bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Actual adoption of Fintech services among micro-entrepreneurs of urban slum area of Uttarakhand
Authors: Jha Shweta , Dangwal Ramesh Chandra 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the level of awareness and determinants of the actual adoption of fintech services. This paper further focuses on how usages of different kind of fintech services fulfills the business needs of the micro-entrepreneurs of urban slum dwellers of Uttarakhand.

Design/methodology/approach
The research investigated the predictive significance of actual adoption of fintech services using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and prospect theory framework. Data was collected from 80 micro-entrepreneurs of urban slum areas of Uttarakhand, using an adapted semi-structured questionnaire. For analysis of data partial least square structural equal modeling has been used.

Findings
This paper finds that different fintech services have different levels of awareness whereas payment, regulation and market provision-related fintech services have high awareness. The main drivers for adopting fintech are services trust (ST) and behavioral intention (BI). BI significantly influences fintech adoption, while ST positively impacts BI, actual usage and facilitating conditions; perceived risk, however, negatively affects ST. The widely used fintech services are payment-based fintech (unified payments interface), followed by regulatory fintech (Khatabook app). Fintech effectively serves the business needs of micro-entrepreneurs in the urban slums of Uttarakhand with innovative product solutions.

Research limitations/implications
The findings of this study are valuable for various fintech providers. These results can serve as a roadmap to strengthen fintech services in the broader population, including niche market segments.

Originality/value
This study uniquely contributes to the literature that addresses the issues of entrepreneurs of the lower strata of society through the use of fintech services.
Effects of Stefan blowing and double stratification on convective hybrid nanoliquid flow with convective boundary and entropy generation
Authors: Joyce Maria Immaculate , Kandasamy Jagan , Sivanandam Sivasankaran 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThe objective of this work is to investigate the rate of entropy generation of a hybrid nanoliquid (Cu-Ag/Water) flowing on a stretching sheet in the presence of convective boundary conditions, heat generation/absorption, double stratification and Stefan blowing. At present, the capability of interchange of thermal energy is not concerned only with an estimation of the amplification in the rate of heat exchange but also depends on profitable and obliging contemplation. Acknowledging the demands, researchers have been associated with the refinement of the performance of a heat exchange, which is referred to as an intensification of the interchange of heat.Design/methodology/approachBy using a similarity transformation, the system of governing partial differential equations (PDEs) is transformed into the system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The rebuilt ordinary differential equations are then solved by applying the homotopy analysis method. After computing the temperature, concentration and velocity profiles for a range of relevant study parameters, the resulting results are examined and discussed.FindingsElevating the Stefan blowing parameter values enhances the temperature profile. Conversely, it diminishes with increasing concentration stratification, thermal stratification and heat generation/absorption coefficient. The rate of entropy generation rises with increasing diffusion parameter, Brinkman number and concentration difference parameter. Stronger viscous forces between the sheet and the fluid flow cause skin friction to increase as fw and Sϕ increase. The local Nusselt number falls as fw and ω rise. However, as Sθ rises, the local Nusselt number gets higher.Practical implicationsThe transmission of mass and heat is the basis of the current study, which is useful in a number of industrial and technological domains.Originality/valueThe paper investigates entropy production and heat transmission in a hybrid nanoliquid flow over a stretching sheet, incorporating factors such as heat generation/absorption, convective boundary conditions, Stefan blowing and double stratification. The research highlights a gap in the existing literature, indicating that this specific combination of factors has not been previously explored.
Blind scouting: using artificial intelligence to alleviate bias in selection
Authors: Dubois Louis-Etienne , Walzak Laurel 
Published: February 2025

PurposeTalent scouting is recognized as a vital activity for professional sports organizations to establish a competitive advantage on the field. It remains, however, an imperfect science marred with bias and stereotypes. Technology – such as data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) – is a promising avenue to deal with these issues. Yet, much like in the broader HRM literature, little is known about its ability to effectively alleviate bias and on how to successfully make it co-exist with human recruiters.Design/methodology/approachIn collaboration with a professional North American soccer (football) team, this experimental study investigates the impact of using AI-anonymized game footage on scouts’ assessments. In addition to quantitative ratings, it uses a “think-aloud” or verbal cognition methodology to capture changes in the scouts’ assessments.FindingsThe results demonstrate how a “blind scouting” approach stands to alleviate bias and leads to more robust scouting assessments. Namely, the findings indicate that using de-identified footage through AI increases the scouts’ focus on tactical abilities and decreases observations on potentially problematic physiological considerations.Originality/valueThis study provides valuable insights on scouts’ cognition and moves past the prevailing AI vs Human dichotomy by demonstrating how the technology can improve processes without removing the need for experts. It also speaks to AI’s benefits beyond cost or time savings and suggests other potential HRM-related applications for AI.
Revisiting the Spirals of Silence: The Case of Intra‐Faith Discrimination at Work in Two Muslim Majority Countries
Authors: Uygur Selcuk , Syed Jawad , Aydin Erhan , Özbilgin Mustafa , Bağlama Sercan Hamza 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTDrawing on the spiral of silence theory, this manuscript critically explores a notably under‐researched domain: the workplace experiences of individuals belonging to faith‐based minority groups who encounter religious discrimination in predominantly Muslim countries, specifically Türkiye and Pakistan. First, we outline the spirals of silence theory and examine intra‐faith discrimination as an illustrative case. We locate the identity and agency of individuals from religious minorities at work, reflecting on an escalation of silence in the context of adversity, as suggested by the spirals of silence theory. Building on 38 interviews with individuals from faith‐based minority groups in workplaces within Turkey and Pakistan, our analysis reveals intra‐faith religious discrimination in two distinct contexts: one, a country grappling with significant pressure on its secular system, and the other, a nation where the implementation of Islamic egalitarian principles, as enshrined in its constitution, is inconsistent. The study reveals that religiously inspired discrimination is a prevalent and pernicious experience among individuals from faith‐based minority groups in both countries, which consequently entrenches the spirals of silence.
Alichondrichlorin, a Novel Chlorohydrin‐Containing Natural Product With Tumoral Cytotoxic Activity Isolated From the Planctomycetota Bacterium Alienimonas chondriLzC2T
Authors: Vitorino Inês R. , Santos José D. N. , Crespo Gloria , Pérez‐Victoria Ignacio , Martín Jesús , Rodriguez Lorena , Ramos Maria C. , Martins Teresa P. , Leão Pedro N. , Vicente Francisca , Vasconcelos Vítor , Lage Olga M. , Reyes Fernando 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTTo address the on‐going need for chemical novelty and the limited information on Planctomycetota secondary metabolism, we focused on exploring the recently isolated marine planctomycetal strain Alienimonas chondri LzC2T to uncover its potential production of novel compounds. This work contemplates the description of a large‐scale cultivation study of strain LzC2T, followed by metabolite extraction and compound isolation using chromatographic approaches, which resulted in the isolation of a novel molecule designated as alichondrichlorin. Structural elucidation of this new molecule was accomplished by a combination of high‐resolution mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. The molecule was additionally screened for anti‐proliferative bioactivity against human tumoral and non‐tumoral cell lines. These cytotoxicity assays revealed a targeted effect of alichondrichlorin in the growth of tumoral cell lines, especially human breast adenocarcinoma MCF‐7 cell line (EC50 = 4.06 μM) without effect on the human non‐tumoral THLE‐2 cell line (EC50 > 50 μM).
Hydroclimate Projections and Effects on Runoff at National Wildlife Refuges in the Semiarid Western United States
Authors: Caruso Brian S. , Eng Lauren , Bock Andy R. , Hall Nicholas 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis study evaluated hydroclimate projections and effects on runoff at National Wildlife Refuges in a semiarid region of the western United States (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 6) using mean air temperature (TAVE) and precipitation (PPT) inputs and runoff (RO) output from a national application of a Monthly Water Balance Model (MWBM). An ensemble of statistically downscaled global circulation models for two future emissions scenarios from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 3 and 5 (CMIP3 and 5) were assessed at the refuges for the years 1950–2099. TAVE, PPT, and RO and departures from mean baseline conditions were analyzed from MWBM hydrologic response units within refuge boundaries. Seasonal results were evaluated across four periods: historical (1951–1969), baseline (1981–1999), 2050 (2041–2059), and 2080 (2071–2089). Projected TAVE increases for all refuges and time periods, whereas PPT and RO are much more variable across ecoregions. Using the high emission scenario, summer mean monthly TAVE increases range from 4.8°C to 5.5°C by 2080. Summer mean monthly PPT departures vary from −5.7 to 3.9 mm (up to 14% decrease), with decreases at 41% of refuges. Summer RO departures range from −16.7 to 0.2 mm (up to 60% decrease), with decreases at 71% of refuges. Under the same emission scenario, winter PPT and RO increase at most refuges by 2080. These variable departures will create substantial challenges for future conservation management in the region.
Potential Impact of Flood Control Projects on Hydrological Processes in the Coastal Regions of the Taihu Basin, China
Authors: Xu Yu , Liu Kaixin , Ma Yushan , Wang Qiang , Gao Chao 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTDue to the intensive human activities, lots of hydraulic facilities were constructed and have a significant impact on hydrological processes and spatial migration of urban floods. For coastal plain regions, the suffering from rainstorms and storm surges, which was always neglected in previous studies, makes the impact more complex. Thus, the potential impact was observed based on a hydrodynamic model with real‐time operations of hydraulic systems. To improve the confidence of the simulation, a joint copula model between maximum rainfall and contemporaneous maximum tide water level was built, which makes up for the lack of consideration in previous coastal flood simulations. Results of quantitative simulation showed that the projects of the Large Encirclement Project in Suzhou urban (LEP) prevented the flood in urban areas efficiently but transferred the flood to the suburb. The Diversion‐Drainage System along the Yangtze River (DDS) had a larger impact on the hydrological processes in the northern regions. This will be of great benefit to the flood management in the Taihu Basin.
Weaving the Middle Spaces Between Indigenous and Scientific Knowledge for Biodiversity Conservation and Ecology
Authors: Fa Julia E. , Luiselli Luca 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTAfrica's unparalleled biodiversity and cultural heritage are closely tied to Indigenous Peoples (IP) and their traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) systems, which offers vital insights into conservation and sustainability. This editorial highlights the active role of African IP in biodiversity conservation and food system resilience, emphasising the urgent need to forge equitable partnerships across knowledge systems rather than subordinating TEK to scientific knowledge (SK). TEK, embedded in centuries of observation and cultural practices, informs ecological processes and sustainable resource use. However, climate change, land dispossession and cultural erosion, among other drivers, threaten these knowledge systems and the communities that uphold them. A collaborative approach that respects Indigenous sovereignty can foster interdisciplinary conservation efforts. This aligns with ongoing efforts at the international scene, such as the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which explicitly recognises the rights of IP, as well as those of other local communities in multiple conservation targets, including land rights, traditional knowledge and access to justice. The challenge remains: How can these international commitments translate into equitable, rights‐based conservation on the ground? It is crucial to ensure that conservation policy and practice are consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and uphold moral responsibility. Equally important is fostering shared interests between conservationists and IP by engaging in open dialogue about conflicts of interest and building trust with Indigenous communities. By integrating these principles, conservation and ecological sciences can move beyond theoretical commitments to genuine, participatory conservation efforts that respect and sustain IP's stewardship of nature.
Why parties can benefit from promoting occupational diversity in legislatures: Experimental evidence from three countries
Authors: Costa Mia , Pereira Miguel M. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractHow do legislators' occupational backgrounds shape their ability to advance policy? We argue that politicians with professional experience are perceived as more credible in their areas of expertise and can more effectively persuade voters and peers. We examine this argument in a series of experiments in three Western democracies. We find that German legislators with occupational experience in education are more effective at persuading voters in that policy area. The same pattern holds for United States' legislators with experience in healthcare. The quality of the arguments does not substitute for having actual occupational experience. These effects extend to elected officials: Swedish politicians are more likely to co‐sign motions proposed by peers with relevant expertise. Overall, parties that foster occupational diversity are better equipped to build support for their policy agendas. The study uncovers a new mechanism through which descriptive representation can influence policy outcomes, independent of legislators' preferences.
A rising tide lifts all boats: The social contagion of achievement in L2 classrooms and the role of intrinsic motivation and engagement
Authors: Mendoza Norman B. , Zadorozhnyy Artem , Dizon John Ian Wilzon T. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundThe achievement composition effect (ACE) posits that students' academic performance is influenced by the collective achievement level of their classmates. While ACE has been demonstrated across various learning domains, its role in second language (L2) learning and motivational moderators of this effect remain underexplored.AimsThis longitudinal study examines ACE in the context of L2 learning, with a particular focus on the moderating roles of students' intrinsic motivation and engagement.MethodsA sample of 766 secondary school L2 learners from 30 classrooms was analysed using linear mixed‐effects models to investigate the relationship between students' relative achievement at Time 1 and their subsequent achievement at Time 2, as well as the moderating effects of intrinsic motivation (to know, to accomplish and to experience stimulation) and engagement (behavioural and emotional).ResultsResults indicate that students' relative achievement significantly predicts subsequent achievement, supporting the presence of ACE in L2 classrooms. Moreover, intrinsic motivation to experience stimulation, behavioural engagement and emotional engagement significantly moderated this relationship in that ACE was stronger among students with higher levels of these motivational and engagement factors.ConclusionThe findings highlight the interplay between peer achievement and individual motivational factors in shaping learning outcomes. The discussion situates these results within the broader literature on peer influence, motivation and engagement, exploring their theoretical and practical implications for L2 learning. The study underscores the importance of considering social, motivational, affective and behavioural factors in understanding and fostering optimal L2 learning environments.
Modelling Predictors of Homophily on Perceived Oral Health Status Among Social Network Ties in a Population of Public Housing Residents
Authors: Casey Sharon M. , Velez Mabeline , McDonough Robert , Bond Julia C. , Garcia Raul , Gondal Neha , Heaton Brenda 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTPurposeIndividual behaviours are often shared within social networks (homophily), suggesting network‐level interventions hold promise for health promotion. Yet, little is known about oral health homophily. This study aimed to identify individual‐ and network‐based predictors of oral health homophily among individual's (ego) social networks of public housing residents.MethodsRespondents self‐reported demographics, oral health status and associated risk behaviours (n = 277). They named social contacts (alters), reported on relationship attributes, demographics and behavioural characteristics (n = 889). Hypothesised predictors of oral health homophily included relationship attributes (e.g., contact frequency), respondent‐level and shared characteristics. Oral health homophily was modelled using multilevel (hierarchical) logistic regression evaluating model attributes (AIC) to determine gains in explanatory power.ResultsRelationship strength, including high frequency of shared meals and contact, was associated with higher odds of oral health homophily (OR [95% CI]: 1.92 [1.05, 3.52] and 1.62 [1.00, 2.63], respectively). The best performing model included daily shared meals and contact, respondent age, smoking and oral health status.ConclusionsOral health homophily is predicted by relationship strength and ‘excellent/very good/good’ oral health. Respondents with poorer oral health and a smoking history were less homophilous in oral health. Multilevel interventions targeting oral health outcomes may benefit from accounting for social relationships.
Renal clearance estimated by rubidium‐82 positron emission tomography/computed tomography and technetium‐99m‐mercaptoacetyltriglycine clearance infusion technique
Authors: Langaa Stine Sundgaard , Duus Camilla Lundgreen , Vrist Marie Houmaa , Mose Frank Holden , Fynbo Claire Anne , Theil Jørn , Ejlersen June Anita , Bech Jesper Nørgaard 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundAlthough numerous techniques exist for renal blood flow (RBF) estimation, none of the methods have been implemented in routine clinical practice due to their inadequacies and burdensomeness. Previously, we evaluated rubidium‐82 (82Rb) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for renal perfusion determination and found strong indications of method precision and reliability. The aim of this study was to compare renal 82Rb clearance with renal technetium‐99m‐mercaptoacetyltriglycine ([99mTc]Tc‐MAG3) clearance as a first attempt to validate 82Rb PET/CT for renal perfusion estimation using a reference method.MethodsTen subjects with essential hypertension underwent two treatment periods, receiving spironolactone and placebo in random order. At the end of each period, each subject completed a 82Rb PET/CT scan and a [99mTc]Tc‐MAG3 clearance study.Results82Rb clearance correlated positively with [99mTc]Tc‐MAG3 clearance in both treatment periods. The [99mTc]Tc‐MAG3‐to‐82Rb clearance ratio was 0.83 and 0.86 in the placebo and spironolactone treatment periods, respectively.ConclusionThe correlation between 82Rb clearance and [99mTc]Tc‐MAG3 clearance may indicate that PET/CT determined 82Rb clearance can act as an estimator of renal perfusion. The [99mTc]Tc‐MAG3‐to‐82Rb clearance ratios suggest that the extraction fraction of 82Rb is higher than that of [99mTc]Tc‐MAG3, further suggesting 82Rb clearance as an estimator of flow. However, further studies are warranted to validate use of 82Rb PET/CT for flow estimation.
Diabetes self‐management education and support delivered by mobile health (mHealth) interventions for adults with type 2 diabetes—A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Versluis Anke , Boels Anne Meike , Huijden Maaike C. G. , Mijnsbergen Manon D. , Rutten Guy E. H. M. , Vos Rimke C. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundDiabetes self‐management education (DSME) and support (DSME/S) delivered via mobile health (mHealth) is potentially cost‐effective, if proven effective.ObjectivesTo assess the effectiveness of DSME, DSMS or DSME/S delivered by mHealth interventions compared to usual care (UC) or attention placebo control (APC) in adults with type 2 diabetes.MethodsWe searched (1) MEDLINE, (2) Embase, (3) PsycINFO, (4) Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials via the Cochrane Register of Studies Online, (5) ClinicalTrials.gov, and (6) World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform from the year 2000 to January 31, 2023. We included RCTs comparing DSME/S delivered via mHealth versus UC or APC. Four authors independently selected trials, assessed risk of bias and extracted data. Primary outcome was HbA1c, outher outcomes secundairy. Meta‐analysed with random‐effects model was used.ResultsWe included 43 trials involving 9328 participants; sample sizes ranging from 20 to 1119. Pooled effects on HbA1c were for DSME: mean difference (MD) of −4 mmol/mol (−0.3%), 95% CI −6 mmol/mol (−0.6%) to −1 mmol/mol (−0.1); p = 0.002; DSMS MD −4 mmol/mol (−0.4%), 95% CI 7 mmol/mol (−0.6%) to −2 mmol/mol (−0.2); p < 0.001; and DSME/S MD of −2 mmol/mol (−0.2%) for HbA1c, 95% CI −3 mmol/mol (−0.3%) to −0 mmol/mol (−0.0%); p < 0.001. We found uncertain effects on other outcomes.ConclusionsmHealth interventions delivering self management education with or without support to adults with type 2 diabetes appear to have a modest beneficial effect on HbA1c. Only a few trials investigated patient‐reported outcomes.