bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining small bank failures in the United States: an analysis using (coarsened exact matching) CEM
Authors: Cebula Richard J. , Foley Maggie , Downs John , Johansen Douglas
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Bank failures are critical events that have far-reaching implications for the financial system and various stakeholders. This study aims to focus on analyzing the phenomenon of small bank failures in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts the coarsened exact matching (CEM) technique to enhance the reliability of the analysis. By matching similar observed characteristics, the CEM approach helps to address potential selectivity bias and facilitates a more accurate estimation of the treatment effect. This study uses a data set covering the period from 2000 through 2019 and includes 523 failed bank observations and 43,605 nonfailed bank observations.

Findings

The results reveal several key findings. Small banks, especially those with lower yields on earning assets, those with lower charge-offs on loans and leases, those with higher core capital ratios and those with higher Fed Funds rates are found to be more susceptible to failure.

Research limitations/implications

Some results align with initial predictions, whereas others present contrasting outcomes.

Practical implications

This study underscores the significance of understanding the factors contributing to bank failure and emphasizes the importance of studying small bank failures in particular.

Originality/value

This study uses the CEM method. CEM is a comprehensive approach that combines matching, sample trimming and reweighting techniques. When applying CEM, researchers carefully select a set of core variables to achieve balance between the treated and control groups. The CEM process involves discretizing each continuous variable into distinct bins or categories, a process known as “coarsening.” It then requires an exact match among these binned variables between the treated and control units, which constitutes the matching step in CEM.
Teaching the concept of control under IFRS 15: the effect of a three-step teaching approach and analogy usage
Authors: Lim Ying Zhee , Che Azmi Anna , Ng Tuan Hock
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to extend the current literature on International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) teaching by examining the argument by Hodgdon et al. (2013) that arranging accounting prescriptions into the level of concept, principle and rules is helpful to students in comprehending the complex set of accounting standards. Besides, the study aims to attest the argument that analogy is a useful tool in teaching, especially when dealing with complex knowledge or concepts.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a 3 × 2 between-subjects design, which includes the independent variables of the three-step teaching method (concept-only, concept + principle and concept + principle + rules) and the presence or absence of analogy.

Findings

The findings support Hodgdon et al. (2013). However, the combination of Hodgdon et al.’s (2013) technique with analogy resulted in only better-perceived comprehension under the concept-only condition.

Research limitations/implications

There are limitations to the use of analogy as an instructional tool. The reasoning behind an analogy is that it is produced from different fields in which the target and source topics have only some similarity in structure or function. This suggests a limited capacity in which the source topic can be used to fully explain a targeted topic, and thus caution needs to be exercised in the use of analogy as a teaching tool. Additionally, this study uses a perceived understanding of control in IFRS 15. While perceived understanding may likely result in actual comprehension, there is a possibility that this may not be the case. Finally, this study did not consider about how rule comprehensiveness is affected.

Practical implications

The findings of this study provide a useful combination of teaching tools to educators on how to deliver technical business subjects such as accounting effectively.

Originality/value

This paper aims to answer the call by Hodgdon et al. (2013) to verify the effectiveness of teaching IFRS via the three-step approach. In addition, this study extends the literature by examining whether an analogy could be used with the three-step approach to effectively improve students’ understanding of IFRS.
Library instruction and information literacy 2022
Authors: Caffrey Carolyn , Lee Hannah , Withorn Tessa , Galoozis Elizabeth , Clarke Maggie , Philo Thomas , Eslami Jillian , Ospina Dana , Haas Aric , Kohn Katie Paris , Macomber Kendra , Clawson Hallie , Vermeer Wendolyn
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to present recently published resources on library instruction and information literacy. It provides an introductory overview and a selected annotated bibliography of publications organized thematically and detailing, study populations, results and research contexts. The selected bibliography is useful to efficiently keep up with trends in library instruction for academic library practitioners, library science students and those wishing to learn about information literacy in other contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

This article annotates 340 English-language periodical articles, dissertations, theses and reports on library instruction and information literacy published in 2022. The sources were selected from the EBSCO platform for Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts (LISTA), Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), Elsevier SCOPUS and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Sources selected were published in 2022 and included the terms “information literacy,” “library instruction,” or “information fluency” in the title, subject terms, or author supplied keywords. The sources were organized in Zotero. Annotations were made summarizing the source, focusing on the findings or implications. Each source was then thematically categorized and organized for academic librarians to be able to skim and use the annotated bibliography efficiently.

Findings

The paper provides a brief description of 340 sources from 144 unique publications, and highlights publications that contain unique or significant scholarly contributions. Further analysis of the sources and authorship are provided.

Originality/value

The information is primarily of use to academic librarians, researchers, and anyone interested as a quick and comprehensive reference to literature on library instruction and information literacy published within 2022.
Artisan social enterprises in Zambia: women leveraging purpose to scale impact
Authors: Edgar Stacey
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to provide a contextualized look at the artisan sector in Zambia and asks: What factors contribute to scaling positive impact in artisan ventures in Zambia, and how can these factors be leveraged to promote positive economic, social and environmental outcomes for women and their communities.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach to gain a multi-layered understanding of artisan craft social enterprises in Zambia.

Findings

Purpose is found to be the primary driver of social and environmental impact in artisan social enterprises in Zambia, with female leadership a critical factor. Access to finance, markets and resources are also essential to help these organizations achieve their social missions.

Research limitations/implications

While this study provides valuable insights into the artisan sector, its scope was limited to the Zambian context, making the generalizability of the findings to other geographies uncertain.

Originality/value

This research makes a valuable contribution to the literature on social enterprises by highlighting the critical role of female leadership and purpose in driving positive impact in artisan businesses in Zambia. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of understanding the mechanisms through which artisan social enterprises create positive change. The study highlights the importance of artisan craft employment for women in Zambia and illustrates the impact of Zambian artisan ventures, both formal social enterprises and informal businesses, on creating positive social and environmental impacts in the country.
Evaluating the impact of faculty development on employee engagement practices in higher education: analysing the mediating role of professional development
Authors: Luthra Anchal , Dixit Shivani , Arya Vikas
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The faculties are crucial to education. They should have enough training facilities and be encouraged to actively contribute to high-quality education and successful learning. Faculty engagement and development activities should be explored and included in learning organizations and employee engagement in India. This paper aims to describe higher education as a learning organization. The research will also assess how faculty development programs affect faculty engagement behaviors in these institutions and if professional development mediates this effect, which has not been previously examined.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted with quantitative data collected from 267 faculties through reliable and validated adapted questionnaires. Semistructured interviews were conducted with heads and professor-level faculties to gain insights into faculty development and engagement. Partial least squares structural equation modeling technique (PLS-SEM 3.3.6 version) was used to test the conceptually drafted model.

Findings

Faculty professional development programs shown to improve higher education faculty engagement and professional progress. The studies also showed that higher education institutions must prioritize faculty development to become learning organizations. Professional development reduced the direct effects of faculty development program (FDP) on faculty engagement. This suggests that professional growth mediates the research.

Practical implications

This research emphasizes and professional development to boost teacher involvement in B-Schools. Management must design faculty development programs to construct professional development and learning organizations, according to the results. Developing and writing rules that encourage faculty engagement in such internal and external programs would also enhance their academic and administrative abilities and assist higher education institutions become learning organizations.

Originality/value

The study is one of the few to examine the impact of faculty development programs and professional development on faculty engagement in higher education institutions, particularly B-Schools, and its competitive mediating role.
Board Ancestral Diversity and Voluntary Greenhouse Gas Emission Disclosure
Authors: Barg Johannes A. , Drobetz Wolfgang , El Ghoul Sadok , Guedhami Omrane , Schröder Henning
Published: November 2023

This paper examines the relationship between board diversity and firms’ decisions to voluntarily disclose information about their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We focus on board ancestral diversity as a relatively new dimension of (deep‐level) board structure and document that it has a positive and statistically significant effect on a firm's scope and quality of voluntary GHG emission disclosure. The effect goes beyond the impact of more common (surface‐level) dimensions of board diversity and remains robust after addressing endogeneity concerns. In line with the theoretical conjecture that diversity enhances a board's advising and monitoring capacity, we find that the impact of diverse boards is stronger in more complex firms and in firms with low levels of institutional ownership. Overall, our findings provide evidence for board diversity being a relevant governance factor in corporate environmental decision making.
ChatGPT Undermines Human Reflexivity, Scientific Responsibility and Responsible Management Research
Authors: Lindebaum Dirk , Fleming Peter
Published: November 2023

With ChatGPT being promoted to and by academics for writing scholarly articles more effectively, we ask what kind of knowledge does ChatGPT produce, what this means for our reflexivity as responsible management educators/researchers, and how an absence of reflexivity disqualifies us from shaping management knowledge in responsible ways. We urgently need to grasp what makes human knowledge distinct compared with knowledge generated by ChatGPT et al. Thus, we first explain how ChatGPT operates and unpack its intrinsic epistemological limitations. Using high‐probability choices that are derivative, ChatGPT has no stake in the knowledge it produces and is thus likely prone to offering irresponsible outputs. By contrast, genuine human thinking—embodied in a contingent socio‐cultural setting—uses low‐probability choices both ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ the box of training data, making it creative, contextual and committed. We conclude that the use of ChatGPT is wholly incompatible with scientific responsibility and responsible management.
Laparoscopic and hysteroscopic findings in women with sub‐fertility and tuberculosis: A case series
Authors: Mondal Rana , Jaiswal Neha , Bhave Priya , Mandal Priyadarshi
Published: November 2023

Objective

Evaluation of hysteroscopic and laparoscopic findings in subfertile women predictive of tuberculosis.

Design

Retrospective case series analysis.

Setting

Tertiary hospital in India.

Population

A retrospective analysis of 16 784 subfertile women who had undergone diagnostic hysterolaparoscopy (DHL) was conducted between February 2014 and June 2021.

Methods

Histopathological evidence, acid‐fast bacilli (AFB), culture and GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay were used to diagnose female genital tuberculosis (FGTB). Various hysteroscopic and laparoscopic findings were analysed, and a binary logistic regression assessed associations between these findings and positive diagnostic outcomes.

Main outcome measures

Various hysteroscopic and laparoscopic findings correspond to tubercular manifestation.

Results

Of the 16,784 patients, 1083 had hysteroscopy and laparoscopy findings suggestive of tuberculosis, and 309 were diagnosed with FGTB based on diagnostic tests. Logistic regression identified variables strongly predictive of positive status outcomes; tuberculous abdomino‐pelvic adhesions of various grades, isthmo‐ampullary block, tubercle, tubo‐ovarian mass, tuberculous hydrosalpinx, complete tubal destruction, tubal diverticula and rigid tube emerged as strong predictors.

Conclusions

Logistic regression‐derived predictors, alongside specific laparoscopic and hysteroscopic findings, can enhance diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision‐making to start antitubercular therapy in subfertile women.
Environmental and socio‐economic effects of industrial gold mining: Evidence from household data in Burkina Faso
Authors: Ouoba Youmanli , Belem Daouda , Sossou Marius Kouamé
Published: November 2023

The growing of mining sector is generally accompanied by socio‐economic and environmental consequences. Most previous work has either analyzed economic, social, or environmental effects without considering all three dimensions of sustainable development at once. Similarly, the perceptions of the populations living near mining companies are not widely considered in these studies. The objective of this paper is to analyze the populations' perception of the effects of industrial gold mining on environment (noise, air pollution, and land degradation), social (prostitution, banditry, and alcoholism), and household income in Burkina Faso. A probit model is used on a sample of 251 households living near four industrial mining sites. The results show that mining activity has contributed to improve the per capita income of the households surrounding certain industrial mining sites. However, it has contributed to a decline in the quality of life of the households due to noise and air pollution and social problems such as banditry. The government must protect mining areas from banditry and support households with local economic infrastructure to avoid a drop in their income after the mines close.
Down payment requirements and house prices: Quasi‐experiment evidence from Shanghai
Authors: Shen Haopeng , Zhou Hang , Zhou Zhengyi
Published: November 2023

Using the regression discontinuity design, a quasi‐experiment approach, this paper establishes a causal relationship between the down payment requirement and house prices by exploiting a unique institutional background in Shanghai. In the unique setting, the required minimal down payment ratio jumps at the Inner Ring, a circular elevated highway, from 50% to 70% for a large group of buyers. With transaction level data from the largest real estate broker in Shanghai, we find that a lower required down payment ratio increases the apartment price by 138.8 thousand RMB, around 3.71% of the average transaction price.
Effects of lycopene on the growth performance, meat quality, and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens challenged with aflatoxin B1
Authors: Ma Huimin , Chen Qi , Yang Haiming , Wan Xiaoli
Published: November 2023

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary lycopene (LYC) supplementation on the growth performance, meat quality, and antioxidant capacity of breast muscle in aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)‐challenged broilers. A total of 192 1‐day‐old healthy Arbor Acres broilers were randomly assigned to 3 treatments, each with 8 replicates (8 broilers per replicate). The broilers of the three treatments were fed a basal diet (control), a basal diet supplemented with 100 µg/kg AFB1 (CA), and a basal diet supplemented with 100 µg/kg AFB1 and 200 mg/kg LYC (CAL). The results demonstrated that the AFB1 diet increased the feed‐to‐gain (F/G) ratio (p < 0.05), yellowness and shear force of breast muscle (p < 0.05), and protein carbonyl (PC) content (p < 0.05) while decreasing the average daily gain (ADG) (p < 0.05), redness of breast muscle (p < 0.05), glutathione peroxidase activity (p < 0.05), and ability to clear OH· from breast muscle (p < 0.05) in comparison to the control group. Dietary LYC supplementation significantly decreased the F/G ratio (p < 0.05), yellowness and shear force (p < 0.05), and the content of PC and hydrogen peroxide (p < 0.05) while significantly increasing the ADG (p < 0.05), redness of breast muscle (p < 0.05), and ability of breast muscle to clear ABTS·+ (p < 0.05) compared to the CA diet. In conclusion, LYC can alleviate the negative impacts of AFB1 on the growth performance, meat quality, and antioxidant capacity of breast muscle in broilers.

Practical Application

LYC, as a popular antioxidant, is beneficial to the growth and health of animals. The detailed application effects are still being investigated. In this study, by adding LYC to an AFB1‐contaminated diet, it was found that LYC could alleviate the adverse effects of AFB1 on the growth performance, meat quality, and muscle antioxidant capacity of broilers. These findings can provide a reference for the application of LYC and similar plant‐derived materials in animal production.
Association of elevated serum carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 levels with extensive interstitial lung disease in patients with systemic sclerosis: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Hirose Hikaru , Higuchi Tomoaki , Takagi Kae , Tochimoto Akiko , Ichimura Yuki , Katsumata Yasuhiro , Harigai Masayoshi , Kawaguchi Yasushi
Published: November 2023

Aim

To assess the usefulness of carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 (CA19‐9) as a biomarker for systemic sclerosis‐associated interstitial lung disease (SSc‐ILD), using serum samples and clinical parameters of patients with SSc.

Methods

Patients with SSc admitted to Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital between 2010 and 2021 and those who underwent chest computed tomography (CT) were included. Patients were diagnosed with ILD based on chest CT findings, and SSc‐ILD was categorized as either a limited or extensive disease based on chest CT and pulmonary function test findings. Serum CA19‐9 levels were measured in 56 patients with SSc and in 32 healthy individuals. Additionally, we evaluated the difference in serum CA19‐9 levels between the groups, the correlation with ILD area and pulmonary function, and discriminative performance to diagnose extensive ILD.

Results

Of the 56 patients with SSc, 40 (71.4%) had ILD, and 17 (30.4%) were classified as having extensive disease. Serum CA19‐9 levels were significantly elevated in patients with extensive disease compared to those with limited disease (median [interquartile range]: 25.7 U/mL [10.1–50.8] vs. 8.8 U/mL [4.5–17.6], p = .02) and correlated with ILD area (r = .30, p = .02). There was no significant correlation between serum CA19‐9 level and pulmonary function. The cutoff of CA19‐9 for the diagnosis of the extensive disease was determined to be 19.8 U/mL, with a sensitivity of 64% and specificity of 82% and an area under the curve of 0.74 (95% confidence interval 0.58–0.90).

Conclusion

The serum CA19‐9 level may be a useful marker for identifying patients with SSc‐ILD with extensive disease.
Age‐related nitration/dysfunction of myogenic stem cell activator HGF
Authors: Elgaabari Alaa , Imatomi Nana , Kido Hirochika , Nakashima Takashi , Okuda Shoko , Manabe Yoshitaka , Sawano Shoko , Mizunoya Wataru , Kaneko Ryuki , Tanaka Sakiho , Maeno Takahiro , Matsuyoshi Yuji , Seki Miyumi , Kuwakado So , Zushi Kahona , Daneshvar Nasibeh , Nakamura Mako , Suzuki Takahiro , Sunagawa Kenji , Anderson Judy E. , Allen Ronald E. , Tatsumi Ryuichi
Published: November 2023

Mechanical perturbation triggers activation of resident myogenic stem cells to enter the cell cycle through a cascade of events including hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) release from its extracellular tethering and the subsequent presentation to signaling‐receptor c‐met. Here, we show that with aging, extracellular HGF undergoes tyrosine‐residue (Y) nitration and loses c‐met binding, thereby disturbing muscle homeostasis. Biochemical studies demonstrated that nitration/dysfunction is specific to HGF among other major growth factors and is characterized by its locations at Y198 and Y250 in c‐met‐binding domains. Direct‐immunofluorescence microscopy of lower hind limb muscles from three age groups of rat, provided direct in vivo evidence for age‐related increases in nitration of ECM‐bound HGF, preferentially stained for anti‐nitrated Y198 and Y250‐HGF mAbs (raised in‐house) in fast IIa and IIx myofibers. Overall, findings highlight inhibitory impacts of HGF nitration on myogenic stem cell dynamics, pioneering a cogent discussion for better understanding age‐related muscle atrophy and impaired regeneration with fibrosis (including sarcopenia and frailty).
Integrative multi‐omics analysis reveals the critical role of the PBXIP1 gene in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zhang Jingyun , Sun Xiaoyi , Jia Xueqing , Sun Binggui , Xu Shijun , Zhang Weiping , Liu Zuyun
Published: November 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder, and its strongest risk factor is aging. A few studies have explored the relationship between aging and AD, while the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We assembled data across multi‐omics (i.e., epigenetics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, based on frozen tissues from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) and neuropathological and clinical traits from the Religious Orders Study and Rush Memory and Aging Project (ROSMAP). Aging was assessed using six DNA methylation clocks (including the Horvath clock, Hannum clock, Levine clock, HorvathSkin clock, Lin clock, and Cortical clock) that capture mortality risk in literature. After accounting for age, we first identified a gene module (including 263 genes) that was related to the integrated aging measure of six clocks, as well as three neuropathological traits of AD (i.e., β‐amyloid, Tau tangles, and tangle density). Interestingly, among 20 key genes with top intramodular connectivity of the module, PBXIP1 was the only one that was significantly associated with all three neuropathological traits of AD at the protein level after Bonferroni correction. Furthermore, PBXIP1 was associated with the clinical diagnosis of AD in both ROSMAP and three independent datasets. Moreover, PBXIP1 may be related to AD through its role in astrocytes and hippocampal neurons, and the mTOR pathway. The results suggest the critical role of PBXIP1 in AD and support the potential and feasibility of using multi‐omics data to investigate mechanisms of complex diseases. However, more validations in different populations and experiments in vitro and in vivo are required in the future.
I'd do anything, but I won't do that: Job crafting in the management accounting profession
Authors: Horton Kate E. , Wanderley Claudio de Araujo
Published: November 2023

We examine management accountants' attempts to customise their roles through job crafting behaviour. In a field survey of 284 professional management accountants, we show that role identity conflicts are associated with attempts to narrow/sideline tasks and relationships in order to achieve greater fit. We also identify two key moderators of this behaviour, namely job discretion and business involvement. Our findings contribute to discussions on how and why accountants self‐initiate changes to their roles and the boundary factors that shape these actions. In doing so, we challenge current perspectives on business partnering by exposing a dark side of high business involvement.
Incidence and management of premature rupture of membranes in Victoria, Australia: A retrospective cohort study of 636 590 births between 2009 and 2017
Authors: Cameron Natalie Jardine , Wertaschnigg Dagmar , Davey Mary‐Ann , Burger Renée Janne , Mol Ben Willem , Woolner Andrea Mary
Published: November 2023

Background

Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is a complication affecting 7–12% of pregnancies in which fetal chorioamniotic membranes rupture before labour begins. Preterm PROM (PPROM) (ie <37 weeks gestation) precedes one‐third of preterm births, exposing the fetus to increased morbidity from placental abruption, respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis.

Aim

To analyse trends in the incidence and mode of birth in preterm and term PROM in Victoria, Australia between 2009 and 2017.

Materials and methods

This retrospective population‐based cohort study included all singleton pregnancies from 2009 to 2017. We examined women with PROM (both <37 weeks (PPROM) and at term). Management was assessed in three categories: (a) expectant management; (b) induction of labour (IOL); and (c) elective caesarean section (elCS). A multinomial logistic regression model was used to adjust for confounders influencing the choice of management.

Results

Of 636 590 singleton pregnancies, 52 669 (8.3%) births with PROM at term (42 439; 6.7%) or PPROM (10 230; 1.6%) were identified. Of these, the majority were managed expectantly (n = 22 726; 43.1%), or with IOL (25 931; 49.2%). While elCS represented only 7.6% of these cases (n = 4012), its use rose consistently from 2009 to 2017 for PROM at term and PPROM alike. For women with PPROM at 34–36 weeks the odds of elCS increased by 5% annually (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.05; 95% CI 1.02–1.08) and 2% for IOL (aOR 1.02; 95% CI 1.00–1.05) vs expectant management.

Conclusions

The use of elCS and IOL in PPROM is rising in Victoria, particularly between 34 and 36 completed weeks of pregnancy. Research is needed to determine the drivers for this increase.
Expectations related to home‐based telemonitoring of high‐risk pregnancies: A qualitative study addressing healthcare providers' and users' views in Norway
Authors: Aasbø Gunvor , Staff Anne Cathrine , Blix Ellen , Pay Aase S. D. , Waldum Åsa , Rivedal Sunniva , Solbrække Kari N.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

A pregnancy can be evaluated as high‐risk for the woman and/or the fetus based on medical history and on previous or ongoing pregnancy characteristics. Monitoring high‐risk pregnancies is crucial for early detection of alarming features, enabling timely intervention to ensure optimal maternal and fetal health outcomes. Home‐based telemonitoring (HBTM) is a marginally exploited opportunity in antenatal care. The aim of this study was to illuminate healthcare providers' and users' expectations and views about HBTM of maternal and fetal health in high‐risk pregnancies before implementation.

Material and methods

To address diverse perspectives regarding HBTM of high‐risk pregnancies, four different groups of experienced healthcare providers or users were interviewed (n = 21). Focus group interviews were conducted separately with midwives, obstetricians, and women who had previously experienced stillbirth. Six individual interviews were conducted with hospitalized women with ongoing high‐risk pregnancies, representing potential candidates for HBTM. None of the participants had any previous experience with HBTM of pregnancies. The study is embedded in a social constructivist research paradigm. Interviews were analyzed using a thematic approach.

Results

The participants acknowledged the benefits and potentials of more active roles for both care recipients and providers in HBTM. Concerns were clearly addressed and articulated in the following themes: eligibility and ability of women, availability of midwives and obstetricians, empowerment and patient safety, and shared responsibility. All groups problematized issues crucial to maintaining a sense of safety for care recipients, and healthcare providers also addressed issues related to maintaining a sense of safety also for the care providers. Conditions for HBTM were understood in terms of optimal personalized training, individual assessment of eligibility, and empowerment of an active patient role. These conditions were linked to the importance of competent and experienced midwives and obstetricians operating the monitoring, as well as the availability and continuity of care provision. Maintenance of safety in HBTM in high‐risk pregnancies was crucial, particularly so in situations involving emerging acute health issues.

Conclusions

HBTM requires new, proactive roles among midwives, obstetricians, and monitored women, introducing a fine‐tuned balance between personalized and standardized care to provide safe, optimal monitoring of high‐risk pregnancies.
Strengthening local economies through social capital: The role of cooperative firms in driving economic growth in Italy
Authors: Terzo Giuseppe , Notarstefano Giuseppe , Di Maggio Umberto
Published: November 2023

This paper aims to empirically explore the linkage between the cooperative sector and economic growth in Italian provinces (NUTS‐3), through a panel analysis covering the period between 2013 and 2019. We hypothesize that the cooperative sector can contribute to economic growth through its ability to generate social capital, thereby helping to mitigate market failures. The empirical analysis does not provide us with robust evidence of the positive connection between the cooperative sector as a whole and local economic growth. However, when we disaggregate the cooperative sector into ordinary and social cooperatives, we find intriguing results. Indeed, there is robust evidence of a negative relationship between the territorial distribution of ordinary cooperatives and economic growth, while for social cooperatives we find a positive relationship. We interpret these results as showing that the pursuit of general interest objectives, which allows the principle of mutuality to be extended to indirect forms of reciprocity, could make cooperative firms more effective in promoting the economic performance of territories. This is because they are more likely to generate bridging social capital that encourages the spread of generalized trust, a key factor in the advancement of modern market economies.
An experimental comparison of additional training in phoneme awareness, letter‐sound knowledge and decoding for struggling beginner readers
Authors: Webber Charlotte , Patel Hetal , Cunningham Anna , Fox Amy , Vousden Janet , Castles Anne , Shapiro Laura
Published: November 2023

Background

Despite evidence that synthetic phonics teaching has increased reading attainments, a sizable minority of children struggle to acquire phonics skills and teachers lack clear principles for deciding what types of additional support are most beneficial. Synthetic phonics teaches children to read using a decoding strategy to translate letters into sounds and blend them (e.g., c‐a‐t = “k ‐ æ – t” = “cat”). To use a decoding strategy, children require letter‐sound knowledge (LSK) and the ability to blend sound units (phonological awareness; PA). Training on PA has been shown to benefit struggling beginning readers. However, teachers in English primary schools do not routinely check PA. Instead, struggling beginner readers usually receive additional LSK support.

Aims

Until now, there has been no systematic comparison of the effectiveness of training on each component of the decoding process. Should additional support for struggling readers focus on improving PA, or on supplementary LSK and/or decoding instruction? We aim to increase understanding of the roles of LSK and PA in children's acquisition of phonics skills and uncover which types of additional training are most likely to be effective for struggling beginner readers.

Sample and Method

We will compare training on each of these components, using a carefully controlled experimental design. We will identify reception‐age children at risk of reading difficulties (target n = 225) and randomly allocate them to either PA, LSK or decoding (DEC) training. We will test whether training type influences post‐test performance on word reading and whether any effects depend on participants' pre‐test PA and/or LSK.

Results and Conclusions

Two hundred and twenty‐two participants completed the training. Planned analyses showed no effects of condition on word reading. However, exploratory analyses indicated that the advantage of trained over untrained words was significantly greater for the PA and DEC conditions. There was also a significantly greater improvement in PA for the DEC condition. Overall, our findings suggest a potential advantage of training that includes blending skills, particularly when decoding words that had been included in training. Future research is needed to develop a programme of training on blending skills combined with direct vocabulary instruction for struggling beginner readers.
A synonymous variant is unmasked in thalassaemia
Authors: Hunt Ryan C. , Kimchi‐Sarfaty Chava
Published: November 2023

The genetic underpinnings of beta‐thalassaemia encompass a myriad of molecular mechanisms. The ability of synonymous mutations, an often‐overlooked category of variants, to influence β‐globin expression and phenotypic disease is highlighted by this report by Gorivale et al.

Commentary on: Gorivale et al. When a synonymous mutation breaks the silence in a thalassaemia patient. Br J Haematol 2024;204:677‐682.
Personal pronouns and person perception – Do paired and nonbinary pronouns evoke a normative gender bias?
Authors: Renström Emma A. , Lindqvist Anna , Klysing Amanda , Gustafsson Sendén Marie
Published: November 2023

Research on gender‐fair language aims to identify language inclusive to a multitude of individuals, for example, increasing the visibility of women by using paired pronouns (he/she) instead of generic masculine forms (he). However, binary presentations like he/she might come with unwanted side effects and evoke what we label as normative gender bias. A normative gender bias is defined as when words lead to stronger associations with individuals with normative gender expressions than with individuals with non‐normative gender expressions, thus contributing to making non‐normative individuals invisible. In three experiments, we compared the extent to which the paired pronoun he/she (Swedish and English), the neo‐pronouns hen (Swedish), ze (English), and the generic pronoun singular they (English) evoked a normative gender bias. Swedish‐ (N = 219 and 268) and English‐ (N = 837, from the UK) speaking participants read about individuals referred to with the paired pronoun he/she or with hen, ze, or they. In Experiment 1 (Swedish), there was no main effect of condition on a normative bias, but in Experiment 2 (Swedish), the paired pronouns he/she evoked normative gender bias while hen did not. In Experiment 3 (English), both ze and singular they evoked normative gender bias, although normative associations were lower in these conditions compared to he/she. Furthermore, the normative bias was lower among participants who had knowledge about the use of ze as a nonbinary pronoun. Finally, neither ze nor they evoked a normative gender bias when their use was explicitly stated to be nonbinary. A potential explanation for why singular they did not generally result in less normative associations, despite almost all participants knowing about it, may include its more common use as a generic pronoun. Taken together, our results suggest that neo‐pronouns, but not paired pronouns, have the potential to evoke less normative associations, but that they must be both (1) actively created new words and (2) well‐known to language users as nonbinary pronouns.
The algorithmic origins of counting
Authors: Piantadosi Steven T.
Published: November 2023

The study of how children learn numbers has yielded one of the most productive research programs in cognitive development, spanning empirical and computational methods, as well as nativist and empiricist philosophies. This paper provides a tutorial on how to think computationally about learning models in a domain like number, where learners take finite data and go far beyond what they directly observe or perceive. To illustrate, this paper then outlines a model which acquires a counting procedure using observations of sets and words, extending the proposal of Piantadosi et al. (2012). This new version of the model responds to several critiques of the original work and outlines an approach which is likely appropriate for acquiring further aspects of mathematics.
Children's perspectives on vegetable consumption and gardening: Outcomes from a qualitative study in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Authors: Mok Kai Ting , Tung Serene En Hui , Kaur Satvinder , Chin Yit Siew , Martini Mohammad Yusoff , Ulaganathan Vaidehi
Published: November 2023

Urban poor children have low vegetable consumption due to food insecurities leading to limited access to vegetables. Children's involvement in gardening may improve their vegetable consumption and connection with nature. This qualitative study explored the potential facilitators and barriers related to vegetable consumption and gardening among urban poor children in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Four focus group discussions were conducted among 20 randomly selected children aged 9–12 years, residing in selected low‐cost flats in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from November 2021 to January 2022. Thematic analysis via NVivo software was conducted to analyse the transcripts. Children reported several barriers to eating vegetables, such as disliking taste, sensory and appearance, limited accessibility and vegetable availability at home. Most children felt positive and interested to join gardening. The findings are useful in planning nutrition intervention programmes that incorporate gardening as one of the elements to improve vegetable consumption.
Multipurpose pigment printing and functional finishing of cellulosic fabrics
Authors: Abd‐Elaziz Eman
Published: November 2023

Functional fabrics that are economical and environmentally friendly are desired for many applications. Here in, individual inclusion of different additives, such as softeners, polyurethane, polyethylene glycol (PEG‐600) and benzophenone in suitable pigment printing formulation were applied to various cellulose containing fabrics, using flat screen and microwave curing methods. The imparted multifunctional and performance finishes to cellulosic fabrics namely ultraviolet (UV) protection, antibacterial, anti‐crease, and softening were evaluated. The developed functional properties and the depth of the pigment prints produced are governed by the nature of the substrate, concentration/location/distribution in addition to fixation of the added active compounds and pigment colourants. The surface alteration, morphological modifications, and immobilisation of the certain active components onto the printed substrates have been confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analysis for selected samples.
Photostability of Mannich‐type dyed silk fibroin with pyrazolone‐containing aromatic primary amine dyes
Authors: Guo Qing , Chen Weiguo , Qi Dongming , Gao Pu , Wang Min , Zhu Daquan , Ling Jie , Cui Zhihua
Published: November 2023

Mannich‐type dyeing of silk fibroin with aromatic primary amine dyes (APADs) is a novel reactive dyeing method that requires mild conditions and exhibits high selectivity and good wet fastness. However, the primary amine group in the APADs significantly decreases the photostability of Mannich‐type dyed silk fabrics. To reveal the structure–activity relationship and photofading mechanism of the APADs by Mannich‐type dyeing, six pyrazolone‐containing APADs with similar structures were designed and synthesised. Variation in amino electron density among the dye analogues was related to differences in colour fixation of the Mannich‐dyed fabrics, as determined from the calculated Mulliken charge densities. Using mass spectrometry to monitor the photodecomposition of the dyed silk, it is demonstrated that the Mannich‐type dyed silk fabrics undergo photooxidative fading, in contrast to the conventional acidic‐type dyed fabrics that undergo photoreductive fading. Furthermore, it is shown that the Mannich‐type dyed silk fabric has a higher light fastness than conventional acidic‐type dyed fabrics using the same pyrazolone‐containing APADs. Evaluation of dye dipole moment and Mannich‐type dyeing shows that the APADs with increased dipole moments generally demonstrated increased light fastness.
Management impacts on three reptile species (Vipera ursinii, Lacerta agilis, Lacerta viridis) in sandy grasslands in Hungary: Mowing should be avoided
Authors: Mizsei Edvárd , Budai Mátyás , Móré Attila , Rák Gergő , Radovics Dávid , Bancsik Barnabás , Wenner Bálint , Márton Szabolcs , Korsós Zoltán , Lengyel Szabolcs , Vadász Csaba
Published: November 2023

Understanding the factors that determine the abundance of populations is of key importance in conservation biology, ecology, and biogeography. For grassland‐associated species, such as the Hungarian meadow viper (Vipera ursinii rakosiensis), habitat management is particularly important. We aimed to study the effects of the three most common types of grassland management (grazing, mowing, and mowing + grazing) on the abundance of reptile species in meadow viper habitats in Kiskunság National Park, in Hungary. We surveyed grasslands repeatedly (n = 15 occasions) for reptiles in one autumn and one spring season in three 1‐ha quadrates per grassland management type. We recorded all reptiles and their activity related to operative temperatures and analyzed data by n‐mixture models. All reptile species known to occur in the habitats were observed during the surveys, but only the green lizard, sand lizard, and Hungarian meadow viper reached the minimum number of observations required for detailed analyses. Grazing had a strong positive effect on the abundance of Hungarian meadow vipers and sand lizards, while both mowing and mowing + grazing rotation had a negative effect. None of the grassland management types affected green lizard abundance. Our results suggest that grazing is the ideal type of grassland management for the endangered Hungarian meadow viper and the sand lizard. Mowing and mowing + grazing should be replaced by grazing to ensure the effectiveness of habitat management for conservation and to maintain healthy populations of grassland‐associated reptile species.
The permitting process for marine and coastal restoration: A barrier to achieving global restoration targets?
Authors: Bell‐James Justine , Foster Rose , Shumway Nicole
Published: November 2023

To meet global restoration targets, action is needed at a large scale, and at a high level of ambition. Coastal and marine restoration may be hindered by an array of factors, including governance: in particular, the cost and time associated with obtaining permits. We interviewed a small group of restoration practitioners in Australia to further explore this permitting issue. Our study revealed a deeper problem, with the legal permitting process driving outcomes. Some proponents are turning away from the sites with the highest restoration potential, and instead choosing sites based on the ease of obtaining permits. We also found that the permitting process is only one part of the problem, and progress is also being hampered by onerous post‐approval conditions, including ongoing liability for restorative interventions. Finally, the permitting process stifles innovation and creativity as outcomes are locked‐in at the permit stage. We conclude by highlighting the urgent need to reform legal permitting processes for restoration, as current practice may put the achievement of global restoration targets at risk. It is anticipated that these findings will be of interest to restoration practitioners navigating this space, as well as policymakers.
Upadacitinib: Mechanism of action, clinical, and translational science
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed‐Eslam F. , Bhatnagar Sumit , Parmentier Julie M. , Nakasato Priscila , Wung Peter
Published: November 2023

Upadacitinib is a selective Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor which is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, the European Medicines Agency, as well as other agencies around the world for the treatment of several chronic inflammatory diseases, including rheumatic, dermatologic, and gastrointestinal diseases. Through inhibition of JAK, upadacitinib inhibits phosphorylation of downstream effector proteins, which consequently inhibits cytokine signaling for key pathways involved in inflammatory diseases. Upadacitinib more potently inhibits JAK1 than other JAK isoforms. The pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, and safety of upadacitinib were characterized in many clinical trials, which demonstrated the superiority of upadacitinib treatment over placebo or an active comparator in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, non‐radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, atopic dermatitis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. The safety profile of upadacitinib supported a favorable benefit–risk profile across all the approved indications. In this article, we review the mechanism of action of upadacitinib and describe how the JAK–STAT (Janus kinase–signal transducers and activators of transcription) pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of several chronic and progressive immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases. In addition, this review also provides an overview of key clinical trials that were conducted as well as relevant data which supported the clinical development of upadacitinib and informed the recommended dose(s) in each of the approved indications.