bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Defining and measuring financial literacy in the Indian context: a systematic literature review
Authors: Arjun T.P. , Subramanian Rameshkumar 
Published: February 2024

PurposeThis paper aims to analyse how financial literacy (FL) is conceptualised and operationalised in the Indian context.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) protocol. Thirty-six articles published between 2010 and 2020 were considered for analysis. The FL conceptualisation was examined based on knowledge, ability, skill, attitude and confidence elements. The FL operationalisation was analysed using the modified version of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2012 model for organising the domain for an assessment framework.FindingsThe findings indicate that, despite offering operationalisation details of the FL, 13 out of 36 studies did not include a conceptual definition of FL. Of the 23 studies that mentioned a conceptual definition, 87% are primarily focused on the “knowledge” element and only 39% have combined knowledge, ability/skill and attitude elements in defining FL. As in the developed countries, the Indian studies also preferred investment/saving-related contents in their FL measures. The volume of content focusing on the financial landscape is meagre amongst the FL measures used in India and developed countries. The survey instruments of most studies have been designed in the individuals’ context but have failed to measure the extent to which individuals apply the knowledge in performing their day-to-day financial transactions. Further, it was found that 20 out of 36 studies did not convert the FL level of their target groups into a single indicator or operational value.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that explores the FL’s assessment practices in India. Further, this study offers new insights by comparing the contents of FL measures used in Indian studies with those used in developed countries.
When connecting ventures to international markets falls short: examining the root mechanisms of perceived inefficacy in market-driven poverty alleviation efforts
Authors: Jäger Urs , Symmes Felipe , Bucher Silke , Rüegger Stephanie 
Published: February 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study triadic market relations between an international aid agency (IAA), local ventures and the poor communities where they are embedded in order to shift the poverty alleviation discussion to account for the perceptions held by each category of actor, especially those of poor communities. Poverty alleviation is a key commitment of the United Nations, and market-driven approaches are increasingly advocated as a means to reduce poverty, particularly among IAAs. One such strategy is to connect ventures in poor communities with international markets. However, research shows that such approaches have mixed success.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted a comparative case study of three ventures embedded in urban and rural poor communities receiving support from an IAA. The authors then analyzed the data to determine the mechanisms that led to discrepancies in the perceptions of poverty alleviation held by each actor involved.

Findings
This study suggests three such mechanisms: ‘decoupling markets from poverty’, wherein aiding ventures may paradoxically lead to decoupling them from poor communities; ‘overburden stress’, in which ventures cannot fulfil a poverty alleviation role through their market activities because the expectation to do so overburdens the venture; and ‘value divergence’, in which the actors involved evaluate the impact of these approaches differently.

Originality/value
The authors propose that a key aspect of enabling effective poverty alleviation through market-driven approaches in terms of substantial, long-term contributions is to monitor and support the relations between the actors involved – including the poor communities themselves – and explore how each perceives the efficacy of the approach.
Investigating universities’ social-marketing initiatives that impact students’ pro-environmental behaviors
Authors: Negm Eiman 
Published: February 2024

PurposeThis study investigates the impact of universities' social marketing initiatives on students’ development of personal (altruistic, biospheric and egoistic) and social values, leading to their pro-environmental behaviors.Design/methodology/approachThis study applies quantitative deductive research. This study examined the value-belief-norms (VBN) theory, adding social values to the framework. This study took place in Egypt from January 2023 to March 2023. The population of focus was college students (whether at public or private universities). Students were requested to fill out the questionnaire by scanning a quick-response (QR) code, which linked to a Google Form. After data collection, 410 questionnaires were analyzed using statistical package for social science.FindingsThis study developed empirical evidence that clarifies that social marketing initiatives done by universities have the power to develop students’ personal and social values. Values trigger behavior change. Social values lead to students’ pro-environmental behaviors; personal egoistic values lead to students’ pro-environmental behaviors; personal biospheric values lead to students’ pro-environmental behaviors and personal altruistic values does not lead to students’ pro-environmental behaviors.Originality/valueThis study offers firsthand insight in understanding how social marketing is an effective tool to develop students’ values that are needed to inspire the right behaviors to preserve and protect the environment. This study builds upon the VBN theory, explaining the significant underlying environmental values that should be developed through universities’ non-academic initiatives (such as marketing activities) to inform behaviors needed to better the community, such as pro-environmental behaviors.
Enhancing accuracy in construction overhead cost estimation: a novel integration of activity-based costing and building information modelling
Authors: Naderi Mojdeh , Nazari Ahad , Shafaat Ali , Abrishami Sepehr 
Published: February 2024

PurposeThis study addresses the prevailing complexities and limitations in estimating and managing construction overhead costs (COCs) in the existing literature, with the purpose of enhancing the accuracy of cost performance indicators in construction project management.Design/methodology/approachAn innovative approach is proposed, employing the activity-based costing (ABC) accounting method combined with building information modelling (BIM) to assign real overhead costs to project activities. This study, distinguished by its incorporation of a real case study, focuses on an administrative building with a four-story concrete structure. It establishes an automated method for evaluating project cost performance through the detailed analysis of earned value management (EVM) cost indicators derived from ABC results and BIM data.FindingsThe results show that the ABC integration improves the accuracy of cost performance indicators by over 9%, revealing the project's true cost index for the first time and demonstrating the substantial value of the approach in construction engineering and management.Research limitations/implicationsThe current study highlights a notable gap in the existing literature, addressing the challenges in onsite overhead cost estimation and offering a solution that incorporates the state-of-the-art techniques.Practical implicationsThe proposed method has significant implications for project managers and practitioners, enabling better-informed decisions based on precise cost data, ultimately leading to enhanced project outcomes.Originality/valueThis research uniquely combines ABC and BIM, presenting a pioneering solution for the accurate estimation and management of COCs in construction projects, adding significant value to the current body of knowledge in this field.
Social versus financial performance: evidence from microfinance institutions in Ethiopia
Authors: Kumar Naveen , Asmare Ayenew Shibabaw 
Published: February 2024

Purpose
Today, the sustainability and outreach of microfinance institutions (MFIs) are crucial to the success of microfinance and the sector’s potential to make a lasting impact. The ability of MFIs to operate financially well without sacrificing their social goals has come under scrutiny. This study aims to identify the kind of relationships between the two objectives of MFIs in Ethiopia.

Design/methodology/approach
This study investigated the association between the outreach and financial sustainability of Ethiopian MFIs from the years 2012 to 2021 using a balanced set of panel data. The study used secondary data and employed a descriptive research design and a quantitative research approach. To this end, random and fixed effects estimation models, as well as three-stage least squares, with the model of seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) are used.

Findings
According to the study, outreach performance enables MFIs to achieve sustainability/financial performance. On the other side, MFI that are financially sound improve social performance. There was therefore no trade-off between the two objectives.

Originality/value
As Ethiopia’s microfinance sector shifts away from government and non-government backing and toward commercialization, such research is crucial. This aspect of the Ethiopian microfinance industry has gotten little consideration in research. The SUR model was used in the study together with random and fixed effect estimators, and the most reliable estimation result was chosen based on the necessary tests.
Biogeographic context mediates multifaceted diversity‐productivity relationships in island and mainland forests
Authors: Tolmos Maria Laura , Guerrero‐Ramirez Nathaly R. , Ameztegui Aitor , Barajas Barbosa Martha Paola , Craven Dylan , Kreft Holger 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Biotic and abiotic conditions have been found to strongly influence how biodiversity affects ecosystem functioning in forests. This context dependency of biodiversity‐productivity relationships in real‐world ecosystems may be shaped by the biogeographic context via deep‐time processes acting on the size and composition of the species pool such as dispersal limitation, environmental filtering, speciation and invasibility. However, the role of the biogeographic context in shaping multifaceted biodiversity and forest productivity relationships remains uncertain.

Using data from the Spanish National Forest Inventory in climatically similar forests on the Canary Islands (637 plots) and mainland Spain (1434 plots), we investigate the extent to which above‐ground productivity is determined by ecological and evolutionary processes associated with the biogeographic context. We used structural equation models to test the drivers of above‐ground productivity in both contexts, that operate via multifaceted tree diversity (taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity) or alternative mechanisms, that is environmental conditions, non‐native species, and the number of trees.

Our results show that mainland and island forests exhibit similar levels of productivity, yet island forests display overall lower multifaceted diversity. We found that the number of trees increased multifaceted diversity and also increased productivity directly and via their effects on phylogenetic diversity in both mainland and island forests. Further, non‐native species increased productivity in island forests.

Synthesis: Our results suggest that multifaceted diversity, by capturing the diversity of evolutionary history, contributes to elucidating diversity‐productivity relationships in mainland and island forests that could not be detected by taxonomic diversity alone. By filling empty niches in island forests, we find that non‐native species are fundamentally altering ecosystem functioning on islands and thus, reveal how biogeographic context can shape biodiversity‐productivity relationships.
Evaluation of CO2 removal rate of ECCO2R for a renal replacement therapy platform in an experimental setting
Authors: Qian Zhicheng , He Hao , Wang Yuxuan , Geng Shike , Li Yang , Yuan Xueyan , Zhang Rui , Yang Yi , Qiu Haibo , Liu Songqiao , Liu Ling 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundA critical parameter of extracorporeal CO2 removal (ECCO2R) applications is the CO2 removal rate (VCO2). Low‐flow venovenous extracorporeal support with large‐size membrane lung remains undefined. This study aimed to evaluate the VCO2 of a low‐flow ECCO2R with large‐size membrane lung using a renal replacement therapy platform in an experimental animal model.MethodsTwelve healthy pigs were placed under mechanical ventilation and connected to an ECCO2R‐CRRT system (surface area = 1.8 m2; OMNIset®, BBraun, Germany). Respiratory settings were reduced to induce two degrees of hypercapnia. VCO2 was recorded under different combinations of PaCO2 (50–69 or 70–89 mm Hg), extracorporeal blood flow (ECBF; 200 or 350 mL/min), and gas flow (4, 6, or 10 L/min).ResultsVCO2 increased with ECBF at all three gas flow rates. In severe hypercapnia, the increase in sweep gas flow from 4 to 10 L/min increased VCO2 from 86.38 ± 7.08 to 96.50 ± 8.71 mL/min at an ECBF of 350 mL/min, whereas at ECBF of 200 mL/min, any increase was less effective. But in mild hypercapnia, the increase in sweep gas flow result in significantly increased VCO2 at two ECBF. VCO2 increased with PaCO2 from 50–69 to 70–89 mm Hg at an ECBF of 350 mL/min, but not at ECBF of 200 mL/min. Post‐membrane lung PCO2 levels were similar for different levels of premembrane lung PCO2 (p = 0.08), highlighting the gas exchange diffusion efficacy of the membrane lung in gas exchange diffusion. In severe hypercapnia, the reduction of PaCO2 elevated from 11.5% to 19.6% with ECBF increase only at a high gas flow of 10 L/min (p < 0.05) and increase of gas flow significantly reduced PaCO2 only at a high ECBF of 350 mL/min (p < 0.05).ConclusionsLow‐flow venovenous extracorporeal ECCO2R‐CRRT with large‐size membrane lung is more efficient with the increase of ECBF, sweep gas flow rate, and the degree of hypercapnia. The influence of sweep gas flow on VCO2 depends on the ECBF and degree of hypercapnia. Higher ECBF and gas flow should be chosen to reverse severe hypercapnia.
Mitochondrial involvement in sarcopenia
Authors: Affourtit Charles , Carré Jane E. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSarcopenia lowers the quality‐of‐life for millions of people across the world, as accelerated loss of skeletal muscle mass and function contributes to both age‐ and disease‐related frailty. Physical activity remains the only proven therapy for sarcopenia to date, but alternatives are much sought after to manage this progressive muscle disorder in individuals who are unable to exercise. Mitochondria have been widely implicated in the etiology of sarcopenia and are increasingly suggested as attractive therapeutic targets to help restore the perturbed balance between protein synthesis and breakdown that underpins skeletal muscle atrophy. Reviewing current literature, we note that mitochondrial bioenergetic changes in sarcopenia are generally interpreted as intrinsic dysfunction that renders muscle cells incapable of making sufficient ATP to fuel protein synthesis. Based on the reported mitochondrial effects of therapeutic interventions, however, we argue that the observed bioenergetic changes may instead reflect an adaptation to pathologically decreased energy expenditure in sarcopenic muscle. Discrimination between these mechanistic possibilities will be crucial for improving the management of sarcopenia.
A meta‐analysis of the effect of visiting zoos and aquariums on visitors’ conservation knowledge, beliefs, and behavior
Authors: McNally Xavier , Webb Thomas L. , Smith Charlotte , Moss Andrew , Gibson‐Miller Jilly 
Published: February 2024

AbstractZoos and aquariums are well placed to connect visitors with the issues facing biodiversity globally and many deliver interventions that seek to influence visitors’ beliefs and behaviors with respect to conservation. However, despite primary studies evaluating the effect of such interventions, the overall effect of engaging with zoos and the factors that influence this effect remain unclear. We conducted a systematic review to investigate the effect of zoo‐led interventions on knowledge, beliefs (attitudes, intentions, self‐efficacy, and social norms), and behavior among zoo visitors. These outcomes were identified using the Theory of Planned Behavior as a theoretical lens. We identified and described the nature of zoo‐led interventions in 56 studies and used the behavior change technique (BCT) taxonomy to identify 6 specific BCTs used in interventions to date. Multilevel meta‐analyses revealed a small to medium positive effect of engaging with zoo‐led interventions on outcomes (d+ = 0.40, 95% confidence interval = 0.28–0.51). Specifically, visitors were more knowledgeable about conservation issues, held more favorable attitudes toward conservation, and reported being more likely to act for the benefit of biodiversity. No evidence of publication bias was present. Effect sizes were, however, heterogeneous and subgroup analyses revealed that the nature of the intervention or type of outcome did not explain this variance. Larger effects were, however, found in studies conducted at a single institution relative to research at multiple institutions and studies that used within‐participant designs relative to between‐participant designs. Taken together, these findings demonstrate how behavior change frameworks can be used to describe zoo‐led interventions and supports the assertion that zoos and aquariums can promote changes in beliefs and behaviors that may help protect biodiversity.
Putting it Together, Together
Authors: Zheng Chen , Tversky Barbara 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPeople are not as fast or as strong as many other creatures that evolved around us. What gives us an evolutionary advantage is working together to achieve common aims. Coordinating joint action begins at a tender age with such cooperative activities as alternating babbling and clapping games. Adult joint activities are far more complex and use multiple means of coordination. Joint action has attracted qualitative analyses by sociolinguists, cognitive scientists, and philosophers as well as empirical analyses and theories by cognitive scientists. Here, we analyze how joint action is spontaneously coordinated from start to finish in a novel complex real‐life joint activity, assembling a piece of furniture, a task that captures the essentials of joint action, collaborators, things in the world, and communicative devices. Pairs of strangers assembled a TV cart from a stack of parts and a photo of the completed cart. Coordination prior to each assembly action was coded asexplicit, using speech or gesture, orimplicit, actions that both advanced the task and communicated the next step. Initial planning relied on explicit communication about structure, but not action nor division of labor, which were improvised. That served to establish a joint representation of the goal that informed actions and monitored progress. As assembly progressed, coordination was increasingly implicit, through actions alone. Joint action is a dynamic interplay of explicit and implicit signaling with respect to things in the world to coordinate ongoing progress, guided by a shared representation of the goal.
The impact of acute asymmetric hearing loss on multisensory integration
Authors: Böing Sanne , Van der Stigchel Stefan , Van der Stoep Nathan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHumans have the remarkable ability to integrate information from different senses, which greatly facilitates the detection, localization and identification of events in the environment. About 466 million people worldwide suffer from hearing loss. Yet, the impact of hearing loss on how the senses work together is rarely investigated. Here, we investigate how a common sensory impairment, asymmetric conductive hearing loss (AHL), alters the way our senses interact by examining human orienting behaviour with normal hearing (NH) and acute AHL. This type of hearing loss disrupts auditory localization. We hypothesized that this creates a conflict between auditory and visual spatial estimates and alters how auditory and visual inputs are integrated to facilitate multisensory spatial perception. We analysed the spatial and temporal properties of saccades to auditory, visual and audiovisual stimuli before and after plugging the right ear of participants. Both spatial and temporal aspects of multisensory integration were affected by AHL. Compared with NH, AHL caused participants to make slow, inaccurate and unprecise saccades towards auditory targets. Surprisingly, increased weight on visual input resulted in accurate audiovisual localization with AHL. This came at a cost: saccade latencies for audiovisual targets increased significantly. The larger the auditory localization errors, the less participants were able to benefit from audiovisual integration in terms of saccade latency. Our results indicate that observers immediately change sensory weights to effectively deal with acute AHL and preserve audiovisual accuracy in a way that cannot be fully explained by statistical models of optimal cue integration.
Survival of new and small retail businesses facing mega‐retailers in non‐metropolitan areas—The case of Walmart in the province of Quebec
Authors: Cissé Ismaëlh , Dubé Jean 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to study the impact of Walmart's entry on the survival of new and small retail businesses within non‐metropolitan areas in the province of Quebec. To do so, the study covers the years 1999–2007 and focuses on four non‐metropolitan cities. These include two Walmart entry cities, Rimouski and Salaberry‐de‐Valleyfield, and two other cities, where no Walmart was present during the study period, La Pocatière and Sorel‐Tracy. The results of a difference‐in‐differences analysis, conducted through a semi‐parametric Cox proportional hazards model, reveal that the entry of Walmart decreases the risk of closure of the new and small retail businesses.