bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does the mixed‐ownership reform improve the productivity of state‐owned enterprises? Evidence from companies listed in Chinese stock
Authors: Zhang Fan , Wang Fei , Wang Qiao 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe Chinese government initiated a new round of state‐owned enterprise (SOE) reform in 2015 to improve SOE's performance with a focus on introducing multiple ownership shareholders and strategic partners, known as the mixed‐ownership reform (MOR). This paper examines the policy effectiveness of the current MOR, an ongoing quasi‐experiment, for listed SOEs’ productivity from 2011 to 2019 using a time‐varying difference‐in‐difference (DID) approach. Overall, the total factor productivity (TFP) of SOEs selected as pilots by the government improved significantly by 14.57% after the reform compared to other SOEs, providing evidence for the positive role of the current MOR. This positive impact is prolonged and tends to increase in the post‐reform years. A series of robustness checks show that our empirical specification satisfies the basic assumptions of DID and our findings are robust. By comparing the two reform strategies in the MOR, we find that the restructuring and reorganization plan is the primary channel driving TFP growth, showing a 0.4% improvement after the reform, rather than the employee stock ownership plan. We also investigate the impact of MOR on other financial and non‐financial indicators, but we only find a significant increase in the profitability of SOEs’ assets.
Imaging scale surface topography of an endemic cyprinid fish, Garra sharq from the Arabian Peninsula: An integrated optical light and scanning electron microscopy approach
Authors: Echreshavi Sorour , Al Jufaili Saud M. , Esmaeili Hamid Reza 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe optical light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques have proven to play a key and noteworthy role in the advancement of morphological studies in general, and in investigating fish scale morphology in particular. These techniques have illustrated several hidden architectural structures in scales that contribute effectively to fish identification and classification. The scale morphological and topological characters such as type, size, shape, lateral surface, focus position, circuli appearance, radii type, lepidonts, and posterior and anterior margin shapes were obtained using macro‐ and microscopic analysis in six body regions for three size classes of Garra sharq, a cyprinid endemic fish of the Arabian Peninsula. The general scale type in the studied G. sharq species was a basal elasmoid cycloid and a sectioned type. As a protective structure, the scales display several specific characteristics including firm attachment to the fish body, overlapping, and thin structure with a high surface area and high strength. These characteristics improve scale resistance to penetration, increase protection against mechanical injury and microbial infection, enhance scale flexibility, reduce fish weight (reduce friction drag), and increase scale transparency. The scales demonstrate plasticity in focus shape, size, and position in the six fish body parts and fish size groups. The examined scales displayed narrow or wide grooves (radii) in three types including primary, secondary, and tertiary present in all four scale fields (anterior, posterior, and laterals), thus a tetra‐sectioned type that is almost specific to the genus Garra. This characteristic also increases scale flexibility. The rostral margin of scales was characterized by the presence of waved and striate types. The lepidont shape and size varied being blunt, flat, pointed, tiny, sharp, short, and long. Some of these scale characters and their morphologies could be used as an alternative tool for identification, classification, and phylogenetic interpretation among the different freshwater fish species and genera.
Contrasting union orientations and engagement with international private regulation: The agency and role of labour in MNC subsidiaries in Ghana
Authors: Tetteh Nathaniel , Mustchin Stephen 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis article focuses on multinational company subsidiaries in Ghana with contrasting approaches to international private regulation. The findings explore the nature and outcomes of international private regulation but also the agency of unions and their orientations in terms of whether they valued and engaged with international private regulation or otherwise. Local union orientations and industrial relations dynamics are key influences on whether international private regulation is meaningfully applied or perceived as useful, and these contrasted notably within the research underpinning this article.
Inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway and cell cycle re‐entry contribute to the protective effect of remote ischemic pre‐conditioning of rat hindlimbs on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Zhao Yongmei , Ding Mao , Yan Feng , Yin Jie , Shi Wenjuan , Yang Nan , Zhao Haiping , Fang Yalan , Huang Yuyou , Zheng Yangmin , Yang Xueqi , Li Wei , Ji Xunming , Luo Yumin 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAimsRemote ischemic pre‐conditioning (RIPC) protects against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the mechanisms underlying this protection remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated the role of Janus‐activated kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway and cell cycle arrest, and their relationship with neuronal apoptosis following RIPC.MethodsA rat cerebral I/R injury model was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), and AG490 was used to investigate the mechanisms of RIPC. p‐JAK2‐, p‐STAT3‐, cyclin D1‐, and cyclin‐dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) expression was assessed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining.ResultsRIPC reduced the infarct volume, improved neurological function, and increased neuronal survival. Furthermore, p‐JAK2 and p‐STAT3 were detected during the initial phase of reperfusion; the expression levels were significantly increased at 3 and 24 h after reperfusion and were suppressed by RIPC. Additionally, the MCAO‐induced upregulation of the cell cycle regulators cyclin D1 and CDK6 was ameliorated by RIPC. Meanwhile, cyclin D1 and CDK6 were colocalized with p‐STAT3 in the ischemic brain.ConclusionRIPC ameliorates the induction of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway and cell cycle regulators cyclin D1 and CDK6 by MCAO, and this net inhibition of cell cycle re‐entry by RIPC is associated with downregulation of STAT3 phosphorylation.
What makes “difficult” settings difficult? Contextual challenges for accountability
Authors: Joshi Anuradha 
Published: November 2022

SummaryMotivationIt is increasingly common for international development actors to work in difficult and fragile settings, yet much of our understanding of accountability through social and political action comes from more stable settings. As an increasing percentage of the world's population live in places characterized by fragility, it is essential to understand the context for accountability in these settings.PurposeThis article proposes a framework based on three domains of contestation: natural resources, identity, and legitimacy. Based on this framework, it unpacks the constraints towards progress on accountability in difficult settings, and the challenges in creating an environment for citizen claim‐making.Methods and approachThe article draws on research from a five‐year Action for Empowerment and Accountability (A4EA) programme which focused on examining social and political action in Mozambique, Myanmar, Nigeria, and Pakistan. Research papers from the programme were analysed together with a close reading of existing literature to decipher the common traits hampering citizen action and state response in difficult settings.FindingsThe core argument is that a weak state and the prevalence of non‐state groups vying for power are fundamental to difficult contexts in three different domains: natural resources, legitimacy, and identity, in which underlying contestation generates conflict, violence, and fragility. The three domains are set within two structural factors: historical legacies and social norms. The article traces how contestation in these domains within structural factors influences the behaviour of powerholders as well as the outlook of citizens who could make accountability claims.Policy implicationsThe article concludes by suggesting that lessons for development actors attempting to promote accountability in these settings are: to “work with the grain”, e.g. recognize the context and work with it; explore possibilities for change at the local level, e.g. where alliance building and networking might be more feasible; and look for the small wins—because in a context fraught with difficulties, small achievements such as overcoming fear should be counted as a success.
EXCESSIVE COMPETITION ON HEADLINE PRICES
Authors: Inderst Roman , Obradovits Martin 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIn a variety of purchasing situations, consumers may focus primarily on headline prices, disregarding the full costs associated with acquiring and maintaining a product or service contract. Even when this is the case, the literature has delineated various circumstances where intense competition can protect consumers through the so‐called “waterbed effect.” In this article, we however show that when consumers have context‐dependent preferences, competition may rather exacerbate their and society's harm by distorting product choice and provision. Then, consumer protection policy must sufficiently constrain hidden fees so that competition, along with high‐quality firms' incentives to educate consumers, can restore efficiency.
Effect of Pluronic F‐127 debinding temperature on the sintering and densification of alumina by direct ink writing
Authors: Majumder Debabrata , Rupa P Karuna Purnapu 
Published: November 2022

AbstractHydrogel‐based alumina (Al2O3) inks were prepared using Pluronic F‐127 with 65 wt% of solid loading (Al2O3). The Al2O3 inks were deposited, and the freestanding samples were studied using TGA/DTA. Significant weight loss was observed between 180 and 360°C. A two‐stage hydrogel debinding process of Al2O3 samples was carried out at 180 and 360°C with holding times of 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 min. The Al2O3 samples were then sintered at 1600°C. X‐ray diffraction was used for the phase analysis of the alumina inks, and a scanning electron microscope was used microstructural analysis. Based on the TGA/DTA analysis, a two‐stage debinding process was adopted. Significant effect of hydrogel debinding temperature was observed on the sintering and densification behavior of alumina. It was observed that the porosities in the alumina samples were increasing when the debinding time was increased from 30 to 150 min, with the debinding temperature at 180 and 360°C. Moreover, the nature of the porosities was changing from closed porosities to interconnected porosities.
What drives customers toward proximity payment services? An integrated theory of planned behavior perspective
Authors: Jain Nikunj Kumar , Kaushik Kapil , Sharma Anita 
Published: November 2022

AbstractProximity mobile payment (PMP) services facilitate mobile payments between payer and payee who are at same location thorough a proximity technology such as QR codes, Bluetooth, and near‐field communication. It has potential to drastically change consumers' payment methods in developing countries where traditional finance infrastructure is lacking. However, there are various challenges to adopting PMP in such countries. This study aims to explore users' opinions on and motivations for using PMP by proposing an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) model. It also seeks to resolve inconsistencies in PMP adoption studies regarding the role of user's trust in PMP services. A survey instrument was used to collect data from PMP users in a developing country. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. This study highlights trust as a mitigator of the negative effect induced by the perceived risk of using PMP services. It also validates that the TPB, coupled with other contextual factors, explains the adoption of PMP services in developing countries.
Revealing structural role of ZrO2 in silicate glasses from macroscale property by rigid‐unit packing fraction method
Authors: Shi Ying , Fu Qiang , Spier Charisse , Vu Myra , Xie Wenqing , Du Jincheng 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe structural role of an oxide as a former and modifier can have significant effects on the chemical durability and mechanical properties of the glass. Some oxides with high‐field strength cations, for example, MgO and ZrO2, are often labeled as a third group—intermediate, due to their either undetermined or dual structural roles dependent on the glass compositions. Based on our recent modification of the Makishima–Mackenzie (MM) model using the rigid‐unit Packing Fraction (RUPF), we analyzed a series of novel zirconia‐containing bioactive glasses. The RUPF‐based MM‐model provides better prediction of the elastic moduli of these new glasses in comparison to experimental measurements. At the same time, the structural role of zirconia can be determined by comparison with calculations by assuming various structural roles and those from experiments. We reveal that ZrO2 acts as the network former in phosphosilicate glasses, which leading to significant increase in packing fraction and consequent increase in Young's modulus. The recent experimental and atomistic simulation results support the glass former role of zirconia in silicate glasses. This method is general and applicable to other oxides in glasses.
Using WhatsApp increases language students' self‐motivation and achievement, and decreases learning anxiety: A self‐determination theory approach
Authors: Alamer Abdullah , Al Khateeb Ahmed , Jeno Lucas M. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundMobile‐assisted language learning (MALL) has long been advocated to promote students' language study outcomes. However, little is known about how using instant messaging applications (an example of MALL) affect student motivation, language anxiety, and actual achievement.ObjectivesTo help close this gap, we have conducted a quasi‐experimental study, in which we have used self‐determination theory to test a mediational process model, in an effort to understand the psychological mechanisms that underlie the effect of instant messaging applications on student outcomes.MethodsTwo groups of Saudi undergraduate students (N = 447) were recruited to participate in the study. Participants under the experimental condition were invited to engage in language‐related tasks with their teacher outside of class through the WhatsApp application, whereas participants under the control condition received standard teaching. We applied partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS‐SEM) to test our model.Results and ConclusionsThe results of the PLS‐SEM showed that the total effects of using instant messaging applications on autonomous motivation and L2 achievement were significant but that language anxiety was influenced only indirectly and negatively through language achievement. Also, the PLS‐SEM showed that our results have strong predcitive power indicating support for external validity.ImplicationsOur results show that instant messaging applications can be used to facilitate interest and achievement and to decrease anxiety. Furthermore, we are contributing to L2 methodological literature by using applications of PLS‐SEM in experimental designs that can help researchers and practitioners of motivational processes.
End‐of‐life health care use among socially isolated and cognitively impaired older adults
Authors: Kotwal Ashwin A. , Cenzer Irena S. , Yaffe Kristine , Perissinotto Carla , Smith Alexander K. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundSocial isolation is common in the last years of life, especially among individuals with cognitive impairment (CI), but it is unknown if social isolation is related to end‐of‐life health care use.MethodsWe used nationally‐representative 2006–2018 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data linked to Medicare claims, including adults age ≥65 interviewed in the last 4 years of life (N = 2380). We used a validated social isolation scale and three social isolation subscales: (1) household contacts (marital status, household size, nearby children), (2) social network interaction (with children, family, and friends), and (3) community engagement. End‐of‐life health outcomes included 2+ emergency department (ED) visits in the last month of life, hospitalizations or ICU stays in the last 6 months of life, and any hospice use. CI was defined using the validated Langa‐Weir methodology. We used logistic regression to test the association of each social isolation measure with each end‐of‐life outcome, adjusted for sociodemographic covariates, and tested for interaction terms with CI (p < 0.2).ResultsThe mean age of our sample of decedents was 81.2 (SD = 9.9), 53% were female, 8% Black, and 4% Hispanic. Overall, social isolation and the community engagement subscale were not associated with end‐of‐life health care use. Fewer household contacts were associated with lower hospice use (aOR = 0.74, p = 0.005). There were significant interaction terms between the social network interaction subscale and CI for ED use (p = 0.009) and hospitalizations (p = 0.04), and a trend for ICU stays (p = 0.15); individuals with both low social network interaction and CI had lower health care use across all three outcomes compared to other groups.ConclusionsIndividuals with fewer household contacts had lower hospice use, and cognitively impaired individuals with low social network interaction had fewer end‐of‐life ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU stays. Clinicians should consider mobilizing external support services to ensure access to goal‐concordant care for older adults with limited end‐of‐life social contact when needed.
Localisation of oestrogen receptors in stem cells and in stem cell‐derived neurons of the mouse
Authors: Davis DeAsia , Vajaria Ruby , Delivopoulos Evangelos , Vasudevan Nandini 
Published: November 2022

AbstractOestrogen receptors (ER) transduce the effects of the endogenous ligand, 17β‐estradiol in cells to regulate a number of important processes such as reproduction, neuroprotection, learning and memory and anxiety. The ERα or ERβ are classical intracellular nuclear hormone receptors while some of their variants or novel proteins such as the G‐protein coupled receptor (GPCR), GPER1/GPR30 are reported to localise in intracellular as well as plasma membrane locations. Although the brain is an important target for oestrogen with oestrogen receptors expressed differentially in various nuclei, subcellular organisation and crosstalk between these receptors is under‐explored. Using an adapted protocol that is rapid, we first generated neurons from mouse embryonic stem cells. Our immunocytochemistry approach shows that the full length ERα (ERα‐66) and for the first time, that an ERα variant, ERα‐36, as well as GPER1 is present in embryonic stem cells. In addition, these receptors typically decrease their nuclear localisation as neuronal maturation proceeds. Finally, although these ERs are present in many subcellular compartments such as the nucleus and plasma membrane, we show that they are specifically not colocalised with each other, suggesting that they initiate distinct signalling pathways.
Comparison of laparoscopic enclosed electromechanical morcellation and vaginal enclosed scalpel morcellation at laparoscopic myomectomy: A prospective randomized trial
Authors: Akdemir Ali , Ari Sabahattin A. , Taylan Enes , Okmen Firat , Sahin Cagdas 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAimThis study aimed to compare the laparoscopic‐enclosed electromechanical morcellation (LEM) with vaginal‐enclosed scalpel morcellation (VSM) in laparoscopic myomectomy procedures.MethodsOne hundred eighteen patients who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy were enrolled the prospective randomized interventional clinical study in tertiary university hospital. After myomectomy, tissue removal was accomplished via either LEM using the in‐glove morcellation technique or VSM.ResultsThe median tissue removal time was longer in the LEM group (25 min [range: 14–55]) than the VSM group (20 min [range: 6–38] [p = 0.001]). Rescue analgesia requirement was significantly higher in the LEM group than the VSM group (mean rank: 56.92 vs. 40.92 doses, respectively; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative third month total scores of female sexual function index (FSFI) and subdomains in the LEM group. Conversely, all subdomains and total scores of FSFI (26.5 [16.7–34.8] vs. 22.7 [15.2–28.7]) except pain significantly worsened 3 months after operation in the VSM group.ConclusionsLEM was associated with a longer tissue removal time and increased postoperative analgesic requirement. On the other hand, VSM was associated with worsened postoperative sexual function from baseline.
Shidian meteorite, a new fall analog of near‐Earth asteroid (101955) Bennu
Authors: Fan Yan , Li Shijie , Liu Shen , Yin Qingzhu , Song Guangming , Xu Rui , Zhang Jiang , Zhang Pengfei , Liu Chengyu , Wang Rong , Smith Thomas 
Published: November 2022

AbstractShidian is a recent meteorite which fell in Yunnan province, China, on November 27, 2017, and has been classified as a CM2 chondrite. Petrography, mineralogy, oxygen and chromium isotopic composition, reflectance spectrum, and density studies of Shidian are reported in this study. Clasts with different aqueous alteration degree, two type 1 clasts with nontypical CM petrography, and one metamorphic clast are observed in Shidian. Mineralogically, Shidian main body consists of phyllosilicates (∼70 vol%), forsterite (∼13 vol%), fayalitic olivine, carbonates, sulfide, high‐Ca pyroxene, magnetite framboids, and Fe‐Ni metal. The average electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) analytical totals of phyllosilicates are 84.07 ± 1.75 wt%, with average FeO/SiO2of tochilinite–cronstedtite intergrowths (TCIs) in different clasts ranging from 1.18 to 3.29. The bulk geochemical composition is characterized by flat rare earth element pattern, and by depletion of highly volatile elements. The whole rock oxygen isotopic composition is −0.51 ± 0.73‰, 5.44 ± 1.01‰, and −3.38 ± 0.20‰ for δ17O, δ18O, and Δ17O, respectively, with bulk chromium isotopic composition as ε54Cr = 1.00 ± 0.11. The grain density, bulk density, and porosity are 2.758 ± 0.008 g cm−3, 2.500 ± 0.004 g cm−3, and 9.37 ± 0.59%, respectively. The reflectance spectrum shows “blue” (negative) continuum slope across the visible and near‐infrared range, with characteristic absorption features (such as 0.765, 0.923, and 1.160 μm for phyllosilicates). These characteristics indicate that Shidian is an unheated, brecciated CM chondrite and may be an analog of asteroid Bennu.
Development and Testing of a Curriculum to Improve Decision‐Making Skills in Middle and High School Students
Authors: Shelton Tricia , Benatowicz Corinne , Healy Pat , Ryan Neal D. , Cameron Judy L. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAdolescence is a key developmental period for developing and strengthening brain circuits that underlie effective decision‐making skills, which profoundly impact lifelong health and academic, professional, and economic achievement. But decision‐making skills are learned rather than inherent. School presents an ideal environment for the direct instruction and frequent practice of decision‐making skills, however, finding time in the school day is a challenge for contemporary educators. We have developed a learning curriculum that involves active student participation to strengthen decision‐making skills that is sufficiently flexible and adaptable to be utilized in a wide variety of content‐specific classwork. Using this curriculum, students show evidence of improved decision‐making skills, including increased consideration of the number of factors that are relevant to their decision, the resources needed to make a particular decision, and both the short‐term and long‐term consequences of decisions.