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The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the relationship between environmental, social and financial performance. In particular, based on the literature, we hypothesise the existence of a 'sand cone' model of sustainability that implies cumulative and sequential effects among the three performance dimensions. The hypothesis is tested using the fixed effects model on a longitudinal dataset of secondary data covering the period 2010–2019. The dataset includes 661 companies operating in the manufacturing industry and located in Europe, North America and Asia. The findings show that environmental, social and financial performance do not conflict but cumulate. The sequence of performance improvements that outlines a 'sand cone' starts with environmental sustainability and ends with financial performance, while social performance fully mediates the relationship between the two. Any other sequence is not confirmed by the data. These results are however valid only in Western countries (i.e. Europe and North America). Based on these findings, this research informs managers that the three pillars of sustainability have a cumulative effect, but only if a specific implementation sequence is followed. However, managers should be aware that these cumulative effects need some time to show up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact and mechanisms of carbon emission reduction associated with digital economy development, utilizing data from 265 prefecture-level cities in China during the period of 2003 to 2019. The comprehensive index of digital economy development at the prefecture level is evaluated using the entropy method, followed by empirical analysis employing the dual fixed effect model. The findings confirm a significant improvement in urban carbon emission reduction resulting from the digital economy. Mechanism analysis reveals that the digital economy enhances the carbon emission reduction effect in cities by promoting urban green innovation and reducing energy consumption intensity. Additionally, heterogeneity analysis demonstrates that the carbon reduction effect of digital economy development is influenced by factors such as city location, population size, and development type. By shedding light on the relationship between the digital economy and carbon emission reduction, this study offers valuable insights into the mechanisms through which the digital economy contributes to sustainable urban development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digital economy has brought innovative power to the manufacturing transformation. This study aims to investigate the nonlinear effects of digital development on manufacturing innovation using provincial panel data from China from 2011 to 2018. A two-way fixed effects model is used to examine the inverted U-shaped curve that represents the nonlinear impact of digital development on innovation. To explore the reasons behind the nonlinear digital innovation spillover, this study considered both the internal factors and external boundary conditions. We employ a moderation effect model to verify the interaction between digital development and user literacy which has a positive impact on manufacturing innovation. Especially, higher education can help users enhance digital literacy in driving digital innovation spillovers. Threshold effect model is used to examine the boundary conditions such as Internet penetration rate, information resources, and protection of intellectual property rights that contribute to the nonlinear effects. The research findings suggest that when these factors reach a critical point, the positive impact of the digital economy on manufacturing innovation turns towards a declining trend. The study provides insights into the complex relationship between digital development and manufacturing innovation and proposes policy implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We investigated genetic parameters of calving ease (CE) using several animal models in Korean Holstein and searched for suitable models for routine evaluation of CE. Methods: Two phenotypic datasets of CE (DS5 and DS10) on first-parity Korean Holstein calves were prepared. DS5 and DS10 included at least 5 and 10 CE records per herd-year level and comprised 117,921 and 80,389 observations, respectively. The CE phenotypes ranged from 1 to 4, from a normal to extreme difficulty calving scale. The CE was defined as a trait of the calf. The BLUPF90+ software was used for (co)variances estimation through four animal models with a maternal effect (M1 to M4), where all models included effects of a fixed calf-sex, a fixed dam calving age (covariate), and one or more fixed contemporary group (CG) terms. The CG effects were different across models--a herd-year-season (M1, HYS), a herd-year and year-season (M2, HY+YS), a herd-year and season (M3, HY+S), and a herd and year-season (M4, H+YS). Results: Direct heritability (h2) estimates of CE ranged from 0.005 to 0.234 across models and datasets. Maternal h2 values were low (0.001 to 0.090). Genetic correlations between direct and maternal effects were strongly negative to lowly positive (-0.814 to 0.078), further emphasizing its importance in CE evaluation models. These genetic parameter estimates also indicate slower future selection progress of CE in Korean Holsteins. The M1 fitted many levels with fewer observations per level deriving unreliable parameters, and the M4 did not account for confounded herd and animal structures. The M2 and M3 were deemed more realistic for implementation, and they were better able to account for data structure issues (incompleteness and confounding) than other models. Conclusion: As the pioneering study to employ animal models in Korean Holstein CE evaluation, our findings hold significant potential for this breed's future and routine evaluation development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As China enters a new stage of opening up, the two-way FDI will affect the efficiency of technological innovation, which is significant to alleviate the current dilemma of resource exhaustion. In this paper, we analyze the effects of two-way FDI and other variables on green technology innovation based on the Granger test, coupling coordination model and fixed effect model, and further study the nonlinear effects with the financial development level as the threshold variable. The obtained results indicated that: (1) There is an interactive relationship between IFDI and OFDI, and two-way FDI can produce a greater positive synergy effect, with regional heterogeneity. (2) Urbanization level, property protection and government support have a positive effect on the promotion of green technology innovation. (3) The advanced industrial structure plays a suppressive role. (4) The impact of two-way FDI on China's green technology innovation level has a double threshold effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promoting innovation is a critical route to high-quality economic development. The objective of this study is to analyse the impact of internet development (INT) on regional innovation efficiency (RIE). Using the super-Epsilon-based measure model under metafrontier (M-Super-EBM), the RIE is evaluated based on panel data of 284 Chinese cities from 2010 to 2018. On this basis, we adopt a two-way fixed effect model to examine the role of INT on RIE. Additionally, we further construct a moderating model to probe the effect of intellectual property protection (IPP) in the influencing mechanism of INT on RIE. The empirical results show that China's RIE displayed an upward trend during 2010–2018. Cities in coastal provinces had the largest RIE. The development of the internet significantly improves China's RIE, and the promotion effect is mainly achieved by increasing innovative input and output. The synergetic effect of INT and IPP on RIE is significantly positive. Moreover, a U-shaped relationship is also validated between IPP and RIE. The estimated results remain valid after a series of robust checks. Hence, it is of immense significance to accelerate the internet application and strengthen the IPP intensity for the improvement of innovation efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is the relationship between social policy reforms and issue salience in public opinion? Extensive research analyses policy feedbacks on policy preferences and the influence of policy preferences on policy change. Scant research, however, considers the link between reforms and issue salience – i.e., the perception of importance citizens attach to a topic. We address this gap in the literature through the comparative study of the salience of the 'pension issue'. Drawing on a novel dataset covering 2010–2020 and 28 European countries, we argue that the passage of pension reforms shapes pension salience. Multilevel fixed effects models indicate that pension reforms that include either contracting or expansionary provisions are positively related to pension salience. In contrast, expansionary and contracting reforms, by themselves, are not robustly associated with pension salience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commitment problems and information asymmetries represent key impediments to peacekeeping. We posit that mass media—more specifically, United Nations (UN) peacekeeping radio broadcasts—is a cost-effective, easily implemented method of addressing common roadblocks to conflict resolution. We analyze monthly battle-related deaths across 51 UN peacekeeping missions during the years 1992–2014. Using negative binomial models with two-way fixed effects, we find that peaceful UN radio broadcasts are associated with decreased conflict intensity. We argue that radio-based, mass communication is particularly effective owing to the socio-economic conditions within conflict zones; these properties include severe under-development and lack of access to modern technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Travel sanctions are a strategic diplomatic tool that are generally preferred by sanctioning countries to other invasive actions because they can reduce or avoid casualties and losses and achieve policy goals. The present study investigates the relationship between travel sanctions and the number of international tourist arrivals by employing a gravity model from 1995 to 2015. The empirical results reveal that imposing international travel sanctions leads to a decrease in the number of tourist arrivals. Moreover, sanctions between developed countries have more influential effects than those between developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Service-oriented manufacturing (SOM) is a new paradigm that merges manufacturing and service, leading to supply chain diversification (SCD) with components such as supplier, customer, and product diversification. Building SCD is imperative for SOM firms as a proactive strategy. Our study investigates the role of digital transformation (DT) in building SCD for SOM firms, while also examining the moderating effects of information quality and environment uncertainty. Our methodology involves collecting data from 819 A-listed SOM firms announced by governing bodies between 2017 and 2021. We utilised ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models with fixed effects to test our hypotheses. Our findings indicate that DT enhances SCD, encompassing supplier, customer, and product diversification. The positive effects of DT on SCD are amplified in conditions of higher information quality and lower environmental uncertainty. However, in contexts characterised by low environmental uncertainty, SCD performance may suffer. These results hold practical implications for researchers and practitioners involved in SCD management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread adoption of mobile phones (MPs) presents the possibility of creating employment and self‐employment opportunities. Although several studies have documented the impact of MPs on income, the link between MP ownership and poverty reduction channeled by income diversification has not been fully explored. This paper aims to examine this relationship using nationally representative panel data and fixed effect models to account for confounding factors and unobserved heterogeneity. Results indicate that MP ownership is associated with increased income diversification, particularly through on‐farm and off‐farm self‐employment, as well as non‐earned income. This relationship is more pronounced in households with lower levels of education and deprived areas. In addition, owning a MP is also found to decrease poverty via income diversification. Therefore, policies aimed at enhancing access to mobile technologies could create a resilient income portfolio by decreasing transaction costs and improving market efficiency, ultimately mitigating poverty in rural regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile food ordering apps (MFOAs) have become increasingly prevalent in the food service industry. This study investigated the links between intensity of MFOA use, restaurant performance, and customer satisfaction in dine-in restaurants using real transaction data and crowdsourced reviews. Our distinctive datasets stem from a renowned chain of restaurants in China as well as from Da Zhong Dian Ping (referred to as the Chinese equivalent of Yelp), spanning the years 2018 to 2021. Using a high-dimensional fixed effects model, we found that the intensive use of MFOA is positively correlated with an increase in restaurant dine-in revenue through higher table turnovers. However, MFOA is negatively correlated with dine-in restaurant consumer satisfaction, which was associated with lack of adequate, favorable, and high-quality comments. We also conducted several heterogeneity analyses to investigate how selected restaurant characteristics may moderate these effects. Thus, our study provides valuable theoretical insights and practical implications for academia and food service practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines empirically cross‐fertilization in the productivity growth of banks between a state and its neighbouring and non‐neighbouring states (i) before (i.e. 1971–1977) the interstate multibank holding company (IMBHC) deregulations and (ii) during (i.e. 1982–1995) the IMBHC deregulations, which, through cross‐border bank M&As mainly among neighbouring states, could inject new blood, awaken the market for corporate control and enhance cross‐fertilization in bank performance among neighbouring states. Further, the 1978–1981 period offers a natural experiment to examine Baumol's Contestable Markets Hypothesis (CMH). The legislature of Maine made the first IMBHC deregulatory move in 1978. There was no reciprocity until New York and Alaska made their moves in 1982. Under CMH, Maine's move should inject a competitive spirit and alter bank performance for better across all—neighbouring or non‐neighbouring – banking markets during this period. Theoretically, Kane's regulatory equilibrium framework provides guidance to address these matters and Tiebout's people vote with their feet framework extends and supplements this guidance. Empirically, FDIC's annual banking data, aggregated at the state level, constitute the main input in computing the productivity growth indices for each of the 48 contiguous sample states between 1971 and 1995. Estimations of a novel spatially driven fixed effects model that uses these indices produce empirical results. The empirical model exploits the proximity of one sample state to its neighbouring states while also embracing a set of randomly chosen non‐neighbouring states as a control sample. Results show that cross‐fertilization in bank performance, observed among neighbouring states before the introduction of the IMBHC deregulations during 1971–1977, gets stronger in response to the dynamically evolving IMBHC deregulations during 1982–1995 and that improvements in banks' productivity growth during 1978–1981 support Baumol's CMH. Overall, our results demonstrate the importance and influence of cross‐fertilization, as a matter of proximity of subjects, on banks' performance and suggest promise for future research that embraces the spatial dimension of banking markets and data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poverty alleviation through relocation (PAR) is an important component of poverty alleviation programmes and relocates vulnerable rural households from inhospitable areas to help them get out of poverty. To examine the impact of a poverty alleviation programme on rural households' ability to establish a sustainable livelihood, this article analyzes the influence of PAR on rural households from the perspective of livelihood vulnerability in a two-way fixed effects model. We have found that PAR significantly reduced rural households' livelihood vulnerability, and the longer the households remained relocated, the stronger the effect. PAR reduced livelihood vulnerability by lowering exposure and increasing adaptive capacity. Moreover, adaptive capacity increased with the relocation time. Finally, the influence of PAR was stronger in rural relocation than urban relocation, but the influence of relocation time was opposite. Given this, the government should improve the construction of the resettlement areas to reduce the risk exposure of the relocated population. Industry and employment assistance need to be implemented to enhance their adaptive capacity. Finally, it's necessary to promote the social integration of urban relocated households and help them adapt to life in new communities to accelerate the reduction of livelihood vulnerability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The use of dairy x dairy crossbreeding has increased in Sweden. This study aimed to compare crosses between Swedish Red (R), Holstein (H), Jersey (J), and Montbé liarde (M) to purebred R, H, and J for fertility, calving, production, and survival traits. The focus was on F1 crosses between either H or R on the one hand and J or M on the other hand, but three-breed crosses were also studied. Material and methods: There were 2,154,241 observations collected from the official cattle recording database for cows that calved between 2005 and 2020 in 7,390 herds. The dataset was separated into first and second parity and analyzed using a mixed linear model including fixed effects of breed group, herd, and yearseason and a random effect of herd-year. Results and discussion: Fertility traits were improved in the F1 crosses with J or M compared with R or H (i.e., JR and MR vs. R; JH andMH vs. H), especially in the first parity. In parity 2, the difference was often not significant. Crossing R or H with Jersey gave lower calving difficulty than in the pure breeds in the first parity. However, crossing with Montbé liarde rather tended to give slightly more calving difficulties, albeit not significantly so. Generally, there was no significant change in stillbirthswhen crossing purebred R orHwith J or M. Therewas a general tendency for better survival in the F1-crosses, however, only significantly so for Jersey crosses in parity 2 with respect to R or H. F1 between J and H (JH) had a higher 305-day fat yield than H, but lower milk and protein yields. MH had higher fat and protein yields than H and MR had higher 305-d milk and protein yields than R. In conclusion, crossing R or H with either Jersey or Montbé liarde can be expected to improve fertility and probably also survival. Depending on the current situation, one could choose to improve fat yield (crossing with J) or protein yield (crossing with M), however, depending on the breed, there could be a trade-off, e.g., inmilk yield. For other traits, one would not expect any deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Based on their place of employment, workers with agricultural hukou (WAH) are categorized into local workers with agricultural hukou (LWAH) and migrant workers with agricultural hukou (MWAH). Research shows that although LWAH often find themselves at a disadvantage in terms of labour income and access to public services, the significant growth of this group in recent years has drawn attention to their choice of workplace and the factors influencing it. Guided by the theories of self-determination and social comparison, this study aims to explore the impact of the differences between LWAH and MWAH in psychological needs and social comparisons on life satisfaction, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Methods: This study utilizes data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) from 2014 to 2020, employing a two-way fixed effects model to investigate the differences in life satisfaction between 1,976 LWAH and MWAH. Additionally, propensity score matching (PSM) is used to conduct regression analysis on the matched sample, providing a more accurate comparison of life satisfaction between LWAH and MWAH under similar individual characteristics. Finally, the study further examines the mediating effects of perceived social status and job satisfaction and analyses the differences in life satisfaction between LWAH and MWAH across dimensions such as generation, region, and work conditions. Results: The baseline regression results indicate that LWAH have significantly higher life satisfaction compared to MWAH, and this finding is robust to various tests. Mediation analysis reveals that perceived social status plays a mediating role in the difference in life satisfaction between LWAH and MWAH, while job satisfaction does not have a significant mediating effect. Heterogeneity analysis further shows that intergenerational, regional, and work condition differences have varying impacts on the life satisfaction of two groups. Conclusions: This study provides important insights into understanding the workplace choices and quality of life of Chinese workers with agricultural hukou. Finally, to effectively promote situ urbanization processes, local governments need to prioritize enhancing workers with agricultural hukou (WAH)'s autonomy, sense of competence, and social status, thereby improving their perceived social status in society and attracting more labourers to return to their hometowns for work and entrepreneurship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The fixed effects model is a useful alternative to the mixed effects model for analyzing stepped-wedge cluster randomized trials (SW-CRTs). It controls for all time-invariant cluster-level confounders and has proper control of type I error when the number of clusters is small. While all clusters in a SW-CRT are typically designed to crossover from the control to receive the intervention, some trials can end with unexposed clusters (clusters that never receive the intervention), such as when a trial is terminated early due to safety concerns. It was previously unclear whether unexposed clusters would contribute to the estimation of the intervention effect in a fixed effects analysis. However, recent work has demonstrated that including an unexposed cluster can improve the precision of the intervention effect estimator in a fixed effects analysis of SW-CRTs with continuous outcomes. Still, SW-CRTs are commonly designed with binary outcomes and it is unknown if those previous results extend to SW-CRTs with non-continuous outcomes. Methods: In this article, we mathematically prove that the inclusion of unexposed clusters improves the precision of the fixed effects intervention effect estimator for SW-CRTs with binary and count outcomes. We then explore the benefits of including an unexposed cluster in simulated datasets with binary or count outcomes and a real palliative care data example with binary outcomes. Results: The simulations show that including unexposed clusters leads to tangible improvements in the precision, power, and root mean square error of the intervention effect estimator. The inclusion of the unexposed cluster in the SW-CRT of a novel palliative care intervention with binary outcomes yielded smaller standard errors and narrower 95% Wald Confidence Intervals. Conclusions: In this article, we demonstrate that the inclusion of unexposed clusters in the fixed effects analysis can lead to the improvements in precision, power, and RMSE of the fixed effects intervention effect estimator for SW-CRTs with binary or count outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reference intervals, which define an interval in which a specific proportion of measurements from a healthy population are expected to fall, are commonly used in medical practice. Synthesizing information from multiple studies through meta-analysis can provide a more precise and representative reference interval than one derived from a single study. However, the current approaches for estimating the reference interval from a meta-analysis mainly rely on aggregate data and require parametric distributional assumptions that cannot always be checked. Methods: With the availability of individual participant data (IPD), non-parametric methods can be used to estimate reference intervals without any distributional assumptions. Furthermore, patient-level covariates can be introduced to estimate personalized reference intervals that may be more applicable to specific patients. This paper introduces quantile regression as a method to estimate the reference interval from an IPD meta-analysis under the fixed effects model. Results: We compared several non-parametric bootstrap methods through simulation studies to account for within-study correlation. Under fixed effects model, we recommend keeping the studies fixed and only randomly sampling subjects with replacement within each study. Conclusion: We proposed to use the quantile regression in the IPD meta-analysis to estimate the reference interval. Based on the simulation results, we identify an optimal bootstrap strategy for estimating the uncertainty of the estimated reference interval. An example of liver stiffness measurements, a clinically important diagnostic test without explicitly established reference range in children, is provided to demonstrate the use of quantile regression in estimating both overall and subject-specific reference intervals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Private short‐term letting via Airbnb has exploded in the last decade, yet little is known about how this affects neighborhood crime rates. We estimate the association between Airbnb short‐term letting activity and six types of police‐reported crime in London, as well as an intervening mechanism, collective efficacy. We estimate these associations with maximum likelihood dynamic panel models with fixed effects (ML‐SEM) using data on Airbnb lettings in 4,835 London neighborhoods observed for 13 calendar quarters. We explore mechanisms for the observed effects using multiple lag specifications and by disaggregating lettings into entire properties and spare rooms. We find that Airbnb activity is positively related to robbery, burglary, theft, and violence. These associations are attributable to lettings for entire properties rather than for rooms. Furthermore, associations are contemporaneous, as is consistent with an opportunity mechanism, rather than delayed, as would be consistent with a social control mechanism. Similarly, we find that the association between Airbnb activity and crime is not mediated by collective efficacy. Overall, these results suggest short‐term letting contributes to neighborhood crime and these effects are more likely to be attributable to changes in criminal opportunity than erosion of neighborhood social control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Length of labor is one of the factors contributing to maternal and neonatal childbirth outcomes. Auriculotherapy is a potential therapeutic intervention for reducing labor duration. This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy of auriculotherapy in shortening labor time.This systematic review and meta-analysis included randomized controlled trials published from inception until July 2024. Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and PubMed were searched for eligible studies. Article screening was performed using Endnote X8. Data analysis and assessment of the risk of bias were performed by Review Manager 5.3. Analysis of pooled data was performed using fixed and random effect models. Five studies (n = 433 participants) were included in the meta-analysis from an initial pool of 150 articles. The participants’ mean age was 25.07 ± 4.52. Auriculotherapy reduced the length of the active and second phases of labor by approximately sixty (MD = -63.54; 95 percent CI: −84.47, −42.62; p < .00001) and seven minutes (MD = −7.67; 95 percent CI: −13.46, −1.89, p = .009), respectively. Auriculotherapy was found to significantly decrease the duration of the active and second phases of labor. However, it is not possible to generalize the results and further high-quality studies involving more individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds are needed to provide support for these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Data Sources and Study Setting Study Design Data Collection Principal Findings Conclusions To examine how private Medicare Advantage (MA) plans responded to slower growth in federal payments after the Affordable Care Act (ACA).We used publicly available data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on MA plan subsidies (“benchmarks”), asking prices (“bids”), plan premiums, cost‐sharing, and covered benefits. Data covered all counties with MA plans between 2006 through 2019.We examined plan responses to changes in benchmark subsidies by comparing changes in bids, rebates, and other outcomes between counties experiencing larger changes in benchmarks and counties with smaller changes, pre‐ and post‐ACA. We used longitudinal fixed effects regression models to assess heterogeneity in how plans adjusted premiums and benefits across more and less competitive markets.Analyses included all counties with at least one MA plan available to individual beneficiaries. Plans targeting special populations were excluded.Average plan benchmarks fell by $89 per month post‐ACA, adjusted for inflation. Plans responded similarly to benchmark subsidy decreases and increases, increasing bids by 62 cents for every dollar increase in subsidies pre‐ACA (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56 to 0.67) and decreasing them by 57 cents for every dollar reduction in subsidies post‐ACA (95% CI: 0.49–0.65). However, post‐ACA, plans altered less salient benefits, such as cost‐sharing, by about twice as much as they had pre‐ACA. Premiums changed by similar amounts before and after the ACA (−$0.07, 95% CI: from −$0.09 to −$0.06). Plans in more competitive markets responded less to payment changes than plans did in less competitive markets, suggesting the former are operating closer to marginal costs. Finally, payments to plans declined far less than projected due in part to other changes in MA policy.Plans used partial pass‐through of benchmark subsidy decreases to shield beneficiaries from cuts and allocated benchmark decreases to benefits that were less salient to the average enrollee. These findings, combined with higher‐than‐projected payments post‐ACA, may explain the continued growth in MA enrollment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of Industry 4.0 on carbon emissions within China's logistics sector, focusing on its potential to support global carbon reduction goals. Utilizing panel data from 30 Chinese provinces between 2011 and 2019, this research employed an Industry 4.0 index alongside IPCC guidelines to estimate logistics emissions. Through fixed effects and dynamic panel models, this study indicated an inverted U-shaped relationship among the development of Industry 4.0 and carbon emission management. Industries move to emitting more pollution to provide their required needs to all but once technologies advance, drastic decreases in combustion and emissions take place as the industries move more towards conservation and the integration of information continues to improve. This study investigates the non-linear impact of Industry 4.0 on carbon emissions in China's logistics sector. Utilizing panel data from 30 Chinese provinces between 2011 and 2019, the research employs a dynamic panel model to quantify the relationship between Industry 4.0 adoption and carbon emissions. The findings reveal an inverted U-shaped relationship, with emissions initially increasing by 10% at lower levels of technology adoption before decreasing by 15% as the Industry 4.0 index reached higher levels. This study provides empirical evidence supporting the strategic deployment of Industry 4.0 technologies to achieve sustainable logistics growth. Key policy implications and future research directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of digital technology, it is of great significance to make good use of digital technology to accelerate the green transformation of production and lifestyle and promote the ecological civilization construction (ECC). This study first analyzes the impact mechanism of digital technology on ECC. Secondly, this study constructs evaluation index systems and measures the level of digital technology and ECC in 31 provinces of China, from 2011 to 2022. Thirdly, using a two-way fixed effect model, spatial spillover effect model, and threshold effect model, this study explores the promoting effect of digital technology on ECC. The main research conclusions include the following: (1) digital technology significantly promotes ECC, and regional heterogeneity exists in the promoting effect, manifested as western > central > eastern. (2) The promoting effect of digital technology on ECC has a significant spatial spillover effect. (3) When the three threshold variables of industrial structure, education level, and R&D investment cross the threshold value, the promoting effect of digital technology is significantly enhanced. However, when fiscal decentralization crosses the threshold value, the promoting effect of digital technology is significantly weakened. Based on the above research conclusions, this study identifies some policy implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significance of democratic commitment is highlighted on a global scale by the importance placed on offering a multitude of chances to establish enduring ecosystems and foster economic progress. Social finance, capital formation, and green finance have recently received a lot of attention from this perspective. Past studies mainly examined social finance and green finance in isolation. When investigating the individual impact of these important variables on economic growth in the occurrence of important events like the COVID-19 pandemic and other environmental pollution issues, most studies have mainly focused on developed countries, ultimately ignoring the different dynamics in emerging economies. The purpose of the research is to investigate the joint interaction between social finance (Social Impact Bonds), capital formation, and green finance (green loans, green investments, and green security) on economic development in BRICS economies. This research employed a longitudinal dataset from 2013 to 2023. The generalized method of moments (GMM) and fixed effect model (FEM) were employed in this research as statistical techniques for estimating parameters. The findings of this study revealed a positive joint relationship between green finance, capital formation, and social financing on economic development of BRICS economies. Therefore, measures that jointly promote social and green finance amidst environmental challenges or economic risks could present opportunities to mitigate the vulnerability of a country's economic prosperity. This research will surely guide policymakers in developing economies on how to give considerable attention to sustainable aspects while formulating policies and strategies aimed at economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The use of dairy x dairy crossbreeding has increased in Sweden. This study aimed to compare crosses between Swedish Red (R), Holstein (H), Jersey (J), and Montbéliarde (M) to purebred R, H, and J for fertility, calving, production, and survival traits. The focus was on F1 crosses between either H or R on the one hand and J or M on the other hand, but three-breed crosses were also studied. Material and methods: There were 2,154,241 observations collected from the official cattle recording database for cows that calved between 2005 and 2020 in 7,390 herds. The dataset was separated into first and second parity and analyzed using a mixed linear model including fixed effects of breed group, herd, and year-season and a random effect of herd-year. Results and discussion: Fertility traits were improved in the F1 crosses with J or M compared with R or H (i.e., JR and MR vs. R; JH and MH vs. H), especially in the first parity. In parity 2, the difference was often not significant. Crossing R or H with Jersey gave lower calving difficulty than in the pure breeds in the first parity. However, crossing with Montbé liarde rather tended to give slightly more calving difficulties, albeit not significantly so. Generally, there was no significant change in stillbirths when crossing purebred R or H with J or M. There was a general tendency for better survival in the F1-crosses, however, only significantly so for Jersey crosses in parity 2 with respect to R or H. F1 between J and H (JH) had a higher 305-day fat yield than H, but lower milk and protein yields. MH had higher fat and protein yields than H and MR had higher 305-d milk and protein yields than R. In conclusion, crossing R or H with either Jersey or Montbeéliarde can be expected to improve fertility and probably also survival. Depending on the current situation, one could choose to improve fat yield (crossing with J) or protein yield (crossing with M), however, depending on the breed, there could be a trade-off, e.g., in milk yield. For other traits, one would not expect any deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extreme weather and climate occur frequently attracted high attention from society, which brings high uncertainty risks to enterprises. This study uses a fixed effects model to investigate the impact of corporate climate-related risk perceptions on their behavior. We found that increased climate-related risk perception catalyzes corporate green and low-carbon transitions (GLCT). From the perspectives of internal governance and external supervision, it is found that executive risk aversion, government environmental regulation, and investor attention can all contribute to the positive impact of climate-related risk perception on GLCT. Additionally, corporate climate-related risk perceptions can contribute to transition outcomes and lead to favorable capital market responses by improving GLCT actions, and that the contribution of climate-related risk perceptions to GLCT is stronger among non-state-owned enterprises and high-polluting industries. This study provides strategic insights for organizations to effectively manage climate risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study establishes a multi-dimensional evaluation index system for measuring digital economy and rural revitalization. It explores the impact of digital economy on China's rural revitalization and its mechanism using dynamic balanced panel data of 30 provinces and cities in China from 2012 to 2020 and adopting two-way fixed effect and mediated effect models. The results reveal that digital economy promotes rural revitalization in China; however, differences exist in its impact on industrial prosperity, ecological livability, civilized rural customs, effective governance, and affluent living under rural revitalization. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the impact of digital economy on rural revitalization is more pronounced in eastern China, with high levels of new urbanization and areas for big-data experimentation. In addition, this thesis verifies that technological innovation and human capital are two important transmission paths through which digital economy affects rural revitalization in China. The conclusions provide theoretical guidance and practical support for China and other developing countries to vigorously develop their digital economies and comprehensively revitalize the countryside. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stroke frequently results in upper limb motor dysfunction, with traditional therapies often failing to yield sufficient improvements. Emerging technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) present promising new rehabilitation possibilities. Objectives: This study systematically reviews and meta-analyses the effectiveness of VR and NIBS in improving upper limb motor function in stroke patients. Methods: Registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023494220) and adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, this study conducted a thorough search of databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, PEDro, REHABDATA, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP from 2000 to December 1, 2023, to identify relevant studies. The inclusion criterion was stroke patients receiving combined VR and NIBS treatment, while exclusion criteria were studies with incomplete articles and data. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata SE 15.0, employing either a fixed-effects model or a random-effects model based on the level of heterogeneity. Results: A total of 11 studies involving 493 participants were included, showing a significant improvement in Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) scores in the combined treatment group compared to the control group (SMD = 0.85, 95% CI [0.40, 1.31], p = 0.017). The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) scores significantly decreased (SMD = − 0.51, 95% CI [− 0.83, − 0.20], p = 0.032), the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) scores significantly increased (SMD = 0.97, 95% CI [0.76, 1.17], p = 0.004), and the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) scores also significantly increased (SMD = 0.36, 95% CI [0.08, 0.64], p = 0.021). Subgroup analysis indicated that the duration of treatment influenced the outcomes in daily living activities. Conclusions: The combination of VR and NIBS demonstrates significant improvements in upper limb motor function in stroke patients. The duration of treatment plays a critical role in influencing the outcomes, particularly in activities of daily living. This systematic review has limitations, including language bias, unclear randomization descriptions, potential study omissions, and insufficient follow-up periods. Future studies should focus on exploring long-term effects and optimizing treatment duration to maximize the benefits of combined VR and NIBS therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses a fixed effect model to examine the impact based on a sample of non-financial A-share listed companies in the Shanghai Stock Exchange and Shenzhen Stock Exchange from 2010 to 2019. The empirical results show that regional fintech development has a significantly positive effect on enterprise innovation, while heterogeneity analysis results indicate that this effect is more significant for small and medium-sized enterprises and secondary industry fields. Further research finds that regional fintech development not only has significant spatial autocorrelation, but it also has spillover effects on enterprise innovation. Additionally, the mechanism test shows that financing constraints are part of the mediating factor between regional fintech and enterprise innovation. We conclusively present three recommendations for enriching the development of regional fintech, thus allowing for increased innovation potential and the sustainable growth of companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I compare two popular methods of estimation for linear panel data models with unobserved factors: the first eliminates the factors with a parameterized quasi-long-differencing (QLD) transformation. The other, referred to as common correlated effects (CCE), uses cross-sectional averages of the data to proxy for the factor space. I show that the CCE assumptions imply unused moment conditions that can be exploited by the QLD transformation. I also derive new linear estimators that weaken identifying assumptions and have desirable theoretical properties. Unlike CCE, these estimators do not require the number of covariates to be less than the number of time periods. I provide the first proof of a fixed-T consistent mean group estimator for heterogeneous linear models with interactive fixed effects. I investigate the effects of per-student expenditure on standardized test performance using data from the state of Michigan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the one-sided hypothesis testing and interval estimation problems for fixed effect and variance component functions are considered in the unbalanced one-way classification model with skew-normal random effects. First, the Bootstrap approach is used to establish test statistics for fixed effects. Second, based on the matrix decomposition technique, Bootstrap approach and generalized approach, the test statistics, and confidence intervals for the single variance component and sum of variance components are constructed. Next, the exact test statistics for the ratio of variance components are obtained. The Monte Carlo simulation results indicate that the Bootstrap approach performs better than the generalized approach in most cases. Finally, the above approaches are illustrated with a real example of carbon fibers' strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The relationship between social engagement and handgrip strength has been underexplored. Further, no prior research examined a plausible reciprocal association between them. Methods: The study employed the seven waves of data (2006–2018) from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) survey (7,927 respondents, mean age: 59 years old at wave 1 [71 years old at wave 7], women: 58%). It used ML-SEM, a cross-lagged panel model with fixed effects fitted by structural equation modeling with maximum likelihood estimation. In particular, the ML-SEM examined whether a reciprocal relationship existed between formal social engagement (number of association memberships and frequency of organizational activities)/informal social engagement (frequency of contact with familiar persons) and handgrip strength (the average of the four dynamometer measurements). Results: The empirical analyses identified a systematic reciprocal association between formal social engagement and handgrip strength. Specifically, formal social engagement was positively associated with handgrip strength over time (the number of association memberships standardized coefficient: 0.012*, the frequency of organizational activities standardized coefficient: 0.022***). Conversely, handgrip strength was positively related to the number of memberships (the handgrip strength standardized coefficient: 0.025*) and the frequency of organizational activities (the handgrip strength standardized coefficient: 0.042**). Conclusion: The study thus supports the social causation proposition that formal social engagement in and through diverse associations may be positively associated with handgrip strength. It also validates the health selection argument that handgrip strength may increase the likelihood of formal social engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pediatric patients with polyuria polydipsia syndrome (PPS) represent a diagnostic challenge for clinicians because of the technical difficulties in performing the gold standard water deprivation test (WDT). Copeptin, a stable biomarker representing the C-terminal portion of the polypeptide chain of the antidiuretic hormone, is a reliable diagnostic tool. To assess the diagnostic accuracy of baseline copeptin dosing, arginine/hypertonic saline copeptin stimulation tests, and WDT. This study aimed to establish the diagnostic utility of copeptin in pediatric patients by distinguishing between central diabetes insipidus, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, and primary polydipsia. Comparative and non-comparative primary studies published between January 2018 and August 2024 focusing on children were searched and included in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The QUADAS-2 tool was used to assess the risk of bias and applicability. Meta-analyses used fixed effects models because of low heterogeneity and the HSROC model. Eleven studies were included with an overall low bias and no significant applicability concerns. The mean pooled sensitivity = 0.98 (95% CI: 0.936–1.025), pooled specificity = 0.947 (95% CI: 0.920–0.973), and AUC = 0.972 (95% CI: 0.952–0.992), indicating excellent diagnostic accuracy. Stimulation methods for copeptin dosing represent an effective and less invasive diagnostic test for children with PPS, and future development of standard copeptin testing protocols is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving industrial energy efficiency (IEE) is crucial for reducing CO2 emissions. Green finance (GF) provides an essential economic instrument for investment in IEE improvement. However, previous studies have not reached a consensus on whether GF can promote energy efficiency. In addition, more research is needed in the industrial sector. Therefore, this study focused on the industrial level to investigate GF's impact on IEE and its heterogeneity using a two-way fixed effects model. The moderating effect, threshold effect, and spatial lag models were used to test the various effects of GF on IEE. In addition, the spatial clustering characteristics of IEE were analyzed. The results indicate the following: GF can significantly promote IEE, positively improves IEE in the central and eastern areas, and has a negative impact in the western area; the marketization level (ML) is an important channel through which GF can further improve IEE; GF's impact on IEE exhibits a single threshold effect of the level of economic development (EDL) and green credit (GCL); GF promotes local IEE improvement but prevents neighboring IEE improvement; and IEE shows four types of clusters, but only in about one-third of the provinces. Based on these results, several recommendations are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Existing evidence on the burden of mental health problems among pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV, a vulnerable population in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), is limited and fragmented, affecting the development of context-sensitive and integrated interventions. This systematic review aims to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive synthesis of available evidence to estimate the burden and identify the determinants of mental health problems among pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV across countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: We will retrieve all relevant studies (published and unpublished) through searches in PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, LILACS, Google Scholar, Scopus and Web of Science from inception to 30th June 2024, without language restriction. We will use the following search terms 'mental health disorder', 'mental health problem', 'pregnant women', 'postpartum women' and 'HIV' nested with all applicable alternate terms and the names of countries in SSA for running the searches. We will also search HINARI, African Index Medicus, African Journals Online, Academic Search Premier, medRxiv, ProQuest, EBSCO Open Dissertations, and reference lists of relevant studies. We will contact experts in the field for potentially relevant unpublished studies. All retrieved articles from the electronic databases and grey literature will be collated and deduplicated using Endnote and exported to Rayyan QCRI. Two reviewers will independently select studies using a pretested study selection flow chart developed from the pre-specified eligibility criteria. Two reviewers will extract data using a pretested data extraction form and assess the risk of bias in the included studies using the risk of bias tool for prevalence studies by Hoy et al. (2012). Any disagreements will be resolved through discussion between the reviewers. Binary outcomes (prevalence and incidence of mental health problems among pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV) will be evaluated using pooled proportions (for non-comparative studies) and odds ratio (OR) or risk ratio (RR) (for comparative studies), and mean difference for continuous outcomes, all will be reported with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity will be assessed graphically for overlapping CIs and statistically using the I2 statistic. If substantial heterogeneity is found, random-effects model meta-analysis will be performed; otherwise, fixed-effect meta-analysis will be employed. We will conduct subgroup analysis (to assess the impact of heterogeneity) and sensitivity analyses to test the robustness of the generated effect estimates to the quality domains. The overall level of evidence will be assessed using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations). Expected outcomes: The review is expected to produce an up-to-date and comprehensive synthesis of the available evidence, allowing for the generation of country-specific estimates of the burden of mental health problems among mothers living with HIV across SSA populations. Also, the review will attempt to identify the determinants of mental health problems among pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV, to shed light on the factors that contribute to the occurrence of mental health problems in this vulnerable population. Systematic review registration: The systematic review protocol has been registered in the International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), with registration ID CRD42023468537. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Not having an established relationship is associated with an elevated risk of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection, but this might reflect selection into and out of unions. Although union formation and union separation are common events in reproductive age, little is known about changes in CT risk before and after these transitions. Methods We linked Finnish Population Register data to the National Register of Infectious Diseases and used fixed-effects linear probability models that account for all time-invariant confounders to examine changes in women's 6-month CT risk 3 years before and 3 years after entry into first cohabitation (n  = 293 554), non-marital separation (n  = 201 647) or marital separation (n  = 92 232) during 2005–14. Results From 3 years to 1 year before first union formation, the 6-month risk of CT increased slightly, peaking at 1.27% immediately prior to union formation (95% confidence interval 1.22–1.31). It declined sharply following union formation, being only 0.40% (0.34–0.46) 6–12 months after union formation with little changes thereafter. Among women separating from non-marital unions, the risk increased from 0.50% (0.42–0.57) to 1.45% (1.40–1.49) around the time of separation and decreased following separation. The pattern of findings was relatively similar for marital separation, although the observed risks and changes were smaller in magnitude. Conclusions Our results based on longitudinal data and individual fixed-effects models indicate that the period immediately after separation may be causally associated with an elevated risk of CT. This suggests that recently separated women should be identified as a high-risk group for CT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Background Method Results Conclusion The goal of this brief report is to analyze parent‐adult child contact frequency in intact and non‐intact families by focusing on parent and child gender and the type of contact.Parental separation increases gender differences in parent–child relationships, with separated fathers having less frequent contact with their adult children compared to separated mothers. We investigate whether the father–mother gap in post‐separation contact varies according to parent–child gender mismatch and the type of contact, that is, face‐to‐face, phone, or digital (e.g., via video calls).We use data on Italian families from the Family and Social Subjects survey to examine parent–child contact frequency among 6770 adult children aged 30–55 (11,041 parent–child dyads). We estimate random and fixed effects models on the probability of having frequent contact with biological parents in intact and non‐intact families (parental separation before age 18).Fathers' reduced contact frequency compared to mothers is particularly evident with daughters, more pronounced in face‐to‐face and phone contact than in digital contact, and greater among younger daughters at the time of separation. Gender differences in phone and digital contact are larger for fathers who have also less frequent face‐to‐face contact compared to mothers.We interpret these findings by focusing on the centrality of mother–daughter ties and the loyalty that children have with the same‐gender parent. We also suggest that different types of contact reinforce gender differences between parents and may lead to a polarization of older parents with “strong” and “weak” family ties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Our objective was to determine whether the educational game SonoQz can improve diagnostic performance in ultrasound assessment of ovarian tumors. Material and Methods: The SonoQz mobile application was developed as an educational tool for medical doctors to practice ultrasound assessment, based on still images of ovarian tumors. The game comprises images from 324 ovarian tumors, examined by an ultrasound expert prior to surgery. A training phase, where the participants assessed at least 200 cases in the SonoQz app, was preceded by a pretraining test, and followed by a posttraining test. Two equal tests (A and B), each consisting of 20 cases, were used as pre‐ and posttraining tests. Half the users took test A first, B second, and the remaining took the tests in the opposite order. Users were asked to classify the tumors (1) according to International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) Simple Rules, (2) as benign or malignant, and (3) suggest a specific histological diagnosis. Logistic mixed models with fixed effects for pre‐ and posttraining tests, and crossed random effects for participants and cases, were used to determine any improvement in test scores, sensitivity, and specificity. Results: Fifty‐eight doctors from 19 medical centers participated. Comparing the pre‐ and posttraining test, the median of correctly classified cases, in Simple Rules assessment increased from 72% to 83%, p < 0.001; in classifying the lesion as benign or malignant tumors from 86% to 95%, p < 0.001; and in making a specific diagnosis from 43% to 63%, p < 0.001. When classifying tumors as benign or malignant, at an unchanged level of sensitivity (98% vs. 97%, p = 0.157), the specificity increased from 70% to 89%, p < 0.001. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the educational game SonoQz is an effective tool that may improve diagnostic performance in assessing ovarian tumors, specifically by reducing the number of false positives while maintaining high sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorder is a critical and severe obstetric condition associated with high risk of intraoperative massive hemorrhage and cesarean hysterectomy. Severe obstetric hemorrhage is currently one of the leading causes of maternal death worldwide. Prophylactic balloon occlusions, including prophylactic balloon occlusion of the abdominal aorta (PBOAA) and prophylactic balloon occlusion of the internal iliac arteries (PBOIIA), are the most common means of controlling hemorrhage in patients with PAS disorder, but their effectiveness is still debated. Objective: A systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of prophylactic balloon occlusion during cesarean section (CS) in improving maternal outcomes for PAS patients. Search Strategy: MEDLINE, EMBASE, OVID, PubMed and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched from the inception dates to June 2022, using the keywords "placenta accreta spectrum disorder/morbidly adherent placenta (placenta previa, placenta accreta, placenta increta, placenta percreta), balloon occlusion, internal iliac arteries, abdominal aorta, hemorrhage, hysterectomy, estimated blood loss (EBL), packed red blood cells (PRBCs)" to identify the systematic reviews or meta‐analyses. Selection Criteria: All articles regarding PAS disorders and including the application of balloon occlusion were included in the screening. Data Collection and Analysis: Two independent researchers performed the data extraction and assessed study quality. EBL volume and PRBC transfusion volume was regarded as the primary endpoints. Random and fixed effects models were used for the meta‐analysis (RRs and 95% CIs), and the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale was used for quality assessments. Main Results: Of 429 studies identified, a total of 35 trials involving the application of balloon occlusion for patients with PAS disorder during CS were included. A total of 19 studies involving 935 patients who underwent PBOIIA were included in the PBOIIA group, and 851 patients were included in control 1 group. Ten studies including 428 patients with PAS who underwent PBOAA were allocated to the PBOAA group, and 324 patients without PBOAA were included in control 2 group. Simultaneously, we compared the effect on PBOAA and PBOIIA including seven studies, which referred to 267 cases in the PBOAA group and 313 cases in the PBOIIA group. The results showed that the PBOIIA group had a reduced EBL volume (MD: 342.06 mL, 95% CI: −509.90 to −174.23 mL, I2 = 77%, P < 0.0001) and PRBC volume (MD: –1.57 U, 95% CI: −2.49 to −0.66 U, I2 = 91%, P = 0.0008) than that in control 1 group. With regard to the EBL volume (MD: −926.42 mL, 95% CI: −1437.07 to −415.77 mL, I2 = 96%, P = 0.0004) and PRBC transfusion volume (MD: –2.42 U, 95% CI: −4.25 to −0.59 U, I2 = 99%, P = 0.009) we found significant differences between the PBOAA group and control 2 group. Prophylactic balloon occlusion (PBOAA and PBOIIA) had a significant effect on reducing intraoperative blood loss and blood transfusion volume in patients with PAS. Moreover, PBOAA was more effective than PBOIIA in reducing intraoperative blood loss (MD: −406.63 mL, 95% CI: −754.12 to −59.13 mL, I2 = 92%, P = 0.020), but no significant difference in controlling PRBCs (MD: –3.48 U, 95% CI: −8.90 to 1.95 U, I2 = 99%, P = 0.210) between the PBOIIA group and the PBOAA group. Hierarchical analysis was conducted by differentiating gestational weeks and maternal age to reduce the high heterogeneity of meta‐analysis. Hierarchical analysis results demonstrated the heterogeneities of the study were reduced to some extent, and gestational weeks and maternal age might be the cause of increased heterogeneity. Conclusion: Prophylactic balloon occlusion is a safe and effective method to control hemorrhage and reduce PRBC transfusion volume for patients with PAS, and PBOAA could reduce more intraoperative blood loss than PBOIIA. However, we found no statistical difference in lessening packed red blood cell transfusion volume for PAS patients. Hence, preoperative prophylactic balloon occlusion is the recommended application for PAS patients in obstetric CSs. Furthermore, PBOAA is preferred for controlling intraoperative bleeding in patients with corresponding medical conditions. Synopsis: Prophylactic balloon occlusion is a safe and effective method in controlling hemorrhage and reducing PRBCs transfusion volume for PAS patients, and PBOAA is preferred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adoptive cell therapy with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL-ACT) has consistently shown efficacy in advanced melanoma. New results in the field provide now the opportunity to assess overall survival (OS) after TIL-ACT and to examine the effect of prior anti-programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death-ligand 1 [anti-PD-(L)1] therapy on its efficacy. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed up to 29 February 2024. Ιn this meta-analysis we focused on studies including high-dose interleukin 2, doubling the patient numbers from our previous meta-analysis conducted up to December 2018 and using OS as the primary endpoint. Objective response rate (ORR), complete response rate (CRR), and duration of response were secondary endpoints. Findings are synthesized using tables, Kaplan–Meier plots, and forest plots. Pooled estimates for ORR and CRR were derived from fixed or random effects models. A total of 13 high-dose interleukin 2 studies were included in this updated meta-analysis, with OS information available for 617 patients. No difference was found in median OS between studies with prior anti-PD-(L)1 treatment { n = 238; 17.5 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 13.8-20.5 months]} and without [ n = 379; 16.3 months (95% CI 14.2-20.6 months)] (log-rank P = 0.53). ORR was estimated to be 34% (95% CI 16%-52%) and 44% (95% CI 37%-51%), for the studies with and without prior anti-PD-(L)1, respectively. The pooled estimate for CRR was 10% for both groups. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups, either for ORR (P = 0.15) or CRR (P = 0.45). Prior anti-PD-(L)1 treatment has no effect on the clinical response or survival benefit from TIL-ACT in advanced cutaneous melanoma. The benefit of TIL therapy in the second-line setting is also present after anti-PD-(L)1 treatment. Our data reinforce the evidence that TIL-ACT should be considered as a treatment of choice in second line for metastatic melanoma patients failing anti-PD-(L)1 therapy. • This updated meta-analysis examines the efficacy of TIL-ACT therapy in advanced melanoma patients after anti-PD-(L)1 or not. • No significant survival or clinical response effect of prior anti-PD-(L)1 therapy was found when treated with TIL-ACT. • Further studies are needed to evaluate whether TIL-ACT should be proposed as front-line therapy in melanoma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anwar Shaikh has proposed the classical theory of inflation in his recent book Capitalism, Competition, Conflict, Crisis. Even though it is a relevant and well-founded heterodox theory, the empirical literature on the subject is scanty. In this article, we empirically evaluate the explanatory capabilities of Shaikh's theory of inflation for the case of Europe. We constructed GMM and Fixed Effects models for the panel of 23 European countries over the period 2001–20. The overall results demonstrated that Shaikh's classical theory of inflation generated empirically successful results in explaining the supply dynamics of European inflation, while it produced no statistically significant effect on the demand dynamics of inflation due to the European inflation level, as expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of amino resin-treated soybean meal (SBM) on ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestion, and N partitioning. The treatments were (1) untreated solvent-extracted SBM, (2) amino resin-treated SBM (AR-SBM), and (3) heat-treated SBM (HT-SBM). The experimental design was arranged as a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square with 6 fermentors in a dual-flow continuous culture system. Treatments were randomly assigned to fermentors within a Latin square for each period. Each fermentor was fed 106 g/d of diet DM equally distributed in 2 feeding times daily at 0800 and 1800 h. Diets were formulated to contain 16% CP, 30% NDF, and 30% starch across treatments. The experiment consisted of 3 experimental periods, each lasting for 10 d. The first 7 d of each period were considered adaptation, and the last 3 d were used for sampling and data collection. On d 8 and 9, samples were collected for analysis of diurnal variation in concentrations of NH 3 -N, pH, and VFA during the first 8 h after feeding. On d 8, 9, and 10, samples were collected from the liquid and solid effluents accumulated over 24 h for analysis of daily averages of NH 3 -N and VFA pools, and true ruminal digestibility estimates. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS, and significance was declared when P ≤ 0.05. The model included the fixed effect of treatment and random effects of square, period, and fermentor within square, whereas time and interaction treatment × time were included for analyses of diurnal variation, with time as repeated measures. Compared with SBM, the cultured ruminal contents of AR-SBM and HT-SBM had lower NH 3 -N concentrations, indicating lower microbial fermentation of protein. Molar proportions of isovalerate and isobutyrate were greater in SBM than AR-SBM and HT-SBM, with greater molar proportion of isobutyrate for SBM, particularly during the first 2 h after feeding. The flow of NH 3 -N was greater for SBM compared with AR-SBM and HT-SBM, whereas NAN flow, bacterial N flow, and N efficiency were greater for AR-SBM and HT-SBM compared with SBM. Our results indicate that both the amino resin and heat treatments of SBM allow for similar decreases in microbial degradation of CP without limiting microbial protein synthesis in diets with 16% CP. Amino resin treatment may be effective in reducing microbial fermentation of protein in the rumen without adverse effects on digestibility or fermentation parameters as compared with SBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. Understanding the extent to which genetics × environment plays a role in shaping individual strategies to environmental challenges is of considerable interest for future selection of more resilient animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the metabolic responses of goats, selected for functional longevity, to a nutritional challenge. This evaluation was based on plasma metabolites and was repeated across 2 experimental farms over 2 years. We carried out 6 different experimental trials from 2018 to 2022 (4 trials on site Bourges, 2018–2021 and 2 trials on site Grignon, 2021–2022) in which 267 first kidding goats, daughters of Alpine bucks divergently selected for functional longevity, longevity plus (n = 137), and longevity minus (n = 130), were exposed to a 2-d nutritional challenge in early lactation. The experiments consisted of a 5 or 7-d control period (prechallenge) on a standard lactation diet followed by a 2-d nutritional challenge with straw-only feeding, and then a 7- or 10-d recovery period on a standard lactation diet, for site Bourges and Grignon, respectively. During the challenge plasma metabolite composition was measured. Linear mixed models were used to analyze all traits, considering the individual as a random effect and the 2 × 2 treatments (i.e., genetic line and year nested in site) and litter size as fixed effects. The linear mixed-effects model using a piecewise arrangement was used to analyze the response/recovery profiles to the nutritional challenge. The estimates of the random effect for each individual, using the mixed models without the fixed effects of genetic line, were used in a sparse partial least square discriminant analysis (sPLS-DA) to compare the goat metabolism response to the challenge on a multivariate scale. The plasma glucose, BHB, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and urea concentrations significantly responded to the 2-d nutritional challenge. Selection for functional longevity did not affect plasma glucose, NEFA, BHB, and urea response/recoveries to a 2-d nutritional challenge. However, site, trial, and litter size significantly affected these responses. Moreover, the plasma metabolites seem not to fully recover to prechallenge levels after the recovery phase. The sPLS-DA analysis did not discriminate between the 2 longevity lines. We observed meaningful between-individuals variability in plasma BHB, especially on the prechallenge and rate of response and rate of recovery from the 2-d nutritional challenge (CV = 26.2%, 36.1%, and 41.2%, repeatability = 0.749, 0.322, and 0.741, respectively). Plasma NEFA recovery from challenge also demonstrated high between-individuals variability (CV = 16.4%, repeatability = 0.323). Selection for functional longevity did not affect plasma metabolites responses to a 2-d nutritional challenge in dairy goats. Plasma NEFA and BHB response and recovery presented high between-individuals variability, indicating that individual adaptative characteristics to nutritional challenges are not related to the environmental conditions but to inherent individual characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the expected impact of capital control tools on financial stability. We demonstrate that capital controls lower the probability of a banking crisis (positive effect) and simultaneously reduce economic growth (negative effect). We apply a dynamic panel logit model with fixed effects on a sample of countries composed of emerging and advanced economies for the period 2000–2020. Moreover, we use an impulse response function analysis to assess the net effect of capital controls. The results show that while regulation of capital flows directly stabilizes the economy, it also indirectly destabilizes it by impeding economic growth. Furthermore, we found that the positive impact of lowering the probability of a crisis dominates the adverse effect on economic growth. These impacts are different across the subgroups of emerging market economies and advanced countries. However, in both subgroups the effect of capital controls is independent of capital controls tightening. These results have significant implications for policymakers, who must adjust the capital flows regulatory policy according to economic growth and financial stability objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the influence of gateway seaports on inland ports within a river port system, focusing on the Yangtze River port system as a case study. The research initially employs a fixed-effects panel model to confirm the overall positive impact of Shanghai Port on Yangtze River inland ports. Subsequently, using Panel data model with individual-specific slopes, this study reveal that Shanghai Port positively affects each inland port, but the magnitude of this impact varies significantly. The research further employs a panel threshold regression model to dissect the mechanisms through which Shanghai Port influences inland ports in terms of geographical, operational, and economic distances. In terms of geographical distance, the influence of Shanghai Port on the throughput of Yangtze inland ports diminishes as the navigational distance increases. Notably, inland ports located downstream on the Yangtze River are the first and most impacted, marking the downstream area as an early influencer in the port regionalization process. As to operational distance, Shanghai Port exerts a stronger influence on inland ports with higher throughput levels, as opposed to those with lower throughput. With respect to economic distance, inland ports in cities with higher economic development are found to be less influenced by Shanghai Port compared to those in less economically developed regions. This nuanced understanding provides invaluable insights into the interconnectedness of major gateway ports and their inland counterparts. • Investigates the mechanism of how gateway seaports influence inland ports within a river port system. • Employs a panel model with fixed effects to confirm the overall positive impact of Shanghai Port on Yangtze River inland ports. • Constructs a Panel data model with individual-specific slopes to specifically examine the influence of Shanghai Port on each inland port. • Uses a panel threshold regression model to examine the influence mechanisms of Shanghai Port on inland ports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Socialized services are crucial for addressing the issue of "who will farm the land" and subsequently enhancing agricultural economic resilience (AER). However, few studies have examined the mechanisms and effects of socialized services on AER. Consequently, this study aims to elucidate the impact and mechanisms of socialized services on AER, with the objective of providing new policy recommendations for enhancing AER and ensuring food security. Based on provincial panel data from China spanning 2009 to 2021, this paper examines the impact and mechanisms of socialized services on AER using a two-way fixed effects model, a mediated effects model, and a panel threshold model. The findings reveal that socialized services significantly enhance AER. Mechanism analysis indicates that socialized services enhance AER by accelerating the substitution of machinery for manpower and promoting the efficiency of labor division. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that in regions with high grain cropping ratios and high internet penetration rates, the enhancement effect of socialized services on AER is stronger. Further analysis uncovers a significant nonlinear threshold effect of socialized services on AER. The impact becomes more pronounced when AER surpasses 0.4689. Consequently, this study argues that in the process of constructing a modern agricultural business system, it is essential to focus on improving the differentiated socialized service system and accelerating the development of rural digital infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Scholars and practitioners have long debated carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions reduction via setting double-carbon goals of peak emissions and carbon neutrality in China. Our study, based on dynamic capability and resource dependence theory (RDT), explores whether digital transformation (DT) affects carbon emissions reduction (CER), and the role of operations and supply chain management (OSCM) factors in this relationship. Design/methodology/approach: The samples are constructed with 454 A-shared listed manufacturing firms with complete financial data from 2010–2021. Regression models with fixed effects are applied to estimate the potential parameters. Findings: We find that DT promotes CER. The performance output of CER is strengthened when supplier concentration and customer concentration are high. In contrast, the performance output of CER is weaker when environmental uncertainty is high. Originality/value: The findings of our study enrich the literature on CER in Chinese manufacturing firms and highlight DT and OSCM factors as important drivers influencing CER practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital inclusive agriculture refers to an agricultural development model that integrates various digital technologies into the agricultural production process, aiming to deliver benefits for all stakeholders throughout the agricultural value chain. This paper draws on the ecological symbiosis theory, embeds the concepts of digital finance and social responsibility into the goal of green development in agriculture, selects 395 agribusiness enterprises in China from 2013 to 2022 as the analysis sample, and examines the impact by adopting an improved weighted least squares (WLS) fixed effects model. Results show that digital finance has a significant effect on the quantity and quality of green innovation in agribusiness enterprises, and good social responsibility performance can enhance the innovation promotion effect of digital finance. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that agribusiness belonging to the processing and distribution type, located in the eastern region, and in the growth stage benefit more clearly. This paper provides theoretical references and practical guidelines for solving agricultural financing problems, boosting their green innovation capacity in the digital age. It is of great practical significance for realizing the green symbiotic ecology of responsible agricultural industry, promoting the win–win situation between enterprises and society, and the high-quality development of agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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