bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Layered aquatic microenvironments control fluctuations generated by active carpets
Authors: Barros Felipe A. , Ulloa Hugo N. , Aguayo Gabriel , Mathijssen Arnold J. T. M. , Guzmán-Lastra Francisca 
Published: February 2025

In Earth's aquatic environments and the human body, microbial swimmers often accumulate at interfaces within layered systems, forming colonies known as . These bioactive layers enhance mass transport and diffusion in fluid media. Here we study the hydrodynamic behavior induced by within confined semi-infinite fluid layers, such as the one found in the sea surface microlayer. By deriving analytical expressions and performing numerical simulations, we explore how geometrical and viscous confinement (layer thickness and viscosity ratio) influence hydrodynamic fluctuations and passive tracer dynamics. Our findings reveal anisotropic distributions of fluctuations, characterized by three distinct regions: near the and fluid-fluid interface (Region I), vertical fluctuations dominate; in an intermediate region (Region II), fluctuations become isotropic; and near the free surface (Region III), horizontal fluctuations prevail. The results also demonstrate the emergence of coherent vortical structures in highly confined systems, with roll-like patterns governed by the thickness of the confined layer and the sharpness in viscosity transitions. The insights provided by this work have implications for understanding biogenic flow patterns and transport processes in natural and engineered environments, offering potential applications in areas such as microbial ecology, biofilm management, and microfluidic technologies.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Enhancing willingness and enrollment in the national health insurance program in Madhesh Province, Nepal
Authors: Adhikari Saroj , Suksaroj Thunwadee , Laosee Orapin , Rattanapan Cheerawit , Janmaimool Piyapong 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThis study investigates the willingness of household heads in Madhesh Province, Nepal, to enroll in the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) and examines the contextual barriers that may hinder this enrollment.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted with 319 household heads through face-to-face interviews from May 15 to June 13, 2023. The ability, motivation and opportunity (AMO) framework guided the assessment, employing bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses to identify significant factors influencing willingness.FindingsOver 80% of respondents were willing to enroll in NHIP, driven by significant factors such as perceived susceptibility to health issues (AOR = 15.65) and knowledge about NHIP benefits (AOR = 2.20). However, contextual barriers such as the lack of enrollment assistants (73%) and inadequate healthcare package offerings (53%) were prevalent, highlighting that despite a strong desire to enroll, these barriers prevent many from taking action.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings highlight the need to address contextual barriers, such as expanding NHIP benefit packages and enhancing enrollment support, to convert willingness into action.Practical implicationsTo enhance enrollment rates, it is crucial to address these barriers by increasing the availability of enrollment assistants and improving healthcare packages.Social implicationsStrengthening NHIP can reduce high out-of-pocket expenditures and contribute to achieving universal health coverage in Nepal.Originality/valueThis study provides critical insights into the factors affecting NHIP enrollment in one of Nepal’s lowest-enrollment regions, offering actionable recommendations for policy improvements.
Cash waqf engagement among Malaysian millennials: the digitization of generosity
Authors: Sanusi Soliha , Saedon Rozana , Muhammad Aliyu Dahiru , Omar Zaki Hafizah , Ghazali Aziatul Waznah 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
This study aims to examine the determinants of cash waqf contributions among Malaysian millennials through digital platforms.

Design/methodology/approach
The present study employed the Technology Acceptance Model with 328 respondents from Malaysia. A self-administrative questionnaire was developed and distributed using both online and physical survey methods. Partial least squares analysis was performed on the data using the Smart PLS 4.0 modeling package.

Findings
The results show that attitude, digital literacy, ease of use and waqf knowledge influenced Malaysian millennials to make cash contributions through digital platforms. However, trust in waqf institutions and waqf usefulness factors did not significantly affect Malaysian millennials’ decision to contribute cash waqf.

Research limitations/implications
The research findings have significant theoretical and practical ramifications for applying the Technology Acceptance Model and attracting millennials to contribute cash waqf.

Originality/value
The study adds new value to the literature. The focus of this study, which targets units of analysis among millennials, has received very little attention in the literature related to cash waqf in digital platforms.
Determinants of student satisfaction in private universities: examining the impact of academic staff quality
Authors: Wisenthige Krishantha , Pathirana Udeshika , Perera Bimsara , Wijesinghe Kevin , Wijethunga Anjana 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThe study utilized a quantitative approach to investigate student satisfaction, focusing on the lecturers’ knowledge, quality of delivery, student support and evaluation. The population included second- to fourth-year undergraduates, data from a sample of 600 were collected through a structured questionnaire using stratified random sampling and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM).Design/methodology/approachThe aim of this study is to examine the various dimensions of academic staff quality that affect student satisfaction within a selected private higher educational institute in Sri Lanka, providing a clear understanding of the dimensions of academic staff quality and recognizing the important role of the said dimensions in shaping the educational experience of the students.FindingsResults revealed that effective support for students, lectures’ broader knowledge, quality of delivery and quality of evaluation were significant predictors of student satisfaction and that they are crucial indicators of how strong the impact of the academic staff is in contributing to overall undergraduate student satisfaction.Originality/valueThis study filled a gap in higher education research in Sri Lanka by offering empirical evidence on the impact of academic staff quality on satisfaction among students in private universities. It serves as a valuable reference for those exploring higher education concepts, providing a novel understanding of the influence of the key component of academic staff quality.
Workplace bullying in surgery: exploring the drivers and mitigators
Authors: Gretton-Watson Paul , Leggat Sandra G. , Oakman Jodi 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThis study investigates the drivers and mitigators of workplace bullying in surgical environments in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, utilizing social identity theory (SIT) and contemporary models of psychological safety. It introduces the concept of personality traits as a bridging factor between drivers and mitigators.Design/methodology/approachQualitative interviews were conducted with 31 surgeons. Thematic analysis, supported by NVivo, was used to map findings to the SIT framework and incorporate psychological safety and personality theory.FindingsKey drivers of workplace bullying include entrenched hierarchical power structures, gender dynamics and early socialization in competitive environments. The “bad apple” phenomenon, where personality traits such as narcissism and low emotional intelligence exacerbate bullying, contrasts with individuals demonstrating empathy and interpersonal awareness, who mitigate such behaviors. Effective leadership, generational shifts and team stability through procedural inclusion are key mitigators that promote psychological safety and collaboration.Research limitations/implicationsSample diversity, self-reporting bias and temporal context may impact the generalizability of findings across broader health and surgical settings in contemporary practice.Practical implicationsAddressing entrenched power imbalances and fostering inclusive leadership and practices are critical to mitigating bullying. Promoting psychological safety and leveraging generational change can reshape surgical culture, leading to healthier teams and improved patient outcomes.Originality/valueThis study bridges SIT with theories of personality and psychological safety, offering new perspectives on how individual traits and systemic dynamics shape bullying behaviors and culture in surgical teams, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Brand love and customer brand engagement for masstige: a cross-cultural perspective
Authors: Shahid Shadma , Husain Rehan , Islam Jamid Ul , Hollebeek Linda D. 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
Masstige (mass-produced and affordable luxury) goods are receiving increasing literature-based attention. However, despite existing advances, insight into how different cultural backgrounds shape consumer perceptions, attitudes and behaviors toward masstige goods remains tenuous. Correspondingly, this study aims to examine the association of masstige luxury with customers’ love for and brand engagement with masstige products across cultures.

Design/methodology/approach
This study used a sample comprising 342 Indian and 354 Canadian masstige customers. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.

Findings
The results corroborate brand prestige and identification as key antecedents to customers’ love for masstige brands, which in turn impact their brand engagement. Surprisingly, the authors find that the effects of brand prestige and brand identification on brand love and customer brand engagement do not significantly differ between Indian and Canadian customers. However, the positive effect of brand identification and brand love on customer brand engagement is stronger for Indian customers than for Canadian customers.

Research limitations/implications
This study addresses an important literature-based gap in understanding how cultural backgrounds shape consumer perceptions of masstige brands. It offers key theoretical and practical implications for masstige marketing.

Practical implications
Identifying differential effects among Indian and Canadian customers provides a foundation for tailoring marketing approaches in the masstige sector.

Originality/value
This study addresses a critical literature-based gap in understanding how cultural backgrounds shape consumer perceptions of masstige brands, offering key theoretical and practical implications for masstige marketing.
Extending actor engagement: human–environmental engagement in multilevel socioecological systems
Authors: Muñiz-Martínez Norberto 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThis research aims to demonstrate the extension of actor engagement to include human–environmental engagement within broader socioecological systems.Design/methodology/approachThis work takes the perspective of Neo-animist Ontology which posits that since non-human biotic entities act as ecological and cultural resource integrators they should be considered as actors. In addition, the present article uses the concept of Nature’s Contributions to People, here renamed Nature’s Contributions to Humans (NCHs) to demonstrate the complex cognitive, emotional and behavioral dimensions of human–environmental interaction. The work also draws on existing concepts of actor engagement within multilevel socioecological systems.FindingsThis study offers a conceptual framework within which to understand how the complex interactions between humans and natural entities produce human–environmental engagement. It also provides evidence for three forms of human–environmental engagement, that is, purposeful involvement between humans and nature (natural ecosystems and non-human bioactors) with cognitive, emotional and behavioral dimensions. These engagement types have been termed: Nature–human regulating engagement; Nature–human material and cultural engagement; and Mindful engagement with nature. As this work shows, they arise due to human–environmental interactions involving the three forms of NCHs (regulating, material and non-material) and sustainable practices through which the environment and humans exert mutual influence upon one another. Additionally, this work identifies key focal actors and the novel, creative practices they implement to re-shape inter-industrial service ecosystems so demonstrating many-to-many A2A interactions within a socioecological system.Research limitations/implicationsFuture areas of research include in-depth investigation of the psychological (emotional-sensorial) processes of human engagement with nature and examination of the perspectives of non-human bioactors in human-initiated engagement with nature.Originality/valueThis study takes our understanding of engagement beyond its current focus on human-centric service ecosystems to include human–environmental engagement in socioecological systems. This involves the novel extension of the concept of an actor to include non-human biological agents involved in the provision of NCHs and enables an examination of how these so-called bioactors interact—directly or indirectly—with human actors. A further innovation here is the simultaneous zooming in and zooming out on actor engagement to gain a truly multilevel perspective.
Enhancing healthcare waste management: a novel hybrid multi-criteria decision-making method
Authors: Beheshtinia Mohammad Ali , Safarzadeh Mohammad Sajjad , Fathi Masood , Ghobakhloo Morteza , Al-Emran Mostafa , Tseng Ming Lang 
Published: February 2025

PurposeHealthcare wastes (HCWs) present substantial environmental and societal risks, including infection and exposure to hazardous substances. The aim of this study is to present a new multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method, named the ELECTOR method, for selecting the best healthcare waste disposal method (HCWDM) based on a comprehensive list of criteria. The main research question of this study is: What is the prioritization of HCWDMs considering economic, environmental, technical and social criteria?Design/methodology/approachThis research employs a novel hybrid MCDM method to evaluate and select suitable HCWDMs. Initially, a comprehensive set of criteria for assessing and prioritizing HCWDMs is established. Criteria weights are determined using the best-worst method. Subsequently, a hybrid MCDM method is introduced to rank the HCWDMs. Fuzzy numbers are applied to handle qualitative criteria uncertainties. The proposed method is applied to a real-world case study to prioritize HCWDMs.FindingsA total of 24 criteria, including two novel criteria (“System process speed” and “System setup speed”), for evaluating and prioritizing the HCWDMs were identified from the literature review and case study analysis. The study showed that the key criteria influencing HCWDM selection were “Operation cost”, “Occupational hazards of human resources”, and “The impact of released substances on health”. Based on the results, the autoclave, encapsulation and hydroclave methods are identified as the most suitable HCWDMs for the studied case, respectively.Originality/valueThis study introduces a novel hybrid MCDM method tailored for HCWDM selection, enhancing the robustness of the decision-making. The inclusion of innovative criteria and the integration of fuzzy numbers to address qualitative ambiguities strengthen the originality of the findings. Specifically, introducing “System process speed” and “System setup speed” contributes to expanding the criteria landscape in HCWDM research.
Harnessing Bacteriophages for Sustainable Crop Protection in the Face of Climate Change
Authors: Czajkowski Robert , Roca Amalia , Matilla Miguel A. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTCrop pathogens represent a major challenge to global food security, causing over 40% yield losses in key crops and annual economic impacts estimated at up to US$290 billion. Microbial‐based alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals offer sustainable solutions aligned with global initiatives like the European Union's Green Deal. Among these, bacteriophage (phage) therapy has gained attention for its specificity, effectiveness against plant pathogens and safety for crops. Here, we highlight recent research on phage therapy strategies and their potential utility in sustainable agriculture, showcasing its effectiveness in reducing phytopathogen densities, delaying plant disease onset, and enriching plant‐associated bacterial taxa with biocontrol potential. Phage cocktails improve biocontrol, mitigate resistance, and synergize with other biological and chemical agents. Emerging technologies like engineered phages also promise enhanced efficacy. Addressing challenges like phytopathogen resistance, field inconsistencies, and regulatory hurdles is crucial to integrating phage therapy into sustainable agriculture under climate stress.
An Aggregative Games Approach to Merger Analysis in Multiproduct‐Firm Oligopoly
Authors: Nocke Volker , Schutz Nicolas 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTUsing an aggregative games approach, we analyze horizontal mergers in a model of multiproduct‐firm price competition with CES and logit demand, allowing for arbitrary firm and product heterogeneity. We provide conditions under which a merger raises consumer surplus, and establish the dynamic optimality of a myopic, consumer‐surplus‐based merger approval policy. We also study the aggregate surplus and external effects of a merger. Finally, we show that the market power effect of a merger, defined as the welfare effect in the absence of merger‐specific synergies, can be approximated by the induced, naively computed change in the Herfindahl index.
An Epigraphical and Archaeological Analysis of an Ottoman‐Arabic Commemorative Inscription at the Military Museum in Ṣanʿāʾ, Yemen
Authors: Enab Mohamed 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis study presents a comprehensive archaeological and historical investigation of a commemorative inscription preserved at the Military Museum in Ṣanʿāʾ, Yemen. Originally located above the entrance of al‐Qurāḍīn cemetery in the city of Ṣaʿdah, northern Yemen, the inscription references the Treaty of Daʿʿān (1329 H/1911 ad), a pivotal agreement between the Ottoman Empire and Imām al‐Mutawakkil Yaḥyā Ḥamīd al‐Dīn. The research sheds light on the intricate relations between the Ottoman Empire and the Zaydī imams before and after the treaty, providing critical insights into the political and cultural dynamics of Yemen during the late 19th and early 20th centuries ce. Through an in‐depth analysis, this study underscores the inscription's value as a historical source, elucidating Ottoman‐Zaydī interactions in the context of the Daʿʿān agreement. The analysis is organized around two principal aspects. First, it examines the formal characteristics of the inscription, including the script type, textual arrangement and recorded content. Second, it explores contextual elements such as the inscription's purpose, date, references to specific Yemeni cities, and the military ranks and titles mentioned. Additionally, the study investigates the influence of visual elements on the overall design, particularly their role in shaping the writing style and script selection. It further analyses the textual layout, languages employed and engraving techniques, emphasizing their functionality in ensuring legibility from a visual distance. This multidisciplinary approach highlights the inscription's historical, artistic and cultural significance, offering new insights into the interaction between visual, textual and contextual elements in commemorative inscriptions of this period.
Alcohol induces concentration‐dependent transcriptomic changes in oligodendrocytes
Authors: Bazzi Sam A. , Maguire Cole , Mayfield R. Dayne , Melamed Esther 
Published: February 2025

AbstractOligodendrocytes are a key cell type within the central nervous system (CNS) that generates the myelin sheath covering axons, enabling fast propagation of neuronal signals. Alcohol consumption is known to affect oligodendrocytes and white matter in the CNS. However, most studies have focused on foetal alcohol spectrum disorder and severe alcohol use disorder. Additionally, the impact of alcohol dosage on oligodendrocytes has not been previously investigated. In this study, we evaluated transcriptomic changes in C57BL6/J cultured mature oligodendrocytes following exposure to moderate and high concentrations of alcohol. We found that high concentrations of alcohol elicited gene expression changes across a wide range of biological pathways, including myelination, protein translation, integrin signalling, cell cycle regulation and inflammation. Further, our results demonstrate that transcriptomic changes are indeed dependent on alcohol concentration, with moderate and high concentrations of alcohol provoking distinct gene expression profiles. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that alcohol‐induced transcriptomic changes in oligodendrocytes are concentration‐dependent and may have critical downstream impacts on myelin production. Targeting alcohol‐induced changes in cell cycle regulation, integrin signalling, inflammation or protein translation regulation may uncover mechanisms for modulating myelin production or inhibition. Furthermore, gaining a deeper understanding of alcohol's effects on oligodendrocyte demyelination and remyelination could help uncover therapeutic pathways that can be utilized independently of alcohol to aid in remyelinating drug design.
Promoting Resiliency to Stress in the Vascular Endothelium
Authors: Jaramillo‐Torres Maria J. , Limpert Rachel H. , Butak William J. , Cohen Katie E. , Whitaker‐Hilbig Alicen A. , SenthilKumar Gopika , Durand Matthew J. , Freed Julie K. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBy 2050, roughly 60% of the population will have cardiovascular disease. While a substantial amount of data has been generated over the last few decades that has aided in our understanding of cardiovascular disease pathology, less is known about how to increase resiliency to cardiovascular risk factors that individuals are exposed to on a daily basis. The vascular endothelium is considered the first line of defence against circulating noxious stimuli and, when dysfunctional, is an early risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. A vast amount of data has been generated demonstrating how external stress impairs the vascular endothelium; however, there is a paucity of knowledge regarding how to amplify protective pathways and ward off stress and the development of disease, which is the focus of this review. Targeting known protective endothelial pathways may be feasible to increase resiliency to vascular stress. Leveraging stress to boost defence mechanisms within the vascular endothelium is also proposed and may help identify novel therapeutic targets to protect individuals from the stress of everyday life.