bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The concept of materiality in sustainability reporting: from essential contestation to research opportunities
Authors: Oll Josua , Spandel Theresa , Schiemann Frank , Akkermann Janna 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate whether a unified understanding of materiality is possible, given that conceptual pluralism represents a key characteristic of materiality approaches in sustainability reporting.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper systematically reviews and examines materiality conceptualizations in sustainability disclosure research and practice, utilizing Gallie’s (1956) analytical framework of essentially contested concepts. The framework enables the separation of conceptual confusion from essential contestation. Whereas reaching conceptual consensus is possible in the former, the hurdles to conceptual agreement are insurmountable in the latter.

Findings
This paper reveals that the prevailing lack of consensus surrounding materiality is grounded in its essential contestation, not in conceptual confusion. This robustly supports the projection of conceptual plurality as materiality’s most probable future.

Research limitations/implications
Building on the materiality concept’s essentially contested nature, this paper calls for future research that explicitly embraces the concept’s plural character and more interdisciplinary research.

Practical implications
As a unified understanding of materiality is unlikely to evolve, standard-setters should provide a clear definition of the underlying materiality concept, offer specific guidance on materiality assessment and issue joint documents that detail the similarities, differences and interconnections between their respective materiality frameworks.

Social implications
Projecting plurality as materiality’s most probable future underscores the importance of users of sustainability reports understanding the materiality concept applied by the reporting entity and the respective consequences for identifying material sustainability issues.

Originality/value
From this paper’s novel insight that materiality is an essentially contested concept, this paper derives two overarching future research directions and offers a broad set of exemplary research questions.
“One Day Longer, One Day Stronger”: The Nanny leads a labor strike
Authors: Holtzen Sarah , Ruane Sinéad G. , Williamson Aimee , Douglas Megan , Sherman Kimberly 
Published: December 2024

Research methodology
The case was written using publicly available information from library databases, news articles and other print and video sources. Where possible, direct quotes were obtained from recorded interviews, official announcements and other primary sources of data.

Case overview/synopsis
The case follows Fran Drescher (she), president of the actors’ union Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Radio and Television Artists, as she navigates the historic labor strike that brought Hollywood to a standstill over the summer and fall of 2023. As film and TV productions continued to be delayed and actors remained out of work, Drescher’s leadership style faced criticism, not only from the opposing side in the negotiation process but from her own constituents as well. Through the case, students explore the interplay between gender, leadership and power in the labor negotiation context.

Complexity academic level
The case is designed for a course in organizational behavior and may be taught to either an upper-level undergraduate and/or graduate audience. The instructor’s manual has been thoughtfully designed to guide instructors through the available options in terms of learning objectives, discussion questions and suggested teaching activities. Broadly speaking, the case may be integrated into any course after the topics of power and/or women in leadership have been taught.
Is the Decreasing Availability of Agricultural Land Forcing the Barbary Partridge to Nest Close to Human Infrastructure?
Authors: Sabrate Laila , Hanane Saâd , Bouaamama Mohamed , Ichen Abdellah 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIt is commonly admitted that the continuous development of human infrastructure (HI), resulting in natural habitat fragmentation, affects farmland birds by misleading their strategies of nest site selection. Here, we examined how HI in agricultural landscape (AL) could be affecting nest habitat selection of Barbary partridge (BP; Alectoris barbara). A total of 160 BP nests were monitored during 4 years (2017, 2018, 2021, and 2022) in eight Moroccan agricultural zones. We used the generalized linear mixed models and variation partitioning methods to quantify the effects of AL and HI on BP nest occurrence. This occurrence increased with track density (within 300 m of sampled nests) and decreased with built‐up area cover (50 m). Nest occurrence was also associated with the cover of agricultural areas (300 m), distances to the nearest agricultural area, the nearest human settlement, and the nearest track. However, the effect of these covariates depended on distance to the nearest paved road, being close to roads located far away from agricultural areas and tracks and near human settlements and tracks. Overall, our results highlighted a trend to nest close to HI when agricultural areas were relatively remote or less represented. For the effective conservation and management of the Moroccan BP populations, it is critical to keep human infrastructures at a level that allows for maintaining the relative dominance of the agricultural landscape. Further fragmentation of this landscape will impact the ability of this farmland species to select its nesting sites flexibly.
Establishment and application of a rapid visual detection method for Clostridium perfringens in chicken products based on helical loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (HAMP)
Authors: Yang Yuheng , Du Long , Li Congcong , Zhang Xinxiao , Liu Fang , Wang Daoying , Sun Zhilan , Zhao Songsong 
Published: December 2024

AbstractClostridium perfringens is a significant foodborne pathogen in chicken products. Rapid on‐site detection of C. perfringens is crucial for mitigating the incidence of foodborne illnesses by enabling the prompt identification and recall of contaminated food products. A rapid and visual detection method for C. perfringens in chicken products was developed using helical loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (HAMP) technology combined with SYBR Green I fluorescent staining. The reaction temperature, time, and reagent concentrations of HAMP technique were optimized firstly. HAMP displayed high specificity, effectively distinguishing C. perfringens from 18 other common pathogens in chicken products. HAMP also exhibited higher sensitivity (78 fg/µL) compared to endpoint PCR and real‐time quantitative PCR (qPCR). The detection limit of HAMP for non‐enriched samples was 6.8 × 102 CFU/g, which improved to 68 and 6.8 CFU/g after 5 and 10 h of enrichment, respectively. The detection limit of HAMP was lower by 2 and 1 orders of magnitude compared to endpoint PCR and qPCR under the same conditions. On‐site testing of commercially available ready‐to‐eat chicken products showed that HAMP had the same results as traditional culture methods, indicating the significant potential of HAMP for on‐site detection of C. perfringens. This method offered a rapid, accurate, and visual means of detecting C. perfringens in chicken products, making it well‐suited for on‐site testing. This research represented the first use of the HAMP method for detecting C. perfringens.
Cytotoxic and apoptotic potentials of four native apricot varieties from Malatya, Turkey: A comprehensive evaluation
Authors: Keleştemur Ünzile , Balcioğlu Sevgi , Ateş Burhan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn recent years, the role of functional foods in addressing various health issues, including cancer, has gained significant attention. Among these, the cytotoxic and apoptotic properties of Malatya apricots hold particular interest for their potential therapeutic benefits. This study focused on exploring the effects of methanol and acetone extracts from four popular Malatya apricot varieties—Hacıhaliloğlu, Hasanbey, Kabaaşı, and Soğancı—on cancer cell lines. The extracts were derived from apricots in their raw, ripe, and dried form, which can be consumed in three ways, and were tested for their cytotoxic and apoptotic activities against MCF‐7 and Caco‐2 cell lines using 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide, wound scratch, and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining tests. Additionally, we assessed the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts. Our findings revealed that the acetone extracts of dried and raw Kabaaşı apricots exhibited the lowest IC50 values against the MCF‐7 cell line over 24 and 48 h, with values of 3.9 and 0.5 mg/mL, respectively. Similarly, in the Caco‐2 cell line, the dried Kabaaşı apricot extracts showed the lowest IC50values of 3.59 and 1.95 mg/mL for the same time frames. In the wound scratch assay, utilizing apricot extracts at their lowest IC50 values revealed significant differences in cell migration inhibition between treated and control groups. For Caco‐2 cells, the control group's wound closure was around 70%, whereas apricot extract treatment resulted in 10%–30% opening after 24 h, indicating a strong antiproliferative effect. Similarly, in MCF‐7 cells, the control group showed approximately 80% wound closure, in contrast to the 0%–12% opening observed in cells treated with apricot extract, further emphasizing the extracts' potent inhibitory impact on cell proliferation. Additionally, morphological evidence of cell death and apoptosis was observed in the images obtained through the AO/EB staining method, conducted to showcase the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of the apricot extract. Apricot extracts consistently demonstrated strong cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on both Caco‐2 and MCF‐7 cell lines, underscoring Malatya apricots' potential as a functional food component with promising therapeutic properties against cancer.
Partial Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy Boost Before Conventional Radiotherapy (P‐SABR) for Large (> 5 cm) Unresectable Stage III Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Bai Yun , Gao Xianshu , Qin Shangbin , Li Shanshi , Ma Mingwei , Cao Xi , Lyu Feng , Chen Jiayan , Qi Xin , Liu Siwei , Gao Yan , Li Hongzhen , Li Xiaomei , Li Xiaoying , Ren Xueying , Huang Lei 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveStereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) is renowned for its high local control (LC) rates. Nonetheless, for tumors that are either large in volume or in close proximity to critical organs at risk, the application of SABR to the entire tumor becomes impractical. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of partial SABR boost before conventional radiotherapy (P‐SABR) for the treatment of large (> 5 cm) unresectable stage III nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsFrom April 2014 to January 2024, 44 patients with > 5 cm unresectable T3‐4N0‐3M0 stage III NSCLC were analyzed. The median diameter was 9 cm (5.2–22.7 cm). The P‐SABR plan is combined with a partial SABR boost part and a conventional fractionated radiotherapy (CFRT) part. In the partial SABR boost plan, the prescription dose for planning target volume (PTV) was 1.8–3 Gy per fraction over 3–4 fractions, and the artificially delineated gross tumor boost volume (GTVb) within GTV received a simultaneously integrated SABR dose (6 or 8 Gy per fraction). In the following CFRT plan, the median dose for the entire PTV was 54 Gy in 22 fractions. For the synthetic P‐SABR plan, the median cumulative dose delivered to the PTV was 62.1 Gy, while the median cumulative dose to the GTVb was escalated to 78 Gy.ResultsThe median follow‐up time was 36 months (95% CI, 14.6–57.4 months). The LC rates at 1 and 2 years were 90.2% and 76.8%, respectively. The median OS was 47.0 months (95% CI, 16.8–77.2 months) and 15.0 months (95% CI, 6.0–24.0 months) for the chemoradiotherapy and radiotherapy groups, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that P‐SABR combined with immunotherapy was associated with significantly longer OS (HR, 0.163; 95% CI, 0.038–0.704). Only one (2.3%) patient experienced grade 3 acute pneumonitis.ConclusionsThe P‐SABR treatment has shown a high rate of LC and tolerable toxicity in patients with large unresectable stage III NSCLC.
Innovative Geographic Information Science (GIS) and Remote Sensing Tools for Modelling the Ranging Behaviour and Habitat Dynamics of the African Savannah Elephant (Loxodonta africana) in Mesic Protected Areas
Authors: Mukomberanwa Nobert Tafadzwa , Taru Phillip , Utete Beaven , Ngorima Patmore 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTTransboundary wildlife species like the African savannah elephant (Loxodonta africana) requires a comprehensive regional approach to monitoring and effective conservation. This requires a thorough understanding of their ecology, ranging behaviour and the distribution of suitable habitats. In diverse landscapes, the management and conservation of the African savannah elephant are critical, particularly in dry protected areas where water and food resources are limited. The use of innovative Geographic Information Science (GIS) and remote sensing tools is revolutionising the understanding of the ranging behaviour and habitat dynamics of the African savannah elephant. When adopting GIS and remote sensing tools, park managers and conservationists must remember that: (i) the African savannah elephant has a determinate movement pattern and clusters around dominant vegetation types, (ii) the soil‐adjusted vegetation index (SAVI) performs better relative to other indices in modelling the distribution of the African savannah elephant in arid areas, (iii) cellular automata–artificial neural network (CA‐ANN) is a robust technique in modelling future landscapes, (iv) landscapes or environments near water points are significantly utilised by the African savannah elephant and vegetation performance is usually better far from the piosphere, (v) significant difference in the size of the home ranges and habitat selection by the African savannah elephant is mostly influenced by vegetation type and seasonal variations of resources, (vi) hyperslender stems in forest gaps confirms minimal damage in African savannah elephant dominated landscapes (satellite data confirms evidence of high tree regeneration) and (vii) the dynamic Brownian Bridge Movement Model (dBBMM) is a smart technique for home range and utilisation distribution construction in different protected zones.
Dupilumab as an Adjunct to Oral Immunotherapy in Pediatric Patients With Peanut Allergy
Authors: Chinthrajah R. Sharon , Sindher Sayantani B. , Nadeau Kari C. , Leflein Jeffrey G. , Spergel Jonathan M. , Petroni Daniel H. , Jones Stacie M. , Casale Thomas B. , Wang Julie , Carr Warner W. , Shreffler Wayne G. , Wood Robert A. , Wambre Erik , Liu Jinzhong , Akinlade Bolanle , Atanasio Amanda , Orengo Jamie M. , Hamilton Jennifer D. , Kamal Mohamed A. , Hooper Andrea T. , Patel Kiran , Laws Elizabeth , Mannent Leda P. , Adelman Daniel C. , Ratnayake Anoshie , Radin Allen R. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundPeanut allergy is a common, life‐threatening food allergy in children. We evaluated whether dupilumab, which blocks the activity of interleukin (IL)‐4/IL‐13, enhances the efficacy of oral immunotherapy (OIT) AR101 in pediatric patients with peanut allergy.MethodsA Phase II, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind study was conducted in the USA (NCT03682770) in pediatric patients (6–≤ 17 years old) with confirmed peanut allergy. Patients were randomized 2:1 to receive dupilumab + OIT or placebo + OIT during a 28–40‐week up‐dosing period. Patients in the dupilumab + OIT group were re‐randomized 1:1 and received dupilumab + OIT or placebo + OIT during 24‐week OIT maintenance, undergoing a 2044 mg (cumulative) of peanut protein double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) following up‐dosing, maintenance, and at 12‐week post‐treatment follow‐up.ResultsThe study enrolled 148 patients, 123 of whom were included in the modified full analysis set, with a mean age of 11.1 years. Dupilumab + OIT treatment (n = 84) led to a 20.2% increase (p < 0.05) in the number of patients who passed a DBPCFC to 2044 mg (cumulative) of peanut protein following the up‐dosing period versus placebo (OIT alone, n = 39). Following the OIT maintenance period, continuous dupilumab treatment improved the number of patients who passed a DBPCFC to 2044 mg (cumulative) of peanut protein versus patients continuously on OIT alone (16.6% difference [95% CI −9.7, 42.8], p = 0.2123). Safety was consistent with known dupilumab safety profile.ConclusionsDupilumab provided a modest increase efficacy of OIT in children and adolescents with peanut allergy, though it did not provide protection against OIT‐related anaphylaxis.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03793608
Comparison of Double‐Blind and Open Food Challenges for the Diagnosis of Food Allergy in Childhood: The ALDORADO Study
Authors: de Weger Wouter W. , Sprikkelman Aline. B. , Herpertz Catherina. E. M. , van der Meulen Gerbrich N. , Vonk Judith. M. , Koppelman Gerard. H. , Kamps Arvid. W. A. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundDouble‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) is widely regarded as the “gold standard” to diagnose food allergy. Maximum efforts are made to reduce bias, yet DBPCFCs are costly, time‐, and resource‐intensive. Less demanding open food challenges are increasingly used in clinical practice. However, recommendations regarding the use of these challenges are based on low certainty of evidence, and no comparative studies have been performed using the most recent international food challenge guidelines. We hypothesised that the open food challenge is non‐inferior to DBPCFC in children suspected of allergy to cashew nuts, hazelnuts or peanuts.MethodsA total of 63 children, aged 4 years and older, were included if referred for suspected IgE‐mediated allergy to cashew nut, hazelnut, or peanut. All study participants underwent DBPCFC first, followed by an open food challenge for the same food. Challenge outcomes were assessed by predefined criteria into positive, negative, or inconclusive.ResultsDBPCFC and open food challenge outcomes were the same for 36/41 (87.8%) patients. Sensitivity and specificity of the open food challenge were 0.91 (95% CI 0.79, 1.03) and 0.83 (95% CI 0.63, 1.01), respectively, with an AUC value of 0.87. Eliciting and stop doses were not significantly different between both food challenges.ConclusionThe Diagnostic accuracy of open food challenge is non‐inferior to that of DBPCFC. This finding implies less demanding open food challenges can be implemented for children from the age of 4 years suspected to be cashew nut, hazelnut, or peanut allergic. Further research is necessary to validate our findings and to investigate the diagnostic accuracy for other major food allergens.
Hemofiltration system for the post traumatic treatment of hyperkalemia in austere conditions
Authors: Haanstad Meredith , Seeley Leslie D. , Srinivas Tara , Chamot Matthew , Haanstad Trevor , Marotta Christopher , Sethu Palaniappan , Jayaraman Ambalavanan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundHyperkalemia, the buildup of serum potassium to levels >6 mEq L−1, has been a recognized complication of combat injuries such as acute kidney injury since World War II. Currently, renal replacement therapy (RRT) serves as the standard of care for hyperkalemic patients who fail to respond to medical management. However, RRT is difficult to administer in combat settings, and the time between evacuation and RRT is critical in preventing post‐traumatic hyperkalemia. Therefore, the need for portable, easily operable hemofiltration technology is pressing to improve the survival of hyperkalemic patients in austere settings.MethodsIn this manuscript, we present extra‐corporeal direct contact and hemodialysis filtration systems for treating severe hyperkalemia and tested the efficacy, biocompatibility, and performance of a zeolite‐based renal RRT. We tested the uptake capacity of an adsorbent zeolite optimized for the selective binding and removal of potassium in various mediums, including dialysate, bovine serum, and whole bovine sodium heparinized blood.Results and ConclusionsOur results show that we can restore physiological normokalemic levels within just 2 h of testing and maintain these levels for 6 h. Furthermore, calcium and sodium levels were maintained within normal physiological ranges, confirming the selectivity of our sorbent material for potassium binding.
Closed‐loop automated oxygen control in late preterm and term, ventilated infants: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kaltsogianni Ourania , Jenkinson Allan , Harris Christopher , Jeffreys Eleanor , Sikdar Oishi , Greenough Anne , Dassios Theodore 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAimTo compare the time spent above the target oxygen saturation range (SpO2 > 96%) and the duration of supplemental oxygen between ventilated infants receiving closed‐loop automated oxygen control (CLAC) or manual oxygen control in late preterm and term ventilated infants.MethodsInfants were randomised to receive CLAC or manual oxygen control from recruitment and within 24 h of mechanical ventilation until successful extubation.ResultsForty infants with a median (IQR) gestational age of 37.4 (35.9–38.5) weeks were studied at a corrected postmenstrual age of 37.6 (36.0–38.7) weeks. In infants randomised to CLAC (n = 18) the time spent above the target oxygen saturation range was reduced by 20% (p < 0.001), and the time spent in the target range (92%–96%) was increased by 32% (p < 0.001) and the time spent in hyperoxia was reduced (p = 0.003). CLAC reduced the time spent in hypoxemia (SpO2 < 85%) (p = 0.017) and there were fewer manual adjustments to the inspired oxygen concentration (FiO2) (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the duration of supplemental oxygen (p = 0.271).ConclusionCLAC in ventilated infants born at or near term was associated with reduced time spent in hyperoxemia, more time spent in the target oxygen range, and fewer manual adjustments to the FiO2.
Corporate Financial Performance Following the Opening of China's High‐Speed Rail: A Firm‐Level Perspective on Supply Chain Performance
Authors: Xu Fei , Kang XingRui , Zhang Jiao , Qi LiWei , Xu Zhuo , Lv Yi 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIn the context of China's successful high‐speed railway (HSR) construction, this study examines the micro‐mechanisms of financial performance related to the opening of HSR from a firm‐level supply chain perspective. This study's findings are as follows: (1) Supply chain performance significantly increased by 14.71% on average after the HSR opening. (2) After the HSR opened, real earnings management (REM) significantly reduced, especially overproduction and abnormal cash flow manipulation. (3) HSR reduced REM by promoting supply chain performance. (4) With a reduction in REM, HSR improved stock pricing efficiency, which is reflected in the reduction of stock price synchronisation and crash risk. The conclusions continue to hold after controlling for other traditional urban transportation, major urban events and strategic corporate M&A arbitrage events.