bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Different cellular and molecular mechanisms of chitin deposition contribute to the specificity of the two chitin synthases inD. melanogaster
Authors: Bertran-Mas Joan , De Giorgio Ettore , Martín Nicolás , Llimargas Marta 
Published: December 2024

AbstractChitin is a major component of arthropod extracellular matrices, including the exoskeleton and the midgut peritrophic matrix. It plays a key role in the development, growth and viability of insects. Besides the biological importance of this aminopolysaccharide, chitin also receives a lot of attention for its practical applications in medicine and biotechnology as a superior biopolymer with excellent physicochemical and mechanical properties. Chitin is produced and deposited extracellularly by chitin synthases. Most insects encode two types of chitin synthases, presumably with type A being required for exoskeletons and type B to produce the peritrophic matrix. It is not fully understood, however, which factors contribute to the specificity of each type of chitin synthase. Here we leverage the advantages ofDrosophila melanogasterfor functional manipulations to evaluate the mechanisms of activity and functional requirements of Kkv (Chitin synthase A) and Chs2 (Chitin synthase B). We first demonstrate that Chs2 is expressed and required in a region in the larval proventriculus that produces the chitin deposited in the peritrophic matrix. We then analyse whether the two chitin synthases can replace each other. We also investigate the subcellular localisation of these chitin synthases in different tissues and their ability to deposit chitin in combination with known auxiliary proteins. Our results indicate that the two different chitin synthases are not functionally equivalent, and that they use specific cellular and molecular mechanisms to deposit chitin. We suggest that the specificity of the different insect chitin synthases may underly the production of chitin polymers with different properties, conferring different physiological activities to the extracellular matrices.
Effect of climate change vulnerability on farm technical efficiency in central Africa: the case of rural Cameroun
Authors: Adeosun Oluyemi Theophilus , Bitting Cyrille Dominick , Tabi Henri Ngoa 
Published: December 2024

PurposeA major topical issue in the 21st century is climate change, and its impact on humanity cannot be quantified, as it affects agriculture, water levels, settlements and more. This study aims to evaluate the effect of climate change on farm technical efficiency in rural Cameroon and suggest ways for improvement.Design/methodology/approachWe employ a two-step approach to assess whether the efficiency of these farms is vulnerable to climate change. In the first step, we calculate efficiency using the stochastic frontier approach with a Cobb–Douglas specification. In the second step, we investigate the effect of climate change on efficiency by applying a Tobit model. The data used come from a questionnaire survey of 419 randomly selected farmers.FindingsThe findings reveal that the average level of technical efficiency is 62.9%. This implies that there are existing opportunities to increase technical efficiency if resources are used optimally. The results also show that increases in the climate change vulnerability index have statistically significant negative effects on the technical efficiency of farms. This negative relationship is attributable to the adverse influence of the exposure and sensitivity components of the climate change vulnerability index.Originality/valueWe provide an understanding of the effect of climate change vulnerability on the technical efficiency of farms in rural Cameroon and suggest means of improving it. Additionally, we examine whether the influence of climate change varies across agro-ecological zones.
Nonlinear effects of board size and board independence on corporate sustainability performance: international evidence
Authors: Kamarudin Khairul Anuar , Mohamad Ariff Akmalia , Azmi Nurul Azlin , Mohd Suffian Mohd Taufik 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
This study aims to examine the nonlinear effects of board size and board independence on the corporate sustainability performance of listed firms worldwide.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses the global environmental, social and governance (ESG) dataset from the Thomson Reuters database, which includes a sample of 23,766 firm-year observations from 33 countries from 2011 to 2022.

Findings
The results indicate that board size and independence have positive impacts on corporate sustainability performance; however, these relationships are nonlinear. The authors find an inverted U-shaped relationship for board size. After the optimal point, the positive relationship between board size and corporate sustainability performance becomes negative. Board independence, however, has a positive exponential relationship in which the positive effect increases exponentially after the optimal point. The results are robust to a battery of tests, including alternative measures for corporate sustainability performance, board independence and different estimation procedures.

Research limitations/implications
This study illustrates empirical evidence on the nonlinear effect of board size and board independence on corporate sustainability performance, which explains the mixed evidence involving board size and independence in corporate sustainability literature and offers a complementary research approach in the literature on board dynamics.

Practical implications
This study has practical implications for investors aiming for sustainable and ethical investment choices, as they should be mindful of matters relating to board composition, particularly the appointment of independent directors and ideal board size.

Originality/value
Extensive empirical evidence has examined the relationship between corporate governance variables and corporate sustainability performance. This study introduces the effect of the nonlinear relationship between board size and board independence on corporate sustainability performance using international evidence.
Exploring consumer purchase aversion amid Israel-Palestine war: a comparative study of consumers in India and GCC countries
Authors: Abbas Sajid , Ahmad Asad , Abbas Haidar 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
In the context of ongoing Israel-Palestine war, this study aims to explore whether consumer animosity (CA) influences individuals’ reluctance to purchase brands contributing towards the hostile nation. Furthermore, it investigates the mediating effects of product judgement (PJ), boycott motivation (BM) and boycott participation (BP) in this relationship. It also examines the moderating roles of susceptibility to subjective norms (SSN) and switching barriers (SB) in shaping their relationships with purchase aversion (PA).

Design/methodology/approach
Using existing validated scales, the authors designed and administered an online survey to collect 589 responses from India and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Using Smart PLS 4.0, the authors tested the hypothesized direct and indirect (mediated-moderated) relationships.

Findings
The findings reveal that in India, CA towards certain brands leads to negative evaluations, BM and BP. In GCC countries, it positively influences BM and BP. In general, SB subsides the influence of BM, PJ and BP on PA; however, SB has no moderating effects at all in the study.

Originality/value
Drawing upon the theory of planned behaviour, this paper offers novel insights into mediating and moderating roles of selected variables, namely, PJ, BM, BP, SSN and SB, in the direct relationship of CA and PA.
Scourge of replacing contemporary work environment with artificial intelligence (AI-dark-side): the role of capacity development in quality of work-life and organisational performance
Authors: Akinwale Olusegun Emmanuel , Kuye Owolabi Lateef , Doddanavar Indrajit 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) which operates through technology and digital workspace has proven to transform organisations in recent times. However, there has been key concern over its efficiency among the workforce on how it may replace human intelligence in the contemporary work environment. This study aims to investigate the drawbacks otherwise known as the dark side of AI and its effect on employee quality of work−life and organisational performance through the lens of employee capacity development in reducing its shortcomings.

Design/methodology/approach
This study used a descriptive research design using a cross-sectional survey approach to administer the research instrument to 1,847 customer service officers of banks, customer agents of telecoms, customer care of retail organisations in Nigeria business environment across various units were respondents of this study, however, 862 participants were finally used. A simple random strategy was used to survey the study participants, and existing scales were adopted to form a new research instrument. A partial least square (PLS) based structural equation model (SEM) was adapted to analyse the collected data from the respondents.

Findings
The outcome of the study indicated that AI lacks creativity and has a negative impact on both employee quality of work−life and overall organisational performance. The outcome of the study demonstrated the drawbacks and the dark sides of AI as lack of emotional intelligence, lack of in-depth contextual knowledge, over-reliance on data quality and lack of ethical and moral decision analysis are the possible dark side of AI which adversely affect quality of work−life and overall performance of the organisations. The study concluded that it is difficult to replace human intelligence because of AI’s drawbacks and dark side. AI cannot function effectively beyond what is programmed in the system.

Originality/value
This study has offered a novel trajectory against the efficiency and possible benefits of AI that people are familiar with. It has changed the understanding of the researchers, policymakers and organisations that AI cannot replace human intelligence in the workplace without improvement on those established AI dark sides.
Influencing sustainability: the role of lobbyist characteristics in shaping the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive
Authors: Pirveli Erekle , Ortiz-Martínez Esther , Marín-Hernández Salvador , Thompson Paul 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
This study aims to examine how the characteristics of lobbyists – type, size and country of origin – affect the nature of the feedback submitted to the European Commission regarding the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.

Design/methodology/approach
This research is grounded in an analysis of 143 public comment letters, encompassing the entire spectrum of feedback received. The authors begin with a content analysis of the directive’s 20 key items to categorize responses, construct a feedback index based on them and then use ordinary least squares, robust and ordered logit regressions.

Findings
This analysis reveals the expanding concept of “users” in sustainability reporting, with active lobbying from both business associations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). While the directive is generally well received, concerns arise regarding its broad scope, third-party assurance, forward-looking information and the rushed timeline. Lobbyists’ characteristics play a significant role in shaping their feedback. NGOs show stronger support than business associations, with companies in between. Smaller lobbyists favor simplified disclosures, and notable French support suggests a potential “reversed lobbying” effect, possibly due to the French presidency’s role in shaping the European sustainability reporting framework.

Practical implications
This in-depth content analysis of feedback on the directive provides a comprehensive summary measure that serves as a powerful tool for standard-setters to develop sector-specific sustainability standards.

Social implications
As sustainability reporting gains traction and zero-emission targets grow more urgent, understanding the standard-setting process is increasingly crucial.

Originality/value
This research shifts the focus of lobbying from financial to sustainability reporting. The authors build on regulatory capture and public interest theories by incorporating networking theory and the phenomenon of reversed lobbying to uncover key variations.
Risk Factors of Complications After Uterine Artery Embolisation for Symptomatic Fibroids: A Case–Control Study
Authors: de Wit Adeline , Tassi Marc‐Florent , Herbreteau Denis , Marret Henri 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveWe aim to clarify potential risk factors of complications after uterine artery embolisation (UAE).SettingComplications after uterine artery embolisation (UAE) for symptomatic fibroids are rare, but failure of treatment occurs for approximately 13%–24% of patients at 10 years.DesignWe conducted a case–control study including all complications post UAE over 15 years in our specialised unit.PopulationAll Grade 2 complications (or worse) for the Society of Interventional Radiology Standards of Practice Committee complications post UAE were considered. One thousand one hundred seventy‐two UAE were performed.MethodsComplications were divided into two groups: early (< 1 month) or late (≥ 1 month) to differentiate complications from failure of procedure. Multinomial analysis was conducted to assess links between complications and potential risk factors.ResultsSixty‐nine (0.06%) complications were found: 24.6% hospitalisation for pain (n = 17/69), 30.4% for infection (n = 21/69) and 2.9% expulsion of fibroid (n = 2/69). Overall, 31 patients underwent a second procedure (45%).Main Outcome MeasuresIntra‐uterine device and multiple fibroids were strongly related to early complications (ORearly = 4.44, IC 95%: 1.5–13.3 and ORearly = 3.7, IC 95%: 1.2–11.3, respectively). The only factor that appeared to be associated with risk of early and late complications was the major fibroid's diameter (for an increased size of 25 mm, ORearly = 1.7, IC 95%: 1.1–2.6; ORlate = 1.5, IC 95%: 1.04–2.2).ConclusionOur study enlightens about the potential risk factors of UAE's complications and differentiate their impact between early and late complications.
Long COVID and financial hardship: A disaggregated analysis at income and education levels
Authors: Datta Biplab Kumar , Fazlul Ishtiaque , Khan M. Mahmud 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo examine how long COVID is associated with financial hardship (food insecurity, inability to pay bills, or threat of losing service) across income and education levels, and to assess the role of employment loss or reduced work hours in this hardship.Data Source and Study SettingWe used nationally representative data on 271,076 adults from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).Study DesignWe used multivariable binomial logistic regression models to estimate the average marginal effect of long COVID on financial hardships across multiple income and education groups.Principal FindingsIn general, we found a significant positive association between long COVID and the three measures of financial hardships across income and education groups (1–11 percentage points increase, 95% CI 0.00–0.02 and 0.07–0.14, respectively). Mediation analysis showed that lost or reduced hours of employment accounted for a significant portion (6%–20%) of the changes in financial distress.ConclusionsLong COVID has affected the economic wellbeing of people from all socioeconomic statuses, although at a higher rate for lower income groups. Policy attention is needed to address its economic impacts across income and education levels.
Research themes and key data points for child and adolescent emergency department mental health presentations: A national Delphi study
Authors: John‐White Marietta R. , Proper Edmund , Muscara Frank , Babl Franz E. , Anderson Vicki A. , Wilson Catherine L. , Borland Meredith L. , Tonge Bruce J. , Gray Kylie M. , Melvin Glenn A. , Kochar Amit , Borschmann Rohan , Haslam Richard , Tavender Emma J. , Gordon Michael S. , Dalziel Stuart R. , Smith Karen , Craig Simon S. ,   the Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT) Network
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe objective was to identify a prioritized list of research themes and key data points (baseline data and research outcomes) for future studies regarding child and adolescent emergency department (ED) mental health presentations.MethodsA prospective survey‐based Delphi process was undertaken in Australia within the Pediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT) network. Hospital‐based and community‐based clinicians, researchers, police, ambulance paramedics, pediatric patients, and their carers were recruited to generate research themes and key data points for future pediatric ED mental health research. Responses were collated and analyzed by a steering group consisting of pediatric mental health, medical, and research/academic experts. Participants then prioritized the items through three survey rounds using a 9‐point Likert‐type scale to generate a final prioritized list.Results184 participants (36 patients/carers and 148 clinicians/researchers) were recruited and generated 267 items for initial prioritization; 23 completed all survey rounds. The surveys identified a consensus of 71 items: 35 research themes and 36 key data points (11 baseline data points and 25 research outcomes) for future research. The top‐rated research themes included patient/staff safety within the ED, the efficacy of dedicated mental health spaces, and the importance of patient follow‐up. Important baseline data points included risk factors for mental health presentations and history of child abuse and/or family violence. Top‐rated research outcomes included the occurrence of severe behavioral disturbance in the ED, the use of parenteral sedation, and ED re‐presentation and/or suicide attempt postdischarge.ConclusionsThe Delphi process identified a prioritized list of research themes and key data points that will inform future research on child and adolescent mental health‐related ED presentations.
The efficacy of arterial only microsurgical nasal replantation: a systematic review
Authors: Secanho Murilo Sgarbi , Rajaram Rohan , de Menezes Neto Balduino Ferreira , Cavale Naveen , Ng Sally Kiu‐Huen , Neto Aristides Augusto Palhares 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundMicrosurgical nasal replantation is a rare yet important procedure in order to regain the respiratory, olfactory, and aesthetic features of the nose. However, due to the traumatic nature of most nasal amputations, appropriate veins for anastomosis are difficult to find‐ complicating replantation. This is the first systematic review that compares peri operative and post‐operative outcomes in arterial only versus arterial and venous anastomosis for nasal replantation.MethodsA comprehensive search of Medline, SCOPUS, and Embase databases up to 30th November 2023 was undertaken. Inclusion criteria included studies reporting on nasal replantation. Reports were then split into venous anastomosis and arterial only anastomosis and compared against one another. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Case Reports tool was used for bias assessment. Comparative analysis was undertaken using Microsoft Excel software utilizing chi squared tests and t‐tests where necessary.ResultsA total of 27 papers with a sample size of 29 were found. Risk of bias for the included studies was generally low. Demographics between the two groups were similar. Arterial only anastomosis was on average 2 h and 32 min faster. Arterial only anastomosis utilized Hirudotherapy (medicinal leeching) more often than venous anastomosis (P = 0.01) whereas venous anastomosis used heparin more frequently (P = 0.01). Otherwise, complications, tissue preservation, hospital stay and follow up outcomes were similar between the two groups.ConclusionThe evidence to date suggests that arterial only anastomosis is a safe and viable method for nasal replantation.
Risk factors for complete uterine rupture in patients with trial of labor after cesarean delivery
Authors: Didier‐Mathon Hortense , Kayem Gilles , Thubert Thibault , Sentilhes Loîc , Garabedian Charles , Schmitz Thomas , Korb Diane , Lecarpentier Edouard , Goffinet François , Raiffort Cyril , Senat Marie‐Victoire , Azria Elie , Ricbourg Aude , Defline Alix , Delorme Pierre 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIntroductionVaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC) attempt is promoted to reduce cesarean‐related morbidity, but it carries a risk of uterine rupture, posing significant maternal and neonatal risks. This study evaluated uterine rupture incidence and risk factors in a high VBAC attempt population.Material and MethodsThis was a 16‐year retrospective multicenter case–control cohort study (2002–2018). Eleven French university hospitals participated. Women were included if they had a complete uterine rupture during a VBAC attempt. Two controls, defined as a VBAC attempt without uterine rupture, were randomly included for each case. We analyzed the risk factors of uterine rupture among the overall population and then among women who had labor induction and those who had spontaneous labor. Logistic regression was used to compute crude odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for uterine rupture. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted ORs (aORs) and 95% CIs.ResultsAmong 48 124 patients with a single prior cesarean section, 31668 (65.8%, 95% CI 65.3–66.2) had a VBAC attempt and 23 086 (72.9% 95% CI 72.4–73.4) had a successful vaginal delivery. The complete uterine rupture frequency was 0.63%. There were 199 cases of complete uterine rupture (0.63%, 95%CI 0.54–0.71) and 396 controls. Among the overall population, the odds of uterine rupture was inversely associated with prior vaginal delivery (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.3, CI 95% 0.2–0.5) and positively with induction of labor (aOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.4–3.4). For women with spontaneous labor, the odds of uterine rupture was positively associated with a Bishop score<6 (aOR 1.8, 95%CI 1.0–3.0), arrest of cervical dilatation of at least 1 hr. (aOR, 1.8 95%CI 1.1–2.9) and oxytocin augmentation (aOR 2.2 95% CI 1.3–3.7). For women undergoing labor induction, no factors were significantly associated with uterine rupture.ConclusionsUterine rupture frequency was low among women with high rates of VBAC attempt and successful vaginal delivery and was reduced with previous vaginal birth and increased with induction of labor, regardless of the method used. It was associated with any dystocia during spontaneous labor and suspected macrosomia in induced women, which should be managed with caution.