bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving Type II Diabetes Care in West Africa: A Scoping Review of Barriers, Facilitators and the Way Forward
Authors: Abdul-Samed Abdul-Basit , Jahan Yasmin , Reichenberger Veronika , Peprah Ellen Barnie , Agyekum Mary Pomaa , Lawson Henry , Balabanova Dina , Mirzoev Tolib , Agyepong Irene 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence of diabetes is rising rapidly across West Africa, posing a significant public health challenge. Effective diabetes management through accessible and quality primary healthcare is crucial, yet multiple barriers persist. This review aimed to synthesise the available evidence on factors influencing access, utilisation, and quality of diabetes primary care in West Africa.MethodsOur scoping review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. We comprehensively searched electronic databases and grey literature for studies covering 2000-2023 that reported factors related to diabetes primary care in West African countries. Data was extracted and analysed through a framework synthesis approach integrating the World Health Organisation Operational Framework for Primary Health Care, the Social Determinants of Health model, and the Innovative Care for Chronic Conditions model.ResultsTwelve studies were included from Nigeria (n=7), Ghana (n=4), and Senegal (n=1). Key barriers to access, utilisation, and quality were identified as health system deficiencies, including lack of infrastructure, workforce shortages, supply gaps, fragmented care coordination, absence of standardised guidelines, high costs of care, and limited governance for chronic disease management. Broader determinants of health, such as poverty, gender, cultural beliefs, reliance on traditional medicine, and health policy gaps, were found to influence access to and utilisation of care significantly. Individual-level barriers like psychological distress and delays in care-seeking were also significant. However, family/social support systems emerged as potential facilitators of accessing and utilising PHC services.ConclusionsOur review indicates a complex interplay between health system deficiencies, deeply rooted cultural beliefs, and lived experiences shaping diabetes care in West Africa. The region’s unique challenges demand a paradigm shift from conventional chronic care models to context-specific, adaptive models. Crucially, the gendered aspects of care and the integration of traditional healing practices emerge as pivotal yet often overlooked factors in diabetes management. Furthermore, addressing the bidirectional relationship between mental health and diabetes offers a promising avenue for improving outcomes. Future strategies must transcend the biomedical model, embracing a sociocultural approach that leverages community assets and addresses structural inequities.
Getting to the bottom of social learning: Chimpanzees copy arbitrary behavior from conspecifics
Authors: van Leeuwen Edwin J. C. , Bryon Emile , Rogers Alex , Balaran Aurore , Motsch Peggy , Brooker Jake S. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractStudying animal culture has been crucial for understanding the complexities of knowledge transmission and tracing human culture’s evolutionary origins1. Defined as the use of tools to provide clear practical benefits to individuals, well-documented examples of material culture include nut-cracking2and termite fishing3in chimpanzees. Additionally, there is growing interest in animal social traditions, which appear crucial for social interaction and group cohesion. We have previously documented such a tradition, in which chimpanzees copied inserting blades of grass in their ears from one persistent inventor4. Now, over a decade later, we have observed an unrelated group of chimpanzees where 5/8 individuals began wearing grass in their ears and 6/8 from their rectums. As of 2024, one newly introduced chimpanzee has adopted the grass-in-ear behavior. Given that the behaviors were not observed in seven other groups in the same sanctuary (N=148), we conclude that social learning of arbitrary behavior occurred and discuss our findings considering the larger scope of animal culture.
Less, but more: new insights from appendicularians on chordateFgfevolution and the divergence of tunicate lifestyles
Authors: Sánchez-Serna Gaspar , Badia-Ramentol Jordi , Bujosa Paula , Ferrández-Roldán Alfonso , Torres-Águila Nuria P. , Fabregà-Torrus Marc , Wibisana Johannes N. , Mansfield Michael J. , Plessy Charles , Luscombe Nicholas M. , Albalat Ricard , Cañestro Cristian 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe impact of gene loss on the divergence of taxa and the generation of evolutionary innovations is a fundamental aspect of Evolutionary Biology that remains unclear. Here, using the evolution of the Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs) in appendicularians as a case study, we investigate how gene losses have influenced the evolution of chordates, especially the divergence among tunicates. Our work reveals an unprecedented case of massive losses of allFgfgene subfamilies, except for theFgf9/16/20andFgf11/12/13/14, which in turn suffered two bursts of gene duplications. Phylogenetic inferences and genomic analyses of gene synteny conservation, gene architecture, alternative splicing and protein 3D-structure have allowed us to reconstruct the history of appendicularianFgfgenes in the context of chordate evolution, providing compelling evidence supporting the paracrine secreting functions and the intracellular functions of theFgf9/16/20andFgf11/12/13/14subfamilies, respectively. Exhaustive analysis of developmentalFgfexpression inOikopleura dioicaas a model for appendicularians reveals a paradigmatic case of what could be referred as “less, but more”, providing a conceptual evolutionary framework characterized by four associated evolutionary patterns: conservation of ancestralFgfexpression domains; function shuffling between paralogs upon gene loss; innovation of new expression domains after the bursts ofFgfduplications; and the extinction ofFgffunctions linked to gene losses. The findings of this work allow us to formulate novel hypotheses about the potential impact of losses and duplications ofFgfgenes on the transition from an ancestral ascidian-like biphasic lifestyle to a fully free-living style of appendicularians. These hypotheses include the massive co-option ofFgfgenes for the patterning of the oikoblast responsible of the house architecture, and for the development of the tail fin; the recruitment ofFgf11/12/13/14genes into the evolution of a new mouth, and their role modulating neuronal excitability; the evolutionary innovation of an “anterior tail” FGF signaling mesodermal source upon the loss of retinoic acid signaling; and the potential link between the loss ofFgf7/10/22andFgf8/17/18and the loss of drastic metamorphosis, mesenchymal cells and lack of tail absorption in appendicularians, in contrast to ascidians.
Estrus-Tracking Cortical Neurons Integrate Social cues and Reproductive states to Adaptively Control Sexually Dimorphic Sociosexual Behaviors
Authors: Wang Yuping , Song Xinli , Chen Xiangmao , Zhou Ying , Ma Jihao , Zhang Fang , Wei Liqiang , Qi Guoxu , Yadav Nakul , Miao Benjie , Yan Yiming , Yuan Guohua , Mi Da , Rajasethupathy Priyamvada , Ibañez-Tallon Ines , Jia Xiaoxuan , Heintz Nathaniel , Li Kun 
Published: August 2024

SUMMARYFemale sociosexual behaviors, essential for survival and reproduction, are adaptively modulated by ovarian hormones. However, the neural mechanisms integrating internal hormonal states with external social cues to guide these behaviors remain poorly understood. Here we identified primary estrous-sensitiveCacna1h-expressing medial prefrontal (mPFCCacna1h+) neurons that orchestrate adaptive sociosexual behaviors. Bidirectional manipulation of mPFCCacna1h+neurons drives opposite-sex-directed behavioral shifts between estrus and diestrus females. In males, these neurons serve opposite functions compared to estrus females, mediating sexually dimorphic effects via anterior hypothalamic outputs. Miniscope imaging reveals mixed-representation of self-estrous states and social target sex in distinct mPFCCacna1h+subpopulations, with biased-encoding of opposite-sex social cues in estrus females and males. Mechanistically, ovarian hormone-driven upregulation ofCacna1h-encoded T-type calcium channels underlies estrus-specific activity changes and sexual-dimorphic function of mPFCCacna1h+neurons. These findings uncover a prefrontal circuit that integrates internal hormonal states and target-sex information to exert sexually bivalent top-down control over adaptive social behaviors.
Tricriticality in 4D U(1) lattice gauge theory
Authors: Torres Rafael C. , Cardoso Nuno , Bicudo Pedro , Ribeiro Pedro , McClarty Paul 
Published: August 2024

The 4D compact U(1) gauge theory has a well-established phase transition between a confining and a Coulomb phase. In this paper, we revisit this model using state-of-the-art Monte Carlo simulations on anisotropic lattices. We map out the coupling-temperature phase diagram, and determine the location of the tricritical point, T/K0≃0.19, below which the first-order transition is observed. We find the critical exponents of the high-temperature second-order transition to be compatible with those of the 3-dimensional O(2) model. Our results at higher temperatures can be compared with literature results and are consistent with them. Surprisingly, below T/K0≃0.05 we find strong indications of a second tricritical point where the first-order transition becomes continuous. These results suggest an unexpected second-order phase transition extending down to zero temperature, contrary to the prevailing consensus. If confirmed, these findings reopen the question of the detailed characterization of the transition including a suitable field theory description.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Responding to employee-based race inequalities in National Health Service (England): accountability and the Workforce Race Equality Standard
Authors: Dhanani Alpa , Chaidali Penny , Sharma Nina , Varoutsa Evangelia 
Published: August 2024

PurposeThis paper examines the efforts of National Health Service (England) (NHSE) to respond to employee-based racial inequalities via its Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES). The WRES constitutes a hybridised accountability initiative with characteristics of the moral and imposed regimes of accountability.Design/methodology/approachThe study conceptualises the notion of responsive race accountability with recourse to Favotto et al.’s (2022) moral accountability model and critical race theory (CRT), and through it, examines the enactment of WRES at 40 NHSE trusts using qualitative content analysis.FindingsDespite the progressive nature of the WRES that seeks to nurture corrective actions, results suggest that trusts tend to adopt an instrumental approach to the exercise. Whilst there is some evidence of good practice, the instrumental approach prevails across both the metric reporting that trusts engage in to guide their actions, and the planned actions for progress. These planned actions not only often fail to coalesce with the trust-specific data but also include generic NHSE or equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives and mimetic adoptions of best practice guidance that only superficially address racial concerns.Social implicationsWhilst the WRES is a laudable voluntary achievement, its moral imperative does not appear to have translated into a moral accountability within individual trusts.Originality/valueResponding to calls for more research at the accounting-race nexus, this study uniquely draws on CRT to conceptualise and examine race accountability.
When virtual others are with me: exploring the influence of social presence in virtual reality wine tourism experiences
Authors: Deng Demi Shenrui , Seo Soobin , Harrington Robert James , Martin David 
Published: August 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the role of social presence in enhancing positive behaviors in the virtual reality (VR)-based wine tourism context through an innovative approach.

Design/methodology/approach
Two sequential experimental studies were conducted to test proposed hypotheses using Web and head-mounted display (HMD) VR formats. Specifically, Study 1 probed the influence of social presence on mental imagery, which subsequently impacted destination visit intention, drinking intent and memorable experience. Study 2 used a field experiment to explore the boundary effects of environmental cues (nature versus social) on social presence and a series of behavioral intentions using an HMD format.

Findings
The findings represent one of the first efforts to unravel the influence of social presence on positive behaviors through mental imagery and the moderating role of environmental cues.

Research limitations/implications
This research enhances the understanding of wine tourism, drawing upon social presence theory and stimulus-organism-response framework.

Practical implications
The outcomes provide valuable insights for wine tourism marketers in developing innovative marketing strategies by addressing the usage of social presence and environmental cues in a VR setting.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to enrich the existing knowledge of wine tourism by exploring the role of social presence and environmental cues in both Web and HMD VR formats.
Sustainability challenges of last-mile logistics and transition to online grocery retailing in sparsely populated areas
Authors: Wu Yong , Wang Bill , Huo Baofeng 
Published: August 2024

Purpose This paper focuses on the last-mile logistics (LML) operations in fulfilling online grocery orders and the related sustainability considerations in sparsely populated areas like Australia. It aims to examine how online groceries in sparsely populated areas can benefit from online business. Specifically, this study seeks to investigate whether a centralized order fulfillment approach is better than the existing approach which fulfills online orders from local grocery stores.Design/methodology/approach A multi-method approach is employed to conduct a high level of cost and emission analysis between the existing and the proposed approaches to illustrate the ratios between the two approaches in terms of cost and carbon emissions. Mathematical models are developed with support from the literature. The model is empirically validated with a case study of grocery distribution in the city of Gold Coast, Australia.Findings It finds that the centralized order fulfillment approach in sparsely populated areas can achieve LML sustainability with low cost, high efficiency and less double handling. Meanwhile, the separation of in-store and online retailing processes improves the in-store shopping experience and online shopping visibility, jointly improves customer satisfaction, and consequently achieves a positive effect on long-term sustainability. Additionally, the possibility of automating order picking and dispatching at a central place can make the processes more efficient and help build more sustainable grocery retailing supply chains by using more environmentally friendly systems.Originality/value This paper offers analytical and empirical insights into the sustainability of multi-channel grocery retailing supply chains. The high-level model developed first incorporates the concept of online shopping adoption rates and can serve as a decision-making tool for practitioners to improve supply chain sustainability in LML.
Exploring the stock market development and sustainable development nexus: insights from emerging market economies
Authors: Bayar Yilmaz , Toader Valentin , Gavriletea Marius Dan , Yelkesen Oguzhan 
Published: August 2024

Purpose
Sustainable development is considered a key factor in addressing environmental issues, global inequalities and poverty. This study aims to investigate the impact of stock market indicators on sustainable development across 16 emerging markets from 2003 to 2020.

Design/methodology/approach
The research uses causality and cointegration analyses to explore the relationships between stock market indicators and sustainable development.

Findings
Univariate causality analysis reveals a bidirectional causal relationship between the stock market turnover ratio and sustainable development, as well as a unidirectional relationship from sustainable development to stock market capitalization and total value traded. Panel-level cointegration analysis suggests that only stock market capitalization has a weak positive influence on sustainable development. However, the impact of stock market indicators on sustainable development varies significantly among countries, as revealed by country-level cointegration analysis.

Research limitations/implications
While this study provides valuable insights, it is not without limitations. The findings are limited to the selected emerging markets and the specified timeframe (2003–2020). The complexity of factors influencing sustainable development suggests the need for further exploration in diverse contexts.

Practical implications
Understanding the nuanced relationships between stock market indicators and sustainable development can offer valuable insights for policymakers, investors and stakeholders.

Originality/value
This research contributes to the existing literature by examining the multifaceted connections between stock market indicators and sustainable development, focusing on country-specific causality relationships. The study highlights the reciprocal nature of this relationship, where financial market development can both influence and be influenced by a country's progress toward sustainability. This approach provides a more nuanced understanding of the complex interaction between stock market maturity and sustainability goals.
Unpacking the relationship between export coopetition activities and export sales performance
Authors: Crick James M. , Crick Dave 
Published: August 2024

PurposeWhile coopetition (cooperation among competitors) has been widely researched in domestic settings, relatively less work has evaluated how small exporters engage in these business-to-business (B2B) marketing strategies. Therefore, export coopetition activities could have different performance outcomes (and boundary conditions) to these B2B marketing practices in domestic arenas. Consequently, underpinned by resource-based theory (and focusing on smaller-sized and internationalised, businesses), the purpose of this paper is to unpack the relationship between export coopetition activities and export sales performance by accounting for key quadratic and moderating effects.Design/methodology/approachSurvey responses were obtained from 107 small, and export-oriented, wine producers in South Africa. After refining the measurement scales, the quantitative data passed all major assessments of reliability, validity and common method variance. Subsequently, the elements of the conceptual model were tested through a hierarchical regression analysis. Moreover, a post-hoc test was undertaken to delve deeper into the nuances of the statistical results – and offer additional insights concerning how these B2B marketing strategies operate (and manifest) in export markets.FindingsA significant non-linear (inverted U-shaped) relationship was found between export coopetition activities and export sales performance. No support was found for the moderators, namely, export geographical scope, export intensity or the interaction between these forms of internationalisation. An interesting issue to emerge from the post-hoc test was that export geographical scope yielded a quadratic link with export sales performance, for which the export coopetition activities construct did not moderate this connection (a non-significant interaction effect). These findings offer new insights that help inform the concentration versus spreading debate related to target market strategies.Originality/valueNew evidence emerges on the internationalisation of the coopetition construct, regarding how smaller-sized companies collaborate with their competitors within their export markets. Likewise, stronger insights arise concerning the dark sides of export coopetition activities via circumstances where they are harmful to internationalised firms. Moreover, improved claims are made about how resource-based theory serves as a useful tool to conceptualise the nuances of export coopetition activities and how they impact export sales performance. Collectively, this investigation not only responds to calls for research to evaluate coopetition in export markets but also embraces the complexities of these B2B marketing strategies.
Attitudes toward the adoption of accounting analytics technology in the digital transformation landscape
Authors: Al-Okaily Manaf 
Published: August 2024

Purpose
The main purpose of this study is to determine the accounting analytics technology (AAT) adoption among manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based on the extended technology acceptance model (TAM).

Design/methodology/approach
The quantitative research approach with online surveys was used to collect data from 219 accounting managers among manufacturing SMEs in Jordan. To test the suggested research model, partial least squares structural equation modeling was used.

Findings
The findings indicated that all direct paths were found to be significant in the hypothesized directions. Ultimately, the results also revealed that perceived usefulness has mediated the relationship between perceived ease of use and intention to use AAT, and hence all direct and indirect hypotheses were accepted.

Originality/value
This research has successfully extended the TAM model in the context of AAT adoption among Jordanian manufacturing SMEs by including new factors along with the original factors of the TAM model, particularly in the postpandemic era.
Negotiating neutrality and activism in Norwegian public libraries: the case of environmental sustainability
Authors: Solum Espen Eigil Barratt-Due 
Published: August 2024

PurposeThis article explores how Norwegian public libraries negotiate neutrality and activism in response to national policy implementing the United Nations (UN) goals for sustainable development.Design/methodology/approachInformed by the ongoing academic debate on library neutrality and activism, this article presents an analysis of 30 qualitative interviews with librarians and directors in four public libraries. Through comparative case study design, the analysis explores the negotiations of neutrality and activism in the organisational response to the sustainable development goals (SDGs), in public events connected with environmental sustainability and in the engagement of librarians with various higher education backgrounds and competencies.FindingsThe neutrality of Norwegian public libraries is tied to the libraries’ function as a social meeting place and arena for public debate. While the agenda for sustainable development is perceived as neutral by many of the interview participants, there are ongoing negotiations on how politically charged initiatives should be and whether public conversations on environmental and climate issues need to represent a balance of opinions. The case libraries have developed different strategies, and while non-traditional collections and events centred on sustainability may provide a middle ground, the negotiations of neutrality and activism are influenced both by competencies and personal engagement.Originality/valueThis article shows how neutrality is negotiated in public libraries, with the strategies to build a sustainable society through both conventional means and activism.