bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empowering healthcare: the link of self-efficacy, employee engagement, and citizenship behaviors
Authors: Bardhan Shravana , Haque Shamima
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study investigates employee engagement within private healthcare settings, with a particular emphasis on the connection between occupational self-efficacy and organizational citizenship behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods approach was utilized for this research. Interviews were conducted with employees across different managerial levels to identify various employee engagement strategies implemented in eight private hospitals in West Bengal. Subsequently, a survey of 414 healthcare employees from these institutions was conducted using a structured questionnaire. The study employed Confirmatory Factor Analysis, linear regression, and mediation analysis using the Sobel test to explore the relationships between variables.

Findings

The study revealed a significant positive correlation among all variables. Employee engagement was identified as a mediating factor between occupational self-efficacy and organizational citizenship behavior.

Research limitations/implications

This research is focused exclusively on the healthcare sector, with no data collected from other sectors, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. The sample size and geographic scope were restricted, which may not capture the full diversity of perspectives within the healthcare sector.

Practical implications

This research indicates that OSE promotes OCB, with this effect amplified when mediated by EE. Thus, fostering EE can significantly contribute to achieving OCB, a crucial factor in the healthcare sector. Given these insights, public healthcare institutions, which often serve a larger and more diverse patient population, could benefit from adopting similar engagement-enhancing practices. In these high-pressure environments, where employees frequently need to exceed their formal role definitions, cultivating a culture of engagement becomes paramount. By implementing targeted EE initiatives, government hospitals can potentially improve OCB among their staff, leading to enhanced patient care and operational efficiency. Government healthcare HR professionals can enhance OSE through training, coaching, and talent recognition programs. Empowering employees via skill development and participative decision-making can boost OSE and its positive impact on OCB.

Originality/value

This study offers novel insights that can inform practices in both private and public healthcare sectors, representing a pioneering effort in the Indian context. By examining these dynamics, the research aims to contribute to the development of strategies that enhance employee engagement, ultimately leading to improved patient care that goes beyond standard job descriptions.
The impact of reverse jeonse incidents on the risk of nonreturn of security deposits: an empirical analysis of the South Korean housing market
Authors: Park Jinbaek , Park Kiduk
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the impact of reverse jeonse on the risk of nonreturn of security deposits in the South Korean housing market. Reverse jeonse refers to a situation where the market price of a jeonse contract drops below the agreed price, which increases the likelihood of landlords being unable to return deposits.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis uses data from 17 South Korean regions, covering apartments and multifamily dwellings from 2017 to 2022. Key indicators of nonreturn risk include leasehold registration orders, court auctions and jeonse deposit guarantee incidents. A panel regression model is applied to quantify the correlation between reverse jeonse incidents and the increased risk of nonreturn.

Findings

The study finds that an increase in reverse jeonse incidents correlates with a higher frequency of leasehold registration orders, court auctions and deposit guarantee cases, particularly after 2021. Economic disruptions and policy changes exacerbated landlords’ financial burdens, highlighting the need for interventions to stabilize the jeonse market.

Practical implications

The findings suggest strengthening jeonse deposit guarantee schemes and refining legal procedures to mitigate the risk of nonreturn. Policy recommendations include targeted interventions to stabilize the market and protect tenant deposits.

Originality/value

This study fills a gap in existing literature by empirically linking reverse jeonse to the nonreturn of deposits and offering data-driven policy recommendations to ensure market stability and tenant protection.
External driver of corporate green innovation: Does customer environmental concern matter?
Authors: Jia Zhiqiang , Li Weian , Xu Jian
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of customers' environmental concern on corporate green innovation and its underlying mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

This study empirically examines the impact of customer environmental concern on corporate green innovation using 967 company-customer-year observations of Chinese A-share listed companies over the period 2012–2022.

Findings

The empirical results show that customer environmental concern significantly enhances corporate green innovation. Furthermore, executive environmental awareness and research and development (R&D) investment play a partial mediating role in this relationship. The heterogeneity analysis reveals that state-owned customers, customers located in the same province with the corporate and the intellectual property model cities contribute to strengthening this relationship. Moreover, corporate performance analysis shows that customer environmental concern can significantly increase corporate financial performance and sustainable performance.

Originality/value

This study innovatively proposes a measure of customer environmental concern and examines its impact on corporate green innovation and its underlying mechanisms. In addition, this study also proposes some insights for policymakers.
Reusing the Ghoufi’s vernacular buildings within the context of sustainable conservation, an action put to the test
Authors: Bourayou Houda , Aichour Boudjemâa
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Vernacular architectures are now seen as sustainable construction models for their quality and environmental solutions. This study examines Ghoufi’s Chaouie constructive culture, which adapted to harsh climates by optimizing resources and integrating vegetation, construction and animal husbandry. Yet, modernization efforts have often endangered this heritage through harmful rehabilitation. Our main goal is to preserve this resilient architecture through sustainable conservation that respects its cultural integrity.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental method, based on the principles of integrated conservation, was employed to evaluate the reuse and readaptation potential of vernacular buildings. The research involved an initial discovery phase to examine the building practices, environmental context and Chaouie cultural heritage. Evaluation is conducted through a pilot study, where we conduct a rehabilitation trial on a model house, followed by a public survey, to refine the experimentation and obtain reliable and quality results.

Findings

The study concludes with methodological guidelines for a sustainable conservation strategy for Ghoufi. The findings demonstrate the feasibility of reviving traditional techniques, leveraging local expertise and resources and promoting environmentally responsible practices in the conservation of vernacular architecture.

Originality/value

The study lies in its holistic, field-based approach to sustainable conservation, centered on Ghoufi’s cultural and environmental context. Unlike prior interventions, this research integrates traditional construction, Chaoui community values and ecotourism as drivers of sustainable territorial development. It demonstrates the feasibility of reusing vernacular structures through an inclusive, community-focused conservation strategy that preserves Ghoufi’s identity while supporting long-term sustainability.

Highlights

(1)

The Algerian civil war, known in Algeria as the black decade, lasted from 1992 to 2002.

(2)

The name of the local population of the Aures region I, including Ghoufi.

(3)

Tourist expansion zone.

(4)

Permanent Plan for the Conservation and Enhancement of the Protected Sector [Author’s translation].

(5)

These are development and planning schemes in Algeria at the regional territorial level and at the level of the province (wilaya).

(6)

These are agencies supporting youth employment, micro-credits and support units for assisting young entrepreneurs in job creation.
How and when does enterprise social media usage threaten employees’ thriving at work? An affective perspective
Authors: Li Yi , Liu Renjing
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The impact of enterprise social media (ESM) on employees is not always beneficial. The constant connectivity of ESM can trigger emotional issues, threatening employees' psychological states. This study aims to explore the potential risks of ESM usage on thriving at work by examining how ESM usage affects thriving and for whom this relationship is amplified.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on Affect Event Theory, this study proposes a research model for investigating the underlying mechanisms and boundary conditions of the negative impacts of different ESM usage patterns on employees' thriving at work. This study employed Smart-PLS 4.0 with structural equation modeling to analyze multi-wave survey data from 255 employees, testing the proposed model.

Findings

The results indicate the following: (1) ESM usage triggers employees' workplace fear of missing out (WFoMO), increasing their online vigilance and consequently hindering their thriving at work. (2) The impact of ESM usage on employees' WFoMO and thriving at work varies with their ambition levels, with high-ambition employees being more susceptible to negative effects and (3) Different types of ESM usage exert distinct effects on employees.

Originality/value

This study substantiates the potential negative impact of ESM usage on employees' thriving at work, contributing to the literature on the “dark side” of ESM usage and thriving at work. This study confirms the critical mediating role of emotion, offering a novel theoretical perspective on understanding the mechanisms linking ESM usage and its outcomes. Additionally, this study identifies the moderating role of employee ambition, complementing the boundary conditions of ESM usage.
Women entrepreneurs in emerging Saudi Arabia: exploring the impact of innovation, risk and perseverance
Authors: Iqbal Tahir , Ahmad Shabir
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Saudi Vision 2030 is centred around innovation, entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment to foster economic growth and bring about social change. In this context, this study examines the impact of product innovation on the success of women entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia, who constitute around 42% of the population and experience empowerment through recent reforms. Additionally, the study explores the moderating effect of risk-taking behaviour and the mediating role of perseverance.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a quantitative design, this study collected data from 256 Saudi women entrepreneurs from five major cities using a snowball sampling technique. The data were gathered through a survey questionnaire and analysed in SmartPLS 4.

Findings

The results revealed that product innovation positively impacts both entrepreneurial perseverance and women’s entrepreneurial success. Furthermore, the moderating role of risk-taking behaviour and the mediating role of perseverance were found to be statistically significant in the relationship between product innovation and women’s entrepreneurial success.

Practical implications

The research findings help policymakers to focus on important factors that can harness women’s entrepreneurship. The Saudi government and society should offer increased financial, regulatory and moral support to women entrepreneurs to achieve the National Vision 2030.

Originality/value

This research provides empirical evidence on the crucial topic of women’s entrepreneurship in the context of Saudi Arabia, specifically from the perspective of product innovation, risk-taking behaviour and perseverance. The findings provide important practical, social and regulatory implications for various stakeholders.
Economic winners and losers of the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from New Zealand
Authors: Ameer Rashid
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study investigates the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the primary, manufacturing, and services industries in New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses quantitative research design and quarterly panel data at industry level. It uses macroeconomic data and novel contextual variables capturing the impacts of the social restrictions and lockdowns in a linear regression model which is estimated using Two Stage Least square and Difference-in-Difference approach.

Findings

The findings reveal a stark contrast between services and primary industry sectors, while the Information, Media, and Telecom sector experienced a substantial 2.8% GDP gain, driven by increased online activity and remote work, the Forestry and Logging sectors suffered significant losses of 5.5%. Furthermore, using a Difference-in-Difference estimation approach, the study provides evidence of asymmetric impacts on essential and non-essentials industry sectors. These disparities highlight the role of government policies, particularly in designating certain sectors as essential services, in shaping the pandemic's winners and losers.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses only on five macroeconomic variables such as GDP at industry level, unemployment, inflation, immigration and retail spending.

Practical implications

The main findings are of particular importance to business strategist, managers and policymakers in New Zealand and other developed countries, as understanding the drivers that transmitted supply and demand shocks will enable better quantification and comprehension of the pandemic’s impacts that are still being felt globally.

Originality/value

This study provides new empirical evidence using macro and microeconomic level indicators that have not been studies empirically in the COVID-19 pandemic context.
Cultivating sustainability practices through intellectual capital: a qualitative inquiry of medium and large manufacturing firms within an emerging economy
Authors: Alinda Kassim , Wakibi Aziz
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper undertakes a qualitative investigation into the cultivation of sustainability practices within medium and large manufacturing firms through the utilization of intellectual capital, aimed at effectively addressing environmental challenges. The study seeks to identify the challenges encountered by manufacturing firms and examine the mechanisms employed to implement sustainable practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a phenomenological paradigm through conversational discourse, this study delves into the nuanced cultivation of sustainability practices. Drawing from 12 rich case studies, the research utilizes direct quotes, a causal-effect matrix and evocative vignettes for interpretive analysis.

Findings

There are diverse phenomenological perspectives on intellectual capital, such as human, relational and structural capital, as strategies to address specific sustainability challenges identified within manufacturing firms. The research provides insights into various sustainability practices adopted by these firms.

Research limitations/implications

This study is constrained by several limitations, including a convenience sampling method, potential interview subjectivity and a narrow scope focusing on a subset of manufacturing firms.

Practical implications

Moreover, acknowledging the limitations of convenience sampling and potential interview biases encourages researchers and practitioners to consider broader sampling strategies and mitigate subjective influences in future studies.

Originality/value

This study contributes original insights by employing a phenomenological approach to investigate how intellectual capital perspectives – human, relational and structural – are leveraged by manufacturing firms to address specific sustainability challenges. By exploring diverse sustainability practices within a focused subset of firms, the research enhances understanding of how intellectual capital can be harnessed strategically.
Whistleblowing allegations and auditor resignation: should I stay or should I go?
Authors: Duong Hong Kim , Lazerson Danielle S. , Sequeira Emmanuel
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Although regulations to prevent financial wrongdoing exist in the USA, whistleblowing (WB) remains important in deterring unethical corporate behavior. The purpose of this study is to address the tension in the audit continuance literature by examining auditor resignations following a WB allegation.

Design/methodology/approach

WB allegation data is obtained from the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration and through manually collecting media-reported WB allegations. The authors use a difference-in-difference research design to examine auditor resignations around WB allegations. The test sample is compared against a propensity-score-matched (PSM) sample of control firms.

Findings

Auditors are significantly less likely to resign from an engagement following a WB allegation. Auditors prefer to increase their fees and continue with the engagement rather than resign, even when faced with the heightened risks posed by WB allegations. These findings suggest that auditors value the ability to earn a consistent stream of increased revenue from their clients, in agreement with the risk-spreading theory of audit continuance literature.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that examines auditor resignations following a WB allegation. These findings contribute to the existing WB and auditing literature and add to the auditor acceptance/continuance literature. The findings are meaningful to shareholders, managers, researchers and especially to standard setters who are tasked with ensuring that auditors provide assurances about the accuracy of financial statements.
An automatic approach for adapting open government data to linked OD with enhanced visualization and user-friendly query composer
Authors: Bouchelouche Khadidja , Zemmouchi-Ghomari Leila , Ghomari Abdessamed Réda
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to introduce a fully automatic process for publishing and leveraging open government data (OGD) as linked OD (LOD), called the LOD-GePEx for LOD generation, publication and exploitation. It empowers developers to harness open-source data, creating practical and beneficial citizen applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The LOD-GePEx approach is a three-step process. First, it transforms OGD into LOD, adhering to the four LD principles. Second, it publishes the generated LOD in the OGD portal, following accessibility best practices. Third, it exploits the published LOD through an interface that offers multiple services. In addition, this paper carried out functional and performance tests to prove the proposed approach’s effectiveness and performance.

Findings

The evaluation phase demonstrated that the LOD-GePEx approach is effective and efficient. It transforms OGD into LOD with exploitation services to enable insightful data analysis for stakeholders without intensive human workloads. Besides, it is generic; it can be used for several data sets and any case study.

Research limitations/implications

The approach struggles with speed index and interactivity time in resource description framework and LOD publication generation, particularly with large government data sets. However, this work has prioritized the comprehensive exploration of the end-to-end process and handling of diverse data domains. This work implies that adopting this approach will facilitate the publication and exploitation of OGD.

Originality/value

The proposed approach surpasses the limitations of related works, mainly focusing on particular use cases and manual data linking, which require intensive human workloads and few or no data insights. Besides, the proposed approach is the only approach that addresses the end-to-end process of transforming, publishing and exploiting OGDs as LODs.
Integrative Analyses of Biomarkers and Pathways in Oxidative Stress‐Related Genes for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Chen Yunyan , Qian Fuchu , Chen Yingying
Published: January 2025

Problem

Oxidative stress (OS) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but it was not well understood. We aimed to investigate the biomarkers and underlying mechanisms of OS‐related genes in GDM.

Method of Study

The GSE103552 and GSE70493 datasets of GDM were acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Then, oxidative stress‐related differentially expressed genes (OSDEGs) were screened between GDM and normal samples from these two datasets. Further analyses were conducted by gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) for these OSDEGs. Subsequently, protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network analyses of these OSDEGs were carried out to screen the hub genes. Eventually, we used single‐sample Gene‐set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) to compare the immune cell infiltration between GDM and normal samples.

Results

We identified 26 OSDEGs. Enrichment analysis suggested that the OSDEGs enriched in OS and diabetes‐related pathways. GSEA revealed that these OSDEGs enriched in sensory perception of taste and negative regulation of notch4 signaling pathways. Moreover, PPI analysis showed that 15 OSDEGs were the hub gene in GDM. A total of 14 hub genes were highly expressed in GDM and might be used as diagnosis biomarkers. Moreover, many potential agents might target 10 hub genes for GDM treatment. In addition, immune infiltrate analyses revealed that expression of 14 hub genes was positively correlated to immune infiltrates in GDM.

Conclusion

OSDEGs are significant in GDM and may provide potential diagnostic biomarkers and treatment targets for GDM.
Robotic versus laparoscopic colorectal surgery for patients with obesity: an updated systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: McKechnie Tyler , Khamar Jigish , Chu Christopher , Hatamnejad Amin , Jessani Ghazal , Lee Yung , Doumouras Aristithes , Amin Nalin , Hong Dennis , Eskicioglu Cagla
Published: January 2025

Background

Obesity poses significant challenges in colorectal surgery, affecting operative difficulty and postoperative recovery. The choice of minimally invasive approach for this patient population remains a challenge during preoperative planning. This review aims to provide an updated synthesis of studies comparing laparoscopic and robotic approaches for adult patients with obesity undergoing colorectal surgery.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase and CENTRAL were searched up to August 2023. Articles were included if they compared laparoscopic and robotic colorectal surgery outcomes in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). Outcomes included overall postoperative morbidity, conversion to laparotomy, and operative time. Inverse variance random‐effects meta‐analyses were used to pool effect estimates.

Results

After screening 2187 citations, 10 observational studies were included with 3281 patients with obesity undergoing robotic surgery (mean age: 58.1 years, female: 43.9%) and 11 369 patients with obesity undergoing laparoscopic surgery (mean age: 58 years, female: 53.2%). Robotic surgery resulted in longer operative times (MD 46.71 min, 95% CI 33.50–59.92, p < 0.01, I2 = 93.79%) with statistically significant reductions in conversions to laparotomy (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.39–0.65, p < 0.01, I2 = 67.15%). No significant differences were seen in postoperative morbidity (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.82–1.08, p = 0.40, I2 = 36.08%).

Conclusion

These data suggest that robotic colorectal surgery in patients with obesity may reduce the risk for conversion to laparotomy, but at the expense of increased operative times and with no overt benefits in postoperative outcomes. Further high quality randomized controlled trials assessing the utility of robotic surgery in patients with obesity undergoing colorectal surgery are warranted.
Proximal humerus fracture dislocations: outcomes of management
Authors: Cosic Filip , Kirzner Nathan , Edwards Elton , Page Richard , Kimmel Lara , Gabbe Belinda
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Proximal humerus fracture dislocations are amongst the most severe proximal humerus injuries, presenting a challenging management problem. The aim of this study was to report on long‐term outcomes of management of proximal humerus fracture dislocations.

Methods

Patients with a proximal humerus fracture dislocation managed at a Level 1 trauma centre from January 2010 to December 2018 were included. Patients with isolated tuberosity fracture dislocations or pathological fractures were excluded. Outcome measures were the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), EQ‐5D‐5L, return to work and radiological outcomes. Complications recorded included further surgery, loss of position/fixation, non‐union/malunion and avascular necrosis.

Results

Sixty‐nine patients were included with a proximal humerus fracture dislocation in the study period; 48 underwent surgical management and 21 were managed successfully with closed reduction alone. The mean (SD) age of the cohort was 59.7 (±20.4), and 54% were male. Overall patients reported a mean OSS of 39.8 (±10.3), a mean EQ‐5D utility score of 0.73 (±0.20), and 78% were able to return to work at a median of 1.2 months. There was a high prevalence of complications in both patients managed operatively or with closed reduction (25% and 38% respectively). In patients undergoing surgical management, 21% required subsequent surgery.

Conclusion

Patient reported outcome measures post proximal humerus fracture dislocations do not return to normal population levels. Further, these injuries are associated with a high prevalence of complications. Appropriate patient counselling should be undertaken before embarking on definitive management.
Labor onset and delivery mode in women with congenital heart disease—A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Sandberg Marit , Fomina Tatiana , Macsali Ferenc , Greve Gottfried , Øyen Nina , Leirgul Elisabeth
Published: January 2025

Introduction

More women with congenital heart disease (CHD) are pursuing pregnancy. Their cardiac condition may impact the pregnancy and necessitate interventions during childbirth. We aimed to investigate labor onset and delivery mode in women with CHD relative to women without heart disease and explore the time trends of induced labor and cesarean deliveries.

Material and Methods

In a nationwide cohort in Norway from 1994 to 2014, we compared childbirths of women with mild, moderate/severe, or other CHD to childbirths of women without heart disease. Associations between maternal CHD and labor onset and delivery mode were estimated using log‐binomial regression. Time trends were assessed using Joinpoint regression.

Results

Among 1 218 452 childbirths, 2425 (20 per 10 000) had mild maternal CHD, 603 (5 per 10 000) moderate/severe maternal CHD, and 522 (4 per 10 000) other maternal CHD. Mild maternal CHD was associated with induced labor (aRR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01–1.22) and cesarean delivery (aRR 1.27, 95% CI 1.18–1.39), and the associations were stronger with moderate/severe CHD (induced labor: aRR 1.34, 95% CI 1.13–1.58; cesarean delivery: aRR 1.80, 95% CI 1.57–2.05) and other CHD (induced labor: aRR 1.39, 95% CI 1.17–1.66; cesarean delivery: aRR 1.62, 95% CI 1.39–1.89). From the first seven years (1994–2000) to the last (2008–2014), the cesarean delivery occurrence rose about 2% per year in childbirths without maternal heart disease and with mild maternal CHD (from 12.4% to 16.4% and from 14.2% to 21.2%, respectively), but remained stable in childbirths with moderate/severe maternal CHD (23.3% to 25.6%). For induced labor, there was a 2% increase per year in childbirths without maternal heart disease, contrasting a 3%–4% increase in those with mild and moderate/severe maternal CHD.

Conclusions

Maternal CHD was associated with higher risks of induced labor and cesarean delivery. From 1994 to 2014, the increase in induced labor was steeper in childbirths of women with CHD than in those of women without heart disease. The occurrence of cesarean deliveries rose in childbirths of women with mild CHD but was stable in childbirths of women with moderate/severe CHD.
Racial Disparities in Soccer Player Share Prices: Evidence From an Online Gambling Platform
Authors: Bajaj Anuja , Jena Farai , Reilly Barry
Published: January 2025

This paper exploits data from a now‐defunct online gambling platform to investigate the extent to which the virtual demand for soccer players, as reflected in a player's share price quoted online, is related to race. The data are drawn from soccer players employed in the highest tier of the top five European leagues and contain a rich array of player‐level productivity and other attributes. The study finds that the skin tone of the player matters with the darker the shade, the lower the player's online purchase price. The statistically significant negative effects are generally found to be concentrated within the bottom part of the unconditional price distribution. In addition, decomposition methods using players classified unambiguously as either “White” or “Black” confirms the presence of an unequal treatment for the latter with the statistically significant effects again detected below the median of the unconditional price distribution. These effects are generally found to be robust to the use of both unweighted and weighted decomposition techniques.
Drivers of glacially induced fault reactivation in the Baltic Sea sector of the Tornquist Fan
Authors: Seidel Elisabeth , Steffen Holger , Steffen Rebekka , Ahlrichs Niklas , Hübscher Christian
Published: January 2025

We analyse the effect of Quaternary glaciations on the complex tectonic pattern within the southwestern Baltic Sea, a sector of the transition zone from the East European Craton to the West European Platform. This area comprises the Caledonian Trans–European Suture Zone in the south and the Tornquist Zone in the north. Multiple fault zones in between, with different strike and dip angles, and characters (normal, thrust/reverse, strike‐slip), document like scars the alternately transpressional and transtensional stress activities since the Palaeozoic. We determine the strike directions and dip angles of more than 40 potential glacially reactivated faults identified in 2D marine reflection seismic data. Finite element simulations of different glacial isostatic adjustment models provide glacially induced Coulomb failure stress changes (ΔCFS) at the faults over time, starting 200 000 years ago (200 ka, Saalian phase) up to 1000 years into the future. Assuming strike‐slip or thrust/reverse background stresses, a potential reactivation of each fault is analysed. The detected reactivation phases are related to the waxing and waning ice masses (Late Saalian ice advances: c. 170–135 ka ago; Weichselian ice advances: 70–60, 45–38, 26–14 ka ago) and point to an activation in front of the ice margin. Comparing the ΔCFS results of the individual faults laterally and over time, we found that the location of the fault, depending on its position during a glacial maximum, has an important effect on its reactivation potential. The closer a fault was located to the former ice margin, the higher was the glacially induced stress during the ice retreat. Based on earlier findings in Germany and Denmark, glacially triggered faults are a typical consequence of the Fennoscandian glaciation throughout northern central Europe, and this also applies to future glaciation phases.
Attitudes of Israeli Early Childhood Educators Who Work in Kibbutz, Rural Villages and Cities Towards Their Community and Its Significance for Children
Authors: Achituv Sigal , Dror Orit , Brody David
Published: January 2025

The societal context of community is of critical importance in understanding its effect on pedagogic practice in ECEC, and yet, the role of community in ECEC is taken for granted by both scholars and practitioners. Little is known about the attitudes of ECEC educators towards their communities and how they affect children. This research examines the perspectives of Israeli ECEC educators from three ecologies: Urban, village and kibbutz and the way in which they are expressed in their practice. Semi‐structured interviews with 24 educators were conducted and analysed thematically. Israeli educators from all three ecologies were characterised as viewing community focused on children yet moving beyond the kindergarten itself, standing in contrast to the commonplace among teachers elsewhere in the world, where community involvement is limited to parents helping their children with academic tasks. Other findings reveal two central themes: Family involvement and the overall conception of community which point to differences among educators in the three ecologies. Regarding family involvement, urban educators limited and controlled parent participation, while their village and kibbutz colleagues were more inclusive by integrating children into the life of the wider community. Regarding concepts of community, urban educators understood community in a utilitarian sense while village and kibbutz educators understood community as an essential building block of the kindergarten program for the benefit of children with mutual support and obligation between the ECEC setting and the surrounding community. The research findings shed light on the significance of the interplay between the wider community and ECEC and the importance of developing educational models that are sensitive to local cultural contexts.
Coexisting with large carnivores based on the Volterra principle
Authors: Boyce Mark S. , Carpentier Cecile A. E. , Linnell John D. C.
Published: January 2025

Coexistence with large carnivores represents one of the world's highest profile conservation challenges. Ecologists have identified ecological benefits derived from large carnivores (and large herbivores), yet livestock depredation, perceived competition for shared game, risks to pets and humans, and social conflicts often lead to demands for reduction of predator numbers from a range of stakeholder groups. Nearly 100 years ago, Vito Volterra predicted that increased mortality on both prey and predators results in increased abundance of prey and decreased abundance of predators. This principle appears to be robust and often consistent with the objectives of wildlife management. Although seldom recognized, and rarely tested in the field, the Volterra principle is a fundamental outcome of ecological theory with important implications for conservation.
Test‐retest reliability of cardiopulmonary exercise test‐derived metrics in individuals with COPD versus healthy controls
Authors: Mohammad Milan , Thomsen Rie S. , Rasmussen Iben E. , Andersen Amalie B. , Hartmann Jacob P. , Berg Ronan M. G.
Published: January 2025

Background

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is usually considered the gold standard for assessing maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O2max), a health and performance marker in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Despite the widespread application of CPET, the absolute and relative test‐retest reliability of CPET‐derived metrics remains unexamined.

Objective

To examine and compare test‐retest reliability of CPET derived metrics in individuals with COPD and healthy matched controls.

Methods

12 individuals with COPD and 12 healthy age‐ and sex‐matched controls were included in this case‐control study. Each participant completed two CPET on a bicycle ergometer on two different days. Absolute reliability was reported as smallest real difference (SRD) and relative reliability as coefficient of variance (CV) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).

Main Results

SRD for peak oxygen uptake was 451.6 (267.4;1006.4) mL/min and CV was 7.8 (4.7;11.0)% in patients with COPD, whereas SRD was 244.2 (151.4;491.5) mL/min and CV was 3.0 (1.8;4.2)% in healthy controls but with no significant between group difference for SRD. CV values for all CPET derived metrics were found to be below 10%. Apart from peak workload achieved and peak minute ventilation, SRD and CV were significantly higher in COPD than in controls for all other CPET‐derived metrics.

Conclusion

This study provides test‐retest reliability estimates of the most widely used CPET derived metrics in individuals with COPD and healthy matched controls. Test‐retest reliability for most metrics derived from CPET were found to be lower in individuals with COPD when compared to healthy controls.
Regenerating Locus Coeruleus‐Norepinephrine (LC‐NE) Function: A Novel Approach for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Yang Yana , Tao Yunlong
Published: January 2025

Pathological changes in the locus coeruleus‐norepinephrine (LC‐NE) neurons, the major source of norepinephrine (NE, also known as noradrenaline) in the brain, are evident during the early stages of neurodegenerative diseases (ND). Research on both human and animal models have highlighted the therapeutic potential of targeting the LC‐NE system to mitigate the progression of ND and alleviate associated psychiatric symptoms. However, the early and widespread degeneration of the LC‐NE system presents a significant challenge for direct intervention in ND. Recent advances in regenerative cell therapy offer promising new strategies for ND treatment. The regeneration of LC‐NE from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) could significantly broaden the scope of LC‐NE‐based therapies for ND. In this review, we delve into the fundamental background and physiological functions of LC‐NE. Additionally, we systematically examine the evidence and role of the LC‐NE system in the neuropathology of ND and psychiatric diseases over recent years. Notably, we focus on the significance of PSCs‐derived LC‐NE and its potential impact on ND therapy. A deeper understanding and further investigation into the regeneration of LC‐NE function could pave the way for practical and effective treatments for ND.
Every Face Has a Name: Individuation Training Reduces Implicit Racial Bias
Authors: Qian Miao , Pang Yihan , Fu Genyue
Published: January 2025

Addressing racial bias in early childhood is crucial for fostering inclusivity and reducing social inequalities. This study examined the effectiveness of individuation training in reducing racial bias among Canadian preschool‐aged children and explored how interracial contact might influence changes in children's implicit anti‐Black bias. A total of 113 preschool‐age children (60 females, Mage = 5.31 years) were trained to individuate Black or White faces. Results showed a significant reduction in implicit anti‐Black bias following Black individuation training, whereas no significant change was observed in the White individuation training group. Additionally, factors such as interracial friendships were found to influence the reduction of bias. These findings contribute to the understanding of developmental interventions for diverse cultural contexts, with implications for early childhood education and efforts to promote social inclusivity. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at https://www.powtoon.com/c/enBEKBMdMXR/1/m
Armenia and Türkiye between conflict and cooperation: explaining (with) disaster diplomacy
Authors: İçduygu Ahmet , Grigoryan Irena , Doğan Gülşen
Published: January 2025

Over the past 30 years, the relationship between the neighbouring states of Armenia and Türkiye has been greatly influenced by a politicised atmosphere and ongoing debates about their shared history, alongside efforts at reconciliation. It is noteworthy that, in a global context increasingly characterised by both anthropogenic and natural calamities, the phenomenon of (shared) disasters as it pertains to the dynamics of Armenia–Türkiye relations has garnered relatively scant scholarly attention. This study investigates instances of the COVID‐19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic on a global scale and the Kahramanmaraş (Türkiye) earthquakes that occurred on 6 February 2023, which serve as disasters possessing diplomatic and symbolic significance that could facilitate a transition from a state of conflict to one of cooperative peace between these two nations. Utilising a disaster diplomacy framework and incorporating data obtained from Armenia and Türkiye, this paper posits that disasters may function as a substantial catalyst in fostering diplomatic conditions and advancing efforts towards rapprochement.
Left Atrial Markers in Diagnosing and Prognosticating Non‐Ischemic Cardiomyopathies: Ready for Prime Time?
Authors: Benjamin Mina M. , Rabbat Mark G.
Published: January 2025

The left atrium (LA) is pivotal in cardiac hemodynamics, serving as a dynamic indicator of left ventricular (LV) compliance and diastolic function. The LA undergoes structural and functional adaptations in response to hemodynamic stress, infiltrative processes, myocardial injury, and arrhythmic triggers. Remodeling of the LA in response to these stressors directly impacts pulmonary circulation, eventually leading to pulmonary capillary involvement, pulmonary artery hypertension, and eventually right ventricular failure. LA dysfunction and fibrosis also contribute to the future risk of atrial arrhythmias and mitral regurgitation. The parameters of LA size and function are being recognized as robust markers for the progression of several cardiac pathologies as well as important tools for prognostication. In this article, we briefly describe the different modalities and markers used to evaluate LA pathology in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathies (NICM). We then provide an overview of the studies that compared the association of the different LA parameters with disease severity and future prognosis. We also identify the gaps in knowledge before these LA parameters make a case for clinical adoption.
Fetal Cardiac Function and Remodeling in In Vitro Fertilization Pregnancies: A Tertiary Center Experience
Authors: Betül Akgun Aktas , Zahid Agaoglu , Atakan Tanacan , Ozgür Kara , Dilek Sahin
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To investigate fetal cardiac functions and remodeling in pregnancies conceived via in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Methods

This prospective case–control study included 40 singleton IVF pregnancies and 46 uncomplicated control pregnancies at 28–36 weeks of gestation. The IVF group consisted of pregnancies applied to the outpatient clinic, excluding those with anatomical or chromosomal abnormalities. Fetal cardiac morphological measurements, left myocardial performance index (MPI), cardiac output, spectral, tissue Doppler, and M‐mode measurements were recorded. Ventricular and great vessel size were assessed for fetal cardiac morphology, while MPI, spectral Doppler, and tissue Doppler parameters were assessed for cardiac function.

Results

The right atrial area was statistically increased and the right ventricular basal sphericity index was statistically decreased in the IVF group. The mitral and aortic valves were smaller in the IVF group, while tricuspid and pulmonary valve measurements were similar. Left ventricular ejection time was statistically lower in the IVF group, although the MPI was similar. The IVF group had a higher right fetal MPI on tissue Doppler imaging, but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

This study suggests that IVF pregnancies may demonstrate some effects of fetal cardiac remodeling and mild systolic dysfunction.
Introduction of a Fallow Year to Continuous Rice Systems Enhances Crop Soil Nitrogen Uptake
Authors: Zhang Zhenglin , Olk Daniel C. , Linquist Bruce A.
Published: January 2025

Rice grown in California constitutes 20% of total U.S. rice production and is typically grown in a continuous rice monoculture system. In recent years, growers have been forced to fallow their lands often due to winter droughts leading to water restrictions or spring rains leading to prevented planting. Increased soil aeration due to fallowing creates knowledge gaps in soil nitrogen (N) availability. A two‐year field study was conducted to evaluate differences in crop N uptake between rice cultivation following a fallow season, fallow rice (FR) and continuous rice (CR) systems. Crop uptake of soil N (N uptakesoil) and fertiliser N (N uptakefertilizer) were quantified using 15N‐enriched ammonium sulfate applied in microplots as a preplant (150 kg N ha−1) or topdress (30 kg N ha−1) application. In both seasons when N was applied as a preplant fertiliser, the FR treatment had a higher grain yield than did the CR treatment, with yield differences of 2.3 Mg ha−1 in 2021 (p < 0.05) and 1.7 Mg ha−1 in 2022 (p < 0.05). Examining the sources of crop N uptake for preplant applied N, on average, N uptakesoil in the FR treatment was 16.7 kg N ha−1 higher than the CR treatment at maturity (p < 0.05). In contrast, N uptakefertilizer was similar between treatments. Additionally, comparable soil and crop fertiliser N recoveries in CR and FR preplant N suggested that the pathways and magnitudes of fertiliser N losses were similar in both systems. These results indicate that N uptakesoil was primarily responsible for lower N uptake in CR. Similar results were found when N was applied as a topdress, where FR had increased N uptakesoil in both years. We further investigated the reason for lower rates of N uptakesoil in CR. Soil phenols, which have been documented to accumulate in continuously flooded rice systems and stabilise soil N, were quantified in the field study. Complementing the rigorous field study, a regional survey study that incorporated nine paired fields was conducted to quantify regional phenol levels. In both the field and the regional survey studies, soil phenols were higher in CR than in FR fields. Together, higher phenol levels and lower N uptakesoil in CR provide mechanistic evidence that the introduction of a season‐long fallow to continuous rice systems enhances soil N availability by reducing organic substrate recalcitrance. Future work should identify the duration needed for soil phenol accumulation to impair soil N cycling under continuous rice cultivation, as well as any roles of soil microbial populations in these soil N cycling patterns.