bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Entrepreneurs and SMEs financing in developing countries: do non-financial services improve access to finance?
Authors: Babatoundé Alain L. 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
Is access to finance a constraint for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) development or a result of SMEs constraint? Considering the demand-side of the credit market, this paper aims to assess the effect of nonfinancial services (NFS) on financial access through demand for financing (direct effect) and access to finance (indirect effect).

Design/methodology/approach
Using data from a five-year comprehensive entrepreneurship program on a package of technical assistance, the author uses two impact assessment methods: before/after and propensity score matching approaches.

Findings
The author found significant changes in business practices for treated SMEs and entrepreneurs since both the number and frequency of good business practices increased for most of the SMEs in the program with a positive turnover effect. Evidence of the positive effects of NFS on demand for financing is found in SMEs but this does not involve more access to finance. Despite positive changes in business practices, small-size entrepreneurs continue to self-exclude for financing.

Originality/value
Different pass-throughs are operating within this “recycling” of entrepreneurial resources over time. The author shows the effectiveness of the knowledge on financing mechanism, financial conditions and government financial support, even if these mechanisms do not seem to lead to a significant improvement in access to finance.
Digital transformation or digital standstill? Status quo bias in Swedish public sector strategies
Authors: Norling Kristian 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the impact of bureaucratic culture on the formulation and content of digital transformation strategies in Swedish local governments.

Design/methodology/approach
This research uses a qualitative content analysis method to examine strategy documents from local governments in Sweden. The analysis is focused on identifying concepts related to the definition of digital transformation strategy, organizational culture and agility. Relevant themes and insights were extracted using concept-driven coding.

Findings
The research uncovered a significant influence of bureaucratic culture on the content of strategy documents, which manifests through a strong status quo bias. This bias leads to a cautious approach toward digital innovation, limiting strategies to incremental improvements and maintenance of existing processes.

Research limitations/implications
The findings highlight the need for a nuanced understanding of how organizational culture affects digital transformation. The study suggests avenues for further research, particularly in exploring mechanisms to balance bureaucratic stability with digital agility.

Practical implications
The research proposes recommendations for policymakers and public sector managers, advocating for an approach incorporating cultural awareness to foster a more conducive environment for digital transformation within bureaucratic settings.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the field by revealing the nuanced role of bureaucratic culture in shaping digital transformation strategies within the public sector. It offers a unique insight into the Swedish context.
Unveiling the potential of FMEA in higher education: pathway to improved risk management and quality
Authors: Zulfiqar Maryam , Bhat Shreeranga , Sony Michael , Salentijn Willem , Swarnakar Vikas , Antony Jiju , Cudney Elizabeth A. , Furterer Sandra , McDermott Olivia , Jayaraman Raja , Foster Monika 
Published: July 2024

PurposeWhile educators impart FMEA instruction, its practical implementation within the educational sector remains limited. This study investigates the application of FMEA within higher education institutions. Implementing FMEA in these institutions is difficult due to statutory requirements, schedule restrictions, and stakeholder participation challenges. Moreover, higher education institutions struggle with preserving education quality, faculty training, and resource management, complicating organised methods such as FMEA.Design/methodology/approachThis research conducted a global survey to identify the critical success factors, benefits, and common challenges in using FMEA in the higher education sector.FindingsThe outcomes highlighted that lack of awareness regarding the tools’ benefits is the primary barrier to FMEA implementation. However, respondents perceive that FMEA can improve process reliability and quality in higher education institutions. Further, the analyses found that knowledge about the FMEA tools is the prime critical success factor, and the lack of time due to other priorities in the organisation is a significant challenge in tapping the potential of FMEA.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation of the study is the relatively low number of HEIs surveyed globally. Further, the study provides a broad perspective rather than a focused study on one HEI.Practical implicationsThis study addresses this gap by exploring the potential benefits, challenges, and factors associated with the successful adoption of FMEA in academic settings. Using this information, HEIs can become more successful in applying FMEA.Originality/valueThis study is unique in its exploration of the application of FMEA with higher education institutions for service quality improvement.
The ‘four selves’ framework for facilitating personal and professional development (PPD) in qualifying‐level systemic psychotherapy training
Authors: McKeown Ursula , Coulter Stephen , Mooney Suzanne 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPersonal and Professional Development (PPD) has been long considered a central component of counselling and psychotherapy training. Key literature in respect of PPD approaches for psychotherapy training is reviewed, and the scant literature specifically relating to systemic psychotherapy noted. The ‘Four Selves’ PPD Framework, developed in Northern Ireland by the lead author as part of qualifying‐level Systemic Psychotherapy training, is presented, including its diagrammatic representation, constituent elements and an illustrative example. This is followed by guidance from the PPD tutor (lead author) based on her experience of utilising the Framework to facilitate tailored PPD sessions across the two‐year clinical Masters programme aimed at enhancing trainee self‐reflexivity, supplemented by feedback on the ‘model‐in‐practice’ from a recent cohort of students. The article concludes by encouraging readers to consider the applicability of The ‘Four Selves’ PPD Framework to their own psychotherapy training contexts.
Obstetric anal sphincter injuries during instrumental vaginal delivery: An observational study based on 18‐years of real‐world data
Authors: Fodstad Kathrine , Laine Katariina , Räisänen Sari 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the prevalence and secular trends of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) in vacuum and forceps deliveries in Norway, both with and without episiotomy.DesignPopulation‐based real‐world data collected during 2001–2018.SettingMedical Birth Registry Norway.Population or SampleNulliparous women with singleton foetuses in a cephalic presentation delivered by either vacuum or forceps (n = 70 783).MethodsLogistic regression analyses were applied to the OASIS prevalence in six 3‐year time periods. Both crude odds ratios and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined.Main Outcome MeasuresOASIS prevalence.ResultsThe OASIS prevalence in vacuum and forceps deliveries decreased from 14.8% during 2001–2003 to 5.2% during 2016–2018. The overall reduction between the first and last 3‐year time period was 61% (aOR = 0.39, 95% CIs = 0.35–0.43). The only exception to this decreasing trend in OASIS was found in forceps deliveries performed without an episiotomy. The OASIS prevalence was approximately twofold higher in forceps compared to vacuum deliveries (aOR = 1.92, 95% CIs = 1.79–2.05). Performing either a mediolateral or lateral episiotomy was associated with a 45% decrease in the prevalence of OASIS relative to no episiotomy (aOR = 0.55, 95% CIs = 0.52–0.58).ConclusionsOpting for vacuum rather than forceps delivery in conjunction with a mediolateral or lateral episiotomy could significantly lower the OASIS prevalence in nulliparous women.
Achieving sustainability: Unravelling the role of financial development and foreign direct investment in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Yeboah Kyei Emmanuel , Abbass Kashif , Jamatutu Seidu Abdulai , Feng Bo , Feng Junwen 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAs the global community grapples with sustainable development, sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) faces a critical dilemma in balancing economic growth and environmental preservation. The study examines the effect of financial development (foreign direct investment [FDI]) on CO2 emissions in achieving sustainability in SSA. The study employed fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) and dynamic ordinary least square (DOLS) cointegration approaches, to establish substantial connections between key variables. The results showed that environmental taxes and FDI play a role in reducing carbon emissions. Trade openness, natural resource rent, and consumption cause carbon emissions to rise. Furthermore, the study explores causation between variables using Dumitrescu–Hurling panel causality tests. A bidirectional causality exists between ecological footprint and CO2 emissions while a unidirectional causality exists between financial development, FDI, and CO2 emissions. The findings suggest the adoption of enhanced environmental taxation policies and the encouragement of sustainable FDI. We further recommend the introduction of green fiscal policies to stimulate renewable energy investments, promote responsible consumption and trade practices, and green innovative financing.
Advances in valorization of sweet potato peels: A comprehensive review on the nutritional compositions, phytochemical profiles, nutraceutical properties, and potential industrial applications
Authors: Jiang Haitao , Wang Fan , Ma Rongrong , Yang Tianyi , Liu Chang , Shen Wangyang , Jin Weiping , Tian Yaoqi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDuring food production, food processing, and supply chain, large amounts of food byproducts are generated and thrown away as waste, which to a great extent brings about adverse consequences on the environment and economic development. The sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is cultivated and consumed in many countries. Sweet potato peels (SPPs) are the main byproducts generated by the tuber processing. These residues contain abundant nutrition elements, bioactive compounds, and other high value‐added substances; therefore, the reutilization of SPP holds significance in improving their overall added value. SPPs contain abundant phenolic compounds and carotenoids, which might contribute significantly to their nutraceutical properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, prebiotic, anti‐inflammatory, wound‐healing, and lipid‐lowering effects. It has been demonstrated that SPP could be promisingly revalorized into food industry, including: (1) applications in diverse food products; (2) applications in food packaging; and (3) applications in the recovery of pectin and cellulose nanocrystals. Furthermore, SPP could be used as promising feedstocks for the bioconversion of diverse value‐added bioproducts through biological processing.
The role of fermentation with lactic acid bacteria in quality and health effects of plant‐based dairy analogues
Authors: Erem Erenay , Kilic‐Akyilmaz Meral 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe modern food industry is undergoing a rapid change with the trend of production of plant‐based food products that are more sustainable and have less impact on nature. Plant‐based dairy analogues have been increasingly popular due to their suitability for individuals with milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance and those preferring a plant‐based diet. Nevertheless, plant‐based products still have insufficient nutritional quality, undesirable structure, and earthy, green, and bean‐like flavor compared to dairy products. In addition, most plant‐based foods contain lesser amounts of essential nutrients, antinutrients limiting the bioavailability of some nutrients, and allergenic proteins. Novel processing technologies can be applied to have a homogeneous and stable structure. On the other hand, fermentation of plant‐based matrix with lactic acid bacteria can provide a solution to most of these problems. Additional nutrients can be produced and antinutrients can be degraded by bacterial metabolism, thereby increasing nutritional value. Allergenic proteins can be hydrolyzed reducing their immunoreactivity. In addition, fermentation has been found to reduce undesired flavors and to enhance various bioactivities of plant foods. However, the main challenge in the production of fermented plant‐based dairy analogues is to mimic familiar dairy‐like flavors by producing the major flavor compounds other than organic acids, yielding a flavor profile similar to those of fermented dairy products. Further studies are required for the improvement of the flavor of fermented plant‐based dairy analogues through the selection of special microbial cultures and formulations.
Growing burden of gamma‐hydroxybutyrate intoxication on emergency department resource utilisation
Authors: Berling Ingrid , Isoardi Katherine , Harris Keith , Downes Michael A , Lovett Caitlyn , Isbister Geoffrey K 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveRecreational gamma‐hydroxybutyrate (GHB) use is rising in Australia. We aimed to describe ED presentation patterns related to GHB over time and the impact this has on ED resource use.MethodsRetrospective review of prospective data collection from two clinical toxicology units based in Queensland and New South Wales.ResultsThere were 751 GHB‐related presentations to the two units (Newcastle, 127; Princess Alexandria, 624), with marked increases in presentations occurring in 2019 and 2023. The major intervention was intubation, with 95 (13%) patients intubated.ConclusionGHB presentations to ED are rising and the impact on acute bed space and clinical resources is significant.
Valorization of process wastes from soft‐wheat processing industry through biofuel production
Authors: Kapusız Demet , Şahin Nazlı , Sayaslan Abdulvahit 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA substantial amount of process waste is generated during the manufacture of soft‐wheat products (SWPs), such as biscuits/cookies, crackers, wafers, and cakes. A small portion of waste is reused in specific biscuits, whereas the rest is usually discarded. This study aimed to investigate the suitability of this waste for the co‐production of bioethanol and fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs or biodiesel). Two groups of waste generated in the SWP industry were included in the study: (a) the waste of low‐moisture (<10%) biscuits, crackers, and wafer sheets with no fillings and/or coatings, and (b) the waste of high‐moisture (>10%) biscuits, crackers, wafers, and cakes with fillings and/or coatings. The study involved extracting each sample with hexane, and the recovered fat was converted to the FAME through alkali‐catalyzed transesterification. The remaining carbohydrate‐rich fraction was then converted to bioethanol through amylolytic hydrolysis and yeast fermentation. A great portion (92.42%–93.17%) of the fat was extracted from the wastes and converted to the FAME with adequate yields (13.81–14.55 g FAME/g waste, dm) and acceptable conversion efficiencies (85.19%–89.04%). However, bioethanol production from the defatted carbohydrate‐rich fractions proceeded rather slowly, yielding only 16.54–18.02 (g ethanol per g of waste, dm), corresponding to fermentation efficiencies ranging from 43.32% to 48.29%. Upon the co‐production of FAME and ethanol, a considerable amount (50.93%–53.08%) of waste solids remained in the residue fraction. These findings indicated that production of the FAME with adequate yields and conversion efficiencies is viable from the SWP industry wastes; however, bioethanol yields and fermentation efficiencies are rather limited, which warrants further investigation.Practical ApplicationThe soft‐wheat processing industry generates 1%–5% of total production as waste. The waste was studied to produce FAME and bioethanol. The fat was extracted from the waste and converted to FAME. Bioethanol yields and fermentation efficiencies are limited due to dough modifiers and antimicrobial additives used in SWP production. Further research is required to improve ethanol yield.
Contraceptive efficacy: Determining the threshold for effective suppression based on sperm concentration, motility, and morphology
Authors: Wang Christina , Barratt Christopher L. R. , Blithe Diana L. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntrodctionHuman spermatogenesis is a complex process that transforms spermatogonial stem cells through mitosis and meiosis to spermatozoa. Testosterone is the key regulator of the terminal stages of meiosis, adherence of spermatids to Sertoli cells, and spermiation. Follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) may be required for early spermatogenesis and is important for maintaining normal spermatogenesis in men. Hormonal contraception suppresses FSH, luteinizing hormone, and intratesticular testosterone concentration, resulting in marked suppression of sperm output.ResultsClinical trials using testosterone alone or testosterone plus progestin demonstrate that sustained suppression of sperm concentration to ≤1 million/mL is sufficient to prevent pregnancy in the female partner. New agents that target spermatogenesis could use this as a target for contraceptive efficacy while others that block sperm function or transport may require a lower threshold. When sperm concentrations are suppressed to such low levels, measurement of sperm motility and morphology is technically difficult and unnecessary. With current data from fertile and infertile men, it is not possible to establish a lower limit of sperm motility or percent normal morphology that equates to the prevention of conception. New compounds that decrease sperm motility or alter sperm morphology may need to demonstrate a complete absence of sperm motility or altered morphology in all spermatozoa in the ejaculate. Sperm function tests may be useful depending on the mechanism of action of each new compound.ConclusionMonitoring of sperm surrogate markers to ensure effective contraception relies on laboratories experienced in semen analyses. The development of at‐home tests to assess sperm parameters has progressed rapidly. Some tests have been assessed in clinical trials and approved by regulatory agencies for at‐home use for fertility assessment. However, caution must be exercised in using these tests as many have not been rigorously validated against semen parameters measured in laboratories by trained technologists using standardized tests defined in the World Health Organization Semen Manual.
The economic effect of discrimination: Evidence from the restaurant sector
Authors: Yi Guanting 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDiscrimination often leads to economic consequences for affected groups. This study examines the economic impact of consumer discrimination on Chinese restaurants in the U.S. during the COVID‐19 pandemic's onset. Using cell phone data and revenue records, it identifies a significant −10% relative decline in visits to Chinese restaurants by April 2020, resulting in a $35 million loss. The study finds supply‐side factors, such as restaurant closures and online business transitions, had limited impact, highlighting demand‐side factors like county‐level political affiliation, racial diversity, and Asian population ratios as significant contributors.
Learning from Neighbors and Differentiating Export Quality
Authors: Liu Qiming , Qiu Bin , Edwards Huw , Gao Bo 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis paper explores how learning from neighboring firms affects new exporters' product quality. It builds a Bayesian learning model to study how new exporters revise their prior beliefs about foreign customers' preferences for product quality from neighboring pioneering exporters. The model shows that a new exporter improves its product quality when it receives a positive quality‐preference signal from its neighbors. The learning process of a firm depends on the number of neighbors, the level and heterogeneity of their export quality, and its own prior knowledge of the market. Highly disaggregated firm–product–country level transaction data provide robust evidence for this. The results also suggest that the impact of neighboring signals on a new exporter's quality can be channeled through the importation of high‐quality intermediate inputs and more fixed investment. Learning effects are heterogeneous across firms and learning can influence other aspects of export performance.
Can a Teacher Salary Increase Promote Students' Educational Performance?
Authors: Liu Tianyang , Su Baozhong , Wang Jingjing , Rozelle Scott 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPolicymakers in China have attempted to improve the quality of rural education by investing in teacher salaries through initiatives like the Rural Teachers Support Plan (RTSP). This study estimates the effects of teacher salary increase on students' educational outcomes in rural China by utilizing the exogenous variations of rural teacher salaries induced by the RTSP. It employs an intensity‐based difference‐in‐differences strategy and panel data from 2010 to 2018 with 3,351 rural children. The findings reveal that an increase in teacher salaries had a significant positive impact on students' examination results. Moreover, the results of mechanism analysis indicate that salary increases could have both quality and quantity effects on students' outcomes by increasing the proportion of highly educated teachers and reducing the student–teacher ratio. Our findings contribute to the discussion on the importance of teacher salary incentives in education production functions and provide insights for other countries undertaking rural education reforms.
Does Information Exchange Affect Cross‐border Tax Avoidance? Evidence from the Common Reporting Standard
Authors: Wang Muhan , Zhang Kezhong , Gao Sihan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractUsing panel data from 2012 to 2020 for publicly traded Chinese companies, we explored the efficacy in mitigation of tax information asymmetry to combat profit shifting and transnational tax avoidance. Our empirical analysis revealed that, after the implementation of the inaugural multilateral automatic information exchange system known as the Common Reporting Standard, there was a statistically significantly increase in the effective tax rate by 1.4 percentage points, accompanied by an increase in instances of tax compliance. These trends were discernibly associated with a reduction in profit shifting and notable changes in reported profit margins, particularly influenced by actions related to debt shifting and strategic management of intellectual property assets. These findings underscore the strong connection between these effects and various factors such as investment destinations, asset portfolios, and industry classifications. The results imply a prospective decline in the incidence of cross‐border tax avoidance by Chinese multinational entities and demonstrate the potential of emerging international tax cooperation frameworks for curbing the global tax avoidance practices of multinational corporations.