bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Crowdfunding, asymmetric information and pecking order
Authors: Miglo Anton 
Published: November 2024

PurposeCrowdfunding is a rapidly growing phenomenon in theory and practice. A significant gap exists between theoretical literature and empirical evidence regarding the volumes of crowdfunding and the quality of firms that use crowdfunding.Design/methodology/approachThis is one of the first articles that offers a theory of entrepreneurs' choice between debt, equity and crowdfunding (reward-based). It uses a game-theoretic model where information about the expected quality of products developed by entrepreneurs is asymmetric.FindingsWe argue that in most cases crowdfunding is at the end of pecking order. The payments in the form of pre-orders come before the project investment is made making the entrepreneur's profit independent of actual quality of the product creating a strong ground for cross-subsidies of low-quality entrepreneurs by high-quality entrepreneurs in a pooling equilibrium.Originality/valueThe paper is consistent with some well-known empirical phenomena on crowdfunding, e.g. relatively small volumes of crowdfunding vs traditional funding, low volumes of reward-based crowdfunding vs debt-based and equity-based crowdfunding and excess entry of low-quality firms to crowdfunding market. We further compare this approach with an approach based on asymmetric information about the cost of production/investment (as in Belleflamme et al. (2014) and some other papers) and argue that even though some predictions maybe close under some general assumptions both approaches lead to qualitatively different results.
Does environmental policy stringency promote financial development? New policy insights from BRICS countries
Authors: Akram Vaseem , Srivastav Anant 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
Over the past few decades, BRICS nations have implemented several environmental legislations to combat environmental issues, along with the development of the financial sector. However, they still face the dual challenge of balancing financial development (FD) and reducing carbon emissions to achieve sustainable development. Hence, this study aims to explore how environmental policy stringency (EPS) influences FD in BRICS nations from 1993 to 2020.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors performed a panel data analysis to examine the effect of the EPS on FD. Firstly, they conducted a panel unit root test using the Levin–Lin–Chu and the Im–Pesaran–Shin unit root tests to check the stationarity of the data. Then, they used the fixed effect model for analysis. A feasible generalised least squares test is used to ensure the robustness of the results.

Findings
The EPS positively affects FD through financial markets and intuitions in BRICS nations, indicating that more stringent environmental policies of BRICS countries promote FD in these nations.

Practical implications
This study suggests that policymakers in BRICS nations should consider strengthening EPS, implying the dual benefit of aligning environmental sustainability goals with economic growth.

Originality/value
This study provides a deeper understanding by disassembling FD into financial markets and institutions, thereby establishing a nuanced relationship with EPS, which is highly relevant for addressing the distinctive financial systems and environmental challenges of BRICS nations. Therefore, this study fills this gap and offers new insights into the relationship between EPS and FD in these nations.
Restoring a parched tributary in global mobility research: the study of expatriates as leaders
Authors: Mendenhall Mark E. , Reiche B. Sebastian 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThis paper explores an under-researched area in the field of global mobility, namely, the leadership behavior of expatriates. We bring attention to this largely overlooked area of research in global mobility and offer recommendations for future research in relation to this topic.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, we first map the degree to which expatriates as leaders have been studied in the field by conducting a search of the global mobility literature from 1965 to 2023. Next, we explore the potential efficacy of applying existing leadership theories to the study of expatriates as leaders, reflecting on the potential gains such an undertaking holds for both global mobility and leadership research.FindingsBased on our reflections, we conclude that the global mobility domain provides a new, rich context in which traditional leadership theories could be studied, resulting in a richer understanding of boundary conditions associated with traditional leadership theories. We also consider the potential value-added contributions to the global mobility field if its scholars were to draw from existing theory from one of the sub-fields of leadership: global leadership. To do so, we chart the evolution of the global leadership field and discuss one of its models that holds particular value, in our estimation, for future global mobility research.Originality/valueTo date, the lack of focus on expatriates as leaders has not been discussed or widely considered in the literature. This paper is a first attempt to bring to light this gap in the literature and to consider the rich possibilities future research exploring this topic holds for the field and for the practice of expatriate training and development.
Tracing the path to democratic governance in South Africa and Ethiopia: a comparative policy analysis
Authors: Gebrihet Hafte Gebreselassie , Gebresilassie Yibrah Hagos 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the dynamics of democratic governance in South Africa and Ethiopia within the framework of Africa Agenda 2063 (AA2063), including how political polarisation and populism shape the democratisation process.

Design/methodology/approach
A mixed-methods approach integrates quantitative analysis using the Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) data set with qualitative case studies from South Africa and Ethiopia. Cohort analysis, comparative analysis and descriptive statistics revealed patterns and trends in democratic transformation, how groups evolve over time and the momentum needed for both countries to achieve the goals of AA2063.

Findings
This study found that the political landscapes of South Africa and Ethiopia are significantly shaped by the emergence of democracy, political polarisation and populist parties. Considering the 10-year expected outcomes outlined in AA2063, the findings show that South Africa achieved 84% of its 10-year democratic governance policy goals, whereas Ethiopia reached only 25%. South Africa, despite demonstrating a strong commitment to clean elections, has experienced significant political polarisation and the rise of populist movements. In Ethiopia, the shift towards one-man governance has significantly diverted the country’s trajectory from liberal democratic aspirations to undemocratic practices.

Practical implications
The findings provide actionable policy recommendations aimed at building resilient democracy against political polarisation and populism.

Social implications
This study highlights the vital role of informed citizens in safeguarding democratic practices.

Originality/value
This study makes a significant contribution through a rigorous comparison of democratic practices in South Africa and Ethiopia by elucidating the critical factors that shape their differing levels of democratic maturity. The analysis uncovers the impact of political polarisation and populism on governance by employing a comprehensive array of democratic indicators to provide a nuanced understanding of these dynamics.
Bee fear responses are mediated by dopamine and influence cognition
Authors: Gu Gaoying , Wang Ziqi , Lin Tao , Wang Sainan , Li Jianjun , Dong Shihao , Nieh James C. , Tan Ken 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Predatory threats, even when they do not involve direct consumption (non‐consumptive effects, NCEs), can profoundly influence the physiology and behaviour of prey. For example, honeybees that encounter hornet predators show responses similar to fear.

However, the physiological mechanisms that are connected with this fear‐like response and their effects on bee cognition and olfaction remain largely unknown.

We show that bees decreased time spent near the hornet, demonstrated fearful behaviour and moved with greater velocity to escape. After a prolonged 24‐h exposure, bees adopted defensive clustering, displayed greater predator avoidance, and experienced a decline in brain dopamine levels. Prolonged predator exposure also diminished bee olfactory sensitivity to odours and their mechanical sensitivity to air currents, contributing to impaired olfactory learning.

However, boosting brain dopamine reversed one fear‐like behaviour (average bee velocity in the presence of a hornet) and rescued olfactory sensitivity and learning.

We therefore provide evidence linking dopamine to sensory and cognitive declines associated with fear in an insect.
TLR4 Inhibitor TAK‐242 Protected Henoch–Schonlein Purpura Nephritis in Rats by Regulating Inflammatory Response and Immune Competence via NF‐ κB/NLRP3 Signalling
Authors: Liu Yirong , Wu Qiong , Huang Zhenxing , Zhou Dongmei , Cai Chao , Luo Wenliang , Feng Ping 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to explore the effect of toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB)/NOD‐like receptor thermal protein domain‐associated protein 3 (NLRP3) signalling on Henoch–Schonlein purpura nephritis (HSPN). We established a HSPN rat model in a high‐altitude hypoxic (HH) environment. Renal tissue lesions were observed by haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL), CD20‐postive B cells and CD68‐postive macrophage cells were detected by immunohistochemistry, T‐cell activation was detected by flow cytometry and toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB)/NOD‐like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) signalling was detected by western blot. TAK‐242 inhibited the expression of TLR4/NF‐κB/NLRP3 signalling related‐proteins, decreased the levels of 24 h urinary protein, serum creatinine, circular immune complex (CIC) and kidney immunoglobulin A (IgA), and improved renal histopathological damage in HH‐HSPN rats. Furthermore, TAK‐242 attenuated the infiltration of CD20 and CD68 into the kidney and increased the percentage of CD3+, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ cells in the blood of HH‐HSPN rats. The study revealed that suppressing TLR4/NF‐κB/NLRP3 signalling improved renal function and histopathological damage, and this improvement was related to inhibiting the inflammatory response and enhancing immune competence.
Sensitive Intervention Points for Australia's Transition to Net‐Zero Emissions
Authors: Muiruri Kimathi , Skarbek Anna , Mealy Penny , Hepburn Cameron 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAustralia is not on track to meet its obligations under the Paris Accord. How can action to achieve net zero be accelerated? Here, we apply the concept of ‘sensitive intervention points’ and consider six potential interventions that could have a disproportionate impact on Australia's progress: (i) a national plan to clarify direction; (ii) a national net‐zero authority to coordinate efforts; (iii) support for a set of nationally significant projects in particular places; (iv) an industrial policy response akin to the US IRA; (v) a standard for the construction industry; and (vi) a requirement that companies develop net‐zero plans. Individually and collectively, we argue that they could plausibly accelerate Australia's trajectory to net‐zero emissions.
Politics and the Pandemic: The UK Covid‐19 Inquiry and Devolution
Authors: Brown Swan Coree , Anderson Paul , Sijstermans Judith 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDrawing on documentary and oral evidence presented in Module 2 of the UK Covid‐19 Inquiry, this article asks what the inquiry tells us about the nature and dynamics of intergovernmental relations (IGR) from the UK and devolved governments' interactions over the course of the pandemic. In so doing, the article focusses on formal IGR structures (since reformed), the actions of political leaders within these formal and informal structures and entrenched institutional cultures, with a particular focus on the ways in which decision‐making processes and devolved dynamics were understood by the principal actors over the course of the pandemic. The article concludes with reflections on how IGR might be reset or reformed by the newly elected UK government.
A statistical analysis for deepfake videos forgery traces recognition followed by a fine‐tuned InceptionResNetV2 detection technique
Authors: Sandhya  , Kashyap Abhishek 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDeepfake videos are growing progressively more competent because of the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and deep learning technology. This has led to substantial problems around propaganda, privacy, and security. This research provides an analytically novel method for detecting deepfake videos using temporal discrepancies of the various statistical features of video at the pixel level, followed by a deep learning algorithm. To detect minute aberrations typical of deepfake manipulations, this study focuses on both spatial information inside individual frames and temporal correlations between subsequent frames. This study primarily provides a novel Euclidean distance variation probability score value for directly commenting on the authenticity of a deepfake video. Next, fine‐tuning of InceptionResNetV2 with the addition of a dense layer is trained FaceForensics++ for deepfake detection. The proposed fine‐tuned model outperforms the existing techniques as its testing accuracy on unseen data outperforms the existing methods. The propsd method achieved an accuracy of 99.80% for FF++ dataset and 97.60% accuracy for CelebDF dataset.
Significance of image brightness levels for PRNU camera identification
Authors: Martin Abby , Newman Jennifer 
Published: November 2024

AbstractA forensic investigator performing source identification on a questioned image from a crime aims to identify the unknown camera that acquired the image. On the camera sensor, minute spatial variations in intensities between pixels, called photo response non‐uniformity (PRNU), provide a unique and persistent artifact appearing in every image acquired by the digital camera. This camera fingerprint is used to produce a score between the questioned image and an unknown camera using a court‐approved camera identification algorithm. The score is compared to a fixed threshold to determine a match or no match. Error rates for the court‐approved camera‐identification PRNU algorithm were established on a very large set of image data, making no distinction between images with different brightness levels. Camera exposure settings and in‐camera processing strive to produce a visually pleasing image, but images that are too dark or too bright are not uncommon. While prior work has shown that exposure settings can impact the accuracy of the court‐approved algorithm, these settings are often unreliable in the image metadata. In this work, we apply the court‐approved PRNU algorithm to a large data set where images are assigned a brightness level as a proxy for exposure settings using a novel classification method and then analyze error rates. We find statistically significant differences between error rates for nominal images and for images labeled dark or bright. Our result suggests that in court, the error rate of the PRNU algorithm for a questioned image may be more accurately characterized when considering the image brightness.
At what cost? The impact of bacteriophage resistance on the growth kinetics and protein synthesis of Escherichia coli
Authors: Landor Lotta A. I. , Tjendra Jesslyn , Erstad Karen , Krabberød Anders K. , Töpper Joachim P. , Våge Selina 
Published: November 2024

AbstractCost of bacteriophage resistance (COR) is important in explaining processes of diversification and coexistence in microbial communities. COR can be expressed in different traits, and the lack of universally applicable methods to measure fitness trade‐offs makes COR challenging to study. Due to its fundamental role in growth, we explored protein synthesis as a target for quantifying COR. In this study, the growth kinetics of three genome‐sequenced strains of phage‐resistant Escherichia coli, along with the phage‐susceptible wild‐type, were characterized over a range of glucose concentrations. Bioorthogonal non‐canonical amino acid tagging (BONCAT) was used to track differences in protein synthetic activity between the wild‐type and phage‐resistant E. coli. Two of the resistant strains, with different levels of phage susceptibility, showed mucoid phenotypes corresponding with mutations in genes associated with the Rcs phosphorelay. These mucoid isolates, however, had reduced growth rates and potentially lower protein synthetic activity. Another resistant isolate with a different mutational profile maintained the same growth rate as the wild‐type and showed increased BONCAT fluorescence, but its yield was lower. Together, these findings present different patterns of trade‐offs resulting from the phage‐induced mutations and demonstrate the potential applicability of BONCAT as a tool for measuring COR.
Investigation of the effect of missense mutations in AHR and DNAH11 on feed conversion ratio and average daily residual feed intake in Duroc, Landrace and Yorkshire pigs
Authors: Sun Jiahong , Ibragimov Emil , Luigi‐Sierra Maria Gracia , Fredholm Merete , Karlskov‐Mortensen Peter 
Published: November 2024

AbstractFeed efficiency (FE) in pigs is an important factor in the profitability of pig farming operations. It refers to the ability of a pig to convert the feed it consumes into body weight. We used two metrics to measure FE: feed conversion ratio and average daily residual feed intake. A previous genome‐wide association study and transcriptome study in crossbred pigs identified two QTL regions on SSC9 associated with residual feed intake and pointed out two candidate genes of interest: (a) the gene encoding the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor gene (AHR) transcription factor; and (b) the Dynein, Axonemal, Heavy Polypeptide 11 gene (DNAH11). The previous study identified missense mutations in both genes leading to a conservative substitution of glycine to cysteine in AHR (AHR_rs339939442) and two non‐conservative substitutions in DNAH11, where arginine is replaced by threonine (DNAH11_rs325475644) and alanine is replaced by threonine (DNAH11_rs346074031). We have now genotyped the missense mutations in independent cohorts of 107 Duroc, 155 Landrace and 160 Yorkshire pigs to substantiate further if these variants directly impact FE‐related phenotypes. We verified that allele T of AHR_rs339939442 in AHR improves FE in Yorkshire pigs. Genotype GG of AHR_rs339939442 was fixed in Duroc pigs. We also confirmed that the variants rs325475644 and rs346074031 in DNAH11 did not affect FE. The findings contribute valuable insights into the genetic mechanisms governing FE in pigs, potentially offering contributions for future enhancements of FE.
Cannabis and the overdose crisis among US adolescents
Authors: Bleyer Archie , Barnes Brian , Stuyt Elizabeth , Voth Eric A. , Finn Kenneth 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesSince 2019, the drug overdose death rate among adolescents 14–18 years of age in the United States more than doubled. That cannabis legalization may have contributed to this tragedy is investigated by comparing the death rate in jurisdictions that have legalized medicinal or both medicinal and recreational use with those that have not.MethodsUnintentional drug overdose death data for each state and District of Columbia (jurisdictions) were obtained from CDC WONDER and separately evaluated according to the jurisdiction legalization implementation of cannabis: recreational legalization, medicinal legalization but not recreational legalization, and nonlegalization.ResultsAfter a decade of similar and decreasing overdose death rates, jurisdictions that implemented cannabis legalization had a statistically significant greater increase in overdose deaths than nonlegalizing states. Those that implemented recreational legalization had the greatest increase, in which the rate was 88%, 479%, and 115% greater in 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively, than in nonlegalizing jurisdictions. The overdose death rate versus cannabis legalization correlations are apparent in both females and males and in White, Black, and Hispanic individuals, and a statistically significant greater rate increases between recreational cannabis legalization implementation and nonlegalization.Conclusion and Scientific SignificanceLegalization of cannabis is associated with overdose deaths in American adolescents, especially recreational legalization, and regardless of sex or White–Black–Hispanic race/ethnicity. Cause and effect relationships of these previously unreported correlations, if verified, merit investigation of biologic and psychosocial mechanisms, interventions, and prevention strategies.
Afterword: Replenishing Geographical Thinking on Depletion through and of Social Reproduction
Authors: Rai Shirin M. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract“Replenishing Geographical Thinking on Depletion through and of Social Reproduction” contributes to the growing interdisciplinary debates on depletion. It does so through analyses of the everyday rhythms of life by investigating the relationship between production and reproduction to understand the labour that goes into the maintenance of life and experiences of depletion, as well as strategies to measure and reverse it. I reflect on the different papers and suggest that this excellent Symposium is an important contribution to the study of depletion and opens up avenues for further explorations of the concept.
Useful central mechanical circulatory support system for critical biventricular heart failure associated with high pulmonary vascular resistance
Authors: Tadokoro Naoki , Kainuma Satoshi , Tonai Kohei , Koyamoto Tetsuya , Kawamoto Naonori , Kakuta Takashi , Minami Kimito , Nishioka Hiroshi , Tsukamoto Yasumasa , Fukushima Satsuki 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundPeripheral veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a powerful life‐saving tool; however, it can sometimes induce severe pulmonary edema in patients with critical heart failure. We report favorable outcomes in critically ill patients by using a central ECMO system with an innovative blood perfusion method.MethodsWe analyzed 10 patients with severe heart failure and pulmonary edema who were treated with the central ECMO system at our institution between April 2022 and October 2023. The system consists of central cannulation with two inflows from the right atrium and left ventricle, and two outflows to the aorta and pulmonary artery, connected by two Y‐connectors to a single ECMO circuit (RALV‐AOPA ECMO). In this system, blood flow to the pulmonary artery is adjusted and mean pulmonary artery pressure is limited to <20 mm Hg, which reduces right ventricular afterload and prevents the worsening of pulmonary edema and hemorrhage.ResultsSix patients were diagnosed with fulminant lymphocytic myocarditis, and four were diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019‐related myocardial injury. The ejection fraction was 6.5 ± 4.1%. The average intraoperative pulmonary vascular resistance was 4.6 ± 1.3 Wood units. After 24 h, the mean pulmonary arterial pressure was 12.8 ± 4.3 mm Hg, and pulmonary vascular resistance was 1.5 ± 0.3 Wood units. The duration of central RALV‐AOPA ECMO was 3.7 ± 2.1 days. Finally, six patients were weaned, three received HeartMate3, and one received heart transplantation. At follow‐up, all patients remained alive (428 ± 208 days), and two patients experienced cerebrovascular accidents without any lasting sequelae.ConclusionsThe central RALV‐AOPA ECMO is an innovative system that achieves early improvement in pulmonary vascular resistance and is safe and feasible for patients with acute biventricular failure and pulmonary edema.