bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring challenges in dimensioning safety buffers: an empirical study
Authors: Hedvall Lisa , Forslund Helena , Mattsson Stig-Arne 
Published: November 2023

PurposeThe purposes of this study were (1) to explore empirical challenges in dimensioning safety buffers and their implications and (2) to organise those challenges into a framework.Design/methodology/approachIn a multiple-case study following an exploratory, qualitative and empirical approach, 20 semi-structured interviews were conducted in six cases. Representatives of all cases subsequently participated in an interactive workshop, after which a questionnaire was used to assess the impact and presence of each challenge. A cross-case analysis was performed to situate empirical findings within the literature.FindingsTen challenges were identified in four areas of dimensioning safety buffers: decision management, responsibilities, methods for dimensioning safety buffers and input data. All challenges had both direct and indirect negative implications for dimensioning safety buffers and were synthesised into a framework.Research limitations/implicationsThis study complements the literature on dimensioning safety buffers with qualitative insights into challenges in dimensioning safety buffers and implications in practice.Practical implicationsPractitioners can use the framework to understand and overcome challenges in dimensioning safety buffers and their negative implications.Originality/valueThis study responds to the scarcity of qualitative and empirical studies on dimensioning safety buffers and the absence of any overview of the challenges therein.
Employing S-O-R approach in linking mobile commerce ubiquity with usage behavior: roles of product reputation and brand trust
Authors: Elgammal Islam , Tan Chai Ching , Aureliano-Silva Leonardo , Selem Kareem M. 
Published: November 2023

PurposeThis paper aims to highlight the effect of mobile commerce (m-commerce) ubiquity on usage behavior as well as the mediator mechanism of brand trust between ubiquity and usage behavior. To extend the findings, this research also examines the moderator role of product reputation on the nexus between brand trust and usage behavior in the m-commerce context.Design/methodology/approachGiven the quantitative approach, the authors gathered 1,565 valid responses from m-commerce app users. Data were analyzed in SmartPLS 4.FindingsUbiquity positively impacted brand trust, and the latter positively influenced m-commerce usage behavior. Brand trust also partially mediated the effect of m-commerce ubiquity on usage behavior, along with product reputation moderating the positive effect of brand trust on usage behavior.Originality/valueBy combining resource-based theory with signaling theory in the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) framework, this paper's novelty focuses on the investigation of m-commerce ubiquity, brand trust as a mediating mechanism and product reputation as a moderator in explaining usage behavior in the m-commerce context.
Stable or stagnant? Political economy and governance in the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Germany since 2000
Authors: Knudsen Edward L. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAt the beginning of the twenty‐first century, the large democracies of Western Europe experienced some of the most prosperous and peaceful decades in human history. Specifically, the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Germany experienced high and stable quality of life, democratic accountability and state capacity between 2000 and 2019, according to the 2022 Berggruen Governance Index. While all four of these countries are among the top performers in the Index, substantial problems lurk beneath the surface. Notably, each failed to capitalise on the low interest rate environment in the decade following the global financial crisis of 2007–2009—albeit in different ways and for different reasons in each country. In particular, low investment in infrastructure and key technologies, the persistence of stubborn regional inequalities, and resulting sluggish GDP growth have prevented the ‘Big Four’ in Western Europe from improving further and future‐proofing their existing gains.
Escape from the ‘lost decades?’ Governance challenges in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela
Authors: Knudsen Edward L. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMuch of Latin America has experienced a renewed ‘lost decade’, failing to substantially expand quality of life since the late 2000s. While the outcomes of governance performance across the largest countries – including Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina – have discrete causes, common themes like internal conflict, corruption, and overreliance on natural resources plague the entire region. Put more generally, the inability to turn democratic accountability into a state mechanism able to deliver economic growth and public goods in a sustainable manner is a liability affecting all five countries. To explore the difficulties that the large Latin American countries have faced in the twenty‐first century, this article examines results from the 2022 Berggruen Governance Index, and then presents three key issues facing the region: insufficient state capacity, flirtations with authoritarianism, and economic inequality and inflation. While the challenges remain substantial, increased regional integration may offer one way out of the predicament.
Unfinished revolutions: The post‐Soviet crisis of governance in Ukraine
Authors: Fröhlich Christian 
Published: November 2023

AbstractNone of the three revolutions in Ukraine's modern history as an independent state has been able to both solve the problem of political representation and undertake the task of building sustainable democratic institutions. Ukraine's scores from the Berggruen Governance Index (BGI) between 2000 and 2019 show the ups and downs of state capacity and democratic accountability and illustrate not only how the revolutions remain unfinished but also how the country seems to be unable to consistently advance state formation. Ukraine has yet to find a stable developmental path. Accordingly, BGI scores show that Ukrainian politics and society continue to have difficulty advancing towards a corridor of good governance, where state capacity and accountability reinforce each other and enhance public goods provision. Instead, Ukraine is alternating between authoritarian and democratic development patterns. However, the Russian invasion that began on 24 February 2022 has contributed to uniting and consolidating Ukrainian society and politics and could considerably push the nation‐building process forward.
Causative alleles for chondrodysplastic dwarfism, factor XI deficiency, and factor XIII deficiency in the Kumamoto sub‐breed of Japanese Brown cattle
Authors: Matsumoto Hirokazu , Kimura Satoshi , Saito Ryo , Takeichi Makoto , Kashimura Atsushi , Inenaga Toshiaki 
Published: November 2023

AbstractJapanese Brown cattle are the second most popular Wagyu breed, and the Kumamoto sub‐breed shows better daily gain and carcass weight. One of the breeding objectives for this sub‐breed is to reduce genetic defects. Chondrodysplastic dwarfism and factor VIII deficiency have been identified as genetic diseases in the Kumamoto sub‐breed. Previously, we detected individuals in the Kumamoto sub‐breed with causative alleles of genetic diseases identified in Japanese Black cattle. In the current study, 11 mutations responsible for genetic diseases in the Wagyu breeds were analyzed to evaluate the risk of genetic diseases in the Kumamoto sub‐breed. Genotyping revealed the causative mutations of chondrodysplastic dwarfism, factor XI deficiency, and factor XIII deficiency and suggested the appearance of affected animals in this sub‐breed. DNA testing for these diseases is needed to prevent economic loses in beef production using the Kumamoto sub‐breed.
The making of paper money in early modern Japan
Authors: D'Amico John 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis article explores the conception and execution of paper currency schemes in Tokugawa Japan (1603–1868). Paper currency was widely used as a form of local money in early modern Japan, but has received close to no attention in Anglophone scholarship even amid a recent upsurge in interest in the global history of money. From the perspective of monetary history, Tokugawa paper currency presents an intriguing puzzle. Even as paper currencies repeatedly collapsed in value, they remained in common use as an essential component of the early modern monetary system. Using the case of Sendai domain, a large fiefdom in northeastern Japan, the article argues that the monetary practices and expectations of ordinary subjects transformed paper money, created through partnerships between the samurai ruling class and powerful merchant financiers, from a tool meant to serve the interests of state finances into a low‐denomination currency convenient for everyday transactions, resulting in the bills’ surprising longevity as a form of small change. Drawing on approaches that centre the role of non‐state and marginal actors in the making of money, it sheds new light on the political economy of late Tokugawa Japan and offers new insights into the global history of money.
Determination of astaxanthins contribution to the aroma characteristics and aroma‐active compounds of hot‐air‐dried shrimp products using sensory evaluation, E‐nose and GC–MS
Authors: Zhang Zewei , Zhou Ying , Ji Hongwu , Zhang Di , Zheng Xiaoshan , Sun Weizhen , Liu Shucheng 
Published: November 2023

SummaryThe study investigated the contribution of astaxanthin to the aroma characteristics and aroma‐active compounds (AACs) of dried shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) products. Three forms of astaxanthin (diester, monoester and free forms) were isolated from fresh shrimp. The astaxanthins were added to fresh shrimp and dried. The aroma characteristics and AACs of the dried shrimp samples were analysed using electronic nose (E‐nose), and sensory evaluation as well as gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The potential correlation between sensory attributes and AACs was determined via partial‐least‐squares regression (PLSR) analysis. E‐nose and sensory evaluation of dried shrimp samples revealed a significant effect of astaxanthin on the aroma characteristics of dried shrimp, resulting in increased sensory scores of smoky, toasted, meaty and caramel aroma, while reducing fishy aroma. GC–MS analysis showed that astaxanthin had a significant effect on the concentration of AACs in shrimp products. The levels of 2,5‐dimethylpyrazine, 2‐ethyl‐3,6‐dimethylpyrazine and 2,3,5‐trimethylpyrazine, benzaldehyde, 3‐methylbutyraldehyde and 2‐nonanone were increased, while the concentration of trimethylamine was reduced. However, the effects of astaxanthin on the concentration of AACs depended on its form: the diester astaxanthin had the greatest effect, followed by monoester astaxanthin and free form. The PLSR results indicated a good correlation between most variables of sensory attributes and AACs.
Correlates of childhood caries: A study in Qatar
Authors: Chrisopoulos Sergio , AlKhtib Asmaa Othman , Al Darwish Mohamed Sultan , Mohamed Hasaan Gassim Saad , Mathew Tintu , Al Mannai Ghanim Ali , Abdulmalik Mariam , Al Thani Mohammed , de Vries Johann , Do Loc Giang , Spencer Andrew John 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalance of dental caries in children in Qatar is high, which necessitates preventive efforts.AimTo identify the sociodemographic and behavioural correlates of dental caries in the primary dentition of children 4‐ to 8‐year‐olds in Qatar.DesignWeighted data from the Qatar Child Oral Health Survey 2017 were analysed for caries prevalence (dmft>0) and experience (dmft). Sociodemographic and behavioural variables were also drawn from the survey.Results and ConclusionAmong the 1154 children, caries prevalence was 69.3% (95%CI [63.4, 74.5]) and experience at 3.8 dmft (95%CI [3.3, 4.2]). The prevalence ratio (PR) 0.82 (0.72, 0.94) was lower among younger than in older children; those for non‐Qatari nationality Arabic PR 0.91 (0.82, 1.00) and Other PR 0.75 (0.57, 0.99) than for Qatari nationality; those attending international kindergartens/schools PR 0.89 (0.80, 0.99) than independent schools; and whose parents had university‐level education PR 0.85 (0.75,0.95) than did not. Caries prevalence was lower among those toothbrushing by age 3 years PR 0.88 (0.80,0.99) than later; children with low/intermediate sugar exposures PR 0.85 (0.74,0.97) and 0.89 (0.79,1.00) than those with high exposures; children with a dental check‐up PR 0.68 (0.53,0.87) than those without; and children who drank bottled water with some fluoride PR 0.89 (0.80,0.99) than those who did not. Findings were similar for dmft.In conclusion caries prevalence varied but was high across sociodemographic correlates indicating vulnerablity. Interventions focusing on behaviours – such as toothbrushing, reducing sugar intake, check‐up and encouraging intake of water with fluoride – are needed.
Strengthening oropharyngeal muscles as an approach to treat post‐stroke obstructive sleep apnea: A feasibility randomised controlled trial
Authors: Marzouqah Reeman , Dharmakulaseelan Laavanya , Colelli David R. , Lindo C. J. , Costa Yakdehikandage S. , Jairam Trevor , Xiong Kathy , Murray Brian J. , Chen Joyce L. , Thorpe Kevin , Yunusova Yana , Boulos Mark I. 
Published: November 2023

SummaryThis study aimed to determine the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) evaluating oropharyngeal exercise (OPE) intervention as an alternative therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA). Despite the high prevalence of OSA in this population, the standard therapy, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), is often poorly tolerated. Thirty stroke/TIA patients with OSA unable to tolerate CPAP were randomly assigned to an oropharyngeal exercise or sham exercise protocol. They performed exercises for 6 weeks, 5 days per week, 30 minutes twice per day. Feasibility was ascertained by the proportion of enrolled patients who completed more than 80% of the OPE regimen. Isometric tongue pressures, apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), daytime sleepiness, and quality of life (QOL) outcomes were collected at baseline, post‐training (6‐week follow‐up), and retention (10‐week follow‐up) to document preliminary efficacy. Adherence to study exercises was excellent, with 83% of participants completing more than 80% of the exercises. The isometric tongue pressures were observed to improve in the oropharyngeal exercise group (compared with the sham group), along with a decrease in OSA severity (measured by the AHI and ODI), reduced daytime sleepiness, and enhanced quality of life outcomes following the exercise programme. Only the effects on posterior isometric tongue pressure and daytime sleepiness remained significantly different between groups at the retention session. In conclusion, an RCT evaluating the efficacy of oropharyngeal exercises on post‐stroke/TIA OSA is feasible and our preliminary results suggest a clinically meaningful effect.
Septal fascicle involvement during a Purkinje‐related ventricular tachycardia: Electroanatomic correlation using omnipolar technology
Authors: Sánchez‐Millán Pablo J. , Cabrera‐Borrego Eva , Amador‐Fernández Jaime , Álvarez Miguel 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIdiopathic verapamil‐sensitive fascicular ventricular tachycardia (VT) is the most common form of Purkinje‐related ventricular tachycardia (PRVT). Left septal fascicle (LSF) involvement and its connections with the other fascicles, have been recently reported as a pathophysiologic mechanism for this form of PRVT. We describe a case of idiopathic PRVT with LSF involvement using omnipolar technology (OT) mapping in relation to a false tendon. Ablation in the area with concealed fusion entrainment did not terminate the tachycardia. However, radiofrequency application in the area of LSF with manifest fusion entrainment, resulted in immediate tachycardia termination. Six months follow‐up showed no tachycardia recurrence.
High density mapping of atrial tachycardia in patients post cardiac surgery
Authors: Zhang Jinlin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMapping and ablation of atrial tachycardia (AT) in patients who have had prior cardiac surgery can be a challenge for clinical electrophysiologists. High density mapping (HDM) technology has been widely used in these patients because it provides a better characterization of the substrate and the mechanisms with an unprecedented high resolution. In this review, we summarize how the latest HDM technologies can reveal the mechanism of AT in different types of patients post‐cardiac surgery and guide a specifically tailored ablation strategy.
Upland rice genomic signatures of adaptation to drought resistance and navigation to molecular design breeding
Authors: Wang Yulong , Jiang Conghui , Zhang Xingtan , Yan Huimin , Yin Zhigang , Sun Xingming , Gao Fenghua , Zhao Yan , Liu Wei , Han Shichen , Zhang Jingjing , Zhang Yage , Zhang Zhanying , Zhang Hongliang , Li Jinjie , Xie Xianzhi , Zhao Quanzhi , Wang Xiaoning , Ye Guoyou , Li Junzhou , Ming Ray , Li Zichao 
Published: November 2023

SummaryUpland rice is a distinctive drought‐aerobic ecotype of cultivated rice highly resistant to drought stress. However, the genetic and genomic basis for the drought‐aerobic adaptation of upland rice remains largely unclear due to the lack of genomic resources. In this study, we identified 25 typical upland rice accessions and assembled a high‐quality genome of one of the typical upland rice varieties, IRAT109, comprising 384 Mb with a contig N50 of 19.6 Mb. Phylogenetic analysis revealed upland and lowland rice have distinct ecotype differentiation within the japonica subgroup. Comparative genomic analyses revealed that adaptive differentiation of lowland and upland rice is likely attributable to the natural variation of many genes in promoter regions, formation of specific genes in upland rice, and expansion of gene families. We revealed differentiated gene expression patterns in the leaves and roots of the two ecotypes and found that lignin synthesis mediated by the phenylpropane pathway plays an important role in the adaptive differentiation of upland and lowland rice. We identified 28 selective sweeps that occurred during domestication and validated that the qRT9 gene in selective regions can positively regulate drought resistance in rice. Eighty key genes closely associated with drought resistance were appraised for their appreciable potential in drought resistance breeding. Our study enhances the understanding of the adaptation of upland rice and provides a genome navigation map of drought resistance breeding, which will facilitate the breeding of drought‐resistant rice and the “blue revolution” in agriculture.
Microalgae as feed sources and feed additives for sustainable aquaculture: Prospects and challenges
Authors: Ma Mingyang , Hu Qiang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAquaculture is an essential source of protein and essential fatty acids for humans. However, the sustainable development of aquaculture faces numerous challenges, including a shortage of high‐quality feed and feedstuff, and a degeneration in the safety and quality of aquatic products. This review explores how the use of microalgae as an aquafeed ingredient may help to solve these problems. Microalgae are a vital food source for larval bivalves, shrimps, and fish due to their high nutritional value and suitable cell size. Particularly, bivalves rely on microalgae as a direct feed source throughout their entire life cycle. Microalgae are also indispensable food sources or nutrient supplements for secondary live prey, including rotifers, Artemia, and copepods. Microalgae containing a large amount of protein and lipid can be used as alternatives to fishmeal and fish oil in aquafeed. Moreover, microalgae are rich in ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, vitamins, and β‐glucan. These bioactive substances can be used as feed additives to improve the growth rate, skin coloration, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and survival rate of aquatic animals. However, the high production cost of microalgae limits its widespread application in aquaculture. Recent advancements in the technology used to culture microalgae intensively, especially fermentation technology, have significantly improved the production efficiency and decreased the production cost. Therefore, accelerating the use of microalgae as aquafeed is crucial if sustainable aquaculture is to be achieved. The review concludes by discussing the opportunities and challenges involved in integrating microalgae into sustainable aquaculture and suggests a way forward.
Tecnologias Viciantes e suas Implicaçôes para o Enforcement Antitruste
Authors: Niels Rosenquist James , M. Scott Morton Fiona , N. Weinstein Samuel 
Published: November 2023

Resumo: O advento de dispositivos móveis e plataformas de mídia digital na última década representa o maior choque para a cognição na história humana. Evidências médicas robustas de que as plataformas de mídia digital são viciantes e, quando usadas em excesso, são prejudiciais à saúde mental dos usuários têm surgido. Outros tipos de produtos viciantes, como tabaco e medicamentos vendidos sob prescrição médica, são fortemente regulados para proteger os consumidores. Atualmente, não há qualquer estrutura regulatória que proteja os usuários de mídia digital desses perigos. O enforcement e a regulação antitruste que reduzem as barreiras de entrada podem ajudar os consumidores de redes sociais aumentando a concorrência. A teoria econômica nos diz que mais opções na mídia digital aumentarão a probabilidade de algumas empresas competirem para oferecer plataformas mais seguras e de maior qualidade. Por esse motivo, avaliar os danos à inovação (especialmente a inovação em segurança) e a variedade de produtos pode ser particularmente importante em casos de fusão e conduta envolvendo redes sociais. Outro elemento crítico para o enforcement antitruste neste espaço é uma correta compreensão das características das redes sociais. A análise antitruste padrão busca proibir condutas que prejudiquem o bem-estar do consumidor. Economistas ensinaram à prática antitruste que o aumento de oferta de um bem ou serviço é um parâmetro confiável para o bem-estar do consumidor. No entanto, oferta e bem-estar não têm essa relação quando um produto é viciante. De fato, nos mercados de redes sociais, o aumento da oferta costuma ser prejudicial. Argumentamos que a análise antitruste deve rejeitar o parâmetro de nível de oferta[1] e retornar ao foco no próprio bem-estar do consumidor em casos envolvendo plataformas de redes sociais viciantes. Em particular, as autoridades devem rejeitar teses de defesa que se baseiam apenas em medidas de expansão bruta de oferta, desacompanhadas de evidências de que os aumentos de oferta alegados realmente beneficiem os consumidores.
Palavras-chave: antitruste, concorrência, internet, regulação, mídias sociais, vício, law & economics, direito e psicologia, economia comportamental.