bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stroke Prevention and Management in Rural Georgia: Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Community Paramedicine Program
Authors: Calvert Brandon , Bayakly Rana , Newsome Teri 
Published: June 2024

Context:
Stroke remains a major public health concern in the state of Georgia with high mortality, disproportionately affecting rural and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. Georgia’s age-standardized stroke death rate is 10.8% higher than the national average, and related comorbidities remain elevated in adult Georgians, contributing to higher stroke prevalence.

Program:
The Georgia Department of Public Health piloted a Community Paramedicine (CP) program in 2 rural counties to improve stroke management, readmissions, and mortality. Various supportive interventions to address barriers to chronic disease management were provided by a local emergency medical service agency for 90 days. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the CP care delivery model in improving stroke outcomes among high-risk individuals.

Implementation:
CP leverages emergency medical service infrastructure to provide community health services such as home visits, telemedicine, care coordination, education, and access to social support services. The Georgia Hospital Discharge data and Georgia death records were used to measure stroke rehospitalization and deaths at 30, 60, and 90 days post-discharge for stroke. We compared the health outcomes of high-risk individuals who participated in the CP program to those who did not.

Evaluation:
Multivariable analysis suggested a reduction in stroke mortality rates among the intervention groups in both counties.

Discussion:
The CP program demonstrated effectiveness in assisting patients with managing risk factors through medication adherence for conditions such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes.
Menopause and estrogen associations with gut barrier, microbial translocation, and immune activation biomarkers in women with and without HIV
Authors: Peters Brandilyn A. , Hanna David B. , Xue Xiaonan , Weber Kathleen , Appleton Allison A. , Kassaye Seble G. , Topper Elizabeth , Tracy Russell P. , Guillemette Chantal , Caron Patrick , Tien Phyllis C. , Qi Qibin , Burk Robert D. , Sharma Anjali , Anastos Kathryn , Kaplan Robert C. 
Published: June 2024

Objectives:Estrogens may protect the gut barrier and reduce microbial translocation and immune activation, which are prevalent in HIV infection. We investigated relationships of the menopausal transition and estrogens with gut barrier, microbial translocation, and immune activation biomarkers in women with and without HIV.Design:Longitudinal and cross-sectional studies nested in the Women’s Interagency HIV Study.Methods:Intestinal fatty acid binding protein (IFAB), lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), and soluble CD14 (sCD14) levels were measured in serum from 77 women (43 with HIV) before, during, and after the menopausal transition (∼6 measures per woman over ∼13 years). A separate cross-sectional analysis was conducted among 72 post-menopausal women with HIV with these biomarkers and serum estrogens.Results:Women in the longitudinal analysis were a median age of 43 years at baseline. In piece-wise linear mixed-effects models with cut-points 2 years before and after the final menstrual period to delineate the menopausal transition, sCD14 levels increased over time during the menopausal transition (Beta [95% CI]=38 [12, 64] ng/mL/year, p=0.004), followed by a decrease post-transition (-46 [-75, -18], p=0.001), with the piece-wise model providing a better fit than a linear model (p=0.0006). In stratified analyses, these results were only apparent in women with HIV. In cross-sectional analyses among women with HIV, free estradiol was inversely correlated with sCD14 levels (r=-0.26, p=0.03). LBP and IFAB levels did not appear related to the menopausal transition and estrogen levels.Conclusion:Women with HIV may experience heightened innate immune activation during menopause, possibly related to depletion of estrogens.
Electroacupuncture alleviates diabetes-induced mechanical allodynia and downregulates bradykinin B1 receptor expression in spinal cord dorsal horn
Authors: Chi Hengyu , Hu Qunqi , Li Xiang , Kang Yurong , Zheng Yu , Jiang Mingjian , Xu Xinnan , Wang Xiaoxiang , He Xiaofen 
Published: June 2024

Objective
Diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) is one of the most prevalent symptoms of diabetes. The alteration of proteins in the spinal cord dorsal horn (SCDH) plays a significant role in the genesis and the development of DNP. Our previous study has shown electroacupuncture could effectively relieve DNP. However, the potential mechanism inducing DNP’s genesis and development remains unclear and needs further research.

Methods
This study established DNP model rats by intraperitoneally injecting a single high-dose streptozotocin; 2 Hz electroacupuncture was used to stimulate Zusanli (ST36) and Kunlun (BL60) of DNP rats daily from day 15 to day 21 after streptozotocin injection. Behavioral assay, quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence staining, and western blotting were used to study the analgesic mechanism of electroacupuncture.

Results
The bradykinin B1 receptor (B1R) mRNA, nuclear factor-κB p65 (p65), substance P, and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) protein expression were significantly enhanced in SCDH of DNP rats. The paw withdrawal threshold was increased while body weight and fasting blood glucose did not change in DNP rats after the electroacupuncture treatment. The expression of B1R, p65, substance P, and CGRP in SCDH of DNP rats was also inhibited after the electroacupuncture treatment.

Conclusion
This work suggests that the potential mechanisms inducing the allodynia of DNP rats were possibly related to the increased expression of B1R, p65, substance P, and CGRP in SCDH. Downregulating B1R, p65, substance P, and CGRP expression levels in SCDH may achieve the analgesic effect of 2 Hz electroacupuncture treatment.
Digital finance and SME financial inclusion in Africa
Authors: Umar Umar Habibu , Baita Abubakar Jamilu , Hamadou Issa , Abduh Muhamad 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThis study examined the impact of digital finance on SME financial inclusion in Africa.Design/methodology/approachThe study obtained data from the International Monetary Fund's Financial Access Survey and World Development Indicators covering the period from 2011 to 2022. Heteroskedastic panels corrected standard errors (HPCSE) and feasible generalized least squares regressions were employed in the analysis.FindingsThe findings indicate that digital finance (volume and intensity) significantly improves SME financial inclusion in Africa.Research limitations/implicationsDue to the paucity of data, the study covered only 17 African countries over 12 years (2011–2022).Practical implicationsThe findings imply the need for African central banks and other relevant regulatory bodies to establish effective regulations mandating Deposit Money Banks and other financial institutions to operate agent banking. This would facilitate access to financial services for SME owners. Such measures could financially include more unbanked SME owners, especially those in rural areas. Moreover, these initiatives must be strongly supported by introducing user-friendly digital financial technologies and registering more financial technology (fintech) companies.Social implicationsImplementing necessary measures to enhance access to digital financial services for SMEs in Africa is likely to reduce unemployment and poverty and contribute to the economic growth and development of the region.Originality/valueThis study provides empirical evidence showing how digital finance affects SME financial inclusion in Africa.
Adaptive structures in civil engineering – state of the art
Authors: Schwegmann Lisa , Zabel Volkmar , Koch Steffen 
Published: June 2024

PurposeAdaptive load-bearing structures pursue the approach of saving mass within a load-bearing structure by adding external energy, thus saving materials and resources. This paper provides an overview of current research developments and shows some examples of existing prototypes.Design/methodology/approachFirst, basic terms and definitions from the research field of adaptive structures are introduced. After a brief historical insight, the numerical methods and prototypes used are presented as examples. The paper concludes with a summary of the state-of-the-art and open questions.FindingsThe current state of the art shows that the idea of adaptive structures offers great potential for more sustainability and resource efficiency in the construction industry. However, it also shows that research is still at the basic stage and that there are still some gaps in research.Originality/valueThe implementation of adaptive load-bearing structures is just one of many different approaches to greater sustainability in the construction sector. The issue of adaptive structures is a highly interdisciplinary field of research. The following paper is a literature review intended to summarize and critically evaluate the state-of-the-art research in this field. In the final section, some open questions are addressed, indicating that this research topic is still evolving.
A framework to assess Industry 4.0 readiness in Brazilian small and medium service enterprises
Authors: Barbosa Ava Santana , Delgado Joanna Carneiro , Alcântara Letícia Conceição Quintela de , Santos Carlos Jefferson de Melo , Sant’Anna Angelo Marcio Oliveira 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to propose a framework to assess the readiness of Brazilian small and medium service companies to use Industry 4.0 technologies to improve the efficiency of processes, reinforcing the idea that evaluating and planning the implementation is as important as the use, without the need for big investments.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper presents two applications on the readiness level of small and medium enterprises, with support from researchers and stakeholders. The literature seems to focus more on the maturity level than on providing a sequence of operational steps or decision support. It would lead to better implementation of I4.0 technologies in assessing the company’s readiness level to adopt them.

Findings
The authors analyze the relevant case studies in Brazilian small and medium service enterprises based on the proposed framework to investigate the main challenges and hardships for Industry 4.0 readiness in the current scenario and outline directions to increase their readiness for adopting key Industry 4.0 technologies. Moreover, the case studies consolidate a fundamental advantage to small and medium enterprise service: a guided implementation provides more knowledge about products, processes and I4.0 technologies, even in unsuccessful case studies.

Practical implications
The need was identified when studying market trends with the digital transformation provided by Industry 4.0 technologies and, in parallel, the difficulties of small and medium service companies in adapting to this new scenario. Through the proposed framework, an action plan can be drawn up with well-defined objectives, goals and activities so that the service enterprises can increase their Industry 4.0 readiness level within three months.

Originality/value
A relevant aspect is that this study is based on feedback from stakeholders and managers, which makes the analyses and conclusions from empirical points of view without relevant theoretical knowledge of the relationship between I4.0 technologies. Therefore, the proposed framework made it possible to diagnose the organization’s external and internal environments, allowing the ideal condition and the current situation of the companies to be compared, as argued in the Industry 4.0 readiness literature review.
The value relevance of integrated reporting quality: evidence from Asia
Authors: Radwan Soltan Ramadan Ali , Xiongyuan Wang 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
Integrated reporting (IR) aims to overcome the limitations of traditional reporting by merging financial information and sustainability data. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate whether IR quality is value-relevant for investors in the voluntary Asian context.

Design/methodology/approach
The study uses OLS regression to estimate the impact of IR quality on the market value of equity using data from Asian firms that prepare IR, presented on the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) website for 2015–2022. The study uses content analysis to assess IR quality. Alternative measures of firm value, propensity score matching and instrumental variable estimation are used to validate the robustness of the main results.

Findings
The findings of this paper suggest that IR quality is value-relevant and has positive market reactions. Additional analyses show that the positive impact of IR quality is more salient for companies with high organizational complexity and high growth, and the impact is still significant during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Furthermore, the authors document that earnings quality and analyst forecast accuracy mediate the relationship between IR quality and market value.

Research limitations/implications
The study has some limitations, primarily stemming from the relatively small sample size and the fact that the majority of the data represents Japan.

Practical implications
The findings of this study have implications for standard setters, governmental agencies interested in adopting IR, as well as investors and businesses about the effects of IR quality.

Originality/value
Most of the recent studies are concentrated on mandatory IR adoption in South Africa. This study is unique in concentrating on the value relevance of IR quality in the voluntary Asian context.
The quest for sustainability – green transformational leadership towards green performance: a time-lagged study – symmetric and asymmetric analysis
Authors: Aslam Nadia , Shi Da , Sahibzada Umar Farooq 
Published: June 2024

PurposeDrawing upon the natural resource-based view (NRBV), the present study explores the role of green dynamic capability (GDC) as a mediating variable in the relationship between green transformational leadership (GTL) and green innovation (GI) in the hotel industry. The research further assesses green performance (GP) as a resultant factor of GI.Design/methodology/approachThe research was conducted in Italian luxury hotels to assess the efficacy of our conceptual framework among workers in the hospitality industry. The study utilized a three-wave, two-week time-lagged design (N = 303). In addition, the study also intends to apply partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to have distinctive discernment into model rapport.FindingsThe results of the study indicate the linkage between GTL and GI. Furthermore, the study also found the partial mediation of GDC. The results show numerous combinations using fsQCA that can be utilized to increase GP.Originality/valueThere is little empirical evidence to study GTL and GI in hospitality studies. This work empirically investigates GTL, GDC and GI relationships to fill a knowledge gap. It also explains undiscovered factors and provides causal recipes to improve GP using fsQCA.
Mapping the research landscape of corporate strategy and capital structure: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Panchal Shobha , Chand Subhash 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
The aim of this study is to analyze the existing literature available on corporate strategy and capital structure with the help of a bibliometric analysis.

Design/methodology/approach
A total of 133 studies indexed in the Scopus database over the period from 1979 to 2024 are included and analyzed using the Biblioshiny package in RStudio along with VOSviewer for network visualization. Additionally, this study used biblioMagika and OpenRefine to harmonize and clean the data.

Findings
This study identified the leading contributors in terms of countries, authors, sources, and documents and used various analysis techniques. The USA, Canada, and the UK exhibited the most significant level of contribution. Furthermore, Bradford’s Law is applicable to the results of this study. The bibliographic coupling resulted in the five clusters indicating emerging themes in the field.

Research limitations/implications
The study’s findings will contribute to the academic landscape by providing an exhaustive examination of the concerned research field and will guide potential researchers for future research avenues. This study will also highlight the need for managers and policymakers to factor in diverse corporate strategies when shaping an organization’s capital structures.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study represents the first attempt to map the landscape of this field through the presentation of insights derived from bibliometric analysis.
Antibiotic susceptibility and genome analysis of Enterococcus species isolated from inpatients in one hospital with no apparent outbreak of vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus in Japan
Authors: Fujii Ayumi , Kawada‐Matsuo Miki , Nguyen‐Tra Le Mi , Masuda Kanako , Tadera Kayoko , Suzuki Yujin , Nishihama Saki , Hisatsune Junzo , Sugawara Yo , Kashiyama Seiya , Shiba Hideki , Aikawa Tomonao , Ohge Hiroki , Sugai Motoyuki , Komatsuzawa Hitoshi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTo prevent nosocomial infection, it is important to screen for potential vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus (VRE) among patients. In this study, we analyzed enterococcal isolates from inpatients in one hospital without any apparent outbreak of VRE. Enterococcal isolates were collected from inpatients at Hiroshima University Hospital from April 1 to June 30, 2021 using selective medium for Enterococci. Multilocus sequence typing, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and whole‐genome sequencing were performed. A total of 164 isolates, including Enterococcus faecium (41 isolates), Enterococcus faecalis (80 isolates), Enterococcus raffinosus (11 isolates), Enterococcus casseliflavus (nine isolates), Enterococcus avium (12 isolates), Enterococcus lactis (eight isolates), Enterococcus gallinarum (two isolates), and Enterococcus malodoratus (one isolate), were analyzed. We found one vanA‐positive E. faecium, which was already informed when the patient was transferred to the hospital, nine vanC‐positive E. casseliflavus, and two vanC‐positive E. gallinarum. E. faecium isolates showed resistance to ampicillin (95.1%), imipenem (95.1%), and levofloxacin (87.8%), and E. faecalis isolates showed resistance to minocycline (49.4%). Ampicillin‐ and levofloxacin‐resistant E. faecium had multiple mutations in penicillin‐binding protein 5 (PBP5) (39/39 isolates) and ParC/GyrA (21/36 isolates), respectively. E. raffinosus showed resistance to ampicillin (81.8%), imipenem (45.5%), and levofloxacin (45.5%), and E. lactis showed resistance to ampicillin (37.5%) and imipenem (50.0%). The linezolid resistance genes optrA and cfr(B) were found only in one isolate of E. faecalis and E. raffinosus, respectively. This study, showing the status of enterococci infection in hospitalized patients, is one of the important information when considering nosocomial infection control of VRE.
Dissociation and the insanity defense: A review of U.S. Federal appellate case law
Authors: Haroon Haseeb 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPathological dissociation is relatively common in the United States and may be associated with violent or criminal behavior. Dissociative Disorders, especially Dissociative Identity Disorder, are considered controversial diagnoses by some in the psychiatric and legal professions. Individuals who offend during dissociative states may not be criminally responsible if they meet the legal standard for insanity, however, insanity pleas based on dissociative symptoms are rare. This review examined Federal appellate case law for potential legal barriers to the insanity defense for dissociative conditions and any restrictions imposed on related expert evidence. Few rulings directly addressed these questions but there do not appear to be any unique barriers for dissociation‐related insanity pleas. Some cases provided valuable insights regarding the admission of expert evidence, effective expert testimony, and the role of defense counsel.
Water use of co‐occurring loblolly (Pinus taeda) and shortleaf (Pinus echinata) in a loblolly pine plantation in the Piedmont
Authors: Boggs Johnny , Sun Ge , Domec Jean‐Christophe , McNulty Steve 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMeasuring water use in co‐occurring loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) and shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) enhances our understanding of their competitive water use and aids in refining watershed water budget model parameters. This study was conducted in a 12‐ha forested headwater catchment in the Piedmont of North Carolina, southeastern U.S., from 2018 to 2019 (pre‐thinning) to 2020 (post‐thinning). Sap flux density (J
s), species‐level transpiration (T
s), and watershed‐level transpiration (T
w) were quantified. Water use efficiency (WUE) in loblolly and shortleaf pines was compared, alongside an investigation into how both species' J
s and T
s responded to atmospheric vapor pressure deficit (VPD). Loblolly pine had 19%–36% higher J
s than shortleaf pine. Daily T
s for loblolly pine ranged from 15.0 to 29.0 L/day while T
s in shortleaf pine ranged from 3.0 to 6.8 L/day. The T
s was significantly higher in loblolly pine when compared to shortleaf pine likely due to higher canopy position and higher growth rates of the former. WUE, defined by annual tree biomass growth per tree water use, was not significantly different between the two. Daily J
s and T
s in both species responded nonlinearly to VPD, with loblolly pine being more sensitive and variable. Species‐specific water use should be considered when quantifying T
w and developing reliable models to predict the effects of forest management practices on water resources.
The role of the World Health Organization in male contraceptive development
Authors: Kidula Nancy , Nguyen Brian T. , Habib Ndema , Festin Mario , Toskin Igor , Kiarie James 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe World Health Organization has been involved in male contraceptive development for over 50 years. In line with its functions and mandate, World Health Organization works with diverse stakeholders to support research, develop norms and standards, engage member states, facilitate prequalification, introduction and scale up, measurement, and tracking of contraceptives. World Health Organization has a key role in galvanizing global efforts to ensure universal access to contraception services irrespective of income group. Regarding male contraceptive development, World Health Organization has provided technical leadership, supported early research, created and supported research centers, built research capacity in various countries, and standardized semen analysis procedures. In this paper, a detailed description is provided with examples across the various stages of male contraceptive development. Limited funding to World Health Organization is a key challenge.