were selected. Evaluation methods of functional capacity included: questionnaires (n = 7); specific questions (n = 6); and subjective assessment by anaesthetists (n = 5). The probability of major postoperative adverse cardiovascular events was significantly higher in patients with poor functional capacity (OR 1.84, 95%CI 1.62–2.08) than in those with good functional capacity. Patients with poor functional capacity also had higher odds of mortality (OR 2.48, 95%CI 1.45–4.25) and postoperative complications (OR 1.85, 95%CI 1.34–2.55).

Discussion

Subjective functional capacity of < 4 metabolic equivalents was associated with postoperative complications including cardiovascular events and other serious outcomes. The results need to be interpreted with caution due to the diverse measures used to assess functional capacity.
One tube for all: 1‐year outcomes after transition to Paul glaucoma implant at a tertiary centre
Authors: Studsgaard Anne , Nielsen Stine Elkjær , Telinius Niklas
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effect and success rate of Paul glaucoma implant (PGI) in refractory glaucoma after changing practice pattern from Ahmed and Baerveldt tubes to PGI.

Methods

A prospective observational study of the first 50 consecutive PGI surgeries at a single Danish tertiary centre from January 2022 to October 2023. Primary endpoints were IOP and success rates after 12 months. Secondary endpoints were the use of IOP‐lowering medications and complications. All cases had a risk of failure for traditional glaucoma surgery (neovascular glaucoma, oil‐filled eye or uveitis).

Results

Preoperative IOP was 29.9 ± 8.6 mmHg and the mean number of topical IOP‐lowering medications used was 3.4 ± 0.76 with 14 cases of systemic acetazolamide. Twelve months after surgery IOP was reduced to 11.4 ± 3.1 mmHg and complete success rate with (a) IOP≤21 mmHg was achieved in 43%, (b) IOP≤18 mmHg in 43%, (c) IOP≤15 mmHg in 41% and (d) IOP≤12 mmHg in 33%. Qualified success rate (on topical glaucoma medications) was achieved in (a) 96%, (b) 94%, (c) 86% and (d) 71% of the cases.

The number of topical IOP‐lowering medications was 0.9 ± 0.9 after surgery and 47% were medication free. Early (<3 months) and late (>3 months) complications were observed in 22% and 16% of patients respectively.

Conclusion

This study indicates that PGI provides a good IOP‐lowering effect after 12 months in a population with risk factors for failure for traditional glaucoma surgery.
Comparisons in Postoperative Endoscopic Findings and Postoperative Weight Change Between Delta‐Shaped Anastomosis and Circular‐Stapled Anastomosis in Laparoscopy‐Assisted Distal Gastrectomy With B‐I Reconstruction
Authors: Oya Shuichiro , Sakuramoto Shinichi , Morimoto Yosuke , Matsui Kazuaki , Nishibeppu Keiji , Ebara Gen , Fujita Shohei , Fujihata Shiro , Lee Seigi , Miyawaki Yutaka , Sugita Hirofumi , Sato Hiroshi , Yamashita Keishi
Published: January 2025

Background

Laparoscopy‐assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) with Billroth I (B‐I) reconstruction is frequently performed for gastric cancer. However, the difference between the circular stapler technique (CS) and delta‐shaped anastomosis (DA) remains unclear, especially regarding the postoperative endoscopic physiological findings.

Methods

Three hundred and one patients including 150 CS patients and 151 DA patients during LADG with B‐I reconstruction between 2013 and 2019 at Saitama Medical University International Medical Center were chosen as study subjects. Postoperative endoscopic findings (1‐year post‐surgery) in the remnant stomach were evaluated according to the residue, gastritis, and bile‐reflux classification, and the first‐year postoperative weight changes were also recorded.

Results

The incidences of Grade 2 or higher remnant gastritis, bile reflux, and postoperative exacerbated reflux esophagitis were significantly higher in the DA group, while the amount of residual food was higher in the CS group. Multivariate analysis also revealed the higher risks of Grade 2 or higher gastritis and the postoperative existence or exacerbation of erosive reflux esophagitis in the DA group (OR [95% CI] was 2.737 [1.566–4.783], 3.533 [1.101–11.34], and 3.749 [1.021–13.76], respectively). However, none of these endoscopic differences but the broader extent of gastritis was the only endoscopic factor associated with severe postoperative weight loss.

Conclusion

There was a trend toward more exacerbation of residual gastritis and reflux esophagitis with the DA technique and more food remnants with the CS technique. Although the difference in the anastomotic technique did not directly result in weight loss, attention should be paid to prevent extensive residual gastritis.
Overcoming low status or maintaining high status? A multinational examination of the association between socioeconomic status and honour
Authors: Sánchez‐Rodríguez Ángel , O'Dea Conor , Uskul Ayse K. , Kirchner‐Häusler Alexander , Vignoles Vivian , Chobthamkit Phatthanakit , Achmad Rendy Alfiannoor , Andrianto Sonny , Kristanto Andreas Agung , Ardi Rahkman , Lesmana Cokorda Bagus Jaya , Castillo Vanessa A. , Chaleeraktrakoon Trawin , Zhi Alfred Chan Huan , Choompunuch Bovornpoch , Cross Susan E. , Nguyen Son Duc , Fernandez Elaine Frances , Purba Fredrick Dermawan , Reyes Marc Eric S. , Yalçın Meral Gezici , Siswadi Ahmad Gimmy Prathama , Harb Charles , Hashim Intan Hashimah Mohd , Husnu Shenel , Hutapea Bonar , Le Hoang The Huy , Ishii Keiko , Ismail Rozmi , Ito Kenichi , Suryani Luh Ketut , Kaewyodthiwat Tinnaphat , Kafetsios Konstantinos , Karamaouna Panagiota , Kateri Evangelia , Khan Aqeel , Khieowan Nuannut , Lufityanto Galang , Macapagal Ma. Elizabeth J. , Marappan Deviga a/p , Matamoros‐Lima Juan , Miniesy Rania , Yusoff Ahmad Mustaqim , Na Jinkyung , Özkan Zafer , Pagliaro Stefano , Psaltis Charis , Rabie Dina , Reinhart Mitchell , Ridfah Ahmad , Rodriguez‐Bailón Rosa , Ishak Mai Sumiyati , Teresi Manuel , Tengco‐Pacquing Ma. Criselda , Thongpibul Kulvadee , Tri Minh Thuy Thi , Zwagery Rika Vira , Wisayanti Suci , Hoon Chang Yau , Uchida Yukiko
Published: January 2025

We examined the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and endorsement of honour. We studied the SES‐honour link in 5 studies (N = 13,635) with participants recruited in different world regions (the Mediterranean and MENA, East Asian, South‐East Asian, and Anglo‐Western regions) using measures that tap into various different facets of honour. Findings from these studies revealed that individuals who subjectively perceived themselves as belonging to a higher (vs. lower) SES endorsed various facets of honour more strongly (i.e. defence of family honour values and concerns, self‐promotion and retaliation values, masculine honour beliefs, emphasis on personal and family social image, the so‐called street code). We discuss implications of these findings for the cultural dynamics linked to SES.
Metabolic syndrome is associated with postoperative complications after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate
Authors: Edmonds Victoria S. , Heidenberg Daniel J. , Mayes Connor , Mead‐Harvey Carolyn , Humphreys Mitchell R.
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To compare postoperative complication rates of patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) with patients without MetS after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients aged >40 years who underwent HoLEP at our institution from 2007 to 2022. Criteria for MetS were diagnoses of at least three of the following: diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, or obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2). Uni‐ and multivariable logistic regression were used to compare the likelihood of immediate, 30‐day, and 90‐day complications between groups.

Results

A total of 1500 patients were included with a median (interquartile range) age of 70 (65–76) years. Patients with MetS were more likely to develop complications at both 30 and 90 days, including urinary incontinence, irritative voiding symptoms, and bleeding (P < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, patients with MetS had a greater than three times odds of both 30‐ and 90‐day complications compared to patients without MetS (30‐day adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.21–5.01, P < 0.001; and 90‐day aOR 3.64, 95% CI 2.49–5.31, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Metabolic syndrome was associated with a three‐fold likelihood of 30‐ and 90‐day complications after HoLEP. This could be an important factor to consider in preoperative counselling and patient selection.
Penicillin Allergy Management in India and Sri Lanka: Current Challenges
Authors: Moitra Saibal , Liyanage Guwani , Tonkin‐Crine Sarah , Powell Neil , Jani Yogini , Dasanayake Dhanushka , Badanasinghe Nadisha , Haque Mohammad Ziaul , Kudagammana Wasana , Kumar Raj , Mahesh Padukudru Anand , Thong Bernard Yu‐Hor , Meng Juan , Christopher Devasahayam Jesudas , Krishna Mamidipudi Thirumala
Published: January 2025

Data regarding Penicillin allergy labels (PALs) from India and Sri Lanka are sparse. Emerging data suggests that the proportion of patients declaring an unverified PAL in secondary care in India and Sri Lanka (1%–4%) is lesser than that reported in High Income Countries (15%–20%). However, even this relatively small percentage translates into a large absolute number, as this part of the world accounts for approximately 25% of the global population. There is a huge unmet need for allergy specialists in India and Sri Lanka. Penicillin allergy management is further compromised by unavailability of skin test reagents, lack of formal training in drug allergy, pre‐emptive, non‐standardised and unregulated skin testing by untrained operators and a weak health service framework. This has an adverse impact on antimicrobial stewardship, particularly in the management of rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease, bacterial endocarditis, syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections. This narrative review highlights the burden of PALs in India and Sri Lanka, as well as gaps in the published literature. It describes current challenges and a pragmatic, cautious and staged bespoke mitigation approach to improve and standardise antimicrobial stewardship in accordance with the World Health Organisation AWaRe guidance.
Proxy means test for targeting welfare benefits in Jamaica
Authors: Blake Garfield O. , Gibbison Godfrey
Published: January 2025

Motivation

The proxy means test (PMT) has become the predominant targeting mechanism for social assistance schemes in many low‐ and lower‐middle income countries, including Jamaica. It has many powerful advocates amid claims that it can accurately and cost‐effectively target the poor. However, recently, there have been concerns expressed by beneficiary groups, government stakeholders, and civil society on the selection of households for benefits under Jamaica's Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH).

Purpose

An evaluation of PATH suggests that it covers only about 71% of households ranked in the poorest quintiles, while 23% of programme beneficiaries are from households considered to be non‐poor (ranked in the top two quintiles). This study introduces innovations to the current PMT model with the objective of improving targeting of the poor for social protection benefits.

Approach and methods

We draw on data collected by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) regarding the PATH programme to show that an application of the poverty‐weighted least squares regression estimation method improves coverage of households ranked in the poorest quintiles. Poverty‐weighted least squares places higher weights on the squared errors of poor households, which avoids the tendency of least squares regression to increase the predicted consumption of the poor.

Findings

Using data compiled by the STATIN through the annual Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions, we showed that the construction of a national model estimated using poverty‐weighted least squares, and adjusting predicted consumption to the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval, improves coverage of the poorest households from 71% to over 85%. Achieving this high rate of coverage among the poor came at a cost, in the form of high coverage among the non‐poor and, particularly, an increase in inclusion errors.

Policy implications

We believe these results demonstrate that in certain contexts it is possible to improve upon the Basic PMT model and meet the goals the PMT was intended to achieve, efficiently directing social assistance to the poor, minimizing leakage to the non‐poor, and maintaining integrity in the overall social assistance mechanism.
The use of the Crohn's disease exclusion diet (CDED) in adults with Crohn's disease: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pasta Andrea , Formisano Elena , Calabrese Francesco , Apollonio Monica , Demarzo Maria Giulia , Marabotto Elisa , Furnari Manuele , Giannini Edoardo Giovanni , Pisciotta Livia , Bodini Giorgia
Published: January 2025

Background

The Crohn's disease exclusion diet (CDED) has been shown to induce remission in adult Crohn's disease (CD) patients. The aim of the study is to provide additional evidence‐based validation.

Methods

We conducted an open‐label, randomized trial on adult CD patients with mild‐to‐moderate symptoms to assess CDED efficacy in inducing symptomatic remission using Mediterranean diet as control. We evaluate demographic data, body mass index (BMI), Harvey‐Bradshaw Index (HBI), faecal calprotectin, and serum inflammatory indices at baseline, 12, and 24 weeks. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was used to ensure the safety of the CDED group every 12 weeks.

Results

Twenty‐four patients were assigned to CDED, and 21 to controls, with no baseline differences among the parameters considered. Five CDED patients dropped out due to intolerance within the first 6 weeks. At 12 weeks, CDED patients showed significantly lower HBI and higher remission rates than controls. By 24 weeks, remission rates increased (70.8% vs. 38.1% at 12 weeks and 79.2% vs. 42.9% at 24 weeks; p = .027 and p < .0001, respectively), with significantly lower fibrinogen levels in the CDED group. The administration of CDED was associated with a significant decrease in BMI (25.8 kg/m2–24.5 kg/m2, p = .047), although BIA analysis showed a decrease in fat mass (18.2%–15.5%, p < .0001), while fat‐free mass and body cellular mass significantly increased at 12 weeks (p = .001 and p = .042, respectively) and remained stable at 24 weeks.

Conclusions

The CDED was effective in inducing remission among patients with mild‐to‐moderate CD and appeared to be safe and well‐accepted.
Finitude and the Good Will
Authors: Englander Alex
Published: January 2025

According to Kant, both finite (human) and non‐finite (divine) wills are subject to the moral law, though the manner of their subjection differs. The fact that the law expresses an ‘ought’ for the human will is a function of our imperfection. On this picture, a non‐finite will thus enjoys a certain explanatory priority vis‐à‐vis its finite counterpart: we can understand the practical constraint that binds the latter by seeing how contingent limitations differentiate it from the former. However, a reading of Kant's principle of autonomy that inextricably ties the achievement of willing to the adoption of a practical standpoint, gives us reasons for doubting this order of explanation. It suggests instead that we might best understand the practical ‘ought’ by taking the human will as explanatorily primitive. And if we do so, we can question the coherence of taking a will for which the law is not normative to furnish a paradigmatic exemplification of the relation that lies at the heart of Kant's notion of autonomy: namely, the relation between free volition and moral necessity.
Purely Intentional Modal Fictionalism
Authors: Jakha Hicham
Published: January 2025

This article brings two outstanding figures into conversation about the problem of fictional entities and their indeterminacies: Roman Ingarden and David Lewis. Lewis's account of fiction lacks an adequate ontology of ficta‐qua‐objects. Relying on his modal realism does not help, for it would make ficta “concrete” entities that merely indexically differ from our world's entities. In this regard, I refer to Ingarden's “purely intentional entities.” I read Lewis's possible worlds in terms of Ingarden's ontology; hence establishing what I term “Purely Intentional Modal Fictionalism.” In so doing, the demarcation between fiction and actuality is preserved. In return, Lewis's “Analyses” adequately account for Ingarden's “spots of indeterminacy.” Therefore, my proposal reconciles Ingarden's ficta with Lewis's possibilist approach to truth in fiction. This approach grounds Lewis's account in a less problematic ontology with a distinct sui generis status for ficta and provides Ingarden's ficta with better determination principles.
Dynamic harmony: Unveiling therapeutic attunement in emotionally focused couples therapy via machine learning
Authors: Başer Gökçenay , Başer Oğuzhan , Kafescioğlu Nilüfer , Erdem Gizem
Published: January 2025

Objective

The goals of the study were to examine therapists' and clients' emotional states and expressions in an emotionally focused therapy (EFT) couple session, to assess therapeutic attunement between the clients and the therapist, and to explore its alignment with EFT techniques.

Background

Therapeutic attunement is crucial for fostering a therapeutic alliance in couples therapy, yet examining triadic relationships between therapist and partners is methodologically challenging. This case study introduces a novel computational social science approach to capture attunement in an EFT session.

Method

A full‐length, publicly available EFT session video was analyzed. We generated text, audio, and image data for computerized tracking and conducted a multimodal analysis of emotions using mixture of experts machine learning models.

Results

Seven emotion states were analyzed: anger, fear, surprise, disgust, joy, sadness, and neutral. The results indicated a close alignment between the couple and the therapist's emotions, suggesting high attunement. Three types of attunement by timing were identified: on time, therapist initiated, and delayed. Attunement peaks aligned with EFT techniques.

Conclusion

High levels of therapeutic attunement, facilitated by EFT techniques, can be effectively captured and analyzed using machine learning.

Implications

This study highlights the feasibility of using machine learning to track attunement dynamics and aids therapists in exploring therapeutic ruptures.
Are all glacial diamictites glacial? Implications for palaeoclimatology
Authors: Molén Mats O.
Published: January 2025

Interpretations of the origins of pre‐Pleistocene diamictites are in a state of flux, changing from glacial processes to sediment gravity flows (SGFs). Working methods for the study of such deposits need to be multi‐proxy and process‐sedimentological and not start with presumptions based on former models or interpretations. For instance, the detailed documentation of pavements, dropstones and erratics indicate that a shift from glaciogenic interpretations to SGFs for many pre‐Pleistocene diamictites is needed. In another example, surface microtextures (SM) formed by glaciers display a combination of large‐scale fractures and (irregular) abrasion, in contrast to non‐glacial environments, and may therefore be used as a quick diagnostic working tool.
Emotional Entanglements and Intersectional Language Teacher Identities in Critical Autoethnographic Narratives
Authors: Yazan Bedrettin
Published: January 2025

In this study, I employ critical autoethnographic narrative (CAN) as a teacher‐learning activity that pedagogizes identity in teacher education. I specifically rely on a white US‐born teacher candidate's (Robert's) data, which included the following: four installments of CAN writing, four recorded individual feedback meetings, one discussion board post, visual mapping of CAN, recorded rubric co‐construction, and recorded final CAN presentation. I utilized narrative inquiry procedures to analyze Robert's data to examine how his emotions entangled with his intersectional identities and surrounding ideologies as he constructed his English as a second language teacher in his CAN writing. I present my findings around four major themes with illustrative excerpts from Robert: (1) emotions entangled with intersectional identities, (2) emotional responses to dominant ideologies, (3) emotional engagement in acts of agency, and (4) identity tensions as loci of emotional entanglement. I discuss those findings in relation to the use of CAN in teacher education, the emotional dimensions of teachers’ intersectional identities, and identity tensions in understanding the relationship between identity, agency, and ideologies. I also share the implications of my findings for teacher educators who consider using CAN or incorporating identity, emotions, and agency in their practices.
Adopting Voluntary Simplicity: A Netnographic Study
Authors: Soares Ana Maria , Rebouças Raquel , Heath Teresa Pereira
Published: January 2025

Voluntary simplicity (VS), a lifestyle centred on frugality, reduction of consumption, and the search for non‐materialistic sources of fulfilment, has been gaining popularity and has the potential to advance sustainable resource use. This study considers the drivers, practices and consumer decisions of those aspiring to live more simply, based on a netnography of 21,198 comments on 635 posts from an online community of VS. We focus on people in the early stages of becoming simplifiers. Findings are organised into four main topics: meanings of VS according to early‐stage simplifiers; main drivers to lifestyle adoption; practices; and buying decision process of these simplifiers. Insights from this study enhance our understanding of why people simplify their lives voluntarily, what this means to them, and the practices and processes involved in becoming a voluntary simplifier. In particular, the flexibility of how VS was understood by the members of the subreddit and how the community was able to accommodate multiple paths to simplifying provide valuable insights into the process of negotiating a lifestyle change. We propose a research framework mapping VS adoption, and suggestions for further studies, and finally discuss implications for theory and practice.
Exploring Developmental Connections: Sleep Patterns, Self‐Locomotion, and Vocabulary Growth in Early Childhood
Authors: Belia Margherita , Vihman Marilyn , Keren‐Portnoy Tamar
Published: January 2025

Current research indicates likely developmental connections between the evolution of sleep patterns, motor skills progression, and the expansion of vocabulary. These connections are grounded in the well‐established role of sleep in memory and learning, as well as in the cascading effects on language development of the acquisition of new motor skills. However, no study has so far undertaken a comprehensive and systematic examination of these connections or explored their developmental trajectory over time. Yet understanding vocabulary development depends on considering development in the sleep regulation and motor domains, to provide a biologically grounded explanation of how early lexicons are built and strengthened. This study investigates the links between vocabulary growth and two significant changes occurring over the first 2 years of life: self‐initiated locomotion and the consolidation of overnight sleep. Our results reveal mutual associations between these domains, which tend to emerge during periods of marked developmental change in language, motor skills, and sleep patterns regulation. Moreover, these associations were observed to change over time, suggesting dynamic interconnections between these developmental domains. Our findings point toward the importance of investigating vocabulary development from a dynamic systems perspective, as the product of continuous interactions between cognition, the body and the environment.