bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is it worth it to go green? ESG disclosure, carbon emissions and firm financial performance in emerging markets
Authors: Gabr Dina H. , ElBannan Mona A. 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
This study aims to explore how environmental investments impact the firm financial outcomes in emerging markets using a sample of 4,081 firms across 25 emerging countries from different regions from 2010–2022.

Design/methodology/approach
Fixed effect regressions with robust standard errors for unbalanced panel data are used to investigate the impact of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) disclosure scores and carbon emissions intensity on firm profitability. The authors used simultaneous quantile regressions with bootstrapped standard errors to allow for estimating parameters of different quantiles of superior and inferior financial performers. Non-linear regressions are used to test for curvilinear relationships. Two-stage least squares regressions are used to mitigate concerns of endogeneity.

Findings
The results reveal that firms with less emissions of carbon dioxide report high profitability, however, firms with high ESG disclosure scores do not achieve superior performance. The authors detect a positive curvilinear U-shaped relationship and determine threshold level of ESG scores. Furthermore, firms with sustainable investments have more resilient performance during COVID-19 pandemic.

Research limitations/implications
A comprehensive analysis of the complex effect of environmental sustainability on financial performance in emerging markets uncovers the strategic motivations behind ESG disclosures and the thresholds where environmental performance translates into financial gains. Overall, this study emphasises the significance of sustainable investments in enhancing long-term profitability and resilience in emerging markets during turbulent times.

Practical implications
Proactive carbon emission reduction strategies are essential to safeguard firm competitive advantage. Firm ESG investments should be considered when forecasting firm value and stock price. There is a growing need for rigid policies to promote a green economy and mitigate climate change risks.

Originality/value
Offers a unique setting to examine the association between firm environmental and financial performance across emerging countries and regions. It explores the non-linear shape and magnitude of this relation across high-low quantiles of profitability. It sheds new light on the impact of sustainable practices on firm resilience during COVID-19 pandemic.
Practical guide for the diagnosis and treatment of localized and generalized cutaneous pruritus (chronic itch with no underlying pruritic dermatosis)
Authors: Hashimoto Takashi , Okuno Satoshi 
Published: December 2024

AbstractItch, also known as pruritus, is one of the most prevalent symptoms observed in dermatological practices. Itch frequently arises from primary pruritic dermatoses, although it may also manifest in the absence of a primary pruritic skin rash. The latter itchy condition is referred to as “cutaneous pruritus” in the Japanese guidelines published in 2020. Cutaneous pruritus can be classified into two categories based on its distribution: localized cutaneous pruritus and generalized cutaneous pruritus. Localized cutaneous pruritus is indicative of a neuropathic cause, whereas generalized cutaneous pruritus suggests underlying systemic disease(s), drug‐induced itch, psychogenic itch (also known as functional itch disorder), or chronic pruritus of unknown origin (CPUO). Systemic diseases associated with cutaneous pruritus include disorders of iron metabolism, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease (especially cholestasis), endocrine/metabolic diseases, hematological disorders, and malignant solid tumors. CPUO is a term used to describe chronic itch that is often generalized and for which no underlying cause can be identified despite a comprehensive and careful diagnostic workup. A variety of treatment approaches are available for cutaneous pruritus, including device‐based physical therapies (such as phototherapy) and medications that act on the itch‐perception processing pathway from the skin, peripheral sensory nerves, the spinal cord, to the brain. This review presents an overview of the current knowledge regarding cutaneous pruritus, from its underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms to the diagnostic procedures and treatment approaches that are currently available.
Variation in leaf phosphorus fractions reflects plant adaptations and distribution in low‐phosphorus tropical forests
Authors: Fan Yingxu , Lambers Hans , Sayer Emma J. , Li Yingwen , Li Yongxing , Zhang Jingfan , Li Zhian , Hu Zhongmin , Li Hui , Wang Jun , He Xiaofang , Wang Faming 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Tropical forests are generally characterized by high species diversity and low soil phosphorus (P) availability. Although tropical plants have evolved adaptations to low soil P availability, we know relatively little about the strategies of different groups of species to efficiently use P, or how these strategies might shape their distributions.

We compared the performance of 16 co‐occurring species in tropical forests in South China under two soil P regimes. We divided these species into three groups: exotic species, which are not native to South China; eurytopic native species, which occur in both P‐limited and P‐richer habitats; stenotopic native species, which only occur in low‐P habitats. We assessed their growth rates, foliar functional traits and foliar P fractions under experimentally manipulated soil P availability (Control vs. +P).

Exotic species exhibited greater plasticity in allocation of leaf P fractions than native species. Compared with native species, exotic species allocated more P to inorganic‐P than to ester‐P and nucleic‐P in P‐enriched soil, while they allocated less P to inorganic‐P and ester‐P in low‐P soil. Eurytopic native species responded inconsistently to P addition, indicating that eurytopic native species may employ various strategies to cope with low P availability, whereas stenotopic native species showed only minor changes in leaf P allocation with P fertilization.

We distinguished two strategies for plant adaptation to low soil P availability: (1) a P‐plastic strategy exhibited by exotic species, in which Pleaf and leaf P‐fraction allocation patterns changed substantially with soil P enrichment; (2) a P‐conservative strategy exhibited by stenotopic native species, in which Pleaf and leaf P‐fraction allocation patterns changed only slightly with soil P enrichment.

In conclusion, the distinct strategies exhibited by plants in low‐P habitats may determine their distribution and coexistence in tropical regions.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Hydrocarbon detection via quantum mechanics–based highlight volumes extraction
Authors: Xue Ya‐juan , Zhang Hong , Zhang Jin‐Qiang , Wang Xing‐jian , Cao Jun‐xing , Liu Zhe‐ge , Wen Wu , Yang Jia , Li Dong‐Fang 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSpectral decomposition, aiding for direct hydrocarbon detection, generally employs time–frequency analysis methods to characterize the time‐varying frequency contents of the subsurface layers. However, ongoing efforts to improve time–frequency analysis resolution still face limitations, leading to inaccurate spectral decomposition. In this study, a quantum mechanics–based highlight volumes extraction method, which includes the quantum peak amplitude above average volume and the quantum peak frequency volume, is proposed as a novel spectral decomposition method for hydrocarbon detection. Seismic data are transformed into the time–frequency domain using continuous wavelet transform, and then each sample's amplitude spectrum of each trace is projected on a specific basis constructed by the wave functions using the Schröedinger equation. This yields the corresponding projection coefficient for each sample's amplitude spectrum. For each projection coefficient, the quantum peak amplitude above average volume is calculated by subtracting the average amplitude from the maximum amplitude. The quantum peak frequency volume consists of the local frequency points where the quantum peak amplitude is the maximum. Our approach stands out for its ability to indicate strong amplitude anomalies typically associated with the hydrocarbons and precise gas reservoir locations and has also been validated to handle seismic data with low signal‐to‐noise ratio well. Model tests and field data applications show the effectiveness and the advantages of the proposed quantum mechanics–based highlight volumes extraction method. The comparison with the conventional methods illustrates that the proposed quantum mechanics–based highlight volumes extraction method has higher temporal and spatial resolution and is more accurate in detecting the hydrocarbons in the gas reservoir. However, it may require longer computational times compared with the conventional methods. This work aims to complement the current spectral decomposition techniques with a new quantum mechanics–based highlight volumes extraction method.
Multiple disturbances, multiple legacies: Fire, canopy gaps and deer jointly change the forest seed bank
Authors: Reed Samuel P. , Royo Alejandro A. , Carson Walter P. , Olmsted Castilleja F. , Frelich Lee E. , Reich Peter B. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Disturbance regimes, like low‐intensity fire, canopy gaps and ungulate browsing, play a critical role in determining ecological composition and structure in temperate forests around the world.

Each disturbance (or lack thereof) can lead to unique plant communities, but we do not understand how combined disturbances change plant diversity and the resulting soil seed bank. Changes in the soil seed bank, which depend on the plants that survive post‐disturbance, can then influence future biodiversity and succession.

We used a long‐term experiment in West Virginia, USA, that factorially manipulated low‐intensity fire, deer exclusion and canopy gaps. Thirteen years after disturbance initiation, we sampled the seed bank from each disturbance treatment.

We found that low‐intensity fire led to increased seed bank density, with additional canopy gaps and deer exclusion each creating unique seed bank communities. Combined fire, canopy gaps and deer presence led to high seed bank diversity and the most unique seed communities, while canopy gaps and deer had no effect on seed banks unless the area was previously burned. In contrast, combined fire, canopy gaps and deer exclusion led to the lowest seed bank diversity of all treatments, reflecting the continued legacy of extant plants that grew immediately after disturbance. Seed communities were also distinct from extant understory species over 13 years, regardless of disturbance treatment.

Each reintroduced disturbance combination left a unique legacy in the seed bank that will likely influence future forest reorganization following disturbances, adding to our understanding of how multiple disturbances influence forest succession and organization.

Synthesis. Forest disturbance regimes have changed around the world and are being restored or manipulated to support biodiversity. Reintroduction of disturbance leads to unique plant communities, but we do not understand how combined disturbances change the soil seed bank. Using an experiment that manipulates low‐intensity fire, canopy gaps and deer exclusion, we find that combinations of these experimental treatments leads to substantially different seed communities. These disturbance‐altered seed banks will likely influence future biodiversity and successional patterns, highlighting how the restoration of disturbance can strongly and indirectly influence temperate forest community dynamics.
Ida B. Wells‐Barnett as an anticolonial theorist on crime and punishment
Authors: Tucker‐Shabazz AunRika , Kim Veda Hyunjin 
Published: December 2024

AbstractTreasuring the legacy of Ida B Wells‐Barnett as a Black feminist is a vital liberatory commitment, as previous scholarship has commendably demonstrated. Equally important, however, is the need to present Wells‐Barnett as an anticolonial theorist whose scholarly texts—Southern Horrors, A Red Record, and Crusade for Justice—should be incorporated into social theory curricula. This article examines Wells‐Barnett's acute apprehension of the foundational structures of the US empire‐state in her scholarly writings on lynching. As she analysed, the white mob violence epitomised the co‐re‐formation of race and gender, rule of difference, and subversion of offender‐judge relationship. The agency of non‐state actors (e.g., lynch mobs) and government agents (e.g., judge and politicians) co‐constituted the reformation—not total transformation—of these foundational structures. Lynching, therefore, was the lynchpin of the US empire‐state in the post‐Reconstruction period: it sustained the white supremacist order by imposing a mass death penalty on Black people, while simultaneously serving as a disgrace to US civilization. To conclude, we highlight how Wells‐Barnett's theory offers broader relevance to anticolonial/postcolonial sociology, particularly through her subaltern standpoint, attention to the role of non‐state actors, and her commitment to intersectional analysis.
Pregnancy After Metabolic Bariatric Surgery: Risks and Rewards for Mother and Child
Authors: Ceulemans Dries , Deleus Ellen , Benhalima Katrien , van der Schueren Bart , Lannoo Matthias , Devlieger Roland 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAs the prevalence of obesity increases worldwide, and lifestyle modification or pharmaceutical treatment yields insufficient results for patients with severe obesity, an increasing number of patients opt for metabolic bariatric surgery as an effective and durable treatment of this disease. Seeing as 80% of these patients are women, many of whom are of reproductive age, pregnancies after metabolic bariatric surgery become increasingly common. Metabolic bariatric surgery has many benefits for overall health and pregnancy outcomes, but certain risks are also reported. This leads to the rise of a new population of patients with their own specific needs regarding follow‐up. This review discusses the various benefits and risks of these types of surgery for pregnancy. We provide an overview of the current state of the evidence and look into future research goals.
Point‐of‐Care Tests for Preeclampsia: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies
Authors: Elbarbary Nouran , Pritsini Filippa , Kazi Ayisha , Wang Chao , Thilaganathan Baskaran , Bhide Amarnath 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundPreeclampsia is a common condition associated with significant maternal and foetal complications. The diagnosis of preeclampsia is based on clinical criteria, with recent introduction of angiogenic markers as an aid to clinical triage. Several biomarkers are now available in a point‐of‐care test format, which provide swift results to support clinical decision‐making.ObjectivesTo determine sensitivity and specificity of available point‐of‐care tests used for preeclampsia prediction.Search StrategySystematic searches of databases (PubMed/Medline, Ovid Embase) from inception till May 2024 were done to identify relevant studies. Selection criteria: we included studies reporting on the diagnostic test accuracy of any point‐of‐care test for short‐term prediction of preeclampsia in the second or third trimester.Data Collection and AnalysisData were extracted using pre‐designed template, and statistical analysis was performed to pool sensitivity and specificity and a hierarchal summary receiver operating characteristic curve model was used. Quality of included studies and risk of bias were assessed following the QUADAS‐2 tool.Main ResultsWe identified 17 studies that met the inclusion criteria, six of which described the use of glycosylated fibronectin, five with Congo red, two with placental growth factor (PlGF) and one study each investigated nephrin, misfolded protein, CD44/FKBPL ratio and inositol phosphoglycan‐P. Meta‐analysis was possible only for glycosylated fibronectin with a pooled sensitivity of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.51–0.94) and a specificity of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.71–0.93). Five studies were included in meta‐analysis, all of which had a low risk of bias on the QUADAS assessment.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the point‐of‐care glycosylated fibronectin testing might be beneficial in clinical triage for preeclampsia in an at‐risk population.
Can online interactions reduce loneliness in young adults during university closures in Japan? The directed acyclic graphs approach
Authors: Kambara Kohei , Toya Akihiro , Lee Sumin , Shimizu Haruka , Abe Kazuaki , Shigematsu Jun , Zhang Qingyuan , Abe Natsuki , Hayase Ryo , Abe Nobuhito , Nakai Ryusuke , Aoki Shuntaro , Asano Kohei , Asano Ryosuke , Fujimura Makoto , Fukui Ken’ichiro , Fukumoto Yoshihiro , Furutani Kaichiro , Hasegawa Koji , Hashimoto Hirofumi , Hashimoto Mikoto , Hosogoshi Hiroki , Ikeda Hiroshi , Ishioka Toshiyuki , Ito Chiharu , Iwano Suguru , Kamada Masafumi , Kanai Yoshihiro , Karita Tomonori , Kasagi Yu , Kashima Emiko S. , Kato Juri , Kawachi Yousuke , Kawahara Jun‐ichiro , Kimura Masanori , Kira Yugo , Kiyonaga (Sakoda) Yuko , Kohguchi Hiroshi , Komiya Asuka , Masui Keita , Midorikawa Akira , Mifune Nobuhiro , Mizukoshi Akimine , Nawata Kengo , Nishimura Takashi , Nogiwa Daisuke , Ogawa Kenji , Okada Junko , Okamoto Aki , Okamoto Reiko , Sasaki Kyoko , Sato Kosuke , Shimizu Hiroshi , Sugimura Atsushi , Sugitani Yoko , Sugiura Hitomi , Sumioka Kyoko , Sunaguchi Bumpei , Takebe Masataka , Tanabe Hiroki C. , Tanaka Ayumi , Tanaka Masanori , Taniguchi Junichi , Tokunaga Namiji , Tomita Ryozo , Ueda Yumiko , Yamashita Tomomi , Yamaura Kazuho , Yogo Masao , Yokotani Kenji , Yoshida Ayano , Yoshida Hiroaki , Yoshihara Katsue , Yoshikawa Ayumi , Yanagisawa Kuniaki , Nakashima Ken'ichiro 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAs a countermeasure to the increased loneliness induced by the COVID‐19 pandemic‐related university closures, universities provided students with online interaction opportunities. However, whether these opportunities contributed to reducing loneliness during the university closures remains unclear, as previous studies have produced contradictory findings. We conducted a nationwide cross‐sectional survey. Data were collected on demographics, social environment, social support, interactions, health and loneliness from 4949 students from 60 universities across Japan. We used psychological network and Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs) to examine the effect of online interactions on loneliness during university closures during COVID‐19. The results showed that the frequency of online interactions with friends did not exert a significant influence on loneliness during university closures. A comparative examination of the DAGs further illuminated that the social environment exhibited fewer pathways for interpersonal interactions and social support during these closure periods. The psychosocial pathways influencing young adults' loneliness show variations contingent on the university's closure status. Notably, the impact of heightened online interactions with friends on loneliness appears to be less pronounced among young adults in the context of university closure.
Perioperative outcomes in elderly patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy: a propensity‐matched analysis
Authors: Xue Kang , Liu Xiaofeng , Wang Li , Xiong Junjie , Tian Bole 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundTo investigate perioperative outcomes of pancreatoduodenectomy in elderly patients.MethodData for 977 patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy from January 2018 to January 2023 were retrospectively analysed. Patients aged 75 years or older (n = 81) were matched with patients younger than 75 years (n = 896) using nearest neighbour propensity scores matching in a 1:1 ratio.ResultAfter matching, there were no significant differences in perioperative characteristics between the old group (n = 80) and the young group (n = 80). Regarding perioperative outcomes, we observed a higher incidence of postpancreatectomy haemorrhage (13.8% vs. 3.8%; P = 0.025) and pulmonary infection (26.3% vs. 8.8%; P = 0.004) in the old group. The major morbidity (Clavien–Dindo ≥3), cardiovascular complications and length of stay were higher in the old group before matching, however, no difference was observed between the matched cohorts (P > 0.05). The multivariate analysis revealed ASA score ≥3 (OR = 3.672, 95% CI 1.367–9.863; P = 0.010) and longer operative time (OR = 1.006, 95% CI 1.000–1.011; P = 0.039) were independently identified as risk factors for major morbidity. Moreover, the subgroup analysis demonstrated that laparoscopic surgery significantly mitigated the incidence of major morbidity in elderly patients.ConclusionWith careful patient selection and perioperative management, elderly patients may achieve comparable short‐term outcomes to those of their younger counterparts.
The role of a hemoadsorption filter on cytokine levels during 1 hour of thoraco‐abdominal normothermic regional perfusion for donation after circulatory death heart donation in a porcine model
Authors: Vandendriessche Katrien , van Suylen Vincent , Brouckaert Janne , Matthys Patrick , Dauwe Dieter , Meyns Bart , Erasmus Michiel , Neyrinck Arne , Rex Steffen , Rega Filip 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundBoth global ischemia caused by circulatory arrest and extracorporeal circulation circuits have been shown to trigger cytokine release. We hypothesized that inserting a hemoadsorption device during thoraco‐abdominal normothermic regional perfusion (TA‐NRP) in the donation after circulatory death setting would mitigate the inflammatory response, potentially resulting in improved cardiac allograft function.MethodsIn 15 pigs, circulatory arrest was induced by hypoxia. After a 15‐min no‐touch‐period, TA‐NRP was performed for 60 min. Eight pigs had a hemoadsorption device incorporated in the ECC, while seven did not. Plasma concentrations of IFN‐α, IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, and IL‐12p40 were assessed by ELISA at baseline, immediately at start of TA‐NRP, 60 min after start of TA‐NRP (just before weaning from ECC), and at 30 and 60 min after weaning from ECC. Cardiac function was assessed with pressure–volume loop analysis.ResultsHemoadsorption had no relevant effects on systemic cytokine levels post TA‐NRP. IL‐6 plasma levels gradually rose throughout the procedure for both groups. Hemoadsorption did not affect systolic or diastolic left ventricular function, nor were global hemodynamics improved by hemoadsorption.ConclusionsThe insertion of a hemoadsorption device did not significantly affect plasma cytokine levels or cardiac function. Further research is necessary to assess the role of the inflammatory response in DCD heart transplantation and its modulation by TA‐NRP.