bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interest rates and agricultural debt: estimating the marginal interest rate
Authors: Moss Charles B. , Kropp Jaclyn D.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

While the average cost of debt capital can be calculated from historical financial statement data by dividing the interest paid each year by the total level of debt, this average cost of debt provides little information regarding the true cost of acquiring additional debt capital, and hence, its use is potentially problematic in financial decision-making. This study focuses on the linkage between observed changes in the average interest rates calculated from financial statements (balance sheet and income statement) and the marginal cost of borrowing or the cost of acquiring new debt. Motivated by the capital asset pricing model (CAPM), the marginal cost of capital is modeled as a function of a risk-free interest rate (the return on Moody’s Aaa bonds), returns on the S\&P stock index capturing overall market returns and a portfolio of agricultural stocks to represent farm sector-specific risks.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a unique dataset constructed from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) state-level Financial Performance of the Farm Sector data for the years 1960 through 2003 and state-level Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS) data for the years 2003–2014 and Bayesian methods, we model the observed interest rate as an autoregressive function controlling for changes in debt and key rates of return in the general economy.

Findings

The results indicate that the marginal interest rate is a function of the Aaa corporate bond rate and the stock market. We also find evidence of a negative relationship between returns to a portfolio of agricultural stocks and the marginal interest rate. Overall, the findings suggest that the imputed interest rate frequently misrepresents the marginal cost of debt capital.

Originality/value

Most farm financial datasets allow for the analysis of the farm firm’s average interest rate. However, farmers make decisions based on the marginal cost of credit – the interest rate on a newly issued note. This study estimates this marginal interest rate for the 15 states for which the ARMS data are representative for the years 1960 through 2014 and compares the estimated marginal interest rate with the imputed average interest rate.
Advancing sustainability in the digital age: defining and measuring maturity models for supply chains
Authors: Silva Jailson dos Santos , Bouzon Marina , Chalmeta Ricardo
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Digital sustainable maturity (DSM) is an important factor for gaining a competitive advantage. However, the literature on this topic is scarce. This study was designed to understand and formalize the concept of DSM and investigate models for measuring it in the context of supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

To this end, a systematic literature review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) tool, whose steps and evaluation criteria resulted in a portfolio of 87 articles. These were analyzed based on pre-established criteria from the literature on scope, design and application.

Findings

The results revealed an emerging field, but with the domain of DSM still underexplored. No formal concept of DSM was found in the literature. Thus, this paper presents the first definition in the field, which can be understood as the organization’s dynamic capability to leverage its digital assets to promote sustainable performance in economic, environmental and social dimensions. Regarding the analyzed models, 72 maturity models were identified considering both domains. However, only nine of them provided a model for evaluating DSM. Overall, the models presented varied architectures, which made it impossible to determine a consistent approach for measuring maturity in this domain.

Originality/value

This study is original as it systematically integrated digital and sustainable constructs to measure maturity. Furthermore, it formalizes the concept of DSM, which was not found in the existing literature.
Does CEO/CFO certification impact earnings quality? evidence from India
Authors: Shette Rachappa , Kuntluru Sudershan
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of mandatory CEO/CFO certification introduced in the new Indian Companies Act (CA) 2013 on the earnings quality of reported annual and quarterly net income of Indian listed companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Using rounding up of earnings as a proxy for earnings quality, the study is based on annual and quarterly reported net income of 4,128 sample companies during two years prior and two years after the CA 2013. The analysis of reported net income is based on the left-most second single digits with an emphasis on zero as the second single digit. The percentage difference between the actual and theoretical second single digits in reported net income is used for rounding up analysis. Benford’s Law is used to derive the theoretical percentage appearance of second single digits.

Findings

The existence of statistically significant deviation prior to CA 2013 and insignificant deviation post CA 2013 between the actual and theoretical percentage appearance of zero and nine of annual net income implies the increase in quality of earnings due to mandatory certification of annual financial statements. However, there is no improvement in the quality of earnings of quarterly net income as the certification of quarterly results is not mandatory.

Research limitations/implications

The authors recommend that CEO/CFO certification of quarterly financial results should also be made mandatory.

Originality/value

The positive impact of regulatory initiatives on the earnings quality of publicly listed companies operating in a weak enforcement environment within an emerging market is the contribution.
How does perception of economic policy uncertainty affect corporate greenwashing?
Authors: Zhao Shikuan , Hunjra Ahmed Imran , Roubaud David , Zhu Fuxian
Published: February 2025

Purpose

In the context of macroeconomic fluctuations and uncertainty in policy changes, it is essential to understand how companies adapt their environmental strategies and marketing tactics to ensure survival and growth. This study, therefore, examines the impact of perceived economic policy uncertainty on corporate greenwashing.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on panel data from listed companies on the Chinese A-share market between 2013 and 2022, this paper employs a high-dimensional fixed effects model to explore the impact of perceived economic policy uncertainty (PEPU) on corporate greenwashing behavior.

Findings

The results show that higher PEPU increases greenwashing, with agency costs and investor sentiment mediating the relationship. Corporate credit availability and managerial short-sightedness positively moderate this effect. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that non-state-owned enterprises in central and western regions, particularly those with weak environmental regulation and high pollution, are most impacted by PEPU.

Practical implications

This paper provides practical guidance for how to avoid the phenomenon of green reshuffle in economic and environmental policies and encourages enterprises to take more real and effective environmental protection measures.

Originality/value

These findings highlight the importance of considering corporate responses to policy uncertainty when formulating economic and environmental policies. They provide valuable insights for emerging economies in fostering genuine corporate environmental behavior and promoting sustainable development.
A bibliographic analysis of university autonomy and accountability in Southeast Asia 1996 to 2023
Authors: Pham Hiep-Hung , Phan Thanh-Thao Thi , Pham Oanh , Nguyen Trung Tien , Nguyen Van-An Le , Do Minh-Trang , Nguyen Anh Tuan
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the trend of research on universities and accountability (UAA) in Southeast Asian (SEA) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 115 journal articles, conference papers, books and book chapters were obtained from the Scopus database spanning the years 1996–2023. These documents were subsequently analyzed using bibliometric methods.

Findings

The majority of UAA in SEA documents were published between 2007 and 2023 (106 documents, 92.19%). Scholars from both SEA countries and outside the region, particularly Australia, co-authored UAA in SEA documents. While scholars from Vietnam contributed the highest number of UAA in SEA publications (30 documents), scholars from Australia received the highest number of citations (878 citations). Collaboration between Vietnam and Australia emerged as the most productive partnership in conducting studies on UAA in SEA. Additionally, UAA in SEA documents were published not only in education-related outlets but also in other sectors, particularly in public policy. Furthermore, studies on UAA in different countries exhibited both similar and dissimilar interest keywords.

Originality/value

This study represents the first bibliometric analysis focusing on UAA in SEA literature. The insights and implications derived from this study are valuable for future researchers, university leaders and policymakers.
A bibliometric approach to the evolution of artificial intelligence in digital marketing
Authors: Nalbant Kemal Gokhan , Aydin Sevgi
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This research aims to examine the dynamic relationship between digital marketing and AI. This study used bibliometric analysis to investigate the significance of artificial intelligence in digital marketing research. The study was conducted using the WOS database, which includes word cloud analysis, keyword analysis, citation analysis, and publication analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The present inquiry utilized the Web of Science database to gather scholarly publications that were published between 2000 and 2023. A search was performed using the Boolean operator “AND” to retrieve pertinent publications that contain both the terms “artificial intelligence” and “digital marketing” in the first query. A total of 96 publications were found during the search. The search terms were expanded, and the content analysis was enhanced to include studies from 1993 to 2023, resulting in 521 studies for in-depth analysis in the second query. The acquired papers were subjected to bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer software (version 1.6.20).

Findings

The phrase “digital marketing” had the highest frequency, with a cumulative link strength of 94. This keyword exhibited a strong association with the phrase “artificial intelligence”. The WOS database shows a steady increase in publications on digital marketing and AI since 2017 for the first query. In 2017, there were about two publications, which grew to around 26 by 2021. For the second query, the number of publications on digital marketing and AI also increased steadily. In 1993, there was one publication, rising to about 102 by 2022.

Originality/value

The study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis by examining publications that were released in the Web of Science database from 2000 to 2023 for the first query and from 1993 to 2023 for the second query. This research analyzes the progress and current status of corporate management and marketing techniques during the past twenty-four years. In addition, this approach enhances the originality of the second inquiry by providing a comprehensive analysis of studies spanning nearly 3 decades, offering unique insights into the evolution of the field. The research centers on the impact that AI has exerted on these sectors. Moreover, the results of this study emphasize the significance of the increasing number of scientific studies that intersect AI and digital marketing.
Risk management practices in construction projects: a qualitative exploration of MSMEs in India
Authors: Singla Harish Kumar , Phadtare Milind
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The study is an attempt to find the major risks faced by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) engaged in construction business in India. Further, the study attempts to find how MSMEs mitigate those risks.

Design/methodology/approach

Toward the objective of study, the authors used a case-based qualitative research design. Four firms were selected, and their owners and selected employees/partners were interviewed. Each firm is presented as an independent case to highlight the core risk management (RM) philosophy of each firm. This was followed by a thematic analysis to arrive at the major risks involved in MSME construction projects and their mitigation strategy.

Findings

MSME firms engaged in the construction business in India are not keen on following formal RM practices because they believe that it makes the bid unviable. MSMEs find it difficult to identify most of the problems in a construction project due to an uncontrolled environment and believe that it is best to resolve the issues as and when they occur. They have acquired tacit knowledge on hindrances and deal with them as and when they occur. Anything that can go wrong will go wrong is the basic philosophy.

Research limitations/implications

A small sample size makes the generalization of its findings difficult.

Practical implications

MSMEs cannot afford to hire specialists in project RM due to financial constraints. Hence, it would be worthwhile sending experienced employees for a short duration of training on the same.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors knowledge, it is a first-of-its-kind study focusing on RM practices of MSME, particularly in the construction sector.
A study on the overall trade structure and drivers of intra-industry trade in the pharmaceutical sector of India
Authors: Ganguly Adrija , Ghosh Sunandan
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to examine the trade structure of India’s pharmaceutical sector with a focus on intra-industry trade (IIT).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper starts with analysing export destinations and import sources using significant trade shares; the study calculates IIT between India and its consistent trade partners at an aggregate level and considers the problem of categorical aggregation at a disaggregate level. To determine the determinants of IIT at different levels, the Vector Error Correction model used production-related data to identify the drivers of IIT. Also, the Granger causality test was used for short-run causality.

Findings

This study examining India’s consistent trade partners from 1993 to 2023, finds long-run association and short-run causality. The results show a significant long-run association between total IIT and factors like unskilled labour share, invested capital, fuel consumption, total input and net value added. The key low-vertical IIT (LVIIT) drivers are invested capital, unskilled labour, fixed capital and total inputs. The negative long-run association between the total input and LVIIT obtained implies a rising level of total input cost, leading to a fall in IIT and LVIIT. Also, a negative association is obtained for unskilled labour and total IIT, while a positive association is obtained for LVIIT. In the short run, causality indicates that total IIT is influenced by invested capital and fuel consumption, while unskilled labour shares and total inputs drive LVIIT. Both IIT types impact invested capital, highlighting the need for policy intervention in input markets. It provides insights for improving quality trade expansion and correcting production-related factors.

Originality/value

Unlike other studies on the pharmaceutical trade in India, this study analyses India’s pharmaceutical trade for a longer time period, focusing on destination-wise analysis and calculating the intra-industry trade index while taking care of the problem of categorical aggregation. Further, the study attempted to find the long-run association with production-related drivers.
Love on the move: prioritizing personality traits and conflict resolution styles for sustaining romantic relationship during travel
Authors: Leruksa Chichaya , Sathatip Pongphan , Senachai Prarawan , Fakfare Pipatpong
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Framing by dual concern theory (DCT), this study aims to examine how personality traits influence conflict resolution strategies and their impact on fascination and relationship maintenance among romantic partners within the unique context of romantic travel. By focusing on the influence of the travel environment, this research explores how shared travel experiences may alter typical relationship dynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

Using composite-based structural model analysis and importance–performance map analysis (IPMA), the study prioritizes factors contributing to relationship quality, with a specific focus on how the travel environment shapes gender differences in conflict resolution preferences. IPMA ranks these traits and strategies based on their impact on fascination and relationship maintenance in a travel context. Data were collected from romantic partners during travel and analyzed for gender-specific trends.

Findings

The findings reveal that personality traits, particularly openness, play a critical role in shaping conflict resolution strategies such as integrating, obliging and compromising, which in turn enhance fascination and relationship maintenance. Factors such as openness should be prioritized for their significant impact on relationship quality, especially among women, while integrating, agreeableness and obliging are likely to be more influential among men. In addition, the study highlights gender differences in conflict resolution preferences and their impact on relationship dynamics.

Originality/value

This study extends DCT by demonstrating how the romantic tourism environment influences established relationship dynamics, particularly the role of personality traits in conflict resolution. It offers novel insights into how travel settings affect the maintenance of romantic relationships, revealing that relationship practices can shift during travel. Practically, tourism practitioners and destination marketers can leverage these findings by designing romantic travel experiences that foster collaborative conflict resolution and address gender-specific needs. Policymakers are encouraged to create supportive environments for romantic travelers, enhancing satisfaction and relational outcomes.
Labile carbon input alleviates nitrogen‐induced community instability in a meadow steppe
Authors: Jiang Liangchao , Wang Jing , Yang Guojiao , Ning Qiushi , Wang Yinliu , Li Shuo , Yu Lingfei , Liu Huajie , Lü Xiaotao , Jiang Yong , Han Xingguo , Wei Cunzheng , Zhang Haiyang
Published: February 2025

Global nitrogen (N) deposition continues to threaten plant diversity and ecosystem stability despite a recent slowdown in its increasing rates. Labile carbon (C) may help reduce excess N by alleviating microbial C starvations, but their role in mitigating the harmful effects of N enrichment remains unclear.

In a meadow steppe in northern China, we conducted a 9‐year (2014–2022) field experiment with six levels of historical N addition (0, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 g N m−2 year−1, 2014–2019) and three levels of labile C (0, 200, and 2000 g C m−2 year−1).

Three years after ceasing N treatments (2020–2022), above‐ground net primary productivity (ANPP) remained high under N addition. However, species richness and community stability continued to decline with increasing N addition rates. Labile C addition reduced the dominance of certain plant species within the community while it enhanced species asynchrony and below‐ground net primary productivity (BNPP). Boosted regression tree models indicated that the high levels of labile C inputs improved community stability by enhancing BNPP, which increased the relative importance of BNPP to the community stability from 7.5% to 27.4% as labile C input rose.

Synthesis. Our results highlight how labile C inputs can counteract the negative impacts of N enrichment on community stability via enhancing plant‐microbe competition and increasing below‐ground biomass allocation.
Impact of socioeconomic status on utilisation of a Virtual Emergency Department: An exploratory analysis
Authors: Talevski Jason , Rizk Shady , Sher Loren , Jessup Rebecca L , Semciw Adam I , Boyd James H , Miller Suzanne M , Hutton Jennie
Published: February 2025

Objective

To explore whether utilisation of a Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) differs according to socioeconomic status (SES).

Methods

A retrospective analysis was undertaken of data from the VVED – a telehealth service that provides care for patients across Victoria, Australia with non‐life‐threatening emergencies. The study included all individuals who presented to the VVED between July 2022 and June 2023 through the two most common referral pathways (self‐referral and ambulance referral). Area‐level SES was ascertained by matching residential postcodes to the corresponding Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Index of Relative Socioeconomic Advantage and Disadvantage (IRSAD) decile. IRSAD scores were divided into quintiles (1 = lowest SES, 5 = highest SES) and multivariable logistic regression modelling was used to analyse associations between the SES quintile and referral pathway, presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

There were 68 598 participants included in the analyses (mean age: 36.6 years; 58.4% female). Compared to SES quintile 3, higher odds of self‐referral to the VVED were observed in the two most advantaged SES groups (Quintile 4; adjusted OR [aOR] = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.06–1.26; P = 0.001) (Quintile 5; aOR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.25–1.52; P < 0.001). Conversely, lower odds of self‐referral were observed in the most disadvantaged SES group (Quintile 1; aOR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.75–0.90; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated a relatively even utilisation of the VVED service across SES population groups. The use of healthcare provider pathways, such as ambulance paramedics, may increase equitable access to telehealth. Clinical attention should be directed toward specific social groups in the emergency care setting.
Criteria for early discharge of drowning patients from the emergency department
Authors: Thom Ogilvie , Roberts Kym , Devine Susan , Franklin Richard C
Published: February 2025

Objective

Clinical factors previously shown to independently predict safe discharge were applied at ED presentation to determine whether we could identify a group of drowning patients who do not require treatment and are thus safe for rapid discharge.

Method

We conducted a retrospective study of drowning presentations to EDs of the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service in Queensland, Australia between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2022. Rapid discharge criteria (RDC) were defined as a normal spontaneous respiratory rate (adjusted for age), a normal peripheral blood saturation (≥94%) on room air, an Alert measurement on the Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive scale, clear chest auscultation and the absence of any requirement for oxygen or other ventilatory assistance from Emergency Medical Services. Primary outcome was the requirement for treatment (oxygen, ventilation or airway intervention).

Results

Five hundred and seventy‐seven drowning presentations were included. Two hundred and fifty‐five (44.2%) patients met RDC at ED presentation. Patients meeting RDC were more likely to be younger (median 9 years, IQR 3–21 vs 20 years, IQR 4–44, P < 0.016) than those with not meeting RDC. Eight patients meeting RDC had received bystander CPR. There were no deaths in the RDC group (0/255 (0%) vs 17/322 (5.3%), P < 0.016). No patient meeting RDC required treatment (0/255 (0%) vs 145/322 (45.0%), P < 0.016).

Conclusions

Drowning patients who meet rapid discharge criteria at ED presentation will not require treatment for their drowning and may be considered for discharge from the ED without further investigation or mandatory period of observation.
The effects of post‐harvest pretreatments and drying methods on in vitro bioaccessibility of phenolics and carotenoids in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cultivars
Authors: Nzimande Nokuthula Abegale , Mianda Sephora Mutombo , Seke Faith , Sivakumar Dharini
Published: February 2025

Two pretreatments (ultrasound sonication [US] and microwave [MW]) and drying techniques (hot air [HA] and freeze‐drying [FD]) were used to assess the in vitro bioaccessibility of phenols, carotenoids, and antioxidant activity in three tomato cultivars (Zzx171, Zzx162, and Zzx65). The metabolome‐chemometric analysis showed that tomato cultivars dried by FD and HA differed in metabolites. HA samples contained methoxytyrosine and aconitane‐type diterpenoids. US‐HA enhanced total phenol content bioaccessibility by 64.72%–74.25% in three tomato cultivars after digestion (intestinal phase). US‐HA increased the protocatechuic acid levels in all three tomato cultivars in the intestinal phase, but by 55.23% in Zzx65 compared to the undigested samples. Despite all adopted postharvest pretreatments and drying, US‐HA retained chlorogenic acid, 4‐O‐caffeinyliquinic acid, and rutin better, due to microstructure changes in the intestinal phase, and Zzx65 treated with US‐HA retained the most. In undigested samples, US‐FD improved total carotenoids, lycopene, and β‐carotene retention, but the inaccessibility was reduced significantly during in vitro digestion. Cultivar × postharvest treatment affected all phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and antioxidant activities in the intestinal phase. US‐HA had improved antioxidant power (FRAP) and 3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS) scavenging activity in the intestinal phase.

Practical Application

Tomatoes are an important part of the human diet. Their high perishability reduces their nutritional and microbiological quality. The lack of cold storage infrastructure in developing countries contributes to food waste. Convective hot air drying is suitable for recycling fresh market waste products as supplement powders. The ultrasound pretreatment protects bioactive compounds in tomato fruit and is non‐thermal. There are several limitations, including equipment cost, energy efficiency, and integration with commercial systems, which limit ultrasound‐assisted drying's scalability. The integration of US‐HA treatment (ultrasound‐assisted hot air drying) could reduce food waste and contribute to the sustainable development goals in agricultural industries.
Highly specific immunoassays for hazardous phenacetin in herbal teas enabled by low electronegativity‐induced coating antigen
Authors: Chen Maner , Lai Wei , Lin Jianhao , Liu Zhiwei , Lei Yi , Wang Yu , Wang Chenglong , Yu Xiaoqin , Mo Qiuhua , Wang Bingzhi , Lei Hongtao , Guan Tian
Published: February 2025

Phenacetin is often illegally adulterated into herbal teas for enhanced analgesic and anti‐inflammatory properties, posing great threats to consumers’ health. However, few rapid tests are available to monitor the banned phenacetin. Though one phenacetin immunoassay has been reported already, its unmet selectivity limits the wider application in rapid screening. Herein, a highly specific and sensitive phenacetin antibody was induced by long spacer arms‐based immunogens coupling with low‐electronegativity coating antigen. Furthermore, a precise indirect competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ic‐ELISA) and a field practical colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay (AuNPs‐LFIA) were developed for phenacetin detection in Guangdong herbal teas. This work exhibits low detection limits (8.80 ng/mL for ic‐ELISA, 2.19 ng/mL for AuNPs‐LFIA) and reasonable recoveries (102.8%–111.1% and 91.68%–111.91%). It is noteworthy that both of the developed ic‐ELISA and AuNPs‐LFIA have high accuracy and practicability in blind herbal tea analysis, which was validated by the authorized liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry method. The proposed ic‐ELISA and AuNPs‐LFIA could be promising approaches in monitoring Guangdong herbal teas with potential illegally adulterated phenacetin.

Practical Application

Rapid and accurate monitoring of illicitly added drugs of phenacetin in herbal teas is necessary and important for consumers and regulatory agencies.
Aromatic and sensorial profiles of Guichang kiwi wine fermented by indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains
Authors: Guan Tongwei , Gui Xuemei , Wu Yao , Wang Shouqin , Tian Lei , Liu Qingru , Wu Yijiao
Published: February 2025

The indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) serves as an essential tool for enhancing the sensory and aromatic profiles of fruit wines from specific regions. This study aims to investigate the effects of inoculating indigenous S. cerevisiae strains Sc1, Sc2, and a commercial strain Sy on the physicochemical properties, organic acids, sensory properties, and volatile compounds of Guichang kiwi wines (Sc1 wine, Sc2 wine, Sy wine) compared to unfermented kiwi juice. Compared to Sy wine, the ethanol concentration in Sc1 and Sc2 wines significantly increased, while the total organic acids content decreased, and the sensory properties of alcohol, fruity, and typicality were notably enhanced. Sc1 wine demonstrated the least reduction in vitamin C (VC) concentration and the lowest total organic acids concentration. Additionally, Sc1 wine surpassed Sc2 wine in terms of scores for alcohol, mouth‐feel, acidity, floral, fruity, and typicality. A total of 47 volatile compounds were identified in both the juice and wines using the two‐dimensional gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC × GC–MS) technique. A strong correlation was observed between 16 odor‐active compounds and six sensory attributes, while nine aroma‐active compounds (VIP > 1) were identified as the crucial differential compounds responsible for the aromatic characteristics of the juice and wines. Fermentation with Sc1 led to increased production of alcohols, ethyl esters, phenylethyl alcohol, and isoamyl acetate, which significantly enhanced floral and fruity flavors. This study provides evidence that fermentation with the indigenous S. cerevisiae strain Sc1 contributes to improving sensory attributes and enhancing aroma quality in Guichang kiwi wine.

Practical Application

As kiwi wine continues to gain widespread popularity among consumers, there is an increasing preference for the use of indigenous yeast strains in the fermentation process. This study demonstrates that, compared to the indigenous S. cerevisiae strain Sc2 and the commercial strain Sy, the indigenous sourced S. cerevisiae strain Sc1 produced fermented wine with the lowest total organic acids content. Furthermore, it exhibits a greater diversity and concentration of volatile compounds, along with a more pronounced floral and fruity aroma. These findings suggest its potential to enhance both the sensory attributes and aroma quality of Guichang kiwi wine.
Detection of Overlooked Rare EGFR Mutations in Non‐small Cell Lung Cancer Using Multigene Testing
Authors: Shiraishi Naoki , Takahama Takayuki , Sakai Kazuko , Tanaka Kaoru , Nakagawa Yuzuki , Kanemura Hiroaki , Nakayama Tomohiro , Kawanaka Yusuke , Kurosaki Takashi , Suzuki Shinichiro , Iwasa Tsutomu , Tanizaki Junko , Inagaki Chiaki , Yonesaka Kimio , Fukuoka Kazuya , Mitsudomi Tetsuya , Nishio Kazuto , Hayashi Hidetoshi , Nakagawa Kazuhiko
Published: February 2025

Background

Recognizing rare molecular variants of driver mutations poses a challenge in precision oncology, particularly for treatment of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, we aimed to determine whether Oncomine Dx Target Test Multi‐CDx System (ODxTT), the most widely used genetic test for NSCLC in Japan, potentially overlooks druggable EGFR mutations.

Materials and Methods

Among 418 patients who underwent molecular testing using ODxTT at our hospital, 267 were diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. No mutations were reported in 82 of these cases. For these 82 cases, we searched for EGFR mutations in exons 18–21 by examining the binary alignment map file. Once a mutation was identified, its pathological significance was evaluated using the ClinVar database to determine whether ODxTT had overlooked any actionable EGFR mutations.

Results

Mutations in EGFR exons 19 and 18 were identified in six and four cases, respectively. Three, six, and none of these variants were detectable using the Cobas EGFR Mutation Test v2, Lung Cancer Compact Panel, and Amoy Dx, respectively. Of the 10 patients, five were subsequently treated with EGFR TKI; three showed partial response, one had stable disease, and one had progressive disease.

Conclusions

ODxTT failed to identify 10 actionable EGFR mutations, accounting for 12.2% (10/82) of the cases initially reported as not carrying actionable mutations. Therefore, comprehensive genomic profiling should be actively performed early in cases with high clinical suspicion of EGFR mutations.
Working memory capacity and self‐cues: Consistent benefits in children and adults
Authors: Ahmed Zahra , McLean Janet F. , Allan Kevin , Cunningham Sheila J.
Published: February 2025

From attentional prioritization to enhanced memory, self‐cues trigger a variety of effects within human cognition. Recent work suggests that self‐reference may also enhance working memory, possibly via attentional prioritization. However, there is no direct evidence that self‐cues enhance working memory capacity, or that such boosts covary with individuals' attentional function. Here, we provide the first direct evidence of enhanced working memory capacity for self‐referential cues, independent of attentional processing. We adapted a verbal working memory complex span to create a ‘Self’ condition (featuring the participant's own name), ‘Other’ condition (featuring a non‐self‐name), and Control condition (with no name), in 7–9‐year‐old children (Exp.1, N = 71) and adults (Exp.2, N = 52). In both experiments, the Self condition elicited significantly higher spans than the other conditions (Exp 1: p < .001, ηp2 = .32; Exp 2: p < .001, ηp2 = .25), but this increase in capacity was unrelated to measures of attentional processing or backward digit span. Moreover, equivalent boosts were observed in children and adults, despite adults' significantly higher underlying capacity. We propose a chunking interpretation based on enhanced binding of self‐associated items, directly benefiting individual's working memory capacity regardless of their current attentional competence or ‘baseline’ capacity.
Serum Estradiol Concentrations With Estradiol 0.06% Gel in Transgender and Gender‐Diverse Adults
Authors: Maggacis Raquel A. , Cheung Ada S. , Nolan Brendan J.
Published: February 2025

Objective

Transgender and gender‐diverse individuals undergoing estradiol therapy for gender affirmation are typically treated with oral or transdermal estradiol, with transdermal estradiol recommended for those aged > 45 years. There are limited data evaluating estradiol gel in gender‐affirming hormone therapy regimens. We aimed to assess the serum estradiol concentrations achieved with estradiol 0.06% gel in transgender and gender‐diverse adults.

Design

Retrospective cross‐sectional audit of transgender and gender‐diverse adults at endocrine clinics in Melbourne, Australia.

Patients

Eighty‐one adults treated with estradiol 0.06% gel.

Measurements

Outcomes were estradiol 0.06% gel dose, serum estradiol concentration and proportion of individuals achieving target serum estradiol concentrations in consensus guidelines.

Results

Median serum estradiol concentration was 396 pmol/L (233–681) on 1.5 mg (1.5–2.25) estradiol 0.06% gel daily. Forty‐six percent of individuals achieved serum estradiol concentrations within target range (250–600 pmol/L) of Australian consensus guidelines; 27% were below range and 27% were above range. There was a weak positive correlation between estradiol gel dose and serum estradiol concentration (r = 0.23, p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Estradiol 0.06% gel achieves target serum estradiol concentrations in a significant proportion of transgender and gender‐diverse adults. This represents an alternative estradiol formulation for individuals desiring estradiol therapy for gender affirmation.
Peri‐Implant Marginal Bone Changes Using High‐Speed Drilling With Irrigation Versus Low‐Speed Drilling Without Irrigation: A Randomized Clinical Trial With 12 Months of Follow‐Up
Authors: Bernabeu‐Mira Juan Carlos , Peñarrocha‐Diago Miguel , Canullo Luigi , Camacho‐Alonso Fabio , Rojo‐Sanchis Julio , Peñarrocha‐Oltra David
Published: February 2025

Objective

To analyse marginal bone level changes at implants placed using high‐speed drilling (800 rpm) with irrigation versus low‐speed drilling (150 rpm) without irrigation. Peri‐implant soft‐tissue parameters were assessed and the influence of bone density and vertical dimensions of supracrestal soft tissue on marginal bone level changes was evaluated.

Material and Methods

Patients with a single posterior edentulous area were included in a randomized parallel single‐blinded clinical trial. The study groups were: high‐speed drilling with irrigation (CG:control group) and low‐speed drilling without irrigation (TG:test group). Marginal bone level changes were measured using parallelized periapical radiographs during 12‐months. Probing depth, bleeding on probing, plaque index, buccal keratinized mucosa, suppuration and recession were measured. The mean total bone density was evaluated in Hounsfield Units. Mann–Whitney U‐test for non‐parametric variables and t‐test for parametric variables were employed.

Results

A total of 66 patients were included (33 per group). The implant success rate was 100% for both groups according to Misch classification. No statistically significant differences were found regarding marginal bone loss (CG: −0.03 (0.17); TG: −0.01 (0.05)), bone remodeling (CG: 0.81 (0.64); TG: 0.86 (0.54)), or peri‐implant soft tissue parameters (p > 0.05). Bone density showed no significant correlation with the peri‐implant bone and soft‐tissue changes. The vertical supracrestal soft tissue was inversely correlated to peri‐implant bone remodeling.

Conclusions

Within the limits, high‐speed drilling with irrigation and low‐speed drilling without irrigation had no statistically significant influence on the peri‐implant marginal bone and soft tissue changes during 12 months of follow‐up. These variables were not significantly influenced by bone density.

Trial Registration

Unique identification number: NCT05286866
Does hospitalisation improve oral anticoagulant optimisation in patients with atrial fibrillation?
Authors: Kefale Belayneh , Peterson Gregory M. , Mirkazemi Corinne , Dwyer Nathan B. , Salahudeen Mohammed S. , Radford Janette , Boland Camille M. , Bezabhe Woldesellassie M.
Published: February 2025

Background

Hospitalisation offers an opportunity for medication review and correction, yet it has received little attention. We aimed to evaluate oral anticoagulant (OAC) use in patients with atrial fibrillation at hospital admission and discharge and determine whether hospitalisation improves care.

Methods

We conducted an observational study at the Royal Hobart Hospital, Australia, in patients with atrial fibrillation. The appropriateness of stroke‐prevention therapy at admission and discharge was evaluated using Australian guidelines. Factors associated with correcting inappropriate OAC therapy were identified using multiple logistic regression.

Results

Among 902 patients, 47.1% (n = 425) were receiving inappropriate OAC therapy at admission. The most common errors included lack of OAC therapy (58.6%, n = 249) and underdosing of direct‐acting OACs (15.5%, n = 66). OAC therapy appropriateness at discharge was assessed for 844 patients; 73.8% were receiving appropriate therapy (versus 53.8% at admission (p < .001)). Specifically, 49.0% (n = 191) of the admission therapy errors were corrected. Correction was more likely in patients admitted to the stroke (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 16.93, 95% CI: 1.31–218.48) or cardiology wards (aOR: 4.10, 95% CI: 1.94–8.64), and if bleeding occurred during hospitalisation (aOR: 4.01, 95% CI: 1.07–14.99). Conversely, receiving rivaroxaban at admission (aOR: .23, 95% CI: .11–.51) and having a medium or high bleeding risk (ORBIT score ≥3) (aOR: .46, 95% CI: .25–.84) decreased the likelihood of correction.

Conclusion

Hospitalisation improved OAC therapy appropriateness; however, 51.0% of patients admitted with inappropriate therapy continued without correction. An intervention that enhances the hospital care team correcting inappropriate OAC therapy is warranted.
The Plausibility of Klafki's Model of Exemplary Teaching
Authors: Moilanen Antti
Published: February 2025

In this article Antti Moilanen assesses criticisms of Wolfgang Klafki's model of exemplary teaching made by Meinert Meyer and Hilbert Meyer and by Chi‐Hua Chu. “Exemplary teaching” is a style of discovery‐based teaching in which students study concrete examples of general principles in such a way that they acquire transferable knowledge and skills. Put differently, the aim of exemplary teaching is to foster categorical Bildung. Klafki's model of exemplary teaching is based on Martin Wagenschein's didactics and his own theory of the categorical Bildung. Here, Moilanen explicates and analyzes Klafki's theory of categorical Bildung, Wagenschein's concepts related to exemplary teaching, Klafki's conception of the conditions and principles of exemplary teaching, and criticisms of Klafki's didactics set out by Meyer and Meyer and by Chu. He then examines whether Meyer and Meyer as well as Chu have adequately understood Klafki's model of exemplary teaching and whether their criticisms are justified, concluding that their criticisms do not credibly question the validity of exemplary teaching.
The impact of modern agricultural development on wage inequality within rural areas
Authors: Li Xiaochun , Zhou Yuean
Published: February 2025

Wage inequality within rural areas refers to the wage inequality between the modern and traditional agricultural sectors. In developing countries, the development of modern agriculture is an important factor affecting this inequality. This paper establishes a general equilibrium model to investigate this impact under the framework of labor transfer. We found that capital subsidy policies for modern agriculture will be conducive to expanding the scale of modern agriculture and narrowing wage inequality within rural areas. Conversely, wage subsidies for modern agriculture would widen wage inequality within rural areas, despite facilitating the transition of traditional agricultural labor into modern agriculture.
Tribological properties and wear mechanism of short carbon fiber reinforced SiC composites against Al2O3, SiC, and Si3N4
Authors: Pan Wenqian , Xia Xizhen , Zhou Wei , Li Yang
Published: February 2025

The tribological properties of carbon fiber‐reinforced silicon carbide composites (C/C‐SiC) were investigated under loads of 30 and 50 N using a reciprocating friction method. The study employed alumina, silicon carbide, and silicon nitride balls as the counterpart materials. Results indicated that under different loads, the C/C‐SiC composites paired with silicon nitride balls exhibited the highest coefficient of friction and wear volume. In contrast, those paired with alumina balls demonstrated the best comprehensive tribological performance, with a low coefficient of friction and low value of wear volume. The wear mechanisms of the different pairs were studied, revealing that the primary wear mechanisms for each pair include abrasive wear, oxidative wear, and fatigue wear.
Exosomes in the Chemoresistance of Glioma: Key Point in Chemoresistance
Authors: Guo Xu , Piao Haozhe , Sui Rui
Published: February 2025

Gliomas are the most ordinary primary virulent brain tumours and commonly used clinical treatments include tumour resection, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Although significant progress has been made in recent years in progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for patients with high‐grade gliomas, the prognosis for patients remains poor. Chemoresistance refers to the phenomenon of decreased sensitivity of tumour cells to drugs, resulting in reduced or ineffective drug efficacy, and is an important cause of failure of tumour chemotherapy. Exosomes, a type of extracellular vesicle, are secreted by cancer cells and various stromal cells in the tumour microenvironment (TME) and transfer their inclusions to cancer cells, increasing chemoresistance. Furthermore, depletion of exosomes reverses certain detrimental effects on tumour metabolism and restores sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents. Here, we summarised the correlation between exosomes and resistance to chemotherapeutic agents in glioma patients, the mechanisms of action of exosomes involved in resistance and their clinical value. We aimed to afford new thoughts for research, clinical diagnosis and intervention in the mechanisms of chemoresistance in glioma patients.
Ridge Augmentation Using a Self‐Retaining Block Bone Material in Damaged Extraction Sockets: A Multi‐Centre Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Park Shinyoung , Lee Joo‐Yeon , Park Jin‐Young , Song Young Woo , Cha Jae‐Kook , Strauss Franz J. , Shin Seung‐Yun , Lim Hyun‐Chang , Jung Ronald E. , Jung Ui‐Won , Thoma Daniel S.
Published: February 2025

Aim

To compare the dimensional stability of a self‐retaining synthetic block bone (srBB) and synthetic bone particles (SBP) for alveolar ridge augmentation (ARA) in damaged extraction sockets.

Materials and Methods

ARA was randomly performed in two centres on 57 participants presenting damaged extraction socket in a non‐molar tooth: (i) srBB and collagen membrane (srBB group, n = 29) or (ii) SBP and collagen membrane (SBP group, n = 28). Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed immediately after ARP (baseline, T0) and at 6 months (T1). T0 and T1 CBCTs were superimposed, and horizontal widths (H0–H5), vertical heights and volume changes were assessed using t‐test.

Results

Due to wound dehiscence, srBB was removed in 10 patients. The change in horizontal width at the most coronal level (H0) was significantly lower for srBB compared to SBP (srBB: 0.8 ± 1.0 mm; SBP: 1.9 ± 2.2 mm, p < 0.05). Significantly less volume decrease was seen at the bucco‐coronal level for srBB (srBB: 3.2 ± 0.6 mm3; SBP: 10.4 ± 2.3 mm3, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Compared to synthetic bone particles, synthetic bone blocks have the potential to more effectively augment and maintain the coronal horizontal dimension and width of damaged extraction sockets for up to 6 months. However, this advantage is offset by their relatively high rates of early wound dehiscence.

Trial Registration: Korean Clinical Research information service (CRIS) (KCT0005462)
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Firm Value: International Evidence on the Role of CSR Assurance
Authors: Choi Ahrum , Jin Lan , Rezaee Zabihollah , Zhou Gaoguang
Published: February 2025

A growing number of companies around the world have started publishing corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports. However, the sustainability literature remains inconclusive as to whether CSR assurance enhances the credibility of these reports, improves stakeholder trust, and ultimately boosts firm value. Analyzing a global sample of 39,776 firm‐year observations from 2002 to 2019, we present robust evidence that CSR assurance positively influences investors' valuation of CSR efforts. Furthermore, auditor‐provided CSR assurance is found to have a greater impact on CSR valuation in countries where institutions are more conducive to opaque financial reporting. Our analysis further reveals that improved financial performance and better financial reporting quality are the main mechanisms behind this effect. Finally, the impact of CSR assurance is found to be more significant in countries with weaker legal institutions and CSR norms.