bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the EKC validity in Luxembourg and the time-varying causality between environmental quality and its main determinants
Authors: Irokanulo Jahfaith Ugochukwu , Beton Kalmaz Demet 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThis study aims to portray the growth–energy–environment relationship in Luxembourg by performing a yearly data covering the years from 1970 to 2021.Design/methodology/approachEconomic growth, population growth and disaggregated energy use into renewable and non-renewable sources are employed to investigate the impact of each on environmental quality as measured by CO2 emissions. ARDL Bounds co-integration test was established to explore the long run relationship among the variables and the ARDL approach was employed to estimate the long run impact of the determinants on CO2 emissions. The results validated the presence of the EKC in Luxembourg. Moreover, the causal link between variables is investigated employing a novel approach to time-varying causality which was recently developed by Shi et al. (2018, 2020) highlighting the main contribution of this study.FindingsOverall results of the study lead to conclude that economic growth and sustainable environmental quality can both coexist if feasible anti-pollution laws are enacted, fossil fuels are reduced and further research is made to increase the capacity of renewable energy sources and raise their percentage contribution to energy supply. The time-varying causality test results verify that causal link between environmental degradation and its main determinants is apparent over different time spans. Thus, time-varying causality test results suggest to design dynamic policies to improve environmental quality in Luxembourg.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature since the use of the variables is the first of its kind for a time-series empirical analysis on Luxembourg as the study seeks to investigate the growth–energy–environment relationship in the country. Furthermore, to the best of the author’s knowledge, there is no previous study investigating the time-varying causality link between environmental degradation and its main determinants by the application of the test developed by Shi et al. (2018, 2020) considering the indicators focused in this study and for the case of Luxembourg.
Bank affiliated directors and firm accounting policy: evidence from tax avoidance
Authors: Li Hui , Shen Hao , Wang Bo , Wang Haizhi 
Published: December 2024

PurposeWe aim to empirically investigate the effect of affiliated banker directors (ABDs) on corporate tax avoidance. Furthermore, we conduct cross-sectional analyses on the impact of ABDs and explore the underlying mechanisms through which ABDs might influence corporate tax avoidance.Design/methodology/approachUsing a large sample between 1999 and 2016, we empirically examine the impact of ABDs on corporate tax avoidance. We address the endogeneity concerns through an instrumental variable approach and robustness tests with alternative measures of ABDs and corporate tax avoidance.FindingsOur results demonstrate that firms with ABDs exhibit lower levels of corporate tax avoidance. This negative association persists after controlling for potential endogeneity issues and is robust to alternative measures. We further document that the negative effect is stronger when firms are more bank-dependent and financially constrained. Our results indicate that ABDs limit corporate tax avoidance by strengthening corporate governance, mitigating information risks and protecting their reputational capital.Originality/valueThis research extends the existing literature by exploring the influence of ABDs on corporate accounting policies, particularly tax avoidance. These findings enhance our understanding of how directors’ banking experience bolsters corporate governance, information transparency and reputation, ultimately safeguarding stakeholder interests. This paper offers valuable implications for both financial practitioners and policymakers.
Does the stock market react to the sustainability index reconstitutions? Evidence from the S&P BSE 100 ESG index
Authors: Goyal Priyanka , Soni Pooja 
Published: December 2024

PurposeAmid the growing investors’ interest in environment, social and governance (ESG) investing, the present study aims to examine the investors’ reactions to the reconstitutions of the prominent Indian sustainability index.Design/methodology/approachIncorporating both the announcement day (AD) and the effective change day (CD), the market model of event study methodology has been employed to measure the investors’ reactions in terms of abnormal stock returns in both the short and long term. Inclusions in and exclusions from the S&P BSE 100 ESG index are used as an indicator of sustainability.FindingsSurprisingly, our empirical analysis suggests that stock markets do not reward the inclusion of a company in the sustainability index. However, unexpectedly, exclusions are accompanied by significantly positive cumulative average abnormal returns, observed during both the temporary price impact window and the total permanent price effect window. These atypical findings could be linked to the particular clientele composition of included and excluded companies.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study carry significant implications for corporate decision-makers, investors and policymakers involved in sustainability and ESG practices within the Indian market. By shedding light on the market’s response to sustainability index reconstitutions, this research can aid in better managing associated opportunities and risks.Originality/valueWhile previous research has predominantly focused on American and European markets, our study extends the analysis to understand how Indian investors respond to news of inclusions and exclusions from the BSE 100 ESG index. By offering insights into the price effects associated with the revisions in the S&P BSE 100 ESG index list, the study contributes to the advancement of literature.
Negotiating additional learning needs reform in Wales: The voice of the ALNCo
Authors: Murphy Alison , Greenway Charlotte , Conn Carmel 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThrough a focus on the work of the additional learning needs co‐ordinator (ALNCo) and their collaboration with others, this article examines the policy–practice intersection, specifically focusing on inclusive education and practices to support additional learning needs in primary schools in Wales in response to recent educational reform. Our study gathered data from three focus groups of ALNCos across south Wales, with three participants in each group. Our findings explore ALNCos' sense of connectedness within the system and the conditions that supported the development of certain educational practices, some of which align with the new policy agenda and others which have their roots in the previous system of supporting children with special educational needs. Four key themes are presented: compliance with mandated practice, non‐compliance and resistance to reform, the importance of accountability within local systems, and challenges of the ALNCo role.
Livelihoods and Liberties of Low Countries Immigrants in Late Medieval Lynn
Authors: MADDOCK SUSAN 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis article contributes to burgeoning research on the alien population of late medieval England, that is, residents who had been born outside the realm. It focuses on the borough of Lynn – known as King's Lynn from 1536 – which was one of England's most prosperous port towns throughout the late Middle Ages. Covering the period from 1421 to 1524, during which the majority of immigrants were artisans from the Low Countries, the article traces their participation in both economic and civic life. In doing so, it places the experience of Dutch and other immigrants in Lynn within their wider historical context of alien immigration, both locally and nationally.
Great power dynamics and international economic cooperation: Experimental evidence from parallel surveys in China and the United States
Authors: NGUYEN QUYNH , SATTLER THOMAS , SCHWEINBERGER TANJA 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPower transitions among major states have shaped the course of cooperation in the history of the international system. We study this relationship from a public opinion angle by examining the effect of a potential power transition on attitudes towards bilateral trade liberalization. Power transitions can spur political and economic conflict because the rising power gains greater influence over the course of world politics, including trade rules, allowing it to assert its national interest and the interests of its citizens. This implies that citizens in the rising power are more supportive of bilateral economic cooperation than citizens in the declining power. Empirical findings from parallel, survey‐embedded experiments in China and the United States lend support to this conjecture. Great Power competition, therefore, interferes with current international economic affairs – an aspect that has received less attention in previous research on trade politics.
Ensuring egg safety: Salmonella survival, control, and virulence in the supply chain
Authors: Li Lingyun , McWhorter Andrea , Chousalkar Kapil 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSalmonella contamination of eggs is a global food safety concern, producers, regulatory authorities, and affecting public health. To mitigate Salmonella risks on‐farm and along the supply chain, egg producers have adopted various quality assurance, animal husbandry, and biosecurity practices recommended by organizations such as Australian eggs, the European Commission, and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). However, egg storage requirements vary significantly worldwide. In Australia, most states follow the Food Standards Australia New Zealand, but discrepancies exist. In the United States, the USDA mandates refrigeration of eggs below 7.2°C to prevent Salmonella growth, whereas the European Union requires that eggs must not be refrigerated to avoid condensation, which may promote bacterial growth. Refrigeration of eggs is associated with reduced Salmonella growth and decreased infection risk. Yet, conflicting data regarding the impact of storage temperatures on Salmonella survival may contribute to the disparity between international recommendations for egg storage. Studies indicated better Salmonella survival in egg contents at 5°C due to higher expression levels of survival and stress response‐related genes compared to 25°C, yet this may not lead to an increased risk or higher severity of Salmonella infection. Evidence suggests that storing eggs at less than 7°C will influence the virulence of bacteria. Warmer storage temperatures may lead to increased potential of Salmonella multiplication in the nutrient‐rich yolk and may cause the expression of certain virulence genes. Eggs can be exposed to various temperatures in the supply chain. Further studies are essential to understand the relationship between the storage temperature on the farm, in the supply chain, and bacterial virulence.
The ELVIS study: Medium and long‐term Efficacy of LVIS EVO stent‐assisted coil embolisation for unruptured saccular intracranial aneurysms—A tertiary single‐centre experience
Authors: Settipalli Krishna Pranathi , Dunkerton Sophie , Hilton John , Aw Grace , Lock Gregory , Mitchell Kenneth , Coulthard Alan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe LVIS EVO (MicroVention®) is a braided stent designed to assist coil embolisation of intracranial aneurysms. It offers several structural innovations over previous and currently available braided, and laser‐cut, stents that are theorised to improve procedural success. This retrospective audit aims to determine the success and complication rates of LVIS EVO‐assisted coil embolisation in unruptured saccular aneurysms at a tertiary neurovascular referral centre in Queensland, Australia.MethodsThe medical records of all patients who underwent elective LVIS EVO‐assisted coil embolisation at our institution between 2020 and 2024 were reviewed. Clinical and radiologic outcomes, including occlusion rate, occlusion grade (modified Raymond Roy classification—MRRC), complications, recurrence rate, and change in modified Rankin scale (mRS) were recorded, alongside aneurysm characteristics and technical procedural details.ResultsOf 29 cases, 2 were excluded due to complex aneurysms requiring off‐label LVIS EVO use. Twenty‐seven (27) saccular aneurysms in 26 patients (18 female; 8 male) were included. Most (22/27) involved the anterior cerebral artery (ACA), primarily the anterior communicating artery (18/27). Complete occlusion was seen in 55.6% (15/27) of cases immediately post‐procedure, in 85.2% (23/27) at 3 months, and in 84.2% (16/19) at a median of 12‐months post‐procedure. A recurrence was seen in 7.4% (2/27) of patients. No procedural or long‐term complications, and no significant changes in 90‐day mRS, were noted.ConclusionOur results show 100% technical success reflecting existing literature and contribute further by providing data on medium to long‐term success rates with LVIS EVO‐assisted coil embolisation for unruptured saccular aneurysms.
Menstrual cup acceptability and functionality in real‐world use: A cross‐sectional survey of young people in Australia
Authors: Hennegan Julie , Orozco Ana , Head Alexandra , Marino Jennifer L. , Jayasinghe Yasmin , Lim Megan S. C. 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundMenstrual cups offer a cost‐effective and environmentally sustainable product for many young people. While clinical trials have shown their safety and effectiveness, no studies have investigated their performance in real‐world use.AimsTo describe the acceptability and functionality (continuation, discomforts, leakage, and adverse events) of menstrual cups and investigate the supportive role of product knowledge.Materials and MethodsA cross‐sectional online survey of 530 people aged 15–24 living in Australia who had ever used a menstrual cup, recruited via a menstrual cycle tracking application.ResultsMore than half of participants (55%) were still using their first menstrual cup at the time of the survey, 16% had switched to an alternative cup, and 29% had discontinued use. In their first cycle of use, 54% of participants reported leakage and 25% reported pain or discomfort with the cup in place. Many participants (45%) reported being unable to remove the cup on their first attempt, with subsequently 17% requiring help to remove it, and 2% reported displacement of an intra‐uterine device during removal. These figures decreased for subsequent cycles. Half of the participants were aware prior to using a cup that different cup models may offer a better fit for different individuals. This knowledge was associated with decreased odds of needing help to remove the cup (adjusted odds ratio 0.57, 95% CI 0.35–0.94) or discontinuing use (adjusted relative risk ratio 0.66, 95% CI 0.44–1.00).ConclusionsDifficulties using menstrual cups are common in real‐world use and higher than reported in clinical trials. Improved education provision may support more positive user experiences.
Rural general surgery in Western Australia: a diverse state of play
Authors: Babic Stephanie M. , Bowles Thomas A. , Cover Jacinta A. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundRural general surgeons require a diverse skillset to manage the varied work required in regional settings. Access to appropriate surgical services is important but challenging due to a lack of resident rural surgeons and increasing surgical subspecialisation.MethodThis is a retrospective multi‐centre study on procedures undertaken within the General Surgery departments of two regional centres in Western Australia; Albany Health Campus (AHC) and Bunbury Regional Hospital (BRH). Data was extracted from theatre management system reports from 2019 to 2023.ResultsA total of 18 140 and 21 971 procedures were performed at AHC and BRH, respectively. Endoscopic work formed 56.5% of procedural work. Both sites demonstrated significant numbers of general surgical subspecialty procedures, particularly in colorectal and upper gastrointestinal/hepatobiliary surgery. However, the scope of non‐general surgical procedures undertaken by the general surgery teams showed a considerable difference, with 35% of operative procedures at AHC and 14% at BRH falling within other surgical specialty areas, primarily plastic surgery, urology, and vascular surgery. Finally, close to 5% of procedures at each site were on paediatric patients.ConclusionThis study documents the varied caseload undertaken by rural general surgeons in Western Australia. It highlights that general surgeons must be exposed to a broad spectrum of procedures to work in regional settings once qualified and discusses novel programs designed to equip rural surgical candidates with the skills required to manage the caseload.
Reducing severe intraventricular haemorrhage rates in <26‐week preterm infants with bedside assessment and care bundle implementation
Authors: Tang Ian , Huntingford Simone , Zhou Lindsay , Fox Catherine , Miller Taryn , Krishnamurthy Mohan B. , Wong Flora Y. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAimTo assess staff adherence to a ‘Preterm Brain Injury Prevention Bundle’, and its effectiveness in reducing severe intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) rates and risk factors in extremely preterm infants born at <26 weeks' gestation.MethodsAdherence to the bundle was assessed using a novel bedside assessment tool, with immediate feedback to bedside staff post‐assessment. Data on IVH rates and associated risk factors were stratified by IVH severity, and compared between pre‐ and post‐bundle implementation.ResultsOf 203 bedside assessments, good adherence was observed in 12/28 items (43%), while the remaining items required improvement. Rates of grade 3/4 IVH reduced (39.2% pre‐bundle vs. 19.0% post‐bundle, p = 0.13). Thermoregulation and base excess improved (p = 0.02 and p = 0.04 respectively) after bundle implementation.ConclusionReduced severe IVH rates post‐bundle implementation may be attributed to staff education and improved clinical parameters. Adherence to the bundle interventions varied which highlighted target areas for future education.
Longitudinal associations between well‐being, hair cortisol, and self‐reported health
Authors: Lawes Mario , Eid Michael 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis pre‐registered study examines the longitudinal relationships between well‐being, hair cortisol (a biomarker linked to poor health), and self‐reported health. Accumulated cortisol output over three months was determined quarterly over the course of one year using hair samples. Well‐being was assessed as affective well‐being (via experience sampling), cognitive well‐being (i.e., life satisfaction), and eudaimonic well‐being (via the Ryff Scales of Psychological Well‐Being). Self‐reported health was measured using one item on the current state of health. The longitudinal analyses allowed for disentangling initial between‐person differences from within‐person changes and were based on a large panel study of working‐age people (N = 726). The results indicate that hair cortisol levels were generally not associated with any of the examined well‐being facets, regardless of the level of analysis. Further, deviations from well‐being trait levels were not linked to subsequent within‐person changes in hair cortisol (and vice versa), challenging the notion that cortisol output is a key physiological pathway through which well‐being improves health. In contrast, self‐reported health was positively correlated with affective, cognitive, and eudaimonic well‐being at both the trait and within‐person levels, whereas deviations from well‐being trait levels were generally not associated with subsequent within‐person changes in self‐reported health, and vice versa.
Impact of patient positioning during surgery on neuropathies after robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Grossmann Nico Christian , Aschwanden Fabian Joel , Cornelius Julian , Malkmus Christian , Zahiti Leutrim , Viktorin Pascal , Fierley Lea , Wilder‐Smith Einar , Baumeister Philipp , Mattei Agostino , Fankhauser Christian Daniel 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate whether ankle braces or shoulder support used for fixation during robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), where patients are commonly positioned in the head‐down Trendelenburg position, differ in their potential to cause peripheral nerve injury.Patients and MethodsA prospective, double‐blind, randomised controlled trial was conducted on patients undergoing RARP for prostate cancer between May 2020 and September 2021 using the da Vinci® Si system (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA). Patients were randomly assigned to either the shoulder or ankle brace fixation group and were positioned in a modified lithotomy position. Neurological examinations were performed pre‐ and postoperatively. The primary endpoint was the prevalence of any peripheral neuropathy on the first postoperative day.ResultsA total of 98 patients were treated using the da Vinci Si system: 46 in the lithotomy lower fixation group and 52 in the lithotomy upper fixation group. Both groups mainly recorded neuropathies in the lower extremity, with a total incidence of 6.9% for lower neuropathies and 3.9% for upper neuropathies. All neuropathies were sensory, with one exception in the upper fixation group presenting a motor deficit. Over a median follow‐up of 12 months, no neuropathies persisted. Neuropathy on the first postoperative day was observed in 15% of patients in the upper fixation group and 6.5% in the lower fixation group (P = 0.2).ConclusionWe observed neuropathies in a clinically relevant proportion of men undergoing RARP. We were not able to demonstrate a significant difference regarding postoperative neuropathies between ankle braces or shoulder support during RARP.
Impact of daily neighborhood crime on nightly sleep among adolescents
Authors: Chung Kara W. , Lorenzo Kyle , Chae David H. , El‐Sheikh Mona , Yip Tiffany 
Published: December 2024

AbstractCrime impacts both the immediate victims and has indirect effects on the community. This study examined associations between daily neighborhood crime and actigraphy‐assessed sleep outcomes using multilevel modeling. Data were from a longitudinal (14‐day) study of 288 adolescents (Mage = 15.27; 70.8% girls, 29.2% boys; 38.9% Asian, 36.8% Hispanic or Latinx, 20.5% Black or African American) in the New York City area in 2014. Residential addresses were geocoded to examine police‐recorded crime. Daily neighborhood violent crime was associated with nightly sleep efficiency, but not duration, bedtime, or wake time. Non‐violent crime was not associated with any sleep outcomes. This suggests that neighborhood violent crimes are detrimental to the quality, but not quantity or timing, of sleep that adolescents receive that evening.
Biking a tightrope: Navigating the conditions of extreme physical platform work
Authors: Vakkayil Jacob , Giangreco Antonio , Carugati Andrea , Languillat Mareva 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we extend previous research on platform work and explore how bike couriers act in the context of digital platforms. Digital platforms for food delivery by bike—a bourgeoning and recent phenomenon—represent a special class of platforms for the physical and hazardous nature of the work they mediate. This type of extreme physical platform work creates work conditions different from other platforms for workers; therefore, their responses require particular attention. Extending previous research on platform work, our analysis highlights the existence of a three‐stage response model linking the conditions of extreme physical platform work, their manifestations in the experience of platform workers (unrealized benefits of flexibility, status confusion, lack of human interactions, and communication opaqueness), and their individualized yet nonconfrontational responses to these experiences (trying harder, reaching out, comparing, and de‐careering). We conclude by discussing the theoretical and practical implications of our study.