bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Music Theory Influencing: The Content Creator “Musicpreneur”
Authors: Roberson Malia Jade
Published: January 2025

The digital media music educator is a content creator and marketer using music theory and other music topics to create music education value in digital media. The content functions as a learning resource for users and as content marketing for educators to promote their music learning products, programs, and services. Content creators use music theory to become an authority and thought leader to grow their audience and ultimately scale their music education business. The high engagement potential of content marketing is a well-used strategy of digital entrepreneurs and emerging “musicpreneurs” (i.e., music educators who build scalable learning products and programs, versus music “freelancers”). This essay highlights the use of music theory in content marketing on the Instagram social media platform. Using four case studies, I explore “music theory influencing,” a significant sector of public music theory that uses micro-lessons in short-form video covering a wide variety of music theory topics. Through an examination of the basic digital entrepreneurship business model and online music education, I broaden the scope to consider the musicpreneur model as an alternative or supplemental career path for music educators.
Aggressive Pituitary Tumors and Pituitary Carcinomas: definition, management and overview for clinical practice
Authors: Calvanese Francesco , Jannelli Gianpaolo , Feuvret Loic , Vasiljevic Alexandre , Manet Romain , Sergeant Camille , Raverot Gerald , Jouanneau Emmanuel
Published: January 2025

Background

Aggressive pituitary tumors and pituitary carcinomas represent very uncommon entities within the field of pituitary diseases. Unfortunately, treatment options after progression on temozolomide are limited. However, advances in the understanding of pituitary tumor genetics and their immunological landscape are paving the way for new targeted molecular therapies.

Methods

In this article, we present an overview of the most recent literature, focusing on the specificities and role of current treatments and future perspectives in the management of these lesions.

Results and conclusions

Aggressive pituitary tumors and pituitary carcinomas remain very challenging conditions requiring a specific multidisciplinary approach in Pituitary Tumor Centers of excellence. If standard therapy fails, Temozolomide represents the first-line treatment option. Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy may be also considered, especially in tumors expressing specific Somatostatin receptors. When tumors progress after Temozolomide treatment, the prognosis is typically poor, and among the various second-line treatment options ICIs have proven to be the most effective. Further studies exploring new potential targeted therapies and predictive factors for pituitary tumor aggressiveness are now essential to improve the management and outcomes for these patients.
“Weight and See”: Initial Weight Gain After Starting Antiretroviral Therapy Is Not Associated With Antiretroviral Regimen Type and Does Not Predict Subsequent Weight Trajectory
Authors: Tseng Alice , Lovblom Leif Erik , Walmsley Sharon
Published: January 2025

In a Canadian cohort with HIV, 61% gained weight, 26% lost weight, and 12% remained stable in the first year of antiretroviral therapy. Weight gain was not associated with regimen type and slowed in years 2 to 3, with 44%, 34%, and 23% experiencing increasing, decreasing, and stable trajectories. Although 23% had significant weight gain year 1, many subsequently lost weight despite continuing antiretroviral therapy.
Occurrence of the Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne karsseni Parasitizing Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) in Mexico
Authors: Salazar-Mesta R. J. , Torres-López J. , Márquez-Licona G. , Cruz-Lachica I. , Carrillo-Fasio J. A. , García-Estrada R. S. , Tovar-Pedraza J. M.
Published: January 2025

Lisianthus plants ( Eustoma grandiflorum) exhibiting root-knot, stunted growth, and yellowing caused by nematodes were observed in a commercial greenhouse in Atlixco, Puebla, Mexico. Based on a combination of morphological characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and cytochrome oxidase subunit I ( COXI) sequences, Meloidogyne karsseni was identified. The pathogenicity of M. karsseni was confirmed through inoculation on lisianthus plants, which consistently exhibited root galling symptoms, with a reproduction factor of 3.5. This is the first report of M. karsseni causing root-knot in lisianthus in Mexico and worldwide.
Fungicide sensitivity in Phymatotrichopsis omnivora, causal agent of cotton root rot
Authors: Sturdivant Maxwell , Isakeit Thomas
Published: January 2025

Cotton root rot (CRR), caused by the soilborne fungus Phymatotrichopsis omnivora, is a disease that significantly impacts cotton production in much of Texas. Currently, the only economically feasible control measure is a flutriafol fungicide application at or near the time of planting, either as a Topguard Terra or Xyway LFR formulation. Although this control measure has been used for over a decade, there has not been an assessment of baseline sensitivity in P. omnivora populations to Topguard Terra, or an assessment of efficacy of newer fungicide products. In this study, growth inhibition of 11 isolates of P. omnivora from three different Texas locations were evaluated on agar in the presence of the fungicides Topguard Terra, Provysol (mefentrifluconazole), and Fontelis (penthiopyrad), as well as the technical grades of the active ingredients. The active ingredient concentrations of the trade formulations tested ranged from 0.001 – 100 μg/ml. The average concentration that inhibited growth by 50% (EC50) was 6.13x10-4 μg/ml for flutriafol (Topguard Terra), 1.18x10-3 μg/ml for mefentrifluconazole (Provysol), and 0.26 μg/ml for penthiopyrad (Fontelis). These results indicate that Topguard Terra and Provysol are most effective in inhibiting P. omnivora hyphal growth in vitro, and that there is no evidence to date of reduced sensitivity to flutriafol fungicides in P. omnivora populations.
Differences in Behavior During Early Nectarine Infection Among Main Monilinia spp. Causing Brown Rot
Authors: Astacio Juan Diego , Rodriguez-Pires Silvia , Melgarejo Paloma , De Cal Antonieta , Espeso Eduardo Antonio
Published: January 2025

Brown rot is a disease that affects stone and pome fruit crops worldwide. It is caused by fungal members of the genus Monilinia, mainly M. fructicola, M. laxa and M. fructigena. This study presents evidence that, despite having a very similar battery of Cell Wall Degrading Enzymes (CWDEs), the three species behave differently during the early stages of infection, suggesting differences at the regulatory level, which could also explain the differences in host preference among the three species. We have shown that M. fructicola infection is accelerated by red light, and the first symptoms appear much earlier than in darkness or in the other two species. The overexpression of genes encoding for CAZymes such as pme3, pme2, pg1, cel1, pnl1 and pnl2, as well as the necrosis factor nep2, can be associated with the etiology of Monilinia spp. In addition, we found that nep2 in M. fructigena lacks binding sites in its promoter sequence for the White-Collar Complex (WCC), which is the major transcription factor responsible for regulating photo-reception processes in fungi. Finally, we found that AlphaFold models of the NEP1-like proteins (NLPs) present on the three Monilinia species predict proteins with a very high degree of similarity.
Associated Trends in Obesity and Endometrioid Endometrial Cancer in the United States
Authors: Francoeur Alex A. , Liao Cheng-I , Chang Jenny , Johnson Caitlin R. , Clair Kiran , Tewari Krishnansu S. , Kapp Daniel S. , Chan John K. , Bristow Robert E.
Published: January 2025

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the correlation in temporal trends in obesity and endometrioid endometrial cancer incidence in the United States using two comprehensive national databases.

METHODS:

This is a cohort study in which data on endometrioid endometrial cancer were obtained from the U.S. Cancer Statistics from 2001 to 2018 and corrected for hysterectomy and pregnancy. Data on obesity were collected from the NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) database from 1988 to 2018. Average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) were used to describe trends. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were calculated to examine the relationship between trends. SEER*Stat 8.3.9.2 and joinpoint regression program 5.2.0 were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS:

From U.S. Cancer Statistics data, 586,742 cases of endometrioid cancer were identified from 2001 to 2018. The average annual increase in endometrioid cancer was as follows: Hispanic 1.37% (95% CI, 1.14–1.60, P<.001), Black 1.30% (95% CI, 1.04–1.57, P<.001), and White −0.17 (95% CI, −0.91 to 0.58, P=.656). Women aged 20–29 years had a 4.48% annual increase (95% CI, 3.72–5.25, P<.001) and women aged 30–39 years had a 3.00% annual increase in rates (95% CI, 2.65–3.36, P<.001). According to the NHANES data, the prevalence of obesity in 2018 in adult women was as follows: Black 56.80%, Hispanic 44.10%, and White 40.90%. An examination of trends by age showed that women aged 20–29 years had the highest annual rise in obesity compared with other age groups (AAPC 7.36%, 95% CI, 4.0–10.8, P<.05). Strong and statistically significant correlations between endometrioid cancer and obesity trends were noted for Black (r=0.78, P=.01) and Hispanic (r=0.91, P<.001) women, as well as women aged 20–29 years (r=0.72, P=.03) and 30–39 years (r=0.88, P=.001).

CONCLUSION:

The current data demonstrate a temporal association between the increasing incidence of obesity and endometrioid endometrial cancer, and this effect disproportionately affects younger women and Black and Hispanic women.
Potential influence of different peri-operative analgesic regimens on tumour biology and outcome after oncologic surgery
Authors: Bezu Lucillia , Forget Patrice , Hollmann Markus W. , Parat Marie-Odile , Piegeler Tobias
Published: January 2025

The management of peri-operative pain is one of the pillars of anaesthesia and is of particular importance in patients undergoing surgery for solid malignant tumours. Amongst several options, the most commonly employed analgesic regimens involve opioids, NSAIDs and regional anaesthesia techniques with different local anaesthetics. In recent years, several research reports have tried to establish a connection between peri-operative anaesthesia care and outcome after cancer surgery. Experimental studies have indicated that certain pain management substances may influence cancer progression, mainly by modifying the tumour's response to surgical stress and peri-operative inflammation. However, these promising in-vitro and in-vivo data have yet to be confirmed by randomised clinical trials. The reason for this might lie with the nature of tumour biology itself, and in the diversity of patient and tumour phenotypes. In a translational approach, future research should therefore concentrate on patient and tumour-related factors or biomarkers, which might either influence the tumour and its microenvironment or predict potential responses to interventions, including the choice of the analgesic. This might not only be relevant for the daily practice of clinical anaesthesia, but would also be of great importance for patients undergoing cancer surgery, who might be able to receive an individualised anaesthetic regimen based on their phenotypic profile.
A Comprehensive Review on the Perifoveal Exudative Vascular Anomalous Complex (PEVAC)
Authors: Carlà Matteo Mario , Boselli Francesco , Giannuzzi Federico , Crincoli Emanuele , Cusato Mattia , Peschiaroli Sofia , Rizzo Stanislao
Published: January 2025

Purpose:

The aim of this review was to summarize the most recent investigations on perifoveal Exudative Vascular Anomalous Complex (PEVAC) lesions and guide future research of this entity.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of Cochrane Central, PubMed, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases for papers regarding PEVAC, looking for the following keywords: “perifoveal exudative anomalous vascular complex”, “PEVAC”, “PVAC”, “nePVAC”, “ePVAC”, “deep retinal age-related microvascular anomalies” and “DRAMA”.

Results:

PEVACs are describe as single, massive, unilateral aneurysm, frequently presents with intraretinal cystic edema surrounding the fovea, active exudation and haemorrhages, usually in healthy patients. Notwithstanding this, association with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), myopia, diabetes, lamellar hole and pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy (PPE) are frequently reported. Currently a multimodal imaging is warrant, especially the use of OCT and OCTA can rule out several other differential diagnoses. Due to the uncertainty of the pathophysiological mechanism the right management of these lesions are yet to be clear. Overall, laser therapy has been effective in several reports, both with thermal and micropulse type. Anti-VEGF injections and steroid injections demonstrated a non-constant response.

Conclusion:

Several new findings are revolutionizing PEVAC management. Greater standardization could help understand the correct treatment of these lesions.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Navigating Variants of Uncertain Significance in Sudden Infant Deaths
Authors: Dumm Renee , Pagani Austin , Hellwig Lydia , Haigney Mark , De Castro Mauricio , Hughes Joel , Schacht John Paul , McClain William , Walsh John
Published: January 2025

The sudden death of a previously healthy infant is a devastating event for a family—the death of 2 even more unimaginable. Prior to the debunking of Meadow's law, a legal concept attributing multiple unexplained infant deaths to Munchausen by proxy, these events could lead to the wrongful prosecution of those who had lost their children to “sudden unexpected infant death (SUID).” Today, these cases, wherein multiple infants within one family pass inexplicably, raise suspicion for a possible genetic cause and point toward a need for postmortem genetic testing.

We present the case of 2 siblings who passed suddenly in infancy, with no structural cause of death identified at autopsy. Genetic testing in both infants found the same variant of uncertain significance, a heterozygous single nucleotide substitution, denoted c.3191C>T, in SCN10A, which encodes a sodium channel with pathogenic variants possibly implicated in sudden cardiac death syndromes. Although it is unclear at this time if the variant of uncertain significance identified was a contributing factor in the deaths, the case emphasized the importance of involving a multidisciplinary team to ensure appropriate pretest and posttest counseling, interpretation of nuanced testing results, and medical follow-up for surviving family members of SUID.
High incidence of tuberculosis in young children living with HIV in the Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Anderson Kim , Rabie Helena , Eley Brian S. , Frigati Lisa , Nuttall James , Kalk Emma , Heekes Alexa , Smith Mariette , Boulle Andrew , Mudaly Vanessa , Davies Mary-Ann
Published: January 2025

Background:

Data on tuberculosis (TB) incidence and risk factors among children living with HIV (CLHIV) in the universal ART era are limited.

Methods:

We analysed routinely-collected data on TB diagnoses for CLHIV age ≤5 years, born 2018-2022, in the Westen Cape, South Africa. We examined factors associated with TB diagnosis, with death and loss to follow-up as competing events.

Results:

Among 2,219 CLHIV, 30% were diagnosed with HIV at birth. Median follow-up from birth was 38 months (IQR 24-50); 90% started antiretroviral therapy (ART). TB was diagnosed in 28% of CLHIV (n=626/2219); 62% were first diagnosed before/within 3 months of ART start (‘TB before ART’) and 38% >3 months after ART start (‘TB after ART’). Of those with ‘TB before ART’ (n=390), median age at HIV diagnosis was 13 months (IQR:6-22); median time between HIV and TB diagnoses was 5 days (IQR:0-31). ‘TB before ART’ was associated with older age at HIV diagnosis and advanced/severe immunodeficiency. Of those with ‘TB after ART’ (n=258), median age at HIV diagnosis was 2 months (IQR 0-8) and median time from ART start to TB diagnosis was 12 months (IQR:7-21). ‘TB after ART’ was associated with increased viral load and advanced/severe immunosuppression (time-updated). Overall, 5% (n=112/2219) of CLHIV died, 36% of whom were diagnosed with TB (median time from TB diagnosis to death: 58 days; IQR:17-191).

Conclusions:

Young CLHIV in this setting have high TB-associated morbidity and mortality. Efforts to improve early HIV and TB diagnosis, viral suppression and TB preventive therapy are needed.
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia prevalence estimates calculated from
gnomAD allele frequencies of predicted pathogenic variants
inENGandACVRL1
Authors: Anzell Anthony R. , White Carter , Diergaarde Brenda , Carlson Jenna C. , Roman Beth L.
Published: January 2025

Background

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is considered a fully
penetrant autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the development of
arteriovenous malformations. Up to 96% of HHT cases are caused by
heterozygous loss-of-function mutations
inACVRL1orENG,
which encode proteins that function in bone morphogenetic protein signaling.
HHT prevalence is estimated at 1 in 5000 and is accordingly classified as
rare. However, HHT is suspected to be underdiagnosed due to variable age of
onset and expressivity and lack of awareness of HHT among the medical
community.

Methods

To estimate the true prevalence of HHT, we summed allele frequencies of
predicted pathogenic variants
inACVRL1andENGusing
three methods. For method one, we included Genome Aggregation Database
(gnomAD v4.1) variants with ClinVar annotations of pathogenic or likely
pathogenic, plus unannotated variants with a high probability of causing
disease. For method two, we evaluated
allACVRL1andENGgnomAD
variants using threshold filters based on accessiblein
silicopathogenicity prediction algorithms. For method
three, we developed a machine learning-based classification system to
improve the classification of missense variants.

Results

Based on gnomAD variants, we calculated an HHT prevalence of between 2.1
in 5000 (method 1, most conservative) and 11.9 in 5000 (method 3, least
conservative), or roughly 2 to 12-times higher than current estimates.
Application of our machine learning-based classification method, which
performed with over 97% accuracy, revealed missense variants as the greatest
contributor to pathogenic allele frequency and similar HHT prevalence across
genetic ancestries.

Conclusions

Our results support the notion that HHT is underdiagnosed and that HHT
may not actually be a ”rare” disease.
Exploring Patient Preference Information in Clinical Research and Decision
Models: An Investigative Survey
Authors: Di Blasio Martina , Bami Zahra , Fava Carmen , Visconti Alessia , Baldi Ileana , Berchialla Paola
Published: January 2025

Background

There is an increasingly acknowledged role for patients in
decision-making processes: this involvement extends to defining care
pathways, assessing care quality and advancing healthcare technologies.
Patient preferences play a pivotal role in this context, particularly when
multiple therapeutic options lack clear distinctions in efficacy.

Methods

To investigate the use of patient preference information, we conducted
an online survey targeting 46 experts in clinical research, pharmaceutical
industry, regulatory affairs, and health technology assessment.

The survey included questions about the frequency of using patient
preference information, perceptions of the benefits and challenges of
integrating them in decision making, as well as the availability of such
data within their respective organizations.

Results

Patient preference information is routinely used by about 30% of the
respondents, who highlighted various challenges and technical difficulties
for a more widespread adoption, such as limited patient engagement,
difficulty in obtaining reliable preference, and resistance to deviating
from traditional practices. Despite this, we observed that about 90% of the
respondents is likely to prioritize integrating patient preference
information in their future research or decision-making processes.

Conclusion

There is a growing recognition of the potential benefits of adopting a
more patient-centric approach to promote a more effective, equitable, and
patient-focused healthcare system, but concerted efforts and investments are
necessary to support this effort.
Exact linear theory of perturbation response in a space- and feature-dependent cortical circuit model
Authors: Chau Ho Yin , Miller Kenneth D , Palmigiano Agostina
Published: January 2025

What are the principles that govern the responses of cortical networks to their inputs and the emergence of these responses from recurrent connectivity? Recent experiments have probed these questions by measuring cortical responses to two-photon optogenetic perturbations of single cells in the mouse primary visual cortex. A robust theoretical framework is needed to determine the implications of these responses for cortical recurrence. Here we propose a novel analytical approach: a formulation of the dependence of cell-type-specific connectivity on spatial distance that yields an exact solution for the linear perturbation response of a model with multiple cell types and space- and feature-dependent connectivity. Importantly and unlike previous approaches, the solution is valid in regimes of strong as well as weak intra-cortical coupling. Analysis reveals the structure of connectivity implied by various features of single-cell perturbation responses, such as the surprisingly narrow spatial radius of nearby excitation beyond which inhibition dominates, the number of transitions between mean excitation and inhibition thereafter, and the dependence of these responses on feature preferences. Comparison of these results to existing optogenetic perturbation data yields constraints on cell-type-specific connection strengths and their tuning dependence. Finally, we provide experimental predictions regarding the response of inhibitory neurons to single-cell perturbations and the modulation of perturbation response by neuronal gain; the latter can explain observed differences in the feature-tuning of perturbation responses in the presence vs. absence of visual stimuli.
Prior infection with IBDV prolonged the shedding of a mallard H3N8 influenza A virus (IAV) challenge from the oropharyngeal cavity of some chickens and increased the number of amino acid substitutions in the IAV samples
Authors: Nazki Salik , Tennakoon Chandana , Reddy Vishwanatha R. A. P. , Chen Yana , Sadeyen Jean-Remy , Brodrick Andrew J. , Iqbal Munir , Shelton Holly , Broadbent Andrew J.
Published: January 2025

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) is endemic worldwide and causes immunosuppression in chickens. We hypothesized that a previous history of IBDV in chickens would render them more susceptible to infection by influenza A viruses (IAVs) from aquatic waterfowl reservoirs. To model this, we inoculated 14 day old specific pathogen free (SPF) chickens with a low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) virus strain from a mallard (A/Mallard/Alberta/156/01 (H3N8)) and compared replication and shedding between immunocompetent chickens and chickens that had immune dysregulation due to a prior IBDV infection with strain F52/70 (genogroup A1B1) at 2 days of age. The mallard IAV strain replicated in the upper respiratory tract of the chickens, and virus was shed from the oropharyngeal cavity, but there was no shedding from the cloaca, and no transmission to sentinel chickens. Replication of the mallard IAV in the chicken host was associated with amino acid substitutions in the polymerase complex and HA. IBDV infection increased the average fold change of IAV replication in the trachea of chickens, prolonged the shedding of infectious IAV from 5 to 6 days in some chickens, increased the number of amino acid substitutions detected in the IAV population from 13 to 30, and significantly increased the number of mutations per IAV sample from 2.50 (SD +/- 1.83) in the Mock/IAV group to 4.75 (SD +/- 1.81) in the IBDV/IAV group (p < 0.01). Taken together, IBDV infection prolonged the shedding of the mallard IAV in some chickens and changed IAV intra-host evolution.

Author summary

Spillover of IAVs from wild aquatic waterfowl into poultry populations occur frequently, which increases the risk of human infection as people have more contact with poultry than wild birds. Poultry flocks may have other co-morbidities that may influence the spread of IAV. Our data demonstrate that prior IBDV infection increased the average fold change of a mallard H3N8 LPAI virus in the trachea of inoculated chickens, prolonged the shedding of infectious IAV from the oropharyngeal cavity, and significantly increased the average number of amino acid substitutions per IAV sample. We hypothesize that IBDV infection could increase the amount of IAV shed into the environment and broaden the diversity of the IAV population shed. We conclude that controlling the spread of wild aquatic waterfowl strains of IAV in chickens should involve a holistic approach, including the control of co-morbidities and immunosuppressive diseases that could exacerbate their spread.
Cancellation of infrared divergences in
e+e−→qq¯g
in the light front coherent state formalism
Authors: Bhamre Deepesh , Gogia Shrey , Misra Anuradha
Published: January 2025

We address the issue of cancellation of infrared (IR) divergences at the amplitude level in light front quantum chromodynamics (LFQCD) using the coherent state formalism. We consider the process e+e−→qq¯g up to O(g3) in light-cone-time-ordered Hamiltonian perturbation theory and show that IR divergences in S-matrix elements appear due to vanishing energy denominators. We construct the coherent state formalism for LFQCD and explicitly show that these divergences are canceled when a coherent state basis is used for calculating the S-matrix elements.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Revising the Full One-Loop Gauge Prefactor in Electroweak Vacuum Stability
Authors: Baratella Pietro , Nemevšek Miha , Shoji Yutaro , Trailović Katarina , Ubaldi Lorenzo
Published: January 2025

We revisit the decay rate of the electroweak vacuum in the standard model with the full one-loop prefactor. We focus on the gauge degrees of freedom and derive the degeneracy factors appearing in the functional determinant using group theoretical arguments. Our treatment shows that the transverse modes were previously overcounted, so we revise the calculation of that part of the prefactor. The new result modifies the gauge fields’ contribution by 6% and slightly decreases the previously predicted lifetime of the electroweak vacuum, which remains much longer than the age of the Universe. Our discussion of the transverse mode degeneracy applies to any calculation of functional determinants involving gauge fields in four dimensions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
CEO power and financial statement comparability
Authors: Luong Hoa , Gunasekarage Abeyratna , Biswas Pallab Kumar
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper investigates the influence of CEO power on financial statement comparability using a multidimensional CEO power index and a comprehensive measure of financial statement comparability for ASX-listed companies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies ordinary least squares regression analyses to a sample of 3,562 firm-year observations spanning 2004–2015. A propensity score matching procedure, lagged regression models, instrumental variable two-stage least squares regressions and first difference models were performed for endogeneity correction and robustness purposes.

Findings

The results suggest that powerful CEOs are more likely to produce more comparable financial reports. We also analyse four dimensions of CEO power and find that the influence of CEO power on FS comparability mainly stems from ownership and expert power dimensions. Additionally, we report that the influence of CEO power on FS comparability is more pronounced for firms that operate under high market competition and industry-related shocks, but governance characteristics do not make a material impact on the uncovered relationship.

Practical implications

Given the pressure exerted by regulatory bodies on companies to reduce information asymmetry, the study’s empirical evidence offers valuable insights to policymakers, corporations and other stakeholders as it provides evidence on the importance of corporate leadership in improving FS comparability.

Originality/value

The extent to which CEO power is linked with the comparability of corporate disclosures is new to the literature. Investigating such a link is important because corporate disclosure is primarily a management practice that emanates from the board and generally affects the firm, its shareholders and other market participants.
Towards an understanding of illegal supply chain design in conflict areas: the case of the grain supply chain in Ukraine
Authors: El Baz Jamal , Evangelista Pietro , Jebli Fedwa , Sweeney Edward
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to shed light on illegal supply chains (ISCs) and the factors (enablers) behind their emergence using data on the grain supply chain in Ukraine.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-step methodology was adopted. First, documentary sources (including press articles, published papers, reports and grey literature) on grain ISCs in Ukraine were analysed using the Fraud Diamond theory with the aim of identifying the main underlying issues. Second, interviews with experts were conducted to elaborate on the propositions regarding ISC design and enablers.

Findings

The findings revealed the existence of two ISCs in Ukraine: the fraudulent grain and looted-grain supply chains (SCs). We propose an integrative ISC framework based on a combination of Fraud Diamond theory components (pressure, opportunity, rationalisation and capability) and SC network design elements (formalisation, centralisation, complexity and density). We suggest that ISCs in conflict regions emerge owing to geopolitical instability and lack of logistics optimisation and provide several propositions for further research.

Research limitations/implications

This research contributes to the literature on ISCs by offering a nuanced understanding of their design and enablers. It underscores the impact of geopolitical disruptions on ISC operations and highlights how factors such as logistical inefficiencies, bottlenecks and infrastructural weaknesses facilitate the activities of these illicit networks. This study provides valuable insights beyond the context of the Russia–Ukraine conflict, offering broader applicability to other scenarios where disruptions – whether geopolitical, economic or environmental – expose SC vulnerabilities.

Practical implications

The results of this study can be informative for government authorities and policymakers in formulating measures aimed at addressing illegality in SCs.

Originality/value

This study is the first to investigate ISCs in conflict areas by analysing the case of the grain SC in Ukraine. This study provides a solid foundation for future research on ISCs with similar characteristics.
Gen Zs and service robots: examination of contingency effects
Authors: Mandal Santanu , Singh Rajesh , Kotni VV Devi Prasad , Chintaluri Manoj Gaur , Raman Raghu
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the antecedents of service robots’ adoption at restaurants in India, specifically focusing on Gen Z customers. This study sheds light on customer preferences in getting served by service robots with the moderating role of human service preference and the perceived job lose orientation of dine-in customers.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data was collected from Gen Z customers using purposive sampling from prime cities in South (n = 363) and North India (n = 303). The perceptions of respondents towards service robots were analysed in SmartPLS 3.3.9.

Findings

The findings suggest that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivations and price value significantly determine service robots’ acceptance by Gen Z consumers. However, such direct associations are significantly moderated by Gen Z’s human service preference and perceived job loss. Furthermore, demographic factors like respondents’ location, i.e. north and south, affect their preferences.

Originality/value

This research provides more insights into human preferences in dining in terms of moderating variables like human service preference and job-saving orientation of customers based on which the managers can design people, processes and physical evidence strategies of restaurant service mix.
Structural design optimization of pressure hull using genetic algorithm and finite element analysis
Authors: Romero-Tello Pablo , Lorente-López Antonio José , Gutiérrez-Romero José Enrique
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The main objective is to develop a new design methodology for pressure hulls, prioritizing steel weight reduction without compromising structural safety. Genetic algorithms (GA) will be employed to optimize the structural weight of the hull of a pressure vessel, considering the Det Norske Veritas (DNV) standard formulation. This includes optimizing both the scantling of the pressure hull and the dimensions of the frames while complying with constraints based on the DNV regulation: nominal, over-immersion and collapse pressures. The proposed solution will be analyzed using finite element analysis (FEA) to verify that the obtained scantlings meet the design requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

An optimization of the design parameters of the structure of a pressure hull based on GA is proposed. The starting point is individuals randomly generated by combining the different values that each parameter will take. The surviving designs will be required to meet DNV standards and will be ranked according to the structural weight of each design. Prevailing will be those genes that make designs that comply with the standards and are less heavy. Finally, the feasibility of the design proposed by the GA will be tested by FEM.

Findings

The structural integrity of the design resulting from the application of GA (which complies with DNV regulations) has been evaluated by means of FEM considering different constructive defects. In summary, the proposed methodology combined with GA provides a preliminary design of the pressurized hull in a fast way, ensuring compliance with the structural requirements according to the current regulations. Furthermore, this design is optimized in terms of its own weight. The reduction in structural weight provides a reserve of buoyancy that can be used to increase other weight categories, thus extending the operating time of the pressure vessel.

Originality/value

This novel approach allows to quickly obtain a preliminary design of a pressure hull structure optimized for minimum weight and ensuring compliance with classification societies. The proposed methodology provides the user with a preliminary design with lower material cost and allows the increase of other weight items.
Evolving “affordances” and “constraints” in mobile payment use: a study of Indian micro-enterprises’ UPI adoption process
Authors: Kumar Mayank , Singh Jang Bahadur , Sharma Sujeet Kumar
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This research aims to uncover how the adoption process of a mobile payment solution unfolds in its local use. We examined micro-enterprises’ adoption of UPI-based payment system in India.

Design/methodology/approach

We employed an ethnographic approach to study the micro-entrepreneurs’ daily practice and adopted a relational ontology to conduct an “in-practice” enquiry of the UPI payment adoption process.

Findings

Applying the practice perspective of Technology Affordances and Constraints Theory, we found that UPI adoption was shaped through a dynamic interplay of emerging affordances and constraints. New features, such as All-in-one QR, enabled actions like cross-platform money transfer but also introduced challenges like fraud. Advancements in the technology addressed previous challenges but also created new hurdles. This cycle of evolving affordances and constraints within the contextual use of UPI payment technology shaped its adoption process.

Research limitations/implications

The findings contribute to the existing body of mobile payment literature by elucidating the role of localized and ongoing enactment of affordances and constraints. Unlike existing adoption theories, using relational concepts of affordances and constraints revealed how the integration of mobile payment into practice leads to emergent use patterns and widespread adoption.

Practical implications

We emphasize the need for solutions that address localized challenges and contextual needs. The study advises policymakers to consider technology’s benefits and limitations in interventions.

Originality/value

The study offers a unique view on mobile payment adoption, highlighting the role of technological materiality and temporality. It reveals how the changing materiality of technology shapes the adoption process through localized affordances and constraints.
An empirical analysis of the behavioral influences and information sources affecting the cyber insurance decisions of German SMEs
Authors: Salzberger Alina
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The cyber insurance market in Germany shows a notable gap: while many large corporations are already demanding cyber insurance, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are still reluctant, despite its benefits. This study aims to analyze the behavioral and informational factors that influence cyber insurance decision-making and uncover the determinants that may inhibit demand among German SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the data from a questionnaire survey of 1,248 German SME executives, the influence of behavioral and informational factors on cyber insurance demand is assessed utilizing logistic regression.

Findings

The results reveal that the estimated financial impact and anxiety about a potential cyberattack significantly increase the likelihood of SMEs purchasing cyber insurance. Conversely, the perceived probability of future cyberattacks and prior experience do not significantly influence insurance decisions, probably due to challenges in probability estimation. In addition, confidence in the organization’s cyber risk management has a positive but insignificant influence on cyber insurance demand. External cybersecurity specialists positively impact cyber insurance demand, while internal cyber risk assessment has no significant influence, highlighting the challenges SMEs face in cyber risk assessment. Independent Internet research negatively impacts the purchase of cyber insurance, probably due to information overload.

Originality/value

This study significantly contributes to the literature on corporate (cyber) insurance purchasing by primarily focusing on behavioral influences on SMEs’ insurance decision-making. It is also the first empirical analysis of the key information sources used by SMEs in their insurance decision-making, thereby providing various academic and practical implications.
Understanding the long‐term dynamics of vegetation since 1953 in high‐mountain regions
Authors: Ramskogler Katharina , Lepesant Léon , Tasser Erich
Published: January 2025

Alpine ecosystems, highly sensitive to climate change, are experiencing shifts in species ranges and community structure. These changes are driven by a complex interplay of climatic and environmental factors, land use changes, geomorphological dynamics, and species interactions, which can often lead to contrasted and sometimes unexpected dynamics. Historical records provide a valuable opportunity to capture these complexities by revealing long‐term changes, opening a gateway to hypothesise about the key underlying processes.

We investigated changes in the floristic composition of subalpine to nival vegetation communities by resurveying a period of 70 years. To understand vegetation patterns, we (i) resampled vegetation at plot level and remapped the area, (ii) analysed the role of driving climate, environmental, and land use factors on vegetation distribution and vascular plant species richness, and (iii) modelled plant‐plant interactions from community data.

The results reveal that vegetation cover patterns were strongly influenced by local climate and soil properties. The species richness is also influenced by the livestock density and the flat morphology. It should be noted that climate change caused wetland habitats to become drier and accelerated secondary succession through upward migration and range‐infilling processes. Furthermore, a trend towards eutrophication was observed. The results suggested that certain plant communities, particularly those found in snowbeds, were more vulnerable to environmental changes that have occurred over the past 70 years.

Synthesis: This study highlighted the complexity of vegetation dynamics. In addition to thermophilisation and aridification, changes in land use affect species composition, species richness, and vegetation cover. Substrate conditions also play an important role.
The rewards and challenges of self‐managing National Disability Insurance Scheme: Exploration of parental perspectives
Authors: McAuliffe Tomomi , Bermingham Briony , Bourke‐Taylor Helen
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), participants can self‐manage their funding. This management style largely deviates from previous Australian service systems. The self‐management option provides NDIS participants flexibility and choice in accessing any services; however, it generates an administrative burden. In 2019, parents of children with disability had the highest percentage of using the self‐management option. Parents of children commonly have high child‐care responsibilities and experience health issues. Given the administrative burden associated with the self‐management option, the experiences of these parents should be documented.

Aim

This study aimed to explore the experiences of parents of children with disability as they fully or partly self‐manage their children's NDIS funding.

Methods

Semi‐structured individual interviews were conducted with 16 parents. The transcribed data were analysed, using reflexive thematic analysis.

Consumer and Community Involvement

No service user was involved in this study.

Findings

Four themes were generated: (1) Feeling empowered by having control and choice for my child's needs; (2) it is time‐consuming, and overwhelming, but glad to have chosen this option; (3) need to be responsible because you run a business with public funding; and (4) professional background and disability networks help self‐management.

Conclusion

The research provides insight into how parents navigate the complexity of NDIS as they self‐manage to benefit their children. While self‐management is overwhelming, it provides choice and control to parents, fostering parenting self‐efficacy. The research highlights the importance of a support network, diverse skills, and knowledge to efficiently self‐manage NDIS funding, which should be considered as occupational therapists support parents of children with disability.
Where Are the Irish in Research on Ethnic Health Inequalities in Britain? A State‐Of‐The‐Art Literature Review
Authors: Willis Rosalind
Published: January 2025

Decisions about ethnic groups studied in health research shape recommendations. If a group is not included in research, its ability to call for policy change is limited. Despite health inequalities for the Irish in Britain in the 20th century, recent research on health is likely to combine the White Irish with White British, whereas Irish people of colour are not mentioned at all. This paper aims to understand why the interest in this group has declined. A state‐of‐the‐art literature review of 140 papers on Irish health in Britain from 2001 to 2023 was conducted. Findings show the Irish are still disadvantaged in mortality, mental health and suicide, with important socioeconomic status and gender disparities. The shifting way the Irish are constructed over time is critically examined, paying attention to historical depictions and postcolonial identities. Sociological theories of migration are challenged by the Irish because this migrant group does not conform to theoretical assumptions. The Irish may have dropped from the agenda because of incorrect assumptions about assimilation and the relationship between Ireland and the UK. Given that the health outcomes of the Irish in Britain differ from those of the White British population, they should be recognised in health research as a distinct group.
Somatic symptom and related disorders in a tertiary paediatric hospital: Characteristics of ED use prior to admission
Authors: Wiggins Aaron , Marikar Shazia , Russo Lauren , Raniti Monika , Sawyer Susan M
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Somatic symptom and related disorders (SSRDs) are complex disorders that are commonly encountered in tertiary paediatric settings. Despite this, little is known about ED use prior to hospital admission. We aimed to describe the pattern of ED use in a cohort of children and adolescents who were subsequently admitted to hospital with SSRD and to identify factors associated with ED presentations.

Method

We conducted a retrospective review of the electronic medical records of 123 patients admitted with SSRD to ascertain their ED contact in the 12 months preceding their initial admission. Documentation about patient and presentation characteristics, ED management and discharge recommendations were recorded. Descriptive statistics, including Fisher's Exact Test, were used.

Results

Our patient group (65.9% female) had a median age of 14.3 years (range 7.3–18.3 years). Patient and presentation characteristics differed little by frequency of presentation to the ED; the symptom of pain was the only significant factor associated with the multiple ED presentations (P = 0.015). Documentation of a possible SSRD presentation in ED was significantly associated with the recommendation for mental health follow‐up (P = 0.005), however engagement with mental healthcare at the time of a patient's initial admission was uncommon.

Conclusions

Children and adolescents with SSRD who go on to have a hospital admission present frequently to EDs, especially in the setting of pain symptoms. Training of ED clinicians in diagnosing SSRD appears indicated, as is the development of local care pathways that may obviate the need for hospital admission in at least some patients.