bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How and why companies adopt SDGs: evidence from top managers of Sri Lankan listed companies
Authors: Weerasinghe Thanya , Gunarathne Nuwan , Samudrage Dileepa 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
Motivated by the dearth of studies examining how and why managers adopt sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly in developing countries struggling with economic, environmental and social problems, this study aims to investigate the rationales and business management approaches for adopting and integrating SDGs in the Sri Lankan corporate context, which is gradually adopting sustainable practices and sustainability reporting.

Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach was adopted to provide deeper insights and an understanding of corporate engagement with SDGs, offering a richer analysis of rationales and business management approaches that quantitative methods may overlook. Top Management attached to the sustainability function of seven companies that had varying levels of SDG-related disclosures were interviewed based on Santos and Silva Bastos’s (2021) theoretical framework for understanding the rationale and the priority management level for SDG adoption.

Findings
The main motivation to adopt SDGs stems from contextual and ethical rationales, with the influence of the United Nations Global Compact serving as a notable contextual factor. The prioritized levels of management focus for integrating SDGs were strategic and operational focuses. SDGs enhance the existing strategic position established by the sustainability efforts of the companies. Even though strategic and operational management focuses were highlighted for integrating SDGs, the elements of sustainability were present across all the management levels (normative, strategic and operational), emphasizing that these focuses should interrelate to effectively integrate SDGs. Further analysis revealed that all three underlying rationales – ethical, contextual and economic – influence managers to integrate SDGs across different management focuses.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first few to contribute to the handful of studies holistically looking at the drivers and management approaches to engaging with SDGs from the perspective of a developing country. Furthermore, it extends the theoretical framework developed by Santos and Silva Bastos (2021) through the findings to show that all underlying rationales impact the integration of SDGs at different management focuses.
The consequences of expanded audit reports for small and risky companies
Authors: Gutierrez Elizabeth , Minutti‐Meza Miguel , Tatum Kay W. , Vulcheva Maria 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe United Kingdom mandated expanded audit reports in two waves, starting in 2013 and 2017, respectively. Prior studies of the first wave, which included large and highly regulated companies, concluded that expanded reports have limited incremental value. We focus on the second wave, which included companies listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM). The AIM is characterized by emerging companies that are smaller, riskier, and subject to lighter regulatory requirements and to private monitoring. We examine whether investors and other stakeholders benefit from expanded reports in this setting. We document that AIM companies have shorter expanded reports and fewer key audit matters. Next, we demonstrate that these reports have negligible incremental information value for investors or consequences for the quality and cost of audits. Finally, although we find that some variations in the expanded reports' content are associated with investor reactions to the annual report and with audit fees, variations in external monitoring and company size do not play an incremental role. By focusing on a set of companies with weaker information environments, our findings help to extend the conclusions from prior studies about the limited incremental value of expanded reports.
Dosing optimisation of intravenous lidocaine in patients with class 1–3 obesity by population pharmacokinetic analysis
Authors: Tognolini Angela R. , Liu Xin , Pandey Saurabh , Roberts Jason A. , Wallis Steven C. , Jackson Dwane , Eley Victoria A. 
Published: January 2025

SummaryIntroductionEvidence to support intra‐operative lidocaine infusion regimens in patients with obesity is lacking, risking underdosing or toxicity. We aimed to measure the plasma concentrations of lidocaine and its active metabolites to develop a pharmacokinetic model and optimised dosing regimen in patients with obesity.MethodsA standardised weight‐based intravenous lidocaine regimen was administered to patients with a BMI ≥ 30 kg.m‐2 undergoing elective laparoscopic abdominal surgery. Using lean body weight, a 1.5 mg.kg‐1 loading dose over 10 min and infusion of 1.5 mg.kg‐1.h‐1 was administered intra‐operatively. Arterial blood was sampled during and after the infusion. The total and unbound plasma concentrations of lidocaine, monoethylglycinexylidide and glycinexylidide were measured using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Monolix was used for population pharmacokinetic analysis. Dosing simulations were performed using Simulx to develop a regimen that best targeted a therapeutic plasma concentration between 2.5 and 5 μg.ml‐1.ResultsThirty patients provided 221 plasma samples (median (IQR [range]) age 51 (44–61 [32–76]) y and 21 female). Median (IQR [range]) total body weight was 107.0 (91.8–132.5 [80.0–189.0]) kg and BMI was 37.7 (33.6–46.5 [30.2–58.4]) kg.m‐2. Using total and unbound plasma concentrations of lidocaine, monoethylglycinexylidide and glycinexylidide, a four‐compartment model was developed. Unbound lidocaine volume of distribution was 2.1 l.kg‐1 and clearance 1.7 l.kg‐1.h‐1. Simulations showed that doses used currently had a low probability of target attainment of 0%. A loading dose of 2 mg.kg‐1 over 20 min followed by an infusion of 3 mg.kg‐1.h‐1 based on lean body weight improved probability of target attainment to 18.6%. The infusion should be reduced to 2 mg.kg‐1.h‐1 after 80 min.DiscussionOur simulated dosing regimen achieved therapeutic concentrations more successfully in patients with obesity. Further studies should evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of this dosing regimen.
Marginal response of non‐structural carbohydrates and increased biomass in a dominant shrub (Dasiphora fruticosa) to water table decline in a minerotrophic peatland
Authors: Ge L. M. , Li T. , Zhai Z. F. , He P. , Zhao R. T. , Bu Z. J. , Wang S. Z. , Peng C. H. , Song H. X. , Wang M. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT
Assessing how dominant peatland species, such as Dasiphora fruticosa, adapt to water table decline is crucial to advance understanding of their growth and survival strategies. Currently, most studies have primarily focused on their growth and biomass, with limited knowledge on the response of non‐structural carbohydrates (NSCs) and physiological adaptations of these woody plants under long‐term drainage.
This study assessed the response of photosynthesis and transpiration rates, biomass, and NSC concentrations (including soluble sugars and starch) in the leaves, stems, and roots of D. fruticosa to long‐term drainage in a minerotrophic peatland. The aim was to elucidate the plant response and adaptation mechanisms to water table decline.
Dasiphora fruticosa effectively regulated carbon (C) demand and supply by significantly enhancing photosynthesis, transpiration, and biomass accumulation, thereby maintaining stable C storage as the water table declined. There was a notable reduction in soluble sugar concentration in leaves with increasing water table decline, while starch concentrations in all three organs remained relatively constant. Although the concentration of soluble sugars in leaves was consistently higher than that in roots and stems, the relative proportion of soluble sugars and starch gradually decreased in leaves and increased in roots and stems with water table decline.
Our findings reveal that D. fruticosa reduces NSC concentrations in leaves while increasing biomass to adapt to water table decline. This acclimation might significantly impact C dynamics in peatlands. Understanding these mechanisms is vital for predicting the dynamics of C sequestration and emission in peatland ecosystems under changing environmental conditions.
Exploring adaptive health technology assessment for evaluating 10 cancer interventions: insights and lessons from a pilot study in India
Authors: Ghosh Srobana , Pramesh C S , Sengar Manju , Ranganathan Priya , Ruiz Francis , Wadasadawala Tabassum , Nayak Prakash , Thorat Jayashree , Ashok Apurva , Singh Malkeet , Mehndiratta Abha , Nemzoff Cassandra , Shah Hiral Anil 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundHealth technology assessment (HTA) is a valuable tool for informing the efficient allocation of resources in healthcare. However, the resource-intensive nature of HTA can limit its application, especially in low-resource settings. Adapting HTA processes by assessing the available international evidence offers a pragmatic approach to provide evidence for decision-making where resources are constrained.ObjectiveThis study piloted an adaptive HTA (aHTA) method to evaluate 10 cancer interventions.MethodsWe arranged a joint collaboration with the International Decision Support Initiative and the National Cancer Grid in India to form a working group of clinicians and health economists. We conducted a rapid review of HTA reports and economic evaluations for ten prioritised common cancer interventions for breast, lung, and head and neck cancers. We extracted data on cost-effectiveness, conducted a price benchmarking analysis, estimated treatment costs and calculated the treatment’s share of the national insurance family allowance. Finally, we determined through qualitative appraisal whether the intervention would likely to be considered cost-effective in the Indian context.ResultsOf the 10 interventions assessed, 9 had sufficient evidence to make determinations on the likely cost-effectiveness. Three were potentially cost-effective (one after a price discount and another by using the generic price), while five were not, and one was only cost-effective in a subgroup. One intervention required a full HTA due to remaining uncertainty. Information on the likely cost-effectiveness, clinical and safety benefits, and treatment costs was consistently found through publicly available evidence. Assessment methods were modified slightly across the 10 interventions, including expanding the data extraction criteria, updating the calculations and broadening the evidence retrieval.ConclusionThe aHTA method is a feasible resource-sensitive alternative to traditional HTA for informing decision-making in resource-constrained settings when ample international data on cost-effectiveness for a given topic is available.
Influence of non-pharmaceutical COVID-19 interventions on speed-related and alcohol-related traffic injuries in five cities of the province of Québec, Canada
Authors: Nazif-Munoz José Ignacio , Batomen Brice , Brown Thomas Gordon , Corrêa Matias Pereira Camila , Giroux Claude , Mamri Asma , Najafi Moghaddam Gilani Vahid , Ouimet Marie Claude , Paquet Cynthia , Turmel Émilie , Vanlaar Ward 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionUnderstanding the impact of non-pharmaceutical COVID-19 interventions (NPIs) on road safety has become increasingly important to uncover the unintended consequences of the pandemic. This study explores how NPIs influenced alcohol-related and speed-related traffic collisions, including fatalities and serious injuries, in five cities of the province of Québec, Canada: Montréal, Québec, Laval, Longueuil and Sherbrooke.MethodsWe performed Poisson interrupted time-series analyses using daily traffic fatality and injury data from 2015 to 2022, to assess the change in rate expressed per 10 000 population. A Québec COVID-19 NPIs Index was applied, incorporating 58 interventions enacted from March 2020 to March 2022 in these cities. We accounted for weather conditions and seasonal patterns and divided the pandemic period into four semesters to better understand changes over time.ResultsThe analysis revealed a nuanced interaction between NPIs and road safety. Alcohol-related injuries decreased during stringent NPIs, particularly in Montréal, Québec city and Longueuil. In contrast, the effects on speed-related incidents were mixed, with Montréal and Laval, showing increases and the other three cities displaying no meaningful changes across the four semesters.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the necessity for ad hoc road safety strategies that address specific patterns of alcohol consumption and speeding risks during future pandemic-related disruptions.
Hemodynamic evaluation of symptomatic and asymptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis using cerebral angiographic images: an exploratory study
Authors: Li Jiayan , Wang Lijun , Zhang Yongxin , Zhu Xuan , Zhang Xiaoxi , Hua Weilong , Chen Rundong , Liu Hanchen , Yin Wen , Xiang Jianping , Xing Pengfei , Li Zifu , Zhao Rui , Zhang Yongwei , Liu Jianmin , Dai Dongwei , Zhang Lei , Yang Pengfei 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundPrevious studies suggest that it may be inappropriate to determine treatment strategies solely based on the degree of stenosis for patients with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS). In order to better risk stratify patients with ICAS, we developed a novel non-invasive fractional flow (FF) calculation technique based on intracranial angiography (Angio-FF) to assess the hemodynamics for patients with ICAS. This study aims to investigate the difference in FF between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with ICAS and its potential optimal threshold.MethodsA total of 124 patients with ICAS with severe intracranial stenosis who had undergone cerebral angiography were recruited. According to the time of onset, the patients were divided into a symptomatic ICAS group (n=78) and an asymptomatic ICAS group (n=46). The Angio-FF of each group was collected and compared. Receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was performed to assess the discriminative ability of Angio-FF to predict hemodynamics for ICAS.ResultsCompared with the asymptomatic ICAS group, the symptomatic ICAS group had a significantly lower Angio-FF (0.75 (0.66–0.85) vs 0.85 (0.77–0.89), P<0.001). The optimal cut-off value of Angio-FF for distinguishing symptomatic ICAS from asymptomatic ICAS was 0.785 (sensitivity 71.74%, specificity 57.69%).ConclusionsPatients with Angio-FF <0.7853 may be more prone to intracranial ischemic events. Angio-FF of 0.7853 can serve as a boundary for whether patients with ICAS exhibit clinical symptoms.
Baseline nutrition risk as measured by SCREEN-8 predicts self-reported 12-month healthcare service use of older adults 3 years later
Authors: Keller Heather H. , Trinca Vanessa 
Published: January 2025

This study investigated whether nutrition risk, as measured by SCREEN-8 at baseline, was associated with self-reported healthcare service use in the past 12 months among community-dwelling older adults who were interviewed 3 years later. Data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging were used. SCREEN-8 assessed nutrition risk among community-dwelling persons ages 55+. Multivariable logistic regression determined if baseline SCREEN-8 score was associated with the following healthcare services reported to occur in the 12 months preceding the 3-year follow-up period: (i) overnight hospital admission ( n = 13 623), (ii) emergency room visit ( n = 13 614), (iii) contacting a family doctor ( n = 13 616), (iv) visiting dental professional ( n = 13 288), and (v) visiting a doctor due to an infection ( n = 13 171) after adjusting for demographic and health variables. Those with higher SCREEN-8 scores (lower nutrition risk) had significantly lower odds of reporting: (i) an overnight hospital admission (χ2 (27, 13 587) = 10.59,   p < 0.001); (ii) visiting a hospital emergency room (χ2 (27, 13 578) = 9.64, p < 0.001); and (iii) visiting a doctor due to an infection (χ2 (27, 13 135) = 10.32, p < 0.001) at 3-year follow-up. Less nutrition risk was significantly associated with higher odds of reporting visiting a dental professional (χ2 (27, 13 252) = 17.88, p < 0.001). Baseline nutrition risk was not significantly associated with visiting a family doctor at the 3-year follow-up. SCREEN-8 predicted future self-reported 12-month healthcare service use among older adults in expected directions.
TNF/TNFR Superfamily Members in Costimulation of T Cell Responses—Revisited
Authors: Watts Tania H. , Yeung Karen K.M. , Yu Tianning , Lee Seungwoo , Eshraghisamani Razieh 
Published: January 2025

Prosurvival tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily (TNFRSF) members on T cells, including 4-1BB, CD27, GITR, and OX40, support T cell accumulation during clonal expansion, contributing to T cell memory. During viral infection, tumor necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF) members on inflammatory monocyte-derived antigen-presenting cells (APCs) provide a postpriming signal (signal 4) for T cell accumulation, particularly in the tissues. Patients with loss-of-function mutations in TNFR/TNFSF members reveal a critical role for 4-1BB and CD27 in CD8 T cell control of Epstein-Barr virus and other childhood infections and of OX40 in CD4 T cell responses. Here, on the 20th anniversary of a previous Annual Review of Immunology article about TNFRSF signaling in T cells, we discuss the effects of endogenous TNFRSF signals in T cells upon recognition of TNFSF members on APCs; the role of TNFRSF members, including TNFR2, on regulatory T cells; and recent advances in the incorporation of TNFRSF signaling in T cells into immunotherapeutic strategies for cancer.
Low-Concentration Electrolyte Design for Wide-Temperature Operation in Sodium Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhang Qipeng , Wang Xin , Li Hao , Qiao Rui 
Published: January 2025

Sodium metal batteries (SMBs) are cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative to lithium batteries. However, at present, limitations such as poor compatibility, low coulombic efficiency (CE), and high electrolyte cost hinder their widespread application. Herein, we propose a non-flammable, low-concentration electrolyte composed of 0.3 M NaPF6 in propylene carbonate (PC), fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), and 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl ether (TTE). This low-concentration electrolyte not only reduces cost but also delivers rapid ion diffusion and superior wetting properties. While the Na||FePO4 system with this electrolyte demonstrates slightly reduced performance at room temperature compared to standard-concentration formulations (S-PFT), it excels at both high (55 °C) and low (−20 °C) temperatures, showcasing its balanced performance. At 0.5 C (charge)/1 C (discharge), capacity retention reaches 92.8% at room temperature and 98.5% at elevated temperature, with CE values surpassing 99% and 99.63%, respectively, and significant performance sustained at −20 °C at 0.2 C. This electrolyte development thus offers a well-rounded, economically viable path to high-performance SMBs for diverse environmental applications.
Training trusted professionals: strengthening the response to domestic violence and abuse
Authors: Bracewell Kelly , Farrelly Nicola , Martin Katie , Chantler Khatidja , Hargreaves Paul , Stanley Nicky 
Published: January 2025

This article reports on an independent evaluation (2017–2021) of a domestic violence and abuse (DVA) training intervention delivered in three geographical areas in England. Initially designed as a standalone training day by the Women’s Aid Federation of England (WAFE), Trusted Professional developed into a whole-organisation approach to working with DVA. The intervention aims to create system change by targeting organisations (housing, children’s social care, health and welfare services) likely to be in contact with victims/survivors to embed a needs-led, strengths-based approach within an organisation.
The evaluation examined how the Trusted Professional intervention was used by practitioners and identified changes in knowledge, skills, confidence and attitudes. Methods included pre- and post- training surveys and interviews with participants, trainers and WAFE co-ordinators. Basic descriptive statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data; qualitative data was transcribed and analysed thematically.
Trusted Professional was regarded positively. Practitioners reported increased knowledge and understanding of DVA alongside improved confidence and skills to respond to victims/survivors, including using non-victim-blaming language. Practitioners recommended refresher training and additional content regarding other forms of abuse or minoritised groups. Recommendations address how the intervention might be better integrated with existing practice, especially for children’s social care professionals, and extended more widely.
Birth prevalence and determinants of neural tube defects among newborns in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gebremariam Beminet Moges , Hailu Dejene , Stoecker Barbara J. , Mulugeta Afework 
Published: January 2025

Background
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are complex multifactorial disorders in the neurulation of the brain and spinal cord that develop in humans between 21 and 28 days of conception. Neonates with NTDs may experience morbidity and mortality, with severe social and economic consequences. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the pooled prevalence and determinants for neural tube defects among newborns in Ethiopia.

Methods
The protocol of this study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO Number: CRD42023407095). We systematically searched the databases PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and Research Gate. Grey literature was searched on Google. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the I2 test statistic and the Cochran Q test statistic. A random effects model was used to estimate the birth prevalence of neural tube defects.

Result
Twenty-five articles were included in the meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence and determinants of neural tube defects in Ethiopia. A total of 611,354 newborns were included in the analysis. The pooled birth prevalence of neural tube defects was 83.40 (95% CI: 60.78, 106.02) per 10,000 births. The highest and lowest prevalence rates were 130.9 (95% CI: 113.52, 148.29) in Tigray and 28.60 (95% CI: 18.70, 38.50) per 10,000 births in Amhara regional states. Women’s intake of folic acid supplements and planned pregnancy were identified as protective factors for NTDs, while stillbirth history, use of any drugs during pregnancy, exposure to radiation, and pesticides during pregnancy were risk factors for neural tube defects.

Conclusion
The pooled birth prevalence of neural tube defects in Ethiopia was found to be high. Effective prevention interventions, especially focusing on periconceptional folic acid supplementation as well as folate fortification, should be prioritized alongside nutrition education, maternal health care, and environmental safety measures.