bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is military spending converging across Middle Eastern countries? A comprehensive unit root test analysis
Authors: Ucler Gulbahar , Ozsahin Serife 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe Middle East is a region of chronic insecurity due to internal and external tensions. These tensions and insecurity have made the Middle East one of the world's leading regions in military armaments. This study investigates the stochastic convergence of military burden in 10 selected Middle Eastern countries using comprehensive unit root analysis. Stochastic convergence for each country from 1977 to 2020 is examined using conventional, structural break, nonlinear, and Fourier‐based unit root tests. Empirical results provide strong evidence of convergence with regional averages in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. There is also some evidence of convergence in the case of Israel, Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Turkiye. However, evidence for the existence of convergence in Iran and Jordan is weak.
What causes polarized stagnation, corporate economy, or welfare state?: Insights from new development economics
Authors: Jwa Sung‐Hee 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study explores polarized economic stagnation from the perspective of a capitalist corporate economy. It introduces two institutional policy paradigms: economic differentiation (ED) and economic egalitarianism (EE). ED‐friendly “market democracy” promotes shared growth, whereas EE‐friendly “egalitarian democracy” leads to polarized stagnation. The corporate economy is portrayed as the epitome of the ED institution leading shared growth, whereas the redistributive welfare state based on EE institutions could bring polarized stagnation. Empirical analysis tests these hypotheses and discovers that the world's polarized stagnation may be linked to “welfare policy under egalitarian democracy” rather than “corporate growth under market democracy” as commonly thought.
Development strategy, infrastructure, and premature deindustrialization: Comparing Asian, African, and Latin American economies
Authors: Lauria Valeria , Lin Justin Yifu , Wang Xin , Zheng Yawen 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis paper investigates the phenomenon of premature deindustrialization in developing countries, with a focus on Latin America and sub‐Saharan Africa, and examines why this trend primarily occurs in these regions rather than in East Asia. Through a comparative analysis of industrialization experiences across different economies since the 1960s, the paper argues that premature deindustrialization results from a combination of liberalization shocks, development strategies that defy comparative advantage, and inadequate infrastructure supply due to the lack of active state involvement in its provision driven by prevailing neoliberal ideas. This study empirically validates this hypothesis using country‐sector‐level data from 40 economies.
Disclosing the Correlation Between Using ChatGPT and Well‐Being in EFL Learners: Considering the Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation
Authors: Rezai Afsheen , Soyoof Ali , Reynolds Barry Lee 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTArtificial Intelligence (AI)‐driven chatbots, such as ChatGPT, have significantly impacted education, especially for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. However, there is paucity of empirical evidence concerning the role of chatbots in psycho‐emotional constructs like well‐being and emotion regulation. It is important to address this issue because it can further our understanding of the ways through which using ChatGPT affects psycho‐emotional constructs in EFL learners. This study aimed to unpack the intersection between using ChatGPT and well‐being, with a focus on the mediating role of emotion regulation in the EFL context of Iran. Using convenience sampling, 492 EFL learners (205 males and 287 females) were invited to complete validated scales measuring ChatGPT use, well‐being, and emotion regulation. The outcomes of structural equation modelling revealed a strong mediation effect of emotion regulation in the relationship between using ChatGPT and well‐being. Additionally, significant positive correlations were found between using ChatGPT and both well‐being and emotion regulation. Besides, a significant positive relationship was established between emotion regulation and well‐being among the EFL learners. The results imply that the integration of ChatGPT into the Iranian EFL learning environment can be beneficial, considering its positive correlations with both well‐being and emotion regulation among the Iranian EFL learners.
From ‘Born’ Bilinguals to Monolinguals: Understanding Korean‐Chinese Bilingual Family Language Policy in China
Authors: Cui Huiling , Gao Xuesong (Andy) 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTIn recent years, China has implemented a national language policy promoting the use of Putonghua (Standard Chinese) in ethnic minority schools. This study investigates how mesolevel institutions (i.e., schools) have responded to this macro‐level national language policy change, and how the institutional policy changes have affected Korean‐Chinese bilingual family language policies in Yanbian, China. Based on an analysis of the teaching and learning materials used in schools and data gathered through interviews with and observations of 16 Korean‐Chinese bilingual families, this study finds that schools have actively responded to macro‐level policy changes with organised, large‐scale language practice activities. As a result of factors such as educational pressure and broader societal ideologies, families have been pressured to align with the meso‐level language policy despite their desire to maintain their heritage language and culture. Consequently, it is likely that future generations of Korean‐Chinese individuals, who would previously have been ‘born’ bilinguals, may become monolinguals. This study contends that in countries with a unified language ideology and a dominant language, the impact of macro‐level policy reforms can restrict or promote micro‐level family language policies through the mediating influence of meso‐level institutions. Family language policy researchers may need to recognise that there is a one‐way, rather than two‐way, relationship between the aims of the state and the desires of families in such contexts.
Virtual Reality Technology in Nursing Education: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Avşar Gülçin , Çelik Şeymanur , Doğan Sevgi , Çiftçi Bahar 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTVirtual reality (VR) technology plays a significant role in nursing education by enhancing the quality of training by applying knowledge, decision‐making, intervention completion and feedback. This study aims to examine nursing students' experiences and perceptions regarding the ventrogluteal injection training provided through VR technology. Conducted between May and June 2022, this qualitative descriptive phenomenology study took place at a state university in Turkey, involving 70 students who participated in Ventrogluteal Drug Administration training using VR glasses. The sample included 12 students selected via the Criterion Sampling Method. Data collection tools comprised the ‘Descriptive Information Form’ and a ‘Semi‐Structured Questionnaire’. Qualitative data were analysed using the Content Analysis Method, while quantitative data were assessed through descriptive statistical methods (frequency, percentage, mean). The study identified 13 codes, four sub‐themes and two main themes from the students' evaluations. The first main theme, ‘Weaknesses of Virtual Simulation’, included two sub‐themes: ‘Due to its Nature’ and ‘Due to its Technique’, resulting in five codes. The second main theme, ‘Strengths of Virtual Simulation’, was divided into two sub‐themes: ‘Permanence, Integrity, and Applicability’ and ‘Emotions towards Virtual Simulation’, with eight codes identified. The findings indicate that students view VR technology positively in their education. However, they also highlighted specific issues related to the simulation's technique and inherent nature.
Soil microbial respiration does not respond to nitrogen deposition but increases with latitude
Authors: Wang Qingkui , Zhao Xuechao , Liu Shengen , Wang Qinggui , Xu Zhuwen , Lü Xiaotao , Zhang Wei , Tian Peng 
Published: September 2024

AbstractFacing global changes, substantial modifications in soil microbes and their functions have been widely evidenced and connected. However, the response of soil microbial respiration (MR) to increasing nitrogen (N) deposition and the role of microbial characteristics in controlling this response remain elusive. In this study, we quantified the intensity of the soil MR in terrestrial ecosystems that suffered elevated N deposition. High‐throughput quantitative sequencing and phospholipid fatty acids were employed to analyse microbial community properties and biomass, whilst microbial necromass was quantified using biomarker amino sugars. Our results revealed that soil MR kept stable under N deposition. Microorganisms maintained their respiration rates by modifying the characteristics of enzymes rather than altering microbial community properties or biomass. Notably, soil MR increased with latitude across study sites, which was attributed to the restriction of microbial activity by bacterial necromass. Supporting this observation, the recalcitrance of the soil carbon (C) pool to microbial degradation was evidenced to be the stability mechanism underlying the spatial variations in MR. Overall, we propose that MR is resistant to short‐term N deposition, whilst it exhibits a pronounced latitude dependence as shaped by the recalcitrant C pool. Our findings provide crucial insights into the microbial mechanisms of soil C dynamics under global change, contributing to the advancement of soil C models.
Contours of Racial Capitalism, Urban Geography, and Infrastructure
Authors: Fonseca Alfaro Claudia 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTRacial capitalism has received much attention within the social sciences over the past few decades, including fields such as urban geography and infrastructural studies. This state of the field identifies key contributions, highlights the latest developments, draws attention to limitations, and points to future directions. Given the concept's multiple iterations and lineages beyond Cedric Robinson's framework, there is a risk racial capitalism might become an empty signifier if more work is not done by scholars to define their points of departure, clarify the concept's theoretical reach, and expand empirical contributions beyond the U.S. heartland. To advance the racial capitalism body of work, current scholarship suggests theoretical conversations with postcolonial theory, decolonial thought, Indigenous studies, and feminist approaches. There is also a need to engage not only with other variants of racial capitalism, but also with earlier scholarship that investigates the interplay between race/racialization and space.
Social Determinants of COVID‐19 Pandemic Control: Participatory Learnings From Everyday Experiences in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Marais Frederick , Prinsloo Erna Louisa , Niesing Christi , Bester Petra 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionAs countries adapted their disaster responses to the COVID‐19 pandemic, South Africa responded with an alert‐level risk approach based on epidemiological principles that impacted all societal levels. We explored the everyday experiences of people in Cape Town whose basic needs were met and who could report on the realities of the COVID‐19 pandemic control. Gaining insight into their perspectives contributes to knowledge that can inform policies and practices for managing future public health crises.MethodsCommunity‐Based Participatory Research principles guided the design and a series of facilitated dialogues with 18 research participants. The thematic analysis was deepened through two colloquiums with members of an overarching research consortium and a participant reflection workshop.FindingsThe pandemic impacted individuals, their interpersonal relationships, workplaces and communities, leading to societal processes such as stigma, virtue signalling and the subversion of mandates. The public health response had mixed reactions, with useful information about preventive measures being diluted by COVID‐19 denialism and fake news. Health and other authorities were frequently perceived as out of touch with, and unresponsive to, the everyday realities of local communities.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates the connectedness of people and the need to maintain and re‐establish severed connections. A holistic approach to health care and promotion from social determinants of health and a community‐engaged perspective may significantly increase the outcomes of public health responses.Participant and Public ContributionPeople with everyday experience of the COVID‐19 pandemic—including community members, healthcare workers, case managers, carers and researchers—collaborated on the study design, interview schedule, data interpretation, analysis and refinement of this article.
DORA: 48‐week weight and metabolic changes in Black women with HIV, in a phase IIIb switch study from dolutegravir‐ or efavirenz‐ to doravirine‐based first‐line antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Woods Joana , Sokhela Simiso , Akpomiemie Godspower , Bosch Bronwyn , Möller Karlien , Bhaskar Esther , Kruger Chelsea , Manentsa Ncomeka , Tom Noxolo , Macholo Philadelphia , Chandiwana Nomathemba , Hill Andrew , Moorhouse Michelle , Venter Willem D. F. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectivesTreatment‐related weight gain and metabolic complications with antiretroviral integrase‐based regimens, especially among Black women, suggest the need for alternative options.MethodsWe conducted a 48‐week, open‐label, single‐arm, single‐centre, phase IIIb switch study to evaluate the tolerability, safety and efficacy of switching from stable efavirenz‐ or dolutegravir‐based antiretroviral therapy to doravirine/lamivudine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in Black women.ResultsThe 101 participants enrolled (median age 35 years; interquartile range 31–40) were on efavirenz (n = 46; mean duration on therapy 1.7 years) or dolutegravir‐based (n = 55; mean duration 1.5 years) antiretrovirals at screening. Retention at 48 weeks was 92/101 participants, and viral suppression was >90% throughout the study, with a single case of doravirine resistance (106 M, V108I and H221Y mutations). The mean weight percentage change at week 48 was 4.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.0–6.5; p < 0.001), and the adjusted mean change was 2.7 kg (95% CI 1.50–3.98; p < 0.001); for efavirenz, the percentage change was 5.0% (95% CI 2.9–7.1; p < 0.001), and the adjusted weight gain was 3.5 kg (95% CI 1.93–5.13); for dolutegravir, the percentage change was 4.5% (95% CI 1.8–7.3; p < 0.001), and the adjusted weight gain was 2.1 kg (95% CI 0.26–3.90). Statistically significant decreases in lipid panel percent mean to week 48 included: total cholesterol −8.4% (95% CI −11.3 to −5.5; p < 0.001), triglycerides −10.4% (95% CI −16.4 to −4.4; p < 0.001) and high‐density lipoprotein −14.8% (95% CI −18.5 to −11.2%; p < 0.001), with minor differences when disaggregating the mean percent change in lipids between previous efavirenz/dolutegravir regimens. Adverse events due to doravirine were few and mild.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that a switch to doravirine from efavirenz or dolutegravir is safe and effective in Black women, with significant improvement in lipid profiles, but does not arrest progressive weight gain.
Extraction of bioactive compounds from peel and seeds of pitomba (Talisia esculenta) using eutectic solvents
Authors: Souza Pâmela da Silva , Cardoso Flávia Aparecida Reitz , Lima Mirela Vanin dos Santos , Cristaldo Heck Stênio , Marques Leila Larisa Medeiros 
Published: September 2024

SummaryThis study explores using pitomba peel and seeds to obtain a natural extract with high antioxidant capacity, employing extraction techniques with eutectic solvents combined with agitation and temperature control. The analysis revealed that, for the extraction with pitomba peel residues, the average levels of phenolic compounds did not show significant differences except for the extraction with ethanol. In contrast, the extractions performed with pitomba seeds showed significant differences, with the combination of choline chloride with lactic acid and choline chloride with glycerol providing the highest phenolic compound values. For flavonoids, the highest amount was obtained with the extraction using L‐proline and levulinic acid for the pitomba peel and ethanol and choline chloride with levulinic acid for the pitomba seeds. The results of the DPPH and FRAP assays indicate that, for antioxidant activity, the highest DPPH value was achieved with the extraction of pitomba peel using choline chloride with glycerol. In contrast, for pitomba seeds, elevated values were found with choline chloride with glycerol and choline chloride with levulinic acid. In the FRAP assay, the averages between L‐proline with levulinic acid and choline chloride with glycerol were not significantly different, showing high values. For pitomba seeds, the averages between ethanol and choline chloride with glycerol were also not significantly different and showed the highest obtained values. The results demonstrate that the extracts obtained from pitomba residues are rich in valuable compounds for potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. They highlight the significant levels of flavonoids extracted from pitomba peel and seeds and emphasise the effectiveness of deep eutectic solvents (DES), particularly choline chloride with glycerol, in the extraction process.
Innovative of cascara as potential in beverage, food and their functional impact: a review
Authors: Wibowo Nendyo Adhi , Wanita Yeyen Prestyaning , Novitasari Erliana , Amri Aldicky Faizal , Purwanto Eko Heri , Yulianti Yulianti , Aurum Fawzan Sigma 
Published: September 2024

SummaryCascara's beverage and food innovation has sparked interest due to its unique flavour profile and potential health benefits. Cascara drink, which comes from dried coffee pulp husks, offers a distinctive aroma reminiscent of cherry, mango and tamarind. Research has highlighted cascara's high antioxidant content, making it a functional and healthy drink choice. Sensory analysis has shown that cascara drinks exhibit dominant citric acid and black tea flavours with a strong sour aroma, appealing to consumers who enjoy coffee and tea. Furthermore, post‐harvest processing significantly influences the chemical composition of cascara beverages, with different processing methods resulting in varying levels of caffeine, total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. This innovation not only offers a refreshing drink but also shows the potential of cascara to be a valuable source of antioxidants with diverse flavour profiles and contributing to the global market.
Antiviral Effectiveness, Clinical Outcomes, and Artificial Intelligence Imaging Analysis for Hospitalized COVID‐19 Patients Receiving Antivirals
Authors: Gao Yuan , Dong Yixi , Bu Qiushi , Gong Zhijie , Wang Wei , Zhou Zhongkai , Gao Yunyi , Liu Liwei , Wu Menghua , Zhang Jiaying , Liang Lianchun , Li Hongjun , Jiang Mengxi , Luo Zujin , Ma Yingmin , Zhang Xinyu , Hu Zhongjie 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionThere is still a lack of clinical evidence comprehensively evaluating the effectiveness of antiviral treatments for COVID‐19 hospitalized patients.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted at Beijing You'An Hospital, focusing on patients treated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir or azvudine. The study employed a tripartite analysis—viral dynamics, survival curve analysis, and AI‐based radiological analysis of pulmonary CT images—aiming to assess the severity of pneumonia.ResultsOf 370 patients treated with either nirmatrelvir/ritonavir or azvudine as monotherapy, those in the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir group experienced faster viral clearance than those treated with azvudine (5.4 days vs. 8.4 days, p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in the survival curves between the two drug groups. AI‐based radiological analysis revealed that patients in the nirmatrelvir group had more severe pneumonia conditions (infection ratio is 11.1 vs. 5.35, p = 0.007). Patients with an infection ratio higher than 9.2 had nearly three times the mortality rate compared to those with an infection ratio lower than 9.2.ConclusionsOur study suggests that in real‐world studies regarding hospitalized patients with COVID‐19 pneumonia, the antiviral effect of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir is significantly superior to azvudine, but the choice of antiviral agents is not necessarily linked to clinical outcomes; the severity of pneumonia at admission is the most important factor to determine prognosis. Additionally, our findings indicate that pulmonary AI imaging analysis can be a powerful tool for predicting patient prognosis and guiding clinical decision‐making.
Topological models of yttrium aluminosilicate glass based on molecular dynamics and structure characterization analysis
Authors: Li Xianzi , Wang Yanhang , Yang Penghui , Yin Xianyin , Han Tao , Han Bin , He Kun 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTopological constraint theory (TCT) and molecular dynamics simulations (MD) are utilized to study the effect of Y2O3/SiO2 substitution on the short‐ and medium‐range structures and properties in aluminosilicate glasses containing Y2O3. Experimental methods have been applied to characterize the structures of the as‐prepared glasses to verify the accuracy of MD simulations. It was found that the Y–O bond distance is around 2.38 Å and the Y average coordination number is around 5.78. The introduction of Y2O3 disrupts the Si–O and Al–O bonds in the network structure and elevates the proportion of non‐bridging oxygen. Meanwhile, the calculation results of Si–O and Al–O bond distances show Y shortens the distance between Si, Al cations and oxygen ions, improving the network structure tightness. Furthermore, the glass transition temperature (Tg), Vickers hardness (HV), and elastic modulus (E) of glass increase with the increase of Y2O3 content, while the viscosity decreases. TCT was used to analyze the relationship among glass compositions, structures, and properties, and the properties prediction models for Tg, HV, and E were established. The effectiveness of TCT prediction models was proved by the comparison between the results predicted by the models and the data reported in the literature.
Rare‐earth compositional screening of high‐entropy diborides for improved oxidation resistance
Authors: Tang Haifeng , Wen Zihao , Liu Yiwen , Zhuang Lei , Yu Hulei , Chu Yanhui 
Published: September 2024

AbstractCompositional screening is an important strategy to improve the oxidation resistance of high‐entropy diborides (HEB2), yet the related studies are limited. Here, we report a rare‐earth (RE) element compositional screening strategy to improve the oxidation resistance of HEB2. To be specific, the single‐phase (Hf0.28Zr0.28Ta0.28RE0.16)B2 (HEB2‐RE) samples with 12 different RE elements are fabricated via ultrafast ultrahigh‐temperature synthesis and spark plasma sintering techniques, and their oxidation resistance is explored by isothermal oxidation tests. The results show that the as‐obtained HEB2‐Sc samples possess the best oxidation resistance among all the as‐fabricated HEB2‐RE samples. Such outstanding oxidation resistance is ascribed to the enhanced viscosity of the generated B2O3 glass originating from the solid solution of (Zr, Me)0.84Sc0.16O2 complex oxides, as confirmed by transmission electron microscope observations and first‐principles calculations.