bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Premier Wallet: banking the unbanked population in Somalia
Authors: Hassan Mohamed Muse 
Published: December 2023

Learning outcomes
Upon reading, analyzing and participating in the classroom discussion of this case study, students will be able to use the blue ocean strategy (mainly the Strategy Canvas tool) to analyze how companies establish their products as viable and the go-to solution for consumers; perform a competitive analysis for competitive products; learn how to use data from the case, including industry trends, to predict the future market position of products; and learn how to develop strategies for new products in the market.

Case overview/synopsis
Abdishakur M. Afrah, who served as the Head of Business Development at Premier Bank, oversaw a substantial banking portfolio, which included Premier Wallet – the first digital wallet in Somalia. This case study outlines Premier Wallet’s journey and its transformative impact on the banking sector. Owing to the mobile wallet, consumers could, for the first time, engage in purchasing, withdrawing cash, shopping online and topping up without needing a bank account at Premier Bank. This allowed for the financial inclusion of the unbanked Somali population. This case study also highlights the Wallet Send feature, a disruptive feature that challenged the prevalent Hawala system in Somalia. This feature enabled customers to send money across 110 countries via their smartphones, facilitating direct deposits to the mobile or bank accounts of their family and friends or to cash withdrawal points nearby. Despite these advanced features, Premier Wallet struggled with broader acceptance, hindered by a mere 9% internet penetration, the absence of a national identification (ID) system and stiff competition from WAAFI, a fintech application supported by Hormuud Telecom, Somalia’s leading telecommunications company. The case study also delves into the strategic decisions Afrah had to make to position Premier Wallet as the top mobile money option for consumers in Somalia.

Complexity academic level
This case study is suited for undergraduate-level courses.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS 3: Entrepreneurship
Predictive modeling of career choices among fresh graduates: application of model selection approach
Authors: Wong Shann Torng , Wong Siew Chin , Lim Chui Seong 
Published: December 2023

PurposeThe post-pandemic crisis has reshaped work dynamics across industries, leading to a widespread reliance on technology for remote work and business continuity. Operations have shifted to the digital space, altering job requirements and creating new career opportunities. The expansion of the digital industry has generated numerous career choices. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationships between self-efficacy, social media, career outcome expectations and career choices among fresh graduates in Malaysia amid the pandemic crisis.Design/methodology/approachResearch data were collected from a sample of 318 fresh graduates from both public and private universities in Malaysia. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the data in this study.FindingsThe empirical findings revealed significant correlations between self-efficacy, social media usage and career outcome expectations and the career choices of Malaysian fresh graduates.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study offers an empirical framework to explain career choices among fresh graduates in Malaysia during the pandemic crisis, based on a review of related literature on careers. This research contributes to the body of knowledge on career choices among Generation Z fresh graduates and provides practical implications for organizations and individual employees. It suggests developing relevant Human Resource Development (HRD) interventions to retain the young workforce within organizations.Originality/valueThis study enriches the existing literature on self-efficacy, social media and career outcome expectations in the context of a pandemic crisis. It offers a new interpretation of how individual and contextual factors impact career choices, shaping the career management attitudes of fresh graduates in the post-pandemic era. The empirical findings also give valuable insights into higher education institutions, organizations and government authorities in Malaysia to develop relevant interventions to assist undergraduate students in their career choice exploration.
Elevated plasma myoglobin level is closely associated with type 2 diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Yang Lin , Shen Yan , Li Wenxiao , Zha Bingbing , Xu Wenjun , Ding Heyuan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundDiabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most frequent complication in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It causes a chronic and progressive decline in kidney function, and ultimately patients require renal replacement therapy. To date, an increasing number of clinical studies have been conducted to explore the potential and novel biomarkers, which can advance the diagnosis, estimate the prognosis, and optimize the therapeutic strategies at the early stage of DKD. In the current study, we sought to investigate the association of plasma myoglobin with DKD.MethodsA total of 355 T2DM patients with DKD and 710 T2DM patients without DKD were enrolled in this study. Laboratory parameters including blood cell count, hemoglobin A1c, biochemical parameters, and plasma myoglobin were recorded. Patients were classified on admission according to the tertile of myoglobin and clinical parameters were compared between the groups. Pearson correlation analysis, linear regression, logistic regression, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis, and spline regression were performed.ResultsPlasma myoglobin significantly increased in patients with DKD and was associated with renal function and inflammatory parameters. Plasma myoglobin was an independent risk factor for the development of DKD. The area under ROC curve of myoglobin was 0.831. Spline regression showed that there was a significant linear association between DKD incidence and a high level of plasma myoglobin when it exceeded 36.4 mg/mL.ConclusionsThis study shows that elevated plasma myoglobin level is closely associated with the development of kidney injury in patients with T2DM.image
Here to stay? Policy changes in alcohol home delivery and “to‐go” sales during and after COVID‐19 in the United States
Authors: Lemp Julia M. , Kilian Carolin , Probst Charlotte 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDuring the early phase of the COVID‐19 pandemic, legislative changes that expanded alcohol home delivery and options for “to‐go” alcohol sales were introduced across the United States to provide economic relief to establishments and retailers. Using data from the Alcohol Policy Information System, we examined whether these changes have persisted beyond the peak phase of the COVID‐19 emergency and explored the implications for public health. Illustration of state‐level policy data reveals that the liberalisation of alcohol delivery and “to‐go” alcohol sales has continued throughout a 2‐year period (2020 and 2021), with indications that many of these changes have or will become permanent after the pandemic. This raises concerns about inadequate regulation, particularly in preventing underage access to alcohol, and ensuing changes in drinking practices. In this commentary, we highlight the need for rigorous empirical evaluation of the public health impact of this changing policy landscape and underscore the potential risks associated with increased alcohol availability, including a corresponding increase in alcohol‐attributable mortality and other alcohol‐related harm, such as domestic violence. Policy makers should carefully consider public health consequences, whose costs may surpass short‐term economic interests in the long term.
Unravelling the effect of blood group on FVIII:C levels and response to DDAVP in 20 males with a single genotype (Twillingate Variant) causing Haemophilia A
Authors: Shu Michael , Malcolmson Caroline , Bouskill Vanessa , Stain Ann Marie , Wakefield Cindy , Blanchette Victor S. , Carcao Manuel D. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionThe genetic variant responsible for haemophilia A (HA) significantly impacts endogenous coagulant factor VIII (FVIII:C) level, thus impacting DDAVP responsiveness. Blood group (BG) also impacts FVIII:C levels, but this is difficult to evaluate in a genetically heterogeneous population. Canada has a large cohort of mild‐moderate HA due to a single point variant: c.6104T>C, p.Val2035Ala—the Twillingate variant.AimTo evaluate the impact of BG on endogenous FVIII:C levels and DDAVP responsiveness in a single genotype of mild‐moderate HA.MethodsThis was a retrospective, single‐centre study. BG and FVIII:C levels were obtained for males with the Twillingate variant. One‐hour absolute and fold increases in FVIII:C post‐DDAVP were calculated. T‐tests and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to compare FVIII:C levels and DDAVP challenge variables between individuals according to BGs (O vs. non‐O).ResultsTwenty males were included. There were significant differences between BGs (O vs. non‐O) in their lowest FVIII:C level at age <12 years (medians: 0.05 vs. 0.08 IU/mL; P = .05). Fifteen subjects underwent DDAVP challenges. Mean 1‐h FVIII:C were 0.29 (O BG) versus 0.41 IU/mL (non‐O BG); P = .04. There were no significant differences between BGs (O vs. non‐O) in mean absolute FVIII:C increase (0.20 vs. 0.27 IU/mL; P = .10) and FVIII:C fold increase (3.3‐fold vs. 3.8‐fold; P = .51).ConclusionIn HA subjects with an identical genotype, BG significantly impacts baseline FVIII:C levels and FVIII:C levels post‐DDAVP, but does not impact absolute and fold increases in FVIII:C with DDAVP.
The soluble IL‐2 receptor α/CD25 as a modulator of IL‐2 function
Authors: Lokau Juliane , Petasch Lynn M. , Garbers Christoph 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe pleiotropic cytokine interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) is an integral regulator of healthy and pathological immune responses, with the most important role in regulating the homeostasis of regulatory T cells. IL‐2 signalling involves three distinct receptors: The IL‐2 receptor α (IL‐2Rα/CD25), IL‐2Rβ, and IL‐2Rγ/γc. While IL‐2Rβ and γc are essential for signal transduction, IL‐2Rα regulates the affinity of the receptor complex towards IL‐2. A soluble form of the IL‐2Rα (sIL‐2Rα) is present in the blood of healthy individuals and increased under various pathological conditions. Although it is known that the sIL‐2Rα retains its ability to bind IL‐2, it is not fully understood how this molecule affects IL‐2 function and thus immune responses. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the generation and function of the sIL‐2Rα. We describe the molecular mechanisms leading to sIL‐2Rα generation and discuss the different IL‐2 modulating functions that have been attributed to the sIL‐2Rα. Finally, we describe attempts to utilize the sIL‐2Rα as a therapeutic tool.
Acute procedural efficacy and safety of a novel expandable diameter cryoballoon in atrial fibrillation ablation: Early results from a multicenter ablation registry
Authors: Isonaga Yuhei , Miyazaki Shinsuke , Nitta Junichi , Shirai Yasuhiro , Inamura Yukihiro , Sagawa Yuichiro , Yamauchi Yasuteru , Sasaki Takeshi , Inaba Osamu , Sasano Tetsuo 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionThe major limitation of the current cryoballoon (CB) system is a fixed 28 mm balloon‐size. We sought to analyze real‐world early experience with novel‐sized adjustable CB.MethodsThis multicenter observational study included 140 consecutive atrial fibrillation patients (71 years, 94 men, 86 paroxysmal) who underwent pulmonary vein (PV) isolation using expandable diameter CB capable of ablation at 28 or 31 mm.ResultsOut of 544 targeted PVs, 526 (96.7%) were successfully isolated by a size‐adjustable CB with a 770 [690−870] second median application dose, while the remaining 18 required touch‐up ablation. Among them, 326 (62.0%) PVs were isolated by a 31 mm balloon, and the rate was significantly higher for upper than lower PVs (73.0% vs. 45.7%, p < .0001) and highest for right superior (78.5%) and lowest for right inferior (39.9%) PVs. The biophysical parameters and time to isolation were comparable between the 28 and 31 mm balloons, however, the real‐time PV potential monitoring capability was significantly higher for 31 mm than 28 mm balloons for the left superior PV. The esophageal temperature reached 15°C during left inferior PV ablation significantly more often with 31 mm than 28 mm balloons (43.1% vs. 18.2%, p = .008). Right phrenic nerve injury (PNI) occurred in 9 (6.4%) patients during applications (6 right superior, 2 right inferior PVs), and most occurred with a 31 mm balloon.ConclusionsOur real‐world early data demonstrated high acute efficacy and safety of the novel‐sized adjustable CB. The biophysical parameters were similar between the 28 and 31 mm balloons. No marked decrease in the incidence of PNI was observed even with 31 mm balloons.
Epidemiology of plaque‐induced gingivitis among 12–15‐year‐old Chinese schoolchildren: A study based on the 2018 case definition
Authors: Wang Wenhui , Feng Xiping , Tai Baojun , Hu Deyu , Lin Huancai , Wang Bo , Wang Chunxiao , Zheng Shuguo , Liu Xuenan , Rong Wensheng , Wang Weijian , Si Yan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimTo explore the epidemiology of plaque‐induced gingivitis and related factors among Chinese adolescents.Materials and MethodsThis cross‐sectional survey comprised 118,601 schoolchildren in the 12–15‐year age group. Data came from the National Oral Health Survey in mainland China. The field investigation was conducted according to the World Health Organization guidelines. The new 2018 case definition for plaque‐induced gingivitis was used. Participants underwent clinical examinations and completed a structured questionnaire. Bleeding on probing (BOP) was performed on all teeth. Multinomial logistic regression was used to explore the factors related to the extent of gingivitis.ResultsNearly half of the study population (47.3%) had plaque‐induced gingivitis; 23.9% and 23.3% presented with localised and generalised gingivitis, respectively. The first molars were the most affected by BOP. Well‐established factors, such as demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, local factors and smoking habits, were significantly associated with the extent of gingivitis. Odds ratios for localised and generalised gingivitis increased with the decrease in frequency of toothbrushing with a fluoride dentifrice.ConclusionsThe study population had high plaque‐induced gingivitis prevalence. The extent of gingivitis appeared to have a dose–response relationship with the frequency of toothbrushing with a fluoride dentifrice.
Predictors of blood ionized calcium concentration in sick adult cattle
Authors: Karapinar Tolga , Tumer Kenan Cagri , Constable Peter D. , Buczinski Sébastien M. C. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundData on the factors affecting blood ionized calcium concentration (ciCa2+) and diagnostic performance of serum total calcium concentration (ctCa) measurements to detect abnormal blood iCa2+ status are lacking in sick adult cattle.ObjectiveAssess the association of ciCa2+ with venous blood pH, plasma concentrations of chloride (cCl), sodium (cNa), and potassium (cK), and ctCa, and total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations in sick adult cattle.AnimalsTwo‐hundred and sixty‐five adult cattle (≥1‐year‐old) with different diseases.MethodsProspective study. Whole blood pH, ciCa2+, cNa, cK, and cCl were measured using a blood gas and electrolyte analyzer, whereas ctCa, and total protein, and albumin concentrations were determined using an autoanalyzer. The relationship between ciCa2+ and venous blood pH, plasma cCl, cNa, cK, and ctCa, and total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations was investigated. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for ctCa for diagnosis of abnormal ciCa2+.ResultsSensitivity of ctCa measurements to detect abnormal ciCa2+ was 66.0% whereas specificity of ctCa measurements was 72.3%. Serum total calcium concentration measurements accounted for 42% of adjusted blood ionized calcium (iCa2+7.40) concentration variance. Plasma cCl, and cK had explanatory power of ciCa2+7.40, accounting for an additional 21% and 9% of the variance, respectively.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceSerum tCa measurements failed to accurately predict blood iCa2+ status in ill adult cattle. Serum tCa concentrations and plasma cCl were the strongest predictors of ciCa2+ in sick adult cattle.
Aortic annular plane systolic excursion in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Dutton Luke C. , Spalla Ilaria , Seo Joonbum , Silva Joel , Novo Matos Jose 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundImpairment of left ventricular (LV) longitudinal function is an early marker of systolic dysfunction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Aortic annular plane systolic excursion (AAPSE) is a measure of LV longitudinal function in people that has not been evaluated in cats.HypothesisAortic annular plane systolic excursion is lower in cats with HCM compared to control cats, and cats in stage C have the lowest AAPSE.AnimalsOne hundred seventy‐five cats: 60 normal, 61 HCM stage B and 54 HCM stage C cats.MaterialsMulticenter retrospective case‐control study. Electronic medical records from 4 referral hospitals were reviewed for cats diagnosed with HCM and normal cats. HCM was defined as LV wall thickness ≥6 mm and normal cats ≤5 mm. M‐mode bisecting the aorta in right parasternal short‐axis view was used to measure AAPSE.ResultsAortic annular plane systolic excursion was lower in HCM cats compared to normal cats (3.9 ± 0.9 mm versus 4.6 ± 0.9 mm, P < .001) and was lowest in HCM stage C (2.4 ± 0.6 mm, P < .001). An AAPSE <2.9 mm gave a sensitivity of 83% (95% CI 71%‐91%) and specificity of 92% (95% CI 82%‐97%) to differentiate HCM stage C from stage B. AAPSE correlated with mitral annular plane systolic excursion (r = .6 [.4‐.7], P < .001), and atrial fractional shortening (r = .6 [.5‐.7], P < .001), but showed no correlation with LV fractional shortening.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceAortic annular plane systolic excursion is an easily acquired echocardiographic variable and might be a new measurement of LV systolic performance in cats with HCM.
Pathogen invasion increases the abundance of predatory protists and their prey associations in the plant microbiome
Authors: Gao Min , Xiong Chao , Tsui Clement K. M. , Cai Lei 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSoil and plant‐associated protistan communities play a key role in shaping bacterial and fungal communities, primarily through their function as top‐down predators. However, our understanding of how pathogen invasion influences these protistan communities and their relationships with bacterial and fungal communities remains limited. Here, we studied the protistan communities along the soil–plant continuum of healthy chilli peppers and those affected by Fusarium wilt disease (FWD), and integrated bacterial and fungal community data from our previous research. Our research showed that FWD was associated with a significant enrichment of phagotrophic protists in roots, and also increased the proportion and connectivity of these protists (especially Cercozoa and Ciliophora) in both intra‐ and inter‐kingdom networks. Furthermore, the microbiome of diseased plants not only showed a higher relative abundance of functional genes related to bacterial anti‐predator responses than healthy plants, but also contained a greater abundance of metagenome‐assembled genomes with functional traits involved in this response. The increased microbial inter‐kingdom associations between bacteria and protists, coupled with the notable bacterial anti‐predator feedback in the microbiome of diseased plants, suggest that FWD may catalyse the associations between protists and their microbial prey. These findings highlight the potential role of predatory protists in influencing microbial assembly and functionality through top‐down forces under pathogenic stress.
Platform labour in contexts of high informality: Any improvement for workers? A critical assessment based on the case of Argentina
Authors: Filipetto Sonia , Micha Ariela , Pereyra Francisca , Poggi Cecilia , Trombetta Martín 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe article analyses the effects of digital labour platforms in a context characterised by high informality, exploring the way platforms may or may not imply a disruption in this respect. To do so, it examines the labour transitions that lead to platform labour, taking into account the formal status of workers before and after joining platforms, as well as their evaluation of resulting labour conditions. The article relies on a quantitative survey and in depth interviews for three on‐demand occupations in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area, ride‐hailing, home repairs and domestic service. Results show that a platform's influence on the formal status of workers (and their assessment of it) is highly contingent upon: the platform's business model, including the legal status that may be used to integrate the workforce, the pre‐existing formal/informal dynamics within the occupation and the general labour market situation.
Do budget maneuvers reduce future budget resiliency? Evidence from states following the great recession
Authors: Stavick John 
Published: December 2023

AbstractConventional wisdom suggests budget maneuvers threaten long‐term structural balance because they transfer resources from the future to the present by non‐transparent means. Budget maneuvers remain poorly understood in part because they are more difficult to observe than traditional tax and expenditure changes to remedy budget deficits. In this research, a taxonomy of budget maneuvers influenced by the recent work of the Volcker Alliance and other public budgeting scholars is used to create an original tally of maneuvers used by U.S. state governments during the Great Recession. Ten states implemented more than half of documented budget maneuver use during that era, while incidence of maneuver use for the remaining 40 states is largely limited to transfers of balances from cash funds. This supports NASBO's contention that maneuvers are not a primary budget‐balancing instrument for most states. This research then presents the postrecession trajectories of four states that relied heavily on maneuvers—California, Connecticut, Illinois, and Wisconsin. While California and Wisconsin largely curtailed the use of budget maneuvers after the Great Recession, Connecticut and Illinois continued to implement them as they remained mired in subsequent budget crises.