bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Credit confidence: the impact of disclosure quality and audit quality on bank ratings in emerging economies
Authors: Salem Rami , Ezeani Ernest , Gerged Ali Meftah , Bilal Bilal
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine how banks’ credit ratings can be driven by the quality of the disclosed financial and nonfinancial information in emerging economies.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 1,590 bank-year observations of 29 Islamic and 77 conventional banks across 17 MENA countries from 2006 to 2020, we conducted a random-effects regression model that is supported by various methods, including 2SLS and GMM models, to overcome the potential incidence of endogeneity concerns.

Findings

We found that the quality of voluntary disclosure positively influences the credit rating of Islamic and conventional banks. Although the spread and usefulness of disclosed information are positively associated with banks’ ratings, the quantity dimension is not. Audit quality also significantly influences Islamic banks’ credit ratings compared to their traditional counterparts.

Practical implications

Our evidence offers practical implications for regulators and standards setters in emerging economies to develop more effective disclosure regimes to enhance the impact of the quality of banks’ voluntary disclosures on their credit ratings.

Originality/value

Our paper contributes to the existing literature by investigating the effect of the quality of voluntary disclosures on credit ratings along three dimensions: quantity, spread and usefulness of the information. Further, our research contributes to the international accounting literature by investigating the effect of audit quality on the credit ratings of both conventional and Islamic banks in a cross-country setting.
ESG investing and the performance of JSE-listed real estate firms: a system GMM approach
Authors: Kitulazzi David , Ametefe Frank Kwakutse , Karimu Amin , Akinsomi Omokolade
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing and its impact on the performance of Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)-listed real estate firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies the two-step generalised method of moments framework to estimate the parameters of our regression model. Data on ESG scores and financial performance were collected from Bloomberg and Refinitiv Eikon, respectively, while data on macroeconomic factors were collected from the World Bank DataBank. The data collected were for the period of 2013–2022.

Findings

The study reveals that composite ESG has a negative and significant impact on firm value as measured by Tobin’s Q. Social sustainability, on the other hand, had a significant and positive impact on both the return on equity and Tobin’s Q. Governance had a positive impact on return on assets, whereas environmental sustainability did not have a significant impact on either firm profitability or firm value.

Practical implications

The results reveal that the sustainable scores of real estate firms have a positive association with the performance of listed real estate firms in South Africa and therefore, these firms should continue to pay greater attention to ESG investment during their investment decision-making.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to examine ESG investment and the performance of JSE-listed real estate firms using ESG data from Bloomberg. The study is expected to increase ESG investment understanding and interest in the property sector of South Africa.
Critical success factors of global virtual teams (GVTs): a study based on UK information technology experts’ opinion
Authors: Mehrabi Hanan , Salamzadeh Yashar , Ramkissoon Haywantee
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine the critical success factors of global virtual teams (GVTs) working in the information technology industry in the UK. It also focuses on the ranking of the success factors and shedding light on the perceived cause-and-effect relationship between the factors.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from executives working in the IT industry in the UK. Fuzzy DEMATEL analysis was incorporated to generate results.

Findings

The findings suggest that overcoming perceived and temporal distance, empowerment, integrative approach, members’ competencies and cultural intelligence are considered to be causal variables. In contrast, effective team leadership, trust, commitment to task and communication are regarded as an effect. In terms of the degree of importance, communication was ranked in first place. Effective team leadership and overcoming perceived and temporal distance were found to be in second and third place. Empowerment was found to be in the last position in terms of the degree of importance.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is among the first research on GVTs in the UK IT industry context. Also, using the Fuzzy DEMATEL approach differentiates it from the previous studies. The perceived cause-and-effect analysis of the current study using the experts’ opinions has a direct policy-making application as well, which makes the finding easy to use by practitioners and policymakers at the same time.
Reviewing the digital skills and readiness of hospitality and tourism graduates: a way of success
Authors: Stylianou Christiana , Pericleous Katerina
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the digital skills and readiness of recent graduates from hospitality and tourism management programmes in Cyprus for job roles in the hotel industry. It seeks to identify gaps in their competencies and provide recommendations for enhancing educational curricula to better align with the evolving demands of the industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The study includes 19 semi-structured interviews with graduates of hospitality and tourism management programmes.

Findings

Recent graduates of hospitality and tourism management programs possess basic digital skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and PowerPoint), email platforms and video conferencing tools (Zoom and Skype). However, there is a significant gap in their practical experience with industry-specific software, such as Opera, Fidelio, Booking.com and Expedia, which are critical for hotel operations. Graduates mentioned that those tools were only briefly covered in their academic programmes, leaving them underprepared for their application in real-world settings. Additionally, graduates expressed a need for more comprehensive training in digital marketing tools, social media management platforms and customer relationship management systems.

Originality/value

This preliminary research aims to give industry stakeholders, including educators, an initial understanding of the importance of digital skills and the readiness of hospitality and tourism graduates in this area. In countries that rely heavily on tourism but face a shortage of skilled employees, it is vital to understand the gap between what students are learning and what the industry actually needs.
The Choreography of Familial Bargaining: A Qualitative Study of In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) Negotiation in China
Authors: Huang Tianqi
Published: February 2025

This article provides an analysis of the negotiation process surrounding in vitro fertilisation (IVF) decisions in contemporary China, based on an ethnography conducted in Beijing. Building on the theoretical framework of applying a ‘reprolens’ and scholarly debates on the transforming family landscape in contemporary China, I delineate the complex dynamics through which women negotiate their choice of IVF with their families, documenting the ways in which power is distributed. I highlight not only individual–family power dynamics but also the intricate gendered ones within the family. I argue that family relationships shape the desire for IVF and the decision to pursue it; this journey, in turn, can reshape family dynamics. I propose the term familial bargaining to suggest a relational and dynamic perspective for examining how IVF negotiation is bound up with family relationships. At the intersection of biology and technology, IVF also affects the choreography of familial bargaining, as its different aspects serve as bargaining chips. Further, familial bargaining offers a nuanced perspective that helps to unveil the tensions and micro‐politics between the gendered individual and the family in a broader sense.
Comparative outcomes of laparoscopic transcystic duct vs traditional laparoscopic bile duct exploration: A multicentre randomised trial
Authors: Liu Ailian , Pan Ziyang , Liu Yuwen , Wang Jianhua , Wu Chengbo
Published: February 2025

Aim

This multicentre randomised controlled trial aimed to compare post‐operative complications and recovery outcomes between these two approaches.

Patients and methods

Eighty patients with symptomatic choledocholithiasis were randomly assigned to undergo either laparoscopic transcystic (LTCBDE; n = 40) or traditional (LCBDE; n = 40) common bile duct exploration. The primary outcome measures were post‐operative complications within 3 months, while the secondary outcomes included operative time, intraoperative blood loss, recurrence of bile duct stones, and time to return to activities of daily living (ADLs). Logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of complications and recurrence.

Results

The LTCBDE group had significantly shorter operative times (117.55 vs 136.05 min, P < .001) and reduced intraoperative blood loss (51.25 vs 61.45 mL, P < .001). Both groups had a 20% rate of post‐operative complications (P = .614). Septic complications were higher in LCBDE compared with LTCBDE (20% vs 7.5%, P = .105). Time to return to ADL was shorter in the LTCBDE group (33.4 vs 39.75 days, P = .007). Diabetes mellitus independently predicted post‐operative complications (adjusted odds ratio 4.397, P = .014) and revision surgery (adjusted odds ratio 22.592, P = .006). Recurrence rates were similar between groups (P = .363).

Conclusion

LTCBDE is associated with shorter operative times, reduced blood loss, and faster recovery than LCBDE, without an increase in post‐operative complications. LTCBDE may be the preferred option for the treatment of choledocholithiasis.
Credit information sharing and firm innovation: Evidence from the establishment of public credit registries
Authors: Hou Fangfang , Ng Jeffrey , Xu Xinpeng , Zhang Janus Jian
Published: February 2025

Lenders are reluctant to finance firms' innovation activities because such activities tend to be opaque, with a high likelihood of negative outcomes that could hamper loan repayment. We posit that public credit registries (PCRs), which play an important role in credit information sharing in many countries, can facilitate financing by reducing adverse selection and moral hazard and increasing bank competition. Using the staggered establishment of PCRs in different countries and an international firm–patent data set, we find that credit information sharing positively affects firm innovation, especially in firms that experience a larger increase in bank debt financing after the establishment of a PCR. This finding is consistent with the notion that credit information sharing promotes firm innovation by easing bank debt financing frictions. We also find a stronger effect in countries that experience a large increase in bank competition after the establishment of a PCR—consistent with increased bank competition serving as a channel through which credit information sharing facilitates bank debt financing, thereby generating a positive effect on firm innovation. The positive effect is more pronounced when the established PCR has features that promote credit information sharing. It is also more pronounced for opaque firms and firms in innovation‐intensive industries, indicating that credit information sharing helps to reduce financing frictions. Finally, we posit and find evidence that firm efficiency in transforming innovation inputs into outputs improves after the establishment of a PCR. Overall, our paper offers novel insights into how credit information sharing facilitates firm innovation.
Evaluating the Effect of Oral Famotidine in Preventing Hypersensitivity Reactions in Individuals Receiving Platinum‐Based Agents or Taxanes
Authors: Tohidifar Faraz , Mohammadzadeh Mohammad , Shaseb Elnaz , Beheshtirouy Samineh , Sarbakhsh Parvin , Ghaffary Saba
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs), an unpredictable and sometimes harmful reaction, may hamper the effectiveness of chemotherapy and lead to the need for drug switching. The recall of ranitidine from the drug market due to the N‐nitrosodimethylamine production necessitates the identification of a proper alternative for the prevention of HSRs. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of oral famotidine in the prevention of HSRs in patients who received chemotherapy agents, particularly platinum‐based and taxanes.

Methods

A total of 426 patients who were treated with platinum‐based agents or taxanes as part of their regimen were divided into two groups. The famotidine group, including 213 patients, received the standard premedication along with an oral dose of 40 mg famotidine the night before and 1 h prior to the chemotherapy session. The control group, also including 213 patients, received only the standard premedication without famotidine.

Results

Based on the results of this study, six patients in the control group experienced HSRs with a range of varying severities. No HSRs were observed by any of the patients in the famotidine group (p‐value = 0.022).

Conclusion

Administration of oral famotidine is beneficial in preventing chemotherapy‐induced HSRs.

Clinical Trial Registration

It was also registered with the Iran Clinical Trial Centre under code IRCT20160310026998N13.
Internalized homonegativity and social network dependence in young Chinese gay men: multiple mediating effects of sexual orientation concealment, expectations of rejection and self‐esteem
Authors: Sun Qi , Jiang Ni , Qiu Yuedong , Li Fang
Published: February 2025

Social network dependence refers to the behaviour where individuals pay excessive attention to social networks, leading to negative physiological and psychological consequences. This study intended to explore the relationships and mechanisms of internalized homonegativity, sexual orientation concealment, expectations of rejection, self‐esteem and social network dependence among young Chinese gay men. A web sample of 510 young Chinese gay men completed a self‐report questionnaire on internalized homonegativity, sexual orientation concealment, expectations of rejection, self‐esteem and social network dependence. The results showed that internalized homonegativity was positively correlated with social network dependence. The associations between internalized homonegativity and social network dependence were mediated by sexual orientation concealment, expectations of rejection and self‐esteem. In addition, sexual orientation concealment and self‐esteem played a chain mediation role between internalized homonegativity and social network dependence, and expectations of rejection and self‐esteem played a sequential mediation role between internalized homonegativity and social network dependence. The study is conducive to understanding the contributing factors and mechanisms of social network dependence.
Women leading the charge in the social and solidarity economy: A snapshot of gender perceptions of entrepreneurship
Authors: Bastida María , Vaquero García Alberto , Vázquez Taín Miguel Ángel , Del Río Araújo Marisa
Published: February 2025

This study examines the influence of gender on the selection of business models within the social and solidarity economy (SSE), focusing on women's preference for collaborative and socially oriented business models that can promote inclusive and sustainable economic development. Using data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor survey in Galicia, Spain, the research highlights that women entrepreneurs are more attracted to the SSE because of its emphasis on generating social value rather than direct economic benefit. Gender differences are significant, with women showing greater alignment with SSE principles than men. These results underscore the importance of public policies designed to support female entrepreneurship in the SSE, recognizing women's potential to contribute to economic growth through sustainable practices. The study enhances the understanding of gender dynamics in entrepreneurship, offering valuable insights into how a gender perspective can enrich the entrepreneurial ecosystem within the SSE and inform the development of targeted support strategies that promote economic development, job creation and social well‐being.
Sociodemographic Inequalities in Oral Health‐Related Quality of Life in Older Adults: 15 Years Follow‐Up of the 1932 and 1942 Birth Cohorts in Sweden
Authors: Åstrøm Anne Nordrehaug , Mastrovito Berit , Sannevik Josefine , Lie Stein Atle , Johansson Anders , Johansson Ann‐Katrin
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Focusing on two birth cohorts of older adults, this study aimed to (1) describe the development of oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) across time from 2007 to 2022 and (2) assess sociodemographic inequalities in OHRQoL and whether these inequalities remain stable, widen or narrow during the follow‐up period.

Methods

In 1992 and 2007 the 1942 and 1932 birth cohorts living in the Swedish counties of Örebro and Östergotland participated with 6346 (response 71.4%) and 3735 individuals (response 71.9%), respectively. Of the 6346 1942 birth cohort participants, 2479 (38.5% of baseline) completed postal follow‐ups in 1997, 2002, 2007, 2012, 2017 and 2022. Of the 3735 1932 birth cohort participants, 751 (20% of baseline) participated also in 2012, 2017 and 2022. Oral impacts of daily performance (OIDP) and socio‐demographic characteristics were assessed at each survey year. A cohort table depicted the prevalence rates of OIDP (OIDP > 0) across time, disentangling age, period and cohort effects. Logistic mixed models with interaction terms of each socio‐demographic covariate and time were used to test differences in socio‐demographic inequalities of oral impacts over time.

Results

Between 2007 and 2022, OIDP > 0 varied from 22.7% to 28.7% in the 1932 birth cohort (age 75–90) and from 25.3% to 26.6% in the 1942 cohort (age 65–80). Mixed models revealed that cluster specific odds ratios (ORs) for OIDP > 0 varied from 0.2 to 2.5 with respect to avoidance of dental care due to cost and health perceptions in the 1942 cohort. Corresponding OR estimates in the 1932 cohort were 0.2 and 2.1. In both cohorts, inequality estimates according to country of birth and education were smaller in 2022 than in 2007. In the 1932 cohort, inequality according to sex was larger in 2022 than in 2007.

Conclusion

Higher prevalence of oral impacts with increasing age and overtime were observed for both cohorts. Narrowing and widening of oral health socio‐demographic disparities occurred. Further examination of the interaction of socio‐demographic factors with age or time may allow for targeted policy strategies aimed to alleviate oral health disparities in older ages.
Children's Homes: Building or Threatening the Resilience and Rights of Black Orphans and Vulnerable Children
Authors: Mawila Daphney , Munongi Lucia
Published: February 2025

Orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) go through adverse experiences which may lead to them being placed in children's homes. Such experiences can threaten their resilience and rights. As such, children's homes should provide conducive environments to facilitate OVC's resilience and promote their rights. This study used a qualitative approach which was informed by a phenomenological design. Semi‐structured interviews were used to collect data by purposively sampling 20 participants from one children's home in Johannesburg, South Africa. Using conceptual content analysis, findings showed that for some children, the children's home enabled their resilience and promoted their rights while for some it threatened both. Based on the study's findings, the implications, future research possibilities and recommendations are presented.
The Status of Vernier Acuity Following Late Sight Onset
Authors: Vogelsang Lukas , Gupta Priti , Vogelsang Marin , Shah Pragya , Tiwari Kashish , Verma Dhun , Yadav Mrinalini , Raja Sruti , Ganesh Suma , Sinha Pawan
Published: February 2025

We possess a remarkably acute ability to detect even small misalignments between extended line segments. This “vernier acuity” significantly exceeds our “resolution acuity”—the ability to resolve closely separated stimuli—and is generally considered a “hyperacuity,” since the detectable misalignments are markedly finer than the diameter of single retinal cones. Vernier acuity has, thus, often been proposed to reflect spatial organization and multi‐unit cortical processing, rendering it an important index of visual function. Notably, vernier acuity exhibits a characteristic developmental signature: it is inferior to resolution acuity early in life but eventually exceeds it by up to one order of magnitude. However, vernier acuity may be disproportionately sensitive to developmental disruptions. Here, we examined the resilience of acquiring this visual proficiency to early‐onset, prolonged deprivation by longitudinally tracking vernier and resolution acuities in children with dense congenital cataracts who gained sight late in life as part of Project Prakash. Our data reveal marked longitudinal improvements in both acuity measures and also demonstrate that, like the normally‐sighted, late‐sighted individuals’ vernier acuity exceeds their resolution acuity, thereby rendering it a hyperacuity. However, the extent of this hyperacuity is weaker than observed in normally‐sighted controls, pointing to partial limitations in postsurgical skill acquisition. Despite these constraints, our findings point to the feasibility of forming some integrative circuits in the visual system even when inputs are severely compromised, and to the availability of some residual plasticity late in childhood, with implications for the rehabilitation prospects of children following treatment for congenital cataracts.
Taxing high‐net‐worth individuals in Nigeria: Challenges and opportunities for policy‐makers from a preliminary investigation
Authors: Occhiali Giovanni , Kangave Jalia , Khan Hamza Ahmed
Published: February 2025

Motivation

Nigeria ranks third in Africa for the number of US dollar millionaires, but whether these high‐net‐worth individuals (HNWIs) are contributing their fair share to domestic revenue mobilization is open to question. Although there have been various attempts to improve tax collection in recent years, including the establishment in 2023 of a presidential committee to harmonize fiscal policy across the country's 36 states, some of which are developing compliance strategies for wealthy individuals, very little is known about the impact of these reforms.

Purpose

To understand what approaches are currently prevalent to improve HNWI compliance across Nigeria and whether they are perceived to be effective.

Methods

The study is based on 12 semi‐structured interviews with public and private stakeholders from North East Nigeria, analysis of federal and state‐level legislation, data collected from 10 State Boards of the Internal Revenue Service from all Nigerian geopolitical zones in preparation for a two‐day workshop on HNWIs, and discussions with the 26 participants in the workshop.

Findings

Despite the great diversity in the economic and social structures of the states of Nigeria, legal, administrative, and political challenges faced by the State Boards of the Internal Revenue Service are very similar. Different states have passed subnational legislation that introduces requirements over and above those present in federal legislation to collect the information required to identify HNWIs. However, enforcement is made complex by low tax morale amongst the citizenship and political interference in tax administrative processes. These trends are then discussed in more depth for the particular case of Borno State.

Policy implications

Given the similarities between the obstacles faced by State Boards of the Internal Revenue Service in taxing HNWIs, there is scope for promoting regional approaches coordinated by the Nigerian Joint Tax Board. More evidence needs to be gathered on the effectiveness of policy measures implemented by particular states and the sharing of experiences across State Boards of the Internal Revenue Service needs to be facilitated.
Application of a Handheld Near Infrared Spectrophotometer to Farm‐Scale Soil Carbon Monitoring
Authors: Sanderman Jonathan , Partida Colleen , Safanelli José Lucas , Shepherd Keith , Ge Yufeng , Mitu Sadia Mannan , Ferguson Richard
Published: February 2025

Recent advances in hardware technology have enabled the development of handheld sensors with comparable performance to laboratory‐grade near‐infrared (NIR) spectroradiometers. In this study, we explored the effect of the uncertainty from the NeoSpectra Scanner Handheld NIR Analyzer (Si‐Ware) on estimating farm‐level soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks at three small farms in Massachusetts, USA. A field campaign conducted in Falmouth, MA, collected 192 soil samples from three farms at depths of 0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm. All samples were scanned both in the field at field moisture and under laboratory conditions after being dried and sieved. Samples were analysed for SOC via elemental analysis, while bulk density was determined after weighing the dry fine earth sampled with cylindrical cores in the field. Several strategies for spectral prediction were tested for estimating SOC content and bulk density (BD) using both moist and dry scans, including testing the application of prebuilt models from the Open Soil Spectral Library. Cubist was used to train all models, and conformal prediction was used to estimate the prediction intervals to one standard deviation. The Cholesky decomposition algorithm allowed us to consider the correlation between variables over the three depth layers during uncertainty propagation with Monte Carlo to come up with robust estimates of field‐scale SOC stocks and uncertainty. This analysis revealed that spectroscopy predictions, although less precise, can detect the same statistical patterns in SOC stock across farms at a large cost savings compared with the traditional analytical methods.
Plasma Phosphorylated Tau 217 as a Discriminative Biomarker for Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
Authors: Hsieh Pei‐Feng , Tsai Hsin‐Hsi , Liu Chia‐Ju , Lee Bo‐Ching , Tsai Ya‐Chin , Yen Ruoh‐Fang , Jeng Jiann‐Shing , Tsai Li‐Kai
Published: February 2025

Background

Blood‐based biomarkers may offer a non‐invasive approach to diagnose cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), especially in early‐stage. We evaluated the ability of plasma phosphorylated tau‐217 (p‐tau 217) to differentiate CAA from Alzheimer's disease (AD) and deep perforator arteriopathy (DPA).

Methods

Patients with AD (age 73.7 ± 8.1 years), probable CAA (74.8 ± 6.9 years), or DPA (66.1 ± 10.4 years) were enrolled from memory and stroke clinics at a medical center in Taiwan. All participants received amyloid and tau PET scans. Plasma biomarkers were measured via a SIMOA immunoassay platform. The diagnostic utility of p‐tau 217 was assessed using ROC analyses and the Youden cutoff. Associations between plasma p‐tau 217 and neuroimaging variables in CAA were explored.

Results

Patients with CAA had lower plasma p‐tau 217 (0.69 ± 0.76 vs. 1.28 ± 0.97 pg/mL, p < 0.001) and a lower p‐tau 217/Aβ40 ratio (0.003 ± 0.002 vs. 0.006 ± 0.003, p < 0.001) than the AD group but higher levels than the DPA group (p‐tau 217, 0.27 ± 0.13 pg/mL, p = 0.001; p‐tau 217/Aβ40, 0.001 ± 0.0005, p < 0.001), although adjustment attenuated the difference in p‐tau 217 between CAA and DPA. Plasma Aβ40, Aβ42, and Aβ40/Aβ42 were not significantly different between groups. Plasma p‐tau 217 had moderate to good diagnostic utility to differentiate CAA vs. AD (sensitivity, 64.4%; specificity, 89.5%; AUC, 0.809) and CAA vs. DPA (sensitivity, 67.8%; specificity, 100%; AUC, 0.855). In CAA, p‐tau 217 significantly correlated with the severity of CAA, amyloid PET signal intensity, and lobar microbleed count (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Plasma p‐tau 217 may represent a non‐invasive biomarker for distinguishing cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) from other conditions, including AD and DPA.
Multiscale Analysis of Corrosion Fatigue Crack Propagation Mechanism of High‐Strength Steel in Seawater Atmospheric Environment
Authors: Xue Songling , Zhou Li , Shen Ruili , Xie Qinghai
Published: February 2025

E690 high‐strength steel is widely used in ocean engineering due to its excellent properties. However, it is highly susceptible to fracture and failure under the coupled effects of corrosion and fatigue in marine environments. This paper investigates the corrosion fatigue fracture mechanisms through experimental and theoretical analyses. First, a series of corrosion fatigue tests on E690 steel specimens were conducted to study the crack propagation behavior, and the crack growth parameters were fitted using the Paris equation. Second, scanning electron microscopy was employed to analyze the corrosion fracture characteristics of the E690 steel specimens. Lastly, finite element analysis and molecular dynamics simulations were used to examine the crack propagation process and failure mechanisms from multiscales. The results show that under the influence of corrosion, dislocation accumulation at the crack tip leads to a plastic deformation mechanism dominated by dislocations during crack propagation. Furthermore, the combined effects of anodic dissolution and hydrogen embrittlement accelerate crack growth. In dry air conditions, loading frequency has no significant impact on the crack growth rate, whereas, in corrosive environments, the coupling of low frequency and corrosion shortens the corrosion fatigue life.
Textual uncertainty in financial disclosures and information asymmetry among investors
Authors: Black Jeffrey R. , Irtisam Rasheek , Jain Pankaj K.
Published: February 2025

Prior literature documents a temporary spike in information asymmetry between sophisticated and unsophisticated traders around corporate disclosures because the former process new information faster. Using advances in textual analysis, we show that when management issues more uncertain financial statements, the resulting spike in information asymmetry is significantly lower than for firms that use less uncertain text. Furthermore, textual uncertainty measures of the disclosures are negatively associated with Intermarket Sweep Order (ISO) volume, an order type commonly used by sophisticated traders. This suggests sophisticated traders and algorithms are less able to extract value‐relevant information from financial disclosures when they are uncertain.
Unemployment Polarisation and Club Convergence in Türkiye
Authors: Karahasan Burhan Can
Published: February 2025

Turkish economy has undergone massive transformation during the 2000s. Annual economic growth reached a peak of 10% in the early 2000s. However, the side effects of global financial crises and the internal macroeconomic imbalances shift the growth trajectory of Türkiye into a new path of unstable economic growth. While macroeconomic consequences are densely discussed we know less about the adjustment of local labour markets. To fill this gap, we examine the club formation of Turkish regions by analysing their unemployment trajectories during the post 2000s. Our findings show that despite rapid economic growth Turkish regions get extremely polarised and form distinct convergence clubs. Remarkably polarisation is higher for the female population. Geographically, polarisation is in the form of an isolation for the least developed south‐eastern regions and some of the developed urbanised western regions. Additionally, our robustness exercises indicate higher polarisation after 2013 as Turkish economic growth starts to become more volatile and less sustainable. Finally, our spatial extensions show that impact of spatial proximity has significant influence on the accurate extent of unemployment deprivation.
Analysis of Sleep Quality Categories and Associated Factors in Patients on Hemodialysis
Authors: Jia Wanning , Wang Yonge , Yang Liu , Liu Qian , Dong Wan , He Wenwen
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Latent profile analysis is a statistical method for identifying potential groups or profiles and categorizing individuals accordingly. In psychology and social sciences, it is frequently employed to explore the latent group structure in data, aiding researchers in comprehending disparities and similarities among different groups. This study utilized latent profile analysis to explore the potential categories of sleep quality in patients on hemodialysis and analyze the factors associated with each category.

Methods

Convenience sampling was used to select 268 patients who received maintenance hemodialysis treatment at China‐Japan Friendship Hospital from July 2023 to June 2024. This study was a cross‐sectional survey, and data were collected using a general information survey, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Frailty Screening Scale, and Fatigue Scale‐14. Different sleep types were identified in patients on hemodialysis using latent profile analysis, and the factors affecting sleep quality in each type were analyzed.

Findings

The study included 154 males and 114 females, with a mean age of 61.07 ± 13.72 years and a median dialysis duration of 4.00 (2.00, 9.00) years. Latent profile analysis identified four sleep quality categories among patients on hemodialysis: good sleep quality (35.30%), insufficient sleep time with high medication use (13.80%), good sleep time with high medication use (4.50%), and insufficient sleep time with low medication use (46.40%). Sex, age, employment status, ultrafiltration volume, frailty screening scale, and fatigue rate‐14 were compared among the different categories, revealing significant differences (p < 0.05).

Discussion

Latent profile analysis identified four sleep quality categories among patients undergoing hemodialysis, with factors, such as age, dialysis duration, and the presence of frailty influencing sleep quality differently. Future efforts should focus on this population by providing targeted health counseling and psychological support tailored to the characteristics of each sleep category to address their sleep issues and improve their quality of life.
Investigation of the Effect of Reiki on Pain, Fatigue, and Itching in Hemodialysis Patients: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Başer Akın Esra , Mollaoğlu Mukadder
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The management of symptoms associated with hemodialysis, which adversely affect patients, increases their quality of life. Complementary integrative therapies such as Reiki are used in symptom management. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Reiki on pain, fatigue, and itching in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

The study had a randomized controlled design and was conducted in three dialysis centers with a total of 74 hemodialysis patients, 37 in the intervention group, and 37 in the control group. A total of 10 sessions of Reiki were administered to the patients in the intervention group twice a week for 5 weeks, while the patients in the control group received routine hemodialysis treatment. The data of the study were collected using the Patient Identification Form, the Patient Clinical Parameters Form, the Visual Analog Scale, the McGill Pain Questionnaire, the Piper Fatigue Scale, and the 5‐D Itch Scale.

Findings

It was determined that there was a statistically significant decrease in the pain, fatigue, and itching levels of the patients in favor of the intervention group in the second and third measurements (p < 0.05). Although there was no change in the pain and fatigue levels of the patients in the control group, the levels of itching increased statistically and significantly (p < 0.05).

Discussion

The findings suggest that Reiki has an effect on pain, fatigue, and itching in hemodialysis patients.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05531175
Corrosion of zirconium‐based refractories in glass‐contact areas: Mechanisms and challenges
Authors: Perez Velasquez Cristian , Montazerian Maziar , Mauro John C.
Published: February 2025

Zirconium‐based refractories are essential materials in the glass industry due to their outstanding properties including high refractoriness, good thermal shock resistance, and high corrosion resistance with respect to contact with the molten glass, making them suitable for use in critical parts of glass melting furnaces, such as the bottom, side wall lining, and throat. Such refractories consist of zirconia (ZrO2), zircon, or some combination with other oxides such as alumina (Al2O3) and silica (SiO2), for example, as with Al2O3–ZrO2–SiO2 and high ZrO2 refractories. Despite having good behavior when in contact with molten glass at high temperatures, these materials must be replaced periodically due to wear, primarily because of chemical corrosion. The complex corrosion process depends on different factors such as the temperature, glass composition, and the chemical composition and microstructure of the refractory material, among other factors. Much of the information is scattered across various sources, making it difficult to build a holistic understanding of the corrosion process of this specific kind of refractory so critical to the glass industry. The current paper intends to fill this gap by providing a comprehensive review of the corrosion of zirconium‐based refractories used in glass‐contact areas in glass making, enhancing our understanding of these refractories and identifying new areas for innovation.
Relationship Between Health Literacy and Knowledge About Gynaecological Cancer Prevention of Women
Authors: Aksoy Fatma , Boyraz Yanık Hilal Gül , Erbil Nülüfer
Published: February 2025

Aim

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between women's health literacy level and gynaecologic cancer prevention information.

Methods

The research design was descriptive and correlational. A sample of 264 women was recruited, and the research was conducted within the outpatient clinics of a state hospital situated in the Black Sea Region of Turkey. Data collection was carried out using the Information Form, Health Literacy Scale and Gynecological Cancer Prevention Information Scale. Prior to the study, ethical approval, institutional permission and informed consent were received. Because the data were normally distributed, t‐tests and one‐way ANOVA tests were used to evaluate differences between independent groups.

Results

The mean age was 41.98 ± 14.03 years. The total mean score on the Health Literacy Scale was 52.85 ± 9.81, whereas the total mean score on the Gynecologic Cancer Prevention Information Scale was 18.73 ± 7.52, both at ‘moderate’ level. A moderately positive correlation was identified between women's Health Literacy Scale score and Gynecologic Cancer Prevention Information Scale score (r = 0.320, p < 0.001). Age, education, and health literacy emerged as predictors of gynaecologic cancer prevention information in women.

Conclusions

Women's health literacy level is an important factor affecting their gynaecological cancer prevention knowledge behaviours. It is recommended that health professionals work to increase women's health literacy.
Smart selective navigator (SSN): enhancing urban winter road maintenance through optimized arc routing with hard turn restrictions
Authors: Baghyari Farhad , Seo Jaho
Published: February 2025

This paper introduces a novel heuristic method, the smart selective navigator (SSN), for addressing arc routing problems (ARPs) with a focus on integrating hard turn restrictions in urban winter operations. Addressing a significant gap in existing ARP methodologies, SSN seamlessly incorporates common side constraints, such as vehicle characteristics and road priorities, while strictly adhering to turn restrictions. Mathematically, the approach involves representing urban road networks as directed multigraphs. SSN's effectiveness was demonstrated through a case study on winter road maintenance in the City of Oshawa, which showed improved operation times. This study not only fills a crucial research gap in ARP but also offers a versatile solution applicable to various urban routing challenges, with potential applications extending beyond winter operations. Future research directions include exploring dynamic weighting models further and replacing classical optimization methods with machine learning for real‐time route generation.
Enhanced properties of fine‐grain titanium diboride with high dislocation density fabricated by high‐pressure sintering
Authors: Fu Shuai , Ji Wei , Liu Hanxing
Published: February 2025

For the purpose of the densification of ceramics with high melting points, the traditional preparation method requires long‐term heating above 2000°C, which inevitably leads to severe grain growth and high energy consumption. In this study, TiB2 ceramics with a high density (98.9%) and a fine grain size (2.15 µm) were prepared under the pressure of 200 MPa at the low temperature of 1650°C in a carbon fiber reinforced sintering mold with reliable strength. The high‐pressure sintered sample possessed a high hardness of 30.1 GPa and a high dislocation density of 3.64 × 1014 m−2. The mechanical properties of TiB2 ceramics could be significantly improved by high‐pressure induced unique microstructures. This sintering process provides insights into subsequent sintering of other ceramics with high melting points.
Validation using item response theory, and assessment of sensitivity to change of the Hypoglycemia Awareness Questionnaire in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with insulin
Authors: García‐Lugo Julieth Patricia , Carrillo Algarra Ana Julia , Sierra‐Matamoros Fabio Alexander , Hernández‐Zambrano Sandra Milena , Henao‐Carrillo Diana Cristina
Published: February 2025

Aims/Introduction

It is important to develop valid tools to evaluate hypoglycemia perception such as the Hypoglycemia Awareness Questionnaire (HypoA‐Q) in patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). The aim of the study is to validate the HypoA‐Q in patients with T2D treated with insulin using item response theory.

Materials and Methods

Individuals with T2D treated with insulin were included by non‐random convenience sampling. A partial credit model was used for validation using item response theory, infit, and outfit statistics were calculated, person‐item map and item characteristic curves were plotted, and differential item functioning was assessed.

Results

The study included 502 participants, the mean age at diagnosis of diabetes was 47.8 ± 13.9 years, the median time with the diagnosis was 15 years (IQR: 9–22), and the mean HbA1c 71 ± 27.3 mmol/mL (8.6 ± 2.5%), 48.6% had Glomerular Filtration Rate >60 mL/min/min2. Item fit was found with items covering the full range of the construct of the participant population, although response options could be simplified. The person‐item map showed that the scale covers a wide range of the construct and that the scale has items to measure these different levels. Item bias was not evident when comparing subgroups by age, sex and treatment.

Conclusions

The HypoA‐Q is a valid measure for assessing hypoglycemia awareness in insulin‐treated T2D patients because it has items that fit the measurement process, measures a wide range of awareness, and is free of biases related to gender, age, treatment, and duration of diabetes.
Implant Scanning Workflows for Fabricating Implant‐Supported Prostheses Recorded by Using Intraoral Scanners With or Without Photogrammetry Technologies
Authors: Revilla‐León Marta , Kois John C.
Published: February 2025

Objectives

To classify complete‐arch implant scanning workflows for registering implant position, tooth position, soft tissue information, and maxillomandibular relationship recorded by using intraoral scanners (IOSs) with or without photogrammetry (PG) technologies.

Overview

Implant scanning workflow has been defined as the procedures required to acquire the digital information needed to design an implant‐supported prosthesis, including implant and tooth position, soft tissue information, and maxillomandibular relationship scans. As a part of the implant scanning workflow, different implant scanning techniques have been described for recording the 3‐dimensional position of the implants being scanned by using IOSs. Alternatively, PG systems can also be used to record implant positions. However, dental literature lacks a classification of implant scanning workflows.

Conclusions

There are six main implant scanning workflows based on the reference landmarks used: worflows guided by existing teeth, fiducial markers, fixation references, implant scan bodies, auxiliary devices, and interim restorations.

Clinical Significance

Understanding different implant scanning workflows allows dental professionals to efficiently capture all the digital data information needed to design and fabricate implant‐supported prostheses by using an intraoral scanner with or without a photogrammetry system.
Attenuating Vibrio harveyi Virulence Through Quorum Sensing Interference Using Piperine: An In Vitro and In Silico Approach
Authors: Arcan Stephen Kyle C. , Yatip Pattanan , Munyoo Bamroong , Maningas Mary Beth B. , Soowannayan Chumporn , Guzman John Paul Matthew D.
Published: February 2025

Aquaculture diseases caused by pathogens such as Vibrio spp., amplified by the emergence of antibiotic resistance, threaten the aquaculture industry. Due to its critical role in regulating the expression of genes related to antibiotic resistance and virulence, quorum sensing (QS) was proved to be an ideal target in disease control. In this study, we investigated the effects of the alkaloid piperine on the QS system of a fish pathogenic Vibrio harveyi strain. In vitro assays showed that piperine inhibits biofilm formation of V. harveyi without affecting their growth. Moreover, piperine specifically reduced QS activity in V. harveyi, as evident in the inhibition of biofilm and bioluminescence, likely through the AI‐2 pathway. Molecular docking simulations showed significant binding energies between piperine and QS proteins—LuxP, LuxQ, LuxR and LuxS—revealing competitive inhibitory effects against LuxP, LuxR, and LuxS, and non‐competitive interactions with LuxQ. This study demonstrated the effects of piperine against V. harveyi and elucidated its mechanism of action against V. harveyi QS, implying its potential application in aquaculture systems.
Local connectedness and corporate social responsibility
Authors: Ucar Erdem
Published: February 2025

I examine the relationship between social connectedness and corporate prosocial behavior, as measured by corporate social responsibility (CSR). Using a novel connectedness measure, I empirically investigate the effect of local connectedness on CSR for a large sample of U.S. firms. I show that firms in areas with stronger connectedness have higher CSR levels. The local connectedness effect on CSR remains robust after addressing endogeneity concerns and robustness checks. My findings suggest that the link between social connectedness and individual prosocial behavior, highlighted in social science literature, exists for corporations, and local connectedness is an important predictor of CSR.
IPO proceeds deployment and firm performance
Authors: Huson Mark R. , Meng Chong
Published: February 2025

Newly public incumbents (NPIs) experience negative price reactions to industry followers' initial public offerings (IPOs). We find that deploying IPO proceeds rapidly amplifies the negative impact of peer IPOs. These effects are larger for unprofitable NPIs and smaller for NPIs with better capital market access. Our findings underscore the importance of maintaining financial flexibility over the pursuit of a first‐mover advantage in shaping NPIs' performance.