bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corporate governance and capital market development in the GCC: a comparative literature review
Authors: Elhabib Mohamed A. Ateia 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThis review provides a detailed analysis of corporate governance practices across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, focusing on board characteristics, executive remuneration, capital markets and the integration of ethical and sustainable practices. It evaluates how these governance frameworks influence market performance, investor confidence and corporate sustainability within the region.Design/methodology/approachThe study synthesizes findings from 15 recent research studies, examining corporate governance mechanisms, board composition, executive compensation policies and their impact on market capitalization. The data were collected from major academic databases, including Google Scholar, Springer, Web of Science and Scopus.FindingsThe analysis exhibits both similarities and differences in corporate governance frameworks across GCC countries. Important findings include a universal mandate for the separation of chief executive officer (CEO) and chairman roles, varied board composition requirements and differing executive remuneration and transparency policies. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) lead in market capitalization, reflecting advanced governance practices, though disparities exist among GCC countries. The review also notes the increasing alignment of corporate governance with corporate social responsibility (CSR) principles, especially in sustainability reporting and ethical practices, highlighting a growing commitment to long-term value creation.Originality/valueThis review uniquely synthesizes recent research on GCC corporate governance, offering insights on board structures, executive pay and market dynamics with a focus on ethical and sustainable practices. It provides valuable perspectives for stakeholders, policymakers and academics interested in enhancing governance frameworks in the region while contributing to the global discourse on aligning corporate governance with sustainability standards.
Third parties’ reactions to the illegitimate tasks of coworkers
Authors: Wu Lijun , Ye Maolin , Liu Doudou , Chen Yushuai 
Published: October 2024

PurposePrevious studies have mainly focused on the negative impact of illegitimate tasks on recipients but ignored its impact on observers. Drawing on deservingness theory, this research developed a moderated serial mediation model to examine the underlying mechanism in the relationship between observed illegitimate tasks and observers’ helping behaviour.Design/methodology/approachThis research tested the model using a sample of 218 employees in China through a two-wave field study. A path analysis was conducted with the bootstrapping procedure to test the hypothesized model.FindingsThe results showed that the effect of observing illegitimate tasks was contingent upon the degree of the observer’s interpersonal liking towards the recipient. Specifically, when the observer had a high level of interpersonal liking for a coworker, the observer may perceive that the coworker was undeserving of being assigned illegitimate tasks, which increased sympathetic emotion and the sequent helping behaviour.Originality/valueThis study shifted the perspective of the illegitimate task literature from the recipient to the third parties. Additionally, it provided a finer-grained understanding of the mechanism between observed workplace disrespectful treatment and the observer’s helping behaviour.
Quantifying the strength of firearms comparisons based on error rate studies
Authors: Aggadi Nada , Zeller Kimberley , Busey Tom 
Published: October 2024

AbstractForensic firearms and tool mark examiners compare bullets and cartridge cases to assess whether they originate from the same source or different sources. To communicate their observations, they rely on predefined conclusion scales ranging from Identification to Elimination. However, these terms have not been calibrated against the actual strength of the evidence except indirectly through error rate studies. The present research reanalyzes the findings of firearms and cartridge case comparisons from error rate studies to generate a quantitative measure of the strength of the evidence for each comparison. We use an ordered probit model to summarize the distribution of responses of examiners and aggregate the data for all comparisons to produce a set of likelihood ratios. The likelihood ratios can be as low as less than 10, which does not seem to justify the current articulation scale that may imply a strength of evidence of 10,000 or greater. This suggests that examiners are using language that overstates the strength of the evidence by several orders of magnitude.
Evaluation of in vitro simulated digestion and fermentation characteristics of the crude exopolysaccharide from Levilactobacillus brevis M‐14
Authors: Wang Qi , Li Gen , Qin Wenjun , Cai Jin , Wang Nifei 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe present study employed an in vitro static digestion model to simulate the saliva‐gastrointestinal digestion and fecal fermentation of exopolysaccharides (EPSs) extracted from Levilactobacillus brevis M‐14, aiming to understand the dynamic changes in physicochemical properties, biological potential of EPS, as well as their impact on the human enteric microorganism. EPS was mainly composed of polysaccharides. The molecular weight (Mw) showed that EPS comprised two parts with a high Mw and a low Mw fraction of 42.81 × 104 and 1.23 × 104 Da, respectively. EPSs mainly consisted of mannose, rhamnose, galacturonic acid, glucose, and galactose in a molar ratio of 0.42∶0.13∶0.21∶0.13∶0.11. In the simulated digestion process, EPS was relatively stable. Furthermore, simulated digestion increased the antioxidant and hypoglycemic capacities of EPS. During the fermentation stage, the total carbohydrate contents of EPS decreased by 20.19%. The Mw of the two components of EPS decreased by 16.37% and 61.67%, respectively, and accompanied by the production of free monosaccharides. EPS had the potential to modulate the composition of gut microbiota, increasing the relative abundance of Enterococcus and Parabacteroides, while decreasing the relative abundance of Bacteroides. The pH decreased and total short‐chain fatty acids contents increased, especially acetic acid and propionic acid. This research provided valuable insights into the potential application of EPS as a prebiotic agent.
Effects of different heat treatment methods on physicochemical characteristics and in vitro digestibility of sweet potato flour and its application in meal replacement flour
Authors: Ma Shunzhang , Zhang Jingwen , Peng Mingjun , Shen Ruiling , Dong Jilin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study examined the effects of various heat treatments on physicochemical properties, functionality, and starch digestibility of sweet potato flour. Heat treatments darkened the color but did not change the chemical structure. Solubility decreased and swelling power increased (17.3%–18.3%) with baking, frying, and microwaving, while extrusion and steaming had opposite effects. Rapidly digestible starch content increased (8.96%–41.91%) in all treatments except steaming, which reduced slowly digestible starch (61.81%–28.97%). Based on the analysis of these studies, using low‐temperature baked and extruded sweet potato flour as the main raw material, combined with the concept of complete nutrition, supplemented by nutritious ingredients such as quinoa, oats, and whey protein, we have successfully developed two sweet potato meal replacement flours (SP‐1 and SP‐2) and found they had good brewing properties and showed shear‐thinning behavior. This study provided theoretical basis for sweet potato deep processing and functional product development.Practical ApplicationThis paper studied the effects of different heat treatments on sweet potato flour, and developed two meal replacement flour based on this, to provide a theoretical basis for the application of the sweet potato industry.
Improving sunflower oil stability with propolis: A study on antioxidative effects of Turkish propolis during accelerated oxidation
Authors: Baştürk Ayhan , Yavaş Berfin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPropolis, a natural resinous substance collected by bees, is known for its potent antioxidant properties. This study investigates the antioxidant activities and total phenolic contents of propolis samples from 16 provinces of Türkiye and their effects on the oxidative stability of sunflower oil. The 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition was in the range of 28.1%–92.5% in thirteen propolis samples, whereas this rate was 24.5% in butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Although 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzotiazolin‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) value was 224 µmol trolox/g in BHT, this value was in the range of 262–1370 µmol trolox/g in propolis samples, except for one. Propolis methanol extracts 13 applied to sunflower oil at a concentration of 1000 ppm were more efficient than BHT added at 200 ppm for inhibiting the production of peroxide value (PV). Similarly, most propolis extracts (1000 ppm) demonstrated antioxidant activity against the production of p‐anisidine (p‐AV) in sunflower oil under accelerated oxidation conditions. It was determined that Turkish propolis had strong antioxidant properties and delayed oxidation and may be utilized commercially in the food sector to delay the oxidation of fats and oils.
Ethanolic cashew leaf extract: Antifungal activity and its application for shelf‐life extension of dried salted tilapia fillets
Authors: Sinlapapanya Pitima , Palamae Suriya , Buatong Jirayu , Pongsetkul Jaksuma , Fu Yu , Zhang Bin , Benjakul Soottawat 
Published: October 2024

AbstractEthanolic cashew leaf extract (ECLE) is rich in phenolic compounds with diverse bioactivities and can serve as a safe natural preservative. This study evaluated the antifungal activity and application of ECLE for shelf‐life extension of dried salted tilapia fillets. Several extraction methods, antifungal activity, and application of ECLE in dried salted tilapia fillets were investigated. Ultrasonication followed by the Soxhlet extraction resulted in the highest yield (26.78%), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) (p < 0.05). Conversely, the Soxhlet extraction method rendered lower yield (14.35%), TPC, and TFC (p < 0.05). NaCl at high concentrations decreased both TPC and TFC in all ECLE samples, demonstrating the decomposition of those compounds induced by NaCl. ECLE obtained via the Soxhlet extraction method exhibited lower minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration values than those prepared using other extraction methods. Thus, the former showed higher efficacy in inhibiting fungal growth and reducing mycelium growth than others (p < 0.05), despite being less effective than potassium sorbate. At 4MIC, ECLE inhibited mycelium growth (56.83%–78.66%) and spore germination (87.5%–100%) after 72 h and 10–16 h of treatment, respectively. ECLE (4MIC) could inhibit the toxin production of fungi. For the challenge test, in which ECLE at 400 and 600 mg/kg was added to dried salted tilapia fillet inoculated with Aspergillus flavus, fungal growth was retarded over 9 days of storage at 25 ± 2°C (room temperature). Thus, ECEL could act as a natural food preservative to prevent fungal contamination. Toxin from fungi could be avoided, and the quality of dried salted fish was maintained.Practical ApplicationCashew leaf extract rich in polyphenols can inhibit fungal proliferation, reduce mycelium expansion, prevent spore germination, and limit aflatoxin production. The extract can enhance the safety of dried salted fish, especially when contaminated with Aspergillus flavus in the humid atmosphere (80% relative humidity), particularly for small and medium enterprises. Nevertheless, this extract can also be applied in the fish processing industry, in which the synthetic antifungal agent could be replaced by the natural additive.
Are labor epidural catheters after a combined spinal epidural (CSE) technique more reliable than after a traditional epidural? A retrospective review of 9153 labor epidural catheters
Authors: Sakova Viktoria , Varjola Elina , Pepper James , Jernman Riina , Väänänen Antti 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe combined spinal epidural (CSE) technique may associate with a lower failure rate of epidural catheters compared to traditional epidural catheters. This may be significant for the parturients as failure of neuraxial analgesia has been associated with a negative impact on birth experience.MethodsIn this one‐year retrospective study, the failure rate of epidural catheters was compared between 3201 and 5952 epidural catheters after initiation of neuraxial analgesia by the CSE or traditional epidural technique, respectively. Parturient background information, labor parameters, and neuraxial interventions were collected from 9153 parturients. Failure was defined as replacement of a used epidural catheter by new regional analgesia procedures or general anesthesia during intrapartum cesarean delivery. The primary outcome was the failure rate of epidural catheters. The secondary outcome was the time from the initial analgesia intervention to the epidural catheter replacement and progression of labor during this time.ResultsThe CSE method was used at an earlier stage of labor, and the parturients were more often primiparous and undergoing induced labor. Earlier onset of analgesia, obesity, induced labor, anesthesiologist experience, and cesarean delivery were found to be significant cofactors for catheter failure. The unadjusted failure rate was 168/3201 (5.2%) and 223/5952 (3.7%) (OR 1.42 [1.16–1.75]) after initiation of analgesia by CSE or traditional epidural method. After controlling for the stage of labor, body mass index, induction of labor, and anesthesiologist's experience level, the adjusted OR for epidural catheter replacement was 1.04 (0.83–1.29) p = .736. The mean (SD) time until epidural catheter failure was 6.3 (4.4) and 4.0 (4.1) hours following initiation of analgesia by CSE or traditional epidural technique, respectively (p < .001). Cervical dilatation progressed from 4.3 (1.4) to 6.4 (2.1) cm and 5.1 (1.5) to 6.7 (1.7) cm between primary neuraxial analgesia and epidural catheter replacement.ConclusionCSE technique was not associated with a better survival rate of epidural catheters for provision of analgesia or epidural top‐up anesthesia for intrapartum CD. In addition, the time to replacement of the catheter was significantly longer when analgesia was initiated with the CSE technique. Maternal satisfaction scores were lower if catheters required replacement.
SR‐16234, a Unique Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator, Suppressed Proliferation and Pain‐Related Factor Expression by Inhibition of the Nuclear Factor‐kappa B Pathway in Endometriotic Stromal Cells
Authors: Yamane Emiko , Azuma Yukihiro , Matsumoto Mei , Sato Eri , Ota Yoshiaki , Harada Tasuku , Taniguchi Fuminori 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTProblemWhat is the effect of SR‐16234 (SR), a selective estrogen receptor (ER) modulator, on human endometriotic stromal cells (ESCs)?Method of StudyEndometriotic tissues were obtained from 21 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for ovarian endometriomas (OEs). Normal eutopic endometrium during the luteal phase was obtained from 18 patients without endometriosis. ESCs isolated from OEs and normal eutopic endometrial stromal cells (NESCs) were cultured with SR and subsequently exposed to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α. After 48 h of incubation, the effect of SR on cell proliferation was evaluated by the WST‐8 assay. The gene expressions of inflammatory and pain‐related factors, including interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2, transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV)1, ESR1, and ESR2, were evaluated by real‐time RT‐PCR. The phosphorylation of Inhibitor κBα (IκBα), extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, and Protein Kinase B (AKT) were evaluated by western blot analysis. ILs, prostaglandin (PG) E2, and intranuclear p65 syntheses were assessed by ELISA.ResultsSR treatment repressed TNF‐α‐induced proliferation by 20% in ESCs but not　NESCs. SR also reduced IL‐6, IL‐8, COX‐2, TRPV1, ESR1, and ESR2 mRNA expressions and ILs protein, and PGE2 synthesis in ESCs, whereas in NESCs, only TRPV1 mRNA expression was decreased. SR suppressed TNF‐α‐induced phosphorylated IκBα levels by approximately 50%, and intranuclear p65 protein was reduced by 30% compared to addition of only TNF‐α in ESCs. However, SR did not affect the phosphorylation of AKT and ERK1/2.ConclusionsSR appears to be a potential therapeutic agent for endometriosis by suppressing inflammatory and pain‐related factor expressions by inhibiting the nuclear factor‐kappa B pathway.
Vaginal Microbiome and the Risk of Preterm Birth in Women Living With HIV: A Scoping Review
Authors: Khan Fouzia Zahid Ali , Ahmed Saifuddin , Powell Anna Maya 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThere are sparse data on the role of the vaginal microbiome (VMB) in pregnancy among pregnant women living with HIV (PWLWH) and its association with spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). We conducted a scoping review to assess associations between vaginal microbiota and sPTB among PWLWH. Three studies were included, representing a total of 180 PWLWH out of 652 total pregnancies. All studies used modern DNA sequencing methods (16S rRNA amplification, metagenomics, or metatranscriptomics). PWLWH had higher VMB richness and diversity compared to HIV‐uninfected pregnant women and higher sPTB rates in two of three studies. A higher proportion of sPTB among PWLWH was observed in those with Lactobacillus‐deficient, anaerobe‐dominant vaginal microbiota. In two of three studies, higher concentrations of vaginal inflammation markers were associated with increased VMB richness and diversity. HIV status was independently associated with sPTB. It is unclear if increased vaginal microbial diversity among PWLWH or increased vaginal inflammation contributes more to PTB, but HIV does appear to alter the VMB in pregnant individuals and may also affect PTB rates in microbiome‐independent pathways. Given the limited number of studies, heterogeneity in sample size, sample collection methods, and inconsistent results it is difficult to causally link HIV, VMB, inflammatory cytokines, and sPTB.
Phosphodiesterase inhibitors and testicular torsion: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of animal studies
Authors: Oliveira Alessandro V. , Sampaio Ana Luiza N. , Junior Rui W. Mascarenhas , Andriolo Regis B. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundTesticular torsion is a common urological emergency in children and teenagers that, in most cases, requires surgical exploration and detorsion. However, even after a successful intervention, a high number of patients still develop irreversible damage.ObjectivesTo investigate whether the administration of phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE) in animal models of testicular torsion can reduce damages caused by the ischemia–reperfusion syndrome.Materials and methodsA systematic search of the Medline, Web of Science, Embase, and Ovid databases for studies up to December 2023 was performed using PRISMA guidelines. A detailed search was conducted using the following key terms: “testicles,” “ischemia,” “reperfusion,” and “phosphodiesterase inhibitors.” There was no restriction regarding language or year of publication. We investigated spermatogenesis by the Johnsen's biopsy score (JTBS) and histological damage by the Cosentino's biopsy score (CBS). Malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) testicular levels were also analyzed.ResultsInitially, 296 articles were identified. However, only 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. PDE inhibitors improved JTBS (MD = 2.53, CI = 1.94 to 3.13), CBS (MD = −1.11, CI = −1.25 to −0.97) and SOD (SMD = 3.27, CI = 1.59 to 4.95) outcomes. PDE did not improve MDA (SMD = −0.93, CI = −2.19 to 0.34), NO (SMD = −0.54, CI = −1.56 to 0.48), and GPx (SMD = 0.77, CI = −0.38 to 1.92) outcomes. A higher dose of PDE inhibitors only improved CBS outcome.Discussion and conclusionThis review indicates that the administration of PDE inhibitors in rats ameliorated the outcomes, representing a promising complementary strategy for spermatogenesis recovery following testicular torsion. Our review suggests that JTBS and CBS could be translated into future human studies, validating and extending these findings within the context of human physiopathology, while providing applicability of interventions in real clinical practice.
Pedals and throttles: Ride‐along experimental journeys with Hanoi's cyclo and motorbike taxi drivers
Authors: Turner Sarah , Nguyen Binh N. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn this article, we analyse the effectiveness of ride‐alongs, a specific mobile method, to better understand the daily realities of informal mobile livelihoods in Hanoi, Vietnam. The field of mobile methods has seen significant advances both within and beyond geography. Yet, there is still an absence of literature comparing the benefits and drawbacks of using a consistent mobile method across different forms of mobility in the same context, such as pedal‐powered versus motorised transport. Additionally, studies specifically addressing the daily experiences of informal cyclo (trishaw) drivers in Vietnam are scarce. Our paper aims to fill these gaps by evaluating the effectiveness of ride‐along interviews in understanding the mobility and livelihood challenges faced by informal cyclo and motorbike taxi (xe ôm) drivers in Hanoi, who navigate the city's dense and chaotic traffic to earn a living. Ride‐alongs provide a unique perspective on the city's informal transportation sector, uncovering new insights into the nuanced micro‐mobilities and rapid decision‐making required of these drivers. Cyclo drivers navigate Hanoi's streets with considerations for tourist appeal, physical exertion, and police avoidance. Meanwhile, xe ôm drivers manoeuvre through alleyways and roads, balancing efficiency, speed, and passenger demands. Both groups are concerned with circumventing often‐corrupt police, managing local traffic conditions, and adapting to changing weather patterns. This comparative study reveals the benefits and insights gained from ride‐along interviews with mobile informal economy workers, highlighting the similarities and differences in the choices and tactics these drivers employ. The method allows for a deeper understanding of how vehicle type, physical demands, and the socio‐political environment shape the split‐second decisions these drivers must make to maintain their livelihoods on Hanoi's streets.
Using functional shocks to assess conventional and unconventional monetary policy in Canada
Authors: Koeppl Thorsten V. , Kronick Jeremy M. , McNeil James 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWe develop a new series of Canadian monetary policy shocks for the time period 1986 to 2023. Our shocks are constructed as the daily change in the Nelson–Siegel yield curve factors on days of monetary policy events such as announcements of the short‐run policy rate and speeches by Bank of Canada officials. This allows us to look at both conventional and unconventional monetary policy. We find that tighter monetary policy lowers inflation and GDP. Monetary policy shocks, however, often twist the yield curve, potentially offsetting changes in the short‐run policy rate. Finally, speeches also tend to move the yield curve with similar effects on inflation and GDP as formal policy announcements.