bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sustaining the sisterhood: Soul Sisters Pakistan (SSP)
Authors: Taimoor Sadaf , Abbas Javaria , Tariq Beenish 
Published: December 2023

Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this case study are to understand and apply the PESTLE framework with a special focus on sociocultural nuances of a conservative society, appreciate the role of innovation and effective leadership in the success of entrepreneurial ventures, understand the bricolage theory to critically evaluate the role of entrepreneurs as agents of social change and develop monetization strategies for digital start-ups and recommend strategies that would help social enterprises to strike the right balance between their social aspirations and commercial goals.

Case overview/synopsis
In March 2020, Kanwal Ahmed, founder of the much-lauded Facebook group Soul Sisters Pakistan (SSP), was posed with a critical situation. SSP’s first face-to-face member meetup, which had been hyped up by Pakistanis residing in Canada for months, had to be called off due to the advent of COVID-19. What worried Ahmed was not just the immediate impact of the postponement; rather, she was more concerned about how her social enterprise would sustain in the longer run. The new normal had changed the way businesses operated; tried and tested revenue generation strategies of SSP would neither be feasible in a COVID-stricken world nor reap the same results. Ahmed knew that her social enterprise could have a far-reaching impact in a pandemic-stricken world. However, she was unsure about how to monetize her business model so as to ensure steady revenue generation streams that would keep the enterprise afloat. Ahmed knew that the clock was ticking, and she had to act quickly and think of ways to ensure SSP’s long-term sustenance.

Complexity academic level
This case study is suitable for undergraduate students enrolled in courses of entrepreneurship and strategy.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
SDG editorial: improving life on planet earth – a call to action for service research to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs)
Authors: Russell-Bennett Rebekah , Rosenbaum Mark Scott , Fisk Raymond P. , Raciti Maria M. 
Published: December 2023

Purpose
This editorial aims to organise the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into seven ServCollab service research themes to provide a way forward for service research that improves human and planetary life.

Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual approach is used that draws on observations from the scholarly experience of the editors.

Findings
This editorial offers seven research themes for service researchers: services that enable the WELL-BEING of the human species; services that provide OPPORTUNITY for all humans; services that manage RESOURCES for all humans; ECONOMIC services for work and growth for all humans; services from INSTITUTIONS that offer fair and sustainable living for all humans; service ecosystems with the PLANET; and COLLABORATION services for sustainable development partnerships.

Practical implications
Service scholars are urged to pursue collaborative research that reduces suffering, improves well-being and enables well-becoming for the sustainability and prosperity of Planet Earth.

Originality/value
This editorial provides service scholars with a new framework synthesising the SDGs into research themes that help focus further service research.
China's soft power projection through the Chinese media: assessing the implications of Chinese media on Africans' perception of China's national image
Authors: Kimaiyo Gideon 
Published: December 2023

PurposeThis article examines the effect of China's soft power projection through the Chinese media in Africa on the African audiences' perception of China's national image through a case study of the residents of Nairobi. It adopted Joseph Nye's soft power model and sought to address three fundamental questions : What is the extent and objective of China's media diplomacy in Africa? How has China's media “offensive” in Africa impacted African audiences' imagery of China? What are the implications, if any, of China's media diplomacy on the Kenyan public view of China?Design/methodology/approachThis article used a mixed-methods research design, which deployed elements of positivism and interpretivism. It used a deductive approach and deployed the survey strategy, which entailed the collection of data from Nairobi city residents. The secondary data were collected from relevant academic literature sources. The primary data were analyzed empirically using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), while the secondary data were analyzed using discourse analysis.FindingsChina's soft power projection through the Chinese media in Africa is aimed at addressing the “misinformation” about China. China seeks its share of representation among the African public to correct negative perceptions of China. Kenyans had a generally positive attitude toward China. South Africa and Angola have “Fairly” positive perceptions of the Chinese media. However, this study did not reveal whether the perception was due to the influence of Chinese media. These findings implied that the African public's positive imagery of China cannot be fully attributed to Chinese media's influence.Originality/valueThis study is groundbreaking in that it is one of the few studies that have focused on China's public diplomacy in Africa and assessed the impact of Chinese media on the African public’s perception of China.
Effet global du genre dans le développement des chaînes de valeur mondiales dans le contexte africain
Authors: Baita Kossi Edem , Wonyra Kwami Ossadzifo 
Published: December 2023

AbstractCette étude examine l'effet global du genre dans le développement des chaînes de valeur mondiales (CVM) dans le contexte africain. Elle exploite la base de données de la CNUCED pour mesurer l'implication des femmes dans les chaînes de valeur mondiales à l'aide d'indices de participation des CVM à travers des données de panel des pays africains de 2000 à 2018. Les résultats montrent que le taux d'activité des femmes impacte positivement la position relative dans les chaînes mondiales de valeur en Afrique. A la lumière de ces résultats, il ressort qu'il faut encourager les politiques publiques visant une meilleure participation des femmes dans les chaines de valeur afin de favoriser la relance des économies africaines. De même, avec l'avènement de la ZLECAf, il ressort la nécessité de soutenir le commerce intra‐africain à travers une meilleure organisation des chaînes de valeur régionales et continentales grâce aux politiques visant la réduction des coûts commerciaux.
Optimizing UVC‐LED application to improve the shelf life of vacuum‐packed refrigerated stored Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fillets
Authors: Monteiro Maria Lúcia Guerra , Torres Neto Luiz , Mutz Yhan da Silva , Silva Carolina Ramos da , Conte‐Junior Carlos Adam 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAlthough ultraviolet‐C light‐emitting diode (UVC‐LED) has proven antimicrobial effectiveness doses needed to reach it cause adverse effects on the physicochemical quality of fish, and thus, optimization studies are crucial to boost its industrial application. This study aimed to identify optimal UVC‐LED conditions for maximum shelf life extension with the least possible quality changes of refrigerated stored tilapia fillets from a central composite rotatable design (CCRD). UVC‐LED powers (1, 1.38, and 1.58 mW/cm2) and times (500, 1800, and 2700 s) were set on the CCRD, which generated 11 treatments, including three replicate experiments. Treatments were analyzed for total aerobic psychrotrophic count, lipid oxidation, instrumental color, and texture parameters on days 0, 2, 4, 7, 11, and 14. The UVC‐LED affected shelf life and physicochemical parameters in a nonlinear fashion. UVC‐LED‐treated fish had increased shelf life by 2.80–4.76 days and increase or decrease in lipid oxidation (0.025–0.276 mg of malondialdehyde [MDA]/kg), total color change (∆E = 3.47–9.06), and hardness (1.31–8.51 N) over the refrigerated storage depending on specific UVC‐LED conditions applied. The optimal UVC‐LED condition was 0.97 mW/cm2 with 2503.6 s (2428.50 mJ/cm2), which increased the fillet's shelf life by 2.5‐fold (2 days) while maintaining quality closer to the original throughout refrigerated storage, resulting in ∆E < 5, an increase of only 0.05 mg of MDA/kg, and preservation of the decrease in hardness by 3.38 N compared to its control counterparts. Therefore, it represents an eco‐friendly technology that can easily scaled industrially to enhance the sustainable fish production chain.Practical ApplicationThe high fish perishability is a global concern due to food safety risks and waste generation impacting the environment adversely, especially nowadays, where fish production and consumption have increased, and there are more evident efforts to sustainable production. UVC‐LED is an eco‐friendly technology with proven antimicrobial effectiveness but doses needed to reach this effect enhance oxidative degradation. Despite that, optimization studies concerning the maximum shelf life extension while retaining the physicochemical quality of refrigerated stored fish are a gap in the literature and a barrier to its industrial application. Our findings are helpful in sustainably enhancing the fish production chain.
Antirheumatic drugs and the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A nationwide, population‐based cohort study
Authors: Meng Chia‐Chu , Chen Der‐Yuan , Chen Yi‐Hsing , Huang Wen‐Nan , Chen Hsin‐Hua 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the association between antirheumatic drugs and of the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a nationwide rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cohort.MethodsUsing claim data from the 2000–2020 National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified 21 457 incident patients with RA from 2002 to 2020 without prior liver diseases. A time‐varying multivariable Cox regression model was applied to estimate for the association of NAFLD with the use of antirheumatic drugs after adjusting potential confounders, show as adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) with 95% confidence interval (CIs). Subgroup analyses were conducted based on age‐, sex‐, and obesity‐related comorbidities.ResultsMultivariable time‐dependent Cox regression analyses showed that defined daily dose (DDD) of NSAID (aHR, 1.03; 95% CI: 1.02–1.05) and prednisolone equivalent dose >5 mg/day (aHR, 2.39; 95% CI: 1.85–3.09) were risk factors of NAFLD in patients with RA, while prednisolone equivalent dose ≤5 mg/day (aHR of 0.53; 95% CI: 0.40–0.71) and HCQ use (aHR of 0.75; 95% CI: 0.60–0.93) were associated with a decreased risk of NAFLD. In addition, a history of hospitalizations, number of outpatient visits, age, male, and leflunomide use were associated with the development of NAFLD in some subgroups.ConclusionThis study reveals that NSAID use and prednisolone equivalent dose >5 mg/day were associated with an increased risk of NAFLD in patients with RA, while the use of HCQ and prednisolone equivalent dose ≤5 mg/day decreased the risk of NAFLD.
Lethality of pesticides on immature and adult stages of Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Salustino Angélica da Silva , Ribeiro Lylian Souto , Morais Marília de Macêdo Duarte , Abreu Khyson Gomes , de Oliveira Filho Manoel Cicero , de Sousa Nayana Rodrigues , de Brito Carlos Henrique , Malaquias José Bruno 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe species Ceratitis capitata (Weidemann, 1824), known as Mediterranean fruit fly, is an important pest for fruit trees worldwide. The control of this pest is carried out mainly by the chemical method, using organophosphorus, pyrethroid, and spinosyn pesticides. The lethality of doses of malathion, deltamethrin, and spinetoram on immature and adult stages of C. capitata was evaluated under laboratory conditions. The egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages were exposed to doses of pesticides through contact and ingestion. The doses were obtained by decreasing the recommended doses (malathion: 200 mL L−1, deltamethrin: 50 mL L−1, and spinetoram: 120 g ha−1) with intervals of 20%, this being the minimum dose used. The variables evaluated were: viability of eggs and pupae and mortality of larvae and adults. Application of spinetoram and malathion through contact caused high mortality of adults, with LD90 at the sub‐doses of 43.74% (52.48 g c.p. ha−1) and 68.81% (137.62 mL c.p. 100 L−1), respectively. The mortality of adults by ingestion of deltamethrin and malathion allowed us to estimate only the LD50. Only the pesticide deltamethrin presented LD50 for the egg stage. The larval and pupal stages the effect of the pesticides on larvae treated through contact resulted in 52% mortality with spinetoram and 62% with malathion. The mortality of larvae and pupae treated through ingestion was below 20% for the three pesticides. Sub‐doses of spinetoram (43.74%; 52.48 g c.p. ha−1) and malathion (68.81%; 137.62 mL c.p. 100 L−1) can be used since they present a 90% efficiency on C. capitata adult when applied by contact under laboratory conditions.
Genome sequencing of Pakistani families with male infertility identifies deleterious genotypes in SPAG6, CCDC9, TKTL1, TUBA3C, and M1AP
Authors: Khan Muhammad Riaz , Akbari Arvand , Nicholas Thomas J. , Castillo‐Madeen Helen , Ajmal Muhammad , Haq Taqweem Ul , Laan Maris , Quinlan Aaron R. , Ahuja Jasvinder S. , Shah Aftab Ali , Conrad Donald F. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThere are likely to be hundreds of monogenic forms of human male infertility. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is the most efficient way to make progress in mapping the causative genetic variants, and ultimately improve clinical management of the disease in each patient. Recruitment of consanguineous families is an effective approach to ascertain the genetic forms of many diseases.ObjectivesTo apply WGS to large consanguineous families with likely hereditary male infertility and identify potential genetic cases.Materials and methodsWe recruited seven large families with clinically diagnosed male infertility from rural Pakistan, including five with a history of consanguinity. We generated WGS data on 26 individuals (3–5 per family) and analyzed the resulting data with a computational pipeline to identify potentially causal single nucleotide variants, indels, and copy number variants.ResultsWe identified plausible genetic causes in five of the seven families, including a homozygous 10 kb deletion of exon 2 in a well‐established male infertility gene (M1AP), and biallelic missense substitutions (SPAG6, CCDC9, TUBA3C) and an in‐frame hemizygous deletion (TKTL1) in genes with emerging relevance.Discussion and conclusionThe rate of genetic findings using the current approach (71%) was much higher than what we recently achieved using whole‐exome sequencing (WES) of unrelated singleton cases (20%). Furthermore, we identified a pathogenic single‐exon deletion in M1AP that would be undetectable by WES. Screening more families with WGS, especially in underrepresented populations, will further reveal the types of variants underlying male infertility and accelerate the use of genetics in the patient management.
Rational Sentence Interpretation in Mandarin Chinese
Authors: Zhan Meilin , Chen Sihan , Levy Roger , Lu Jiayi , Gibson Edward 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPrevious work has shown that English native speakers interpret sentences as predicted by a noisy‐channel model: They integrate both the real‐world plausibility of the meaning—the prior—and the likelihood that the intended sentence may be corrupted into the perceived sentence. In this study, we test the noisy‐channel model in Mandarin Chinese, a language taxonomically different from English. We present native Mandarin speakers sentences in a written modality (Experiment 1) and an auditory modality (Experiment 2) in three pairs of syntactic alternations. The critical materials are literally implausible but require differing numbers and types of edits in order to form more plausible sentences. Each sentence is followed by a comprehension question that allows us to infer whether the speakers interpreted the item literally, or made an inference toward a more likely meaning. Similar to previous research on related English constructions, Mandarin participants made the most inferences for implausible materials that could be inferred as plausible by deleting a single morpheme or inserting a single morpheme. Participants were less likely to infer a plausible meaning for materials that could be inferred as plausible by making an exchange across a preposition. And participants were least likely to infer a plausible meaning for materials that could be inferred as plausible by making an exchange across a main verb. Moreover, we found more inferences in written materials than spoken materials, possibly a result of a lack of word boundaries in written Chinese. Overall, the fact that the results were so similar to those found in related constructions in English suggests that the noisy‐channel proposal is robust.
The climate crisis affects Mediterranean marine molluscs of conservation concern
Authors: Schultz Lotta , Wessely Johannes , Dullinger Stefan , Albano Paolo G. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimThe Mediterranean Sea is a hotspot of endemism and it is warming at two to three times the rate of the global ocean. The continental masses that surround it constrain species range shifts. Therefore, as seawater temperature increases, distributions of marine species may contract into few small cooler refugia, with consequent risk of extinction from range contraction and fragmentation, particularly for endemics. We assess this risk for 15 molluscs of conservation concern occurring in the Mediterranean Sea. Invertebrates have been rarely assessed so far, despite their diversity and their importance for ecosystem functioning.LocationThe Mediterranean Sea and Eastern Atlantic Ocean.MethodsWe used ensemble species distribution models to project the future range of our target species and assess their IUCN Red List status.ResultsAs hypothesized, our models predicted major range shifts, contractions and fragmentation in the Mediterranean Sea for all species. Under moderate emission scenarios such as RCP4.5, up to 12 of the 15 target species will be eradicated from the eastern and southern warmer sectors. Under severe emission scenarios such as RCP8.5 and by the end of the century, we predict the global extinction of the endemic Patella ferruginea and Pinna nobilis. Non‐endemic species may buffer range loss in the Mediterranean with range gains in the Atlantic Ocean. Still, we predict that only a single species, Zonaria pyrum, will have marginal total range gains in future climate warming scenarios.Main conclusionsEight species will become threatened and the fate of Patella ferruginea and Pinna nobilis contrasts the belief that marine species are less prone to extinction than continental species under a warming climate.
A qualitative study on patients' selection in the scarcity of resources in the COVID‐19 pandemic in a communal culture
Authors: Dewi Ervin Dyah Ayu Masita , Matter Lara , Susilo Astrid Pratidina , Krumeich Anja 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe scarcity of resources during the COVID‐19 pandemic caused ethical dilemmas in prioritizing patients for treatment. Medical and ethical guidance only emphasizes clinical procedures but does not consider the sociocultural aspect. This study explored the perception of former COVID‐19 patients and their families on the decision‐making process of the patient's selection at a time of scarcity of resources. The result will inform the development of an ethical guide for allocating scarce resources that aligns with Indonesian culture. We conducted qualitative research with in‐depth interviews between May ‐ December 2022 involving sixteen participants from various cities in Indonesia. We transcribed the interviews and analyzed the results using thematic analysis. This study found that doctor's decisions often differed from patient's expectations in allocating scarce resources, and therefore, it should be communicated appropriately. Medical decisions were not sufficiently made ethically, but must also be made communicatively. In Indonesia's strong communal culture, community involvement was essential to distributing limited resources. A better approach to ethical education, including adequate communication skills, is necessary to prepare health professionals for facing unpredictable future pandemics.
The OPTIFAST total and partial meal replacement programme reduces cardiometabolic risk in adults with obesity: Secondary and exploratory analysis of the OPTIWIN study
Authors: Ard Jamy D. , Neeland Ian J. , Rothberg Amy E. , Chilton Robert J. , de Luis Daniel , Cohen Sarah S. , Johansen Odd Erik 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimThe effects of weight loss with a partial or total meal replacement programme (MRP) on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk factors are not fully understood, in particular in people at higher CV risk. In the 52‐week randomized controlled OPTIWIN study in men and women with obesity, meal replacement programme (total for first 26 weeks, partial for the ensuing 26 weeks) with OPTIFAST (OP) resulted in significantly greater weight loss compared with a low‐calorie food‐based (FB) dietary plan, both as part of a comprehensive lifestyle intervention [OP (n = 135)/FB (n = 138) week 26: −12.4%/−6.0%, p < .001; week 52: −10.5%/−5.5%, p < .001]. Here, we examined effects on ASCVD risk factors and 10‐year ASCVD risk.Materials and MethodsParticipants with body mass index 30‐55 kg/m2 and age 18‐70 years, and not on anti‐obesity medications, were recruited. The effects on systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), lipid parameters and 10‐year ASCVD risk were analysed as changes over time using linear mixed models. Subgroup analyses were conducted for changes in SBP, DBP and ASCVD risk by categories of age (<40, 40‐59, ≥60 years), baseline SBP (</≥130 mmHg) and sex.ResultsBaseline characteristics were well balanced (OP/FB females 86%/79%, mean age 47/47 years, body mass index 38.4/39.2 kg/m2, 10‐year ASCVD risk <5% 87%/74%, dysglycaemia 52%/50%). At week 26, SBP/DBP were significantly reduced with OP versus FB, and a greater proportion achieved BP ≤130/80 mmHg [odds ratio 2.11 (95% confidence interval 1.10, 4.03), p = .024]. All lipid parameters as well as 10‐year ASCVD risk were significantly improved with OP versus FB. A similar, but slightly attenuated pattern was observed at 52 weeks. Across subgroups, greater reductions for SBP, DBP and ASCVD risk were generally seen with OP versus FB with quantitatively higher baseline SBP and age, and in men.ConclusionsIn people with obesity at low ASCVD risk, OP significantly reduced cardiovascular risk factors and 10‐year predicted risk for ASCVD.
I will trade, just not today: Individual investor trading activity around birthdays
Authors: Bajo Emanuele , Randl Otto , Simion Giorgia 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn this paper we provide new evidence of investor inattention by showing that personal occurrences such as birthdays are able to drive attention away from the stock market. We document that individual investors significantly reduce their trading activity in the 3 days around their birthday. The reduction in the propensity to trade is larger for more active traders, in the event of a decade birthday and when this celebrative event falls on a Friday. Results are robust to analyses focusing only on days when investor attention should be at its peak, as expressed by excess news coverage and trading volumes.