bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monetary union effects on high inflation episodes
Authors: Gammadigbe Vigninou
Published: December 2024

This paper analyses whether monetary union membership reduces the duration of high inflation episodes (HIEs). The study uses survival models estimated on a sample of 190 countries over the period 1950M01 to 2022M12. The results show that despite the often‐cited issue of the heterogeneity of member countries, monetary unions significantly reduce the duration of HIEs, but not deflation episodes. This result remains robust to a battery of tests and is valid for both developed and developing countries. Furthermore, the results show that giving up monetary sovereignty in favour of an independent common central bank is more effective in terms of price stability than adopting inflation targeting. However, for countries seeking to preserve their monetary sovereignty, inflation targeting remains the best option for reducing the duration of HIEs. This performance of monetary unions in terms of price stability appears to be linked to the greater de facto independence of their central banks, the adoption of supranational fiscal rules, and the incentives to preserve the durability of the currency area. However, estimates show that the capacity of a monetary union to limit HIEs among its members diminishes as it expands to include new countries.
Assessing changes in threatened black rockcod Epinephelus daemelii abundance and length over the past 15 years in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Harasti David , Malcolm Hamish A.
Published: December 2024

Ideally, protection of a threatened fish will lead to their recovery in abundance, distribution, and size structure within the population, to a point where they are no longer considered threatened. Monitoring abundance and size is crucial to evaluate this, although low numbers associated with being threatened can strongly constrain the methods used. To assess if population recovery is occurring for the black rockcod Epinephelus daemelii, a large subtropical grouper endemic to shallow reefs in the southwest Pacific, surveys were undertaken across northern New South Wales and Lord Howe Island using roving diver timed counts and diver stereo‐video measurements to assess relative abundance and length. Surveys in 2023 were compared with initial baseline data captured in 2009–2011 using the same methods. Relative abundance of E. daemelii at long‐term monitoring sites has remained relatively constant or declined since 2010 rather than increasing. Comparisons between 84 broadscale sites in 2009–2011 versus 2023 (117 vs. 69 observed E. daemelii) indicate a recent decline in abundance. Although protected from fishing and spearfishing for over 40 years, the relative abundance of E. daemelii does not appear to be increasing over the past 15 years since monitoring commenced. This is a concerning trend that does not indicate recovery, although an increase in the proportion of mature females in the population from 2010 to 2023 is positive. As E. daemelii is slow growing, long lived, late to mature and still susceptible to incidental capture mortality, more active management may be needed to help assist with the slow recovery of this threatened species.
A Bibliometric analysis of literature on hedge and safe haven assets
Authors: Anas Muhammad , Bouri Elie , Shahzad Syed Jawad Hussain
Published: December 2024

We conduct a meta‐literature review of safe haven and hedge assets covering 617 papers published in 170 sources from 1996 to 2022 based on the Scopus database. This review includes a qualitative analysis of the bibliometric content and a quantitative analysis of the citations to identify the primary research streams and offer future research directions. The analysis identifies four research streams in the hedge and safe haven literature: (1) Gold as a hedge and safe haven asset; (2) various models estimating the hedge and safe haven ability of potential assets such as precious metals, crude oil, and cryptocurrencies; (3) Bitcoin as a safe haven asset; and (4) the role of various safe haven assets, particularly Gold and Bitcoin, during the COVID‐19 crisis. The meta‐review also classifies the most influential authors focusing on hedging and safe haven research through co‐authorship and collaborative network analysis. Finally, future research directions are formulated with a wide set of potential research questions and areas. The outcomes of this meta‐review study are useful for researchers, financial analysts, and investors searching for the best safe haven assets during unfavorable market conditions.
Enhancing artificial intelligence‐driven sleep apnea diagnosis: The critical importance of input signal proficiency with a focus on mandibular jaw movements
Authors: Martinot Jean‐Benoit , Le‐Dong Nhat‐Nam , Malhotra Atul , Pépin Jean‐Louis
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This review aims to highlight the pivotal role of the mandibular jaw movement (MJM) signal in advancing artificial intelligence (AI)‐powered technologies for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods

A scoping review was conducted to evaluate various aspects of the MJM signal and their contribution to improving signal proficiency for users.

Results

The comprehensive literature analysis is structured into four key sections, each addressing factors essential to signal proficiency. These factors include (1) the comprehensiveness of research, development, and application of MJM‐based technology; (2) the physiological significance of the MJM signal for various clinical tasks; (3) the technical transparency; and (4) the interpretability of the MJM signal. Comparisons with the photoplethysmography (PPG) signal are made where applicable.

Conclusions

Proficiency in biosignal interpretation is essential for the success of AI‐driven diagnostic tools and for maximizing the clinical benefits through enhanced physiological insight. Through rigorous research ensuring an enhanced understanding of the signal and its extensive validation, the MJM signal sets a new benchmark for the development of AI‐driven diagnostic solutions in OSA diagnosis.
The Importance of Prevention in School Safety Planning and Response
Authors: Mariani Melissa , Schiff Mara
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

School violence is a significant public health concern. Most perpetrators exhibit psychosocial and behavioral warning signals which are often inadequately addressed. While policy and funding typically reinforce politically popular target hardening and threat assessment strategies, these are not most supported by research or requested by education faculty and administration.

THEORETICAL CONTRIBUTIONS

The most common threats to school safety are ubiquitous events causing students to feel disconnected, alienated, isolated, and unsafe in school. Theoretical and empirical research indicates that focusing on rare but extreme school violence is less productive than preventative approaches including universal socio‐emotional programs, mental health supports, and climate and culture building to produce effective strategies for safe school environments.

IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY

Comprehensive school safety plans should include three essential preventative components: (1) targeted, student‐centered approaches addressing social, emotional, and behavioral wellbeing; (2) equity‐focused institutional culture and climate approaches aligned with appropriate disciplinary strategies; and (3) well‐defined target hardening, threat assessment and reporting measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing evidence suggests that keeping schools safe requires coordinated approaches to school safety including student‐centered psycho‐social behavioral initiatives, systematic attention to equitable culture and climate, and meaningful, racially sensitive target hardening coordinated among and between service professionals.
The use of 10% buffered formalin as a preservative agent when cerebrospinal fluid analysis is delayed
Authors: Aspinall S. , Gruarin M. , Holmes A.
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the utility of 10% buffered formalin in preserving canine cerebrospinal fluid samples when analysis was delayed.

Methods

Inclusion criteria were dogs >10 kg having cerebrospinal fluid analysis performed as part of investigations at a referral hospital. Samples were submitted to an external laboratory in tubes containing Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (ETDA) as paired 0.5 mL samples; one with the addition of 0.05 mL of 10% buffered formalin and the other without. The samples were reviewed by a single pathologist who was blinded as to which sample contained formalin. Nucleated cell preservation was graded by the pathologist from 1 to 4 (1 being poor and 4 being excellent). Total protein was measured in both samples.

Results

Forty‐five paired samples were included. There was no significant difference in detectability of nucleated cells between plain and formalin samples. Grade 3 was taken as the cut off for acceptable cell preservation. Based on all available samples and assessing the preservation of both nucleated cells and red blood cells, samples containing formalin were significantly more likely to be acceptably preserved. This preservation analysis was repeated on the 17 samples with at least one nucleated cell in both formalin and plain samples and was not statistically significant.

Clinical Significance

The addition of formalin did not significantly improve the preservation of cerebrospinal fluid samples when analysis was delayed; however, concerns raised by previous authors regarding reduced cell preservation with addition of formalin were also not confirmed. Further large‐scale studies are required to investigate the effect on nucleated cell preservation.
Effectiveness and safety of an interactive internet‐based intervention to improve insomnia: Results from a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Specht Anja , Betz Linda T. , Riepenhausen Antje , Jauch‐Chara Kamila , Jacob Gitta A. , Riemann Dieter , Göder Robert
Published: December 2024

Many adults suffer from insomnia. Cognitive‐behavioural therapy for insomnia is the recommended treatment option, but access to it is not readily available. Digital interventions have the potential to close the treatment gap by offering scalable and cost‐efficient options. The present randomised controlled trial aimed at investigating the effectiveness and safety of somnovia, an interactive internet‐based intervention for patients with insomnia. A total of 290 participants with chronic insomnia were randomised to intervention (n = 149) or the control (n = 141) condition. Participants of the intervention group received access to somnovia for 6 months in addition to treatment as usual, whereas participants in the control group only had access to treatment as usual for the time of the study. Online questionnaires were filled in before randomisation and after 3 and 6 months. The primary endpoint was the Insomnia Severity Index, with the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9, the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment‐7, and the Work and Social Adjustment Scale as secondary endpoints. After 3 months, the intervention group showed lower insomnia (Cohen's d = 0.71, CI = [0.44, 0.98]), depressive (Cohen's d = 0.66, CI = [0.41, 0.90]), and anxiety (Cohen's d = 0.56, CI = [0.32, 0.81]) symptoms, as well as improved overall functioning (Cohen's d = 0.50, CI = [0.24, 0.76]) compared with participants in the control group. The effects stayed stable after 6 months. The results indicate that next to a therapeutic effect on insomnia symptoms, somnovia might potentially help to prevent the onset of other psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Daily rhythm in DNA methylation and the effect of total sleep deprivation
Authors: Ämmälä Antti‐Jussi , Hancox Thomas P. M. , Qiuyu Fan , Lahtinen Alexandra , Sulkava Sonja , Revell Victoria L. , Ackermann Katrin , Kayser Manfred , Skene Debra J. , Paunio Tiina
Published: December 2024

Numerous hormones and genes exhibit diurnal 24‐hr rhythms that can also be affected by sleep deprivation. Here we studied diurnal rhythms in DNA methylation under a 24‐hr sleep/wake cycle and a subsequent 29 hr of continual wakefulness (1 night of sleep deprivation). Fifteen healthy men (19–35 years) spent 3 days/nights in a sleep laboratory: (1) adaptation; (2) baseline; (3) total sleep deprivation day/night. DNA methylation was analysed from peripheral blood leukocytes, collected every 3 hr for 45 hr (starting at 15:00 hours) during the baseline period and the total sleep deprivation period. Epigenome‐wide DNA methylation variation was assessed with the Infinium MethylationEPIC v2.0 Beadchip kit. Rhythm analysis was performed separately for the baseline and the total sleep deprivation time‐series data. Pairwise analysis between diurnal samples and sleep deprivation samples at the same timepoint was also carried out to detect differentially methylated positions related to sleep deprivation. Of all DNA methylation sites, 14% exhibited a diurnal rhythm in methylation on the baseline day/night that was altered by sleep deprivation. During sleep deprivation, the number of differentially methylated positions increased towards the end of the sleep deprivation period, with a dominating pattern of hypomethylation. Among differentially methylated positions, an enrichment of genes related to the FAS immune response pathway was detected. In conclusion, DNA methylation exhibits diurnal rhythmicity, and this time‐of‐day variation needs to be considered when studying DNA methylation as a biomarker in biomedical studies. In addition, the observed DNA methylation changes under wakefulness might serve as a mediator of sleep deprivation‐related immune response alterations.
Fertility up in flames: Reduced fertility indices as a consequence of a simulated heatwave on small African mammals
Authors: Jacobs P. J. , Bennett N. C. , du Plessis L. , Hart D. W.
Published: December 2024

With the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves due to climate change, the survival and reproductive success of mammals could be under significant threat. However, the specific effects of these environmental stressors on mammalian reproductive fitness remain insufficiently explored. This study investigates the impact of a simulated heatwave on male fertility indices in two African rodent species: the mesic four‐striped field mouse (Rhabdomys dilectus) and the Namaqua rock mouse (Micaelamys namaquensis) during the breeding season. We measured key indicators of male fertility, including testes mass, testes volume, seminiferous tubule diameter, the presence of sperm, and plasma testosterone levels. Our findings reveal that both species experienced significant effects on male fertility indices, with the smaller R. dilectus showing a decline in all fertility indices following a simulated heatwave. These results suggest that the projected increase in heatwave events may compromise the reproductive success of small mammals, potentially leading to population declines. Finally, this study highlights the need for focused studies on the effect of heatwaves on long‐term reproductive success in both males and females.
Job Quality Gaps Between Migrant and Native Platform Workers: Evidence From Poland
Authors: Kowalik Zuzanna , Lewandowski Piotr , Kaczmarczyk Paweł
Published: December 2024

The platform economy has grown worldwide, opening labour markets but raising concerns about precariousness. Using a tailored, quantitative survey in Poland, this article studies taxi and delivery platform drivers' working conditions and job quality, focusing on the gaps between natives and migrants. Migrants' job quality is noticeably lower regarding contractual terms of employment, working hours, work–life balance, multidimensional deprivation and job satisfaction. Migrants who started a platform job immediately after arriving in Poland are particularly deprived. They also cluster on taxi platforms, which offer inferior working conditions compared to delivery platforms. The platform economy can be an arrival infrastructure for migrants. However, in New Immigration Destinations such as Poland, where the ethnic economy is underdeveloped and institutional support for migrants is weak, poor working conditions on platforms can exacerbate migrants' labour market vulnerabilities and hinder mobility to better jobs, as platforms often provide limited opportunities for skill development.
Distinguishing Characteristics of Benign Versus Malignant Intraosseous Schwannomas: A Comparative Study
Authors: Zhang Jiangchao , Xiong Ge , Zheng Wei , Sun Jing
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Benign and malignant intraosseous schwannomas are rare, and primarily documented in case reports. This study aims to elucidate the differences in clinical features and imaging manifestations between these tumors. This will help clinicians identify malignant lesions at an early stage, reliable guide treatment decisions, and accurately predict outcomes.

Methods

Eighteen patients who underwent surgery and got pathological examinations in our hospital from 2012 to 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, 14 cases were found benign with 4 malignant. In the benign group, patients underwent curettage followed by bone grafting, whereas the malignant group was treated with extensive resection or amputation. Patients' demographics and radiographic features, including gender, age at diagnosis, symptom duration, tumor location, tumor margin, and the ratio of sclerotic margins were documented and compared between these tumors. All imaging was reviewed by two fellowship‐trained musculoskeletal radiologists, who also quantified the sclerotic margin ratio. The intraclass correlation coefficient was used to determine inter‐observer agreement. The Mann–Whitney U test was applied for continuous clinical variables, and the chi‐square test or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables.

Results

In our series, the mean age of these patients was 43.1 ± 14.0 years, six patients were male and 12 were female. Pain was the predominant preoperative symptom. The average duration from symptom onset to initial physician visit was 28.5 ± 25.3 months for benign schwannomas and 8.3 ± 4.3 months for malignant schwannomas (p = 0.012). On plain radiographs, 13 (13/14) of benign schwannomas exhibited well‐defined margins of bone destruction, compared to 1 (1/4) of malignant schwannomas (p = 0.019). Furthermore, benign schwannomas had a significantly higher sclerotic margin ratio (75.5%) than malignant ones (16.7%) (p = 0.001). No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of cortical bone destruction (p = 1.0). On MRI, both tumors demonstrated intermediate to slightly hypointense signal intensity on T1‐weighted images and heterogeneous high signal intensities on T2‐weighted images.

Conclusions

Despite their rarity, benign and malignant intraosseous schwannomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with painful and radiographically lytic bone lesions, especially in the mandible, sacrum, and vertebrae. The ratio of sclerotic margins, which we proposed for the first time, in combination with symptom duration and the clarity of tumor margins, provide valuable diagnostic clues for distinguishing the malignancy of the tumors.
Association of the Allelic Variations in Hd1, OsPRR37, Ghd7 and DTH8 With Major Agronomic Traits in Korean Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Cultivars
Authors: Lee Hayeong , Lee Seung Young , Han Jiheon , Kim Yurim , Jun Yeeun , Jeung Ji‐Ung , Lee Hyun‐Sook , Woo Dong U , Kang Yang Jae , Mo Youngjun
Published: December 2024

Understanding the complex genetic mechanisms controlling rice heading is crucial for rice breeding that aims to promote heading while minimizing adverse impacts on other agronomic traits. However, the allelic variations of major heading date genes in Korean rice cultivars and their effects on key agronomic traits remain unclear. Therefore, we catalogued the allele types of four major heading date genes (Hd1, OsPRR37, Ghd7 and DTH8) in 292 Korean commercial rice cultivars and investigated their individual and combined effects on major agronomic traits over 4 years under natural long‐day conditions. Our study showed that non‐functional hd1 allele have been extensively adopted in developing early maturing cultivars, whereas the alleles associated with early heading in OsPRR37, Ghd7 and DTH8 and their combinations have been rarely used in Korean rice breeding programmes. Alleles within the same functional group exhibited distinct effects on major agronomic traits, highlighting the need for more precise evaluations under isogenic backgrounds. Our study provides useful insights for breeding early maturing rice cultivars that maintain high yield by exploring under‐utilized alleles of heading date genes and their combinations.
MALDI‐TOF Mass Spectrometry Reveals the Effect of Acetyl‐L‐Carnitine on the Lipid Profile of Buffalo Oocytes and Cumulus Cells During In Vitro Maturation
Authors: Pu Li‐Ping , Chen Jia‐Wen , Yang Hai‐Long , Xu Hui‐Yan
Published: December 2024

Lipids in cumulus–oocyte complexes are important actors in molecular signalling pathways and are influenced by maturation conditions. Acetyl‐L‐carnitine (ALC) is a carrier involved in fatty acid transport and is a promoter of β‐oxidation. Although the embryonic development potential of oocytes can be improved when ALC is added to the maturation medium, the effects of ALC on the lipid content and composition of oocytes and cumulus cells remain unknown. In this study, the effect of ALC supplementation on the lipid profiles of buffalo oocytes and cumulus cells after in vitro maturation was evaluated using positive‐ion matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionisation time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS). Orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis was used to analyse the data. The lipid profiles of oocytes and cumulus cells differed following ALC treatment. Four lipids were significantly different in oocytes and eight in granulosa cells. ALC treatment significantly reduced the cellular content of these lipids, with the exception of phosphatidylcholine [PC(36:3) + H] + in oocytes and triacylglycerol [TAG(58:8) + NH4] + in granulosa cells. Further staining experiments confirmed that ALC treatment reduced the total lipid content in oocytes. Therefore, ALC treatment alters lipid metabolism in oocytes and cumulus cells during their maturation and accelerates lipid metabolism in oocytes. The findings of this study demonstrate that ALC enhances the rate of oocyte maturation by altering lipid metabolism in oocytes, providing both a clear direction for further research into regulatory mechanisms as well as a foundation for further improving oocyte maturation rates.
Long‐term response of Posidonia oceanica meadow restoration at the population and plant level: implications for management decisions
Authors: Bacci Tiziano , Scardi Michele , Tomasello Agostino , Valiante Luigi Maria , Piazzi Luigi , Calvo Sebastiano , Badalamenti Fabio , Di Nuzzo Franco , Raimondi Vincenzo , Assenzo Mauro , Cecchi Enrico , Penna Marina , Bertasi Fabio , Piazzi Alessandro , La Porta Barbara
Published: December 2024

In recent years, numerous efforts to transplant Posidonia oceanica have been carried out in the Mediterranean Basin for experimental and large‐scale restoration purposes. However, data on the long‐term outcomes of these initiatives remain scarce. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the long‐term response of transplanted P. oceanica at both the population and plant level in comparison to adjacent natural meadows. We report on two large‐scale transplantation sites in Italy: Santa Marinella in the Central Tyrrhenian Sea and Ischia Porto in the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, assessing their progress 14 and 10 years after transplantation, respectively. Descriptors of the meadows and of individual plants were investigated through field and laboratory activities. Sampling was conducted in both transplanted and adjacent control areas within the natural P. oceanica meadow. After about a decade, shoot density in the transplanted areas equaled that of the natural ones. Nevertheless, phenological and lepidochronological descriptors in the transplanted areas still did not match those of the natural meadows. Our work provides crucial information into the restoration process of P. oceanica, with implications for managing this habitat in line with recent EU marine legislation.
Risk and Time Preferences Among the Urban Poor in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al Lily Miriam , Liebenehm Sabine
Published: December 2024

This paper investigates behavioral attitudes toward risk and time among the urban poor in Saudi Arabia by conducting an incentivized lab‐in‐the‐field experiment and exploring the correlations between these attitudes and demographic and socioeconomic characteristics that are relevant in the Saudi context. Specifically, the focus of this research is on cultural and religious indicators related to Bedouin heritage and the strength of religious beliefs as well as a set of different proxies for poverty, including income, assets, social welfare payments, and social capital. Accordingly, we define a discounted utility model, where we apply prospect theory and quasihyperbolic discounting. We then jointly estimate participants' risk and time preferences via a maximum likelihood approach. Our results suggest that, on average, poor urban Saudis exhibit high levels of risk aversion and patience; these findings are similar to those reported in other studies that have investigated Muslim respondents in rural settings. We also reveal that stronger religious beliefs are associated with higher levels of risk‐taking and a stronger preference for the present, whereas Bedouin heritage and asset‐related poverty in terms of home ownership and savings are related to higher levels of risk aversion and impatience.
Fibre Optic‐Based Patch Sensor for Crack Monitoring in Concrete Structures
Authors: de Souza Gomes Yago , Saidi Mohamed , Lushnikova Anna , Plé Olivier
Published: December 2024

In the context of the necessity to monitor civil engineering structures for accident prevention, this paper presents the performance of an innovative optical fibre patch sensor that can be embedded or glued on the concrete's surface. The sensor is composed of a fabric comprising an optical fibre network. When employed in concrete structures, it is capable of detecting opening cracks in the order of 0.01 mm, thereby satisfying the regulatory standards for limit states (Eurocode 2). This sensor is capable of accurately tracking the evolution of crack, including cyclic changes, by sensing both the increase and decrease in crack width. The procedure outlined in this paper includes a preliminary investigation into the influence of fibre diameter and density within the patch, which has revealed that fibres of 750 μm in diameter exhibit optimal performance, as well as the attachment method to concrete surfaces. Subsequently, the process of calibration is detailed, followed by numerous laboratory tests that were conducted on reinforced concrete samples of varying sizes. Comparisons and validations of optical fibre patch sensor measurements were performed using digital image correlation, resulting in a sensitivity of the sensors reaching 0.01 mm/K, and an accuracy ranging between 0.1% and 1%. The discussion within this paper considers the installation of this new sensor both externally and internally within real reinforced concrete structures.
Presentism, tenselessness and dates
Authors: Orilia Francesco
Published: December 2024

Tooley (2012) has attacked presentism by urging that dated tenseless sentences can be both meaningful and true, but they imply consequences that presentism cannot accept. Tooley is right is acknowledging tenseless language, because without it the competing theses in temporal ontology, including presentism, cannot be appropriately formulated and the ontological dispute risks to be unsubstantial. Thus, presentism should indeed acknowledge dated tenseless sentences. However, when properly interpreted, such sentences do not have the anti‐presentist consequences claimed by Tooley. The problem is that Tooley puts forward, rather than a proper interpretation, truth conditions that an eternalist could associate to them, in the light of eternalistically acceptable truthmakers. A presentist, however, would provide different truthmakers. We need a formal language that allows us to rigorously distinguish between proper interpretations of sentences and their truth conditions driven by different ontological views. One such language is sketched here in broad outline.
The infected diabetic foot: Incidence and risk factors for dehiscence after surgery for diabetic foot infections
Authors: Lavery Lawrence A. , Reyes Mario C. , Najafi Bijan , Coye Tyler L. , Chung Jayer , Siah Michael C. , Tarricone Arthur N.
Published: December 2024

Our objective was to assess the incidence, risk factors and clinical outcomes of dehiscence after foot surgery in diabetic patients. We used pooled patient‐level data from two randomised clinical trials with 240 diabetic patients who required foot surgery for infections. Most patients (n = 180, 75.0%) had surgical wound closure. We defined dehisced surgical wounds (DSW) when the surgical site was not completely epithelialized with no drainage after sutures/staples were removed with a 2‐week validation of healing. We evaluated the time to heal, re‐infection, re‐ulceration, hospital admissions and amputations. Moderate and severe infection was based on criteria of the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot. We used χ2 and t‐test and Mann–Whitney U for comparison of clinical events, with α of <0.05. DSW occurred in 137 (76.1%) patients. DSW patients were more likely to have hypertension (62.8% vs. 81.8%, p = 0.01), high ESR (59.1 ± 37.9 vs. 75.9 ± 37.6, p = 0.01), low toe brachial indices (0.8 ± 0.2) (0.7 ± 0.2, p = 0.005), toe brachial indices <0.6 (16.7% vs. 40.9%, p = 0.008), and low skin perfusion pressure measurements (dorsal medial 71.0 ± 29.4 vs. 59.3 ± 23.3, p = 0.01, and plantar medial 81.8 ± 24.9 vs. 72.2 ± 20.4, p = 0.02). During 12‐month follow‐up, DSW patients were 12.9 times more likely to have re‐infection (0% vs. 12.4%, p = 0.02) and 6.8 times more likely to require amputation (2.3% vs. 13.9%, p = 0.04). The median healing time (28, 22.5–35.0 vs. 114.0, 69.0; 365, p = 0.001), and median length of hospitalisation were longer in DSW patients (12.0, 9.01–9.0 vs. 15.0, 11.0–24.0, p = 0.04). There was a high incidence of DSW, associated with poor clinical outcomes.
Xenotransplantation in the Age of Genome Editing: Results From the Expert Report for the Federal Ethics Committee on Nonhuman Biotechnology With a Special Focus on Animal Ethics
Authors: Camenzind Samuel
Published: December 2024

Background

The Federal Ethics Committee on Non‐Human Biotechnology (ECNH) of Switzerland is an independent expert committee appointed by the Federal Council and mandated to advise the federal authorities from an ethical perspective in the field of nonhuman biotechnology and gene technology. Due to recent developments in the field of xenotransplantation after the introduction of genome editing technologies, the ECNH has commissioned an expert report on the ethical questions of xenotransplantation with a focus on animal ethics. The subject of the inquiry is, in particular, if current developments in the field of xenotransplantation raise new questions regarding ethics in the nonhuman realm or if existing questions have to be re‐examined and answered anew.

Methods

An interdisciplinary approach was applied to answer this question. Based on the latest empirical results from medicine and biotechnology, xenotransplantation is analyzed and evaluated with reference to the dignity of the creature (Würde der Kreatur)—which is defined in the Swiss Federal Constitution—and the dignity of animals (Tierwürde) that is stipulated in the Swiss Animal Welfare Act and the Federal Act on Non‐Human Gene Technology, as well as contemporary positions in the ethics of the human–animal relationship.

Results

The report concludes that genome editing for xenotransplantation does not generate any qualitatively new ethical issues concerning ethics in the nonhuman realm.

However, contemporary biotechnological developments must be taken as an opportunity to discuss existing ethical issues in an urgent and intensified manner, particularly regarding the significance of animals' moral standing. The lack of consideration of animal‐related aspects and the neglect of current developments and the state of the art of animal ethics in the recent discussion about xenotransplantation is a scientific, ethical, and political issue because animals are most negatively affected by xenotransplantation. This is especially relevant because the contemporary state of the art in animal ethics tends to consider and protect animals more strongly than in the past.
Comparison Between LSTM, GRU and VARIMA in Forecasting of Air Quality Time Series Data
Authors: Ng Yu Nie , Lim Han Ying , Cham Ying Chyi , Abu Bakar Mohd Aftar , Mohd Ariff Noratiqah
Published: December 2024

Air quality forecast is essential in alerting the public, especially those who have respiratory diseases, to take necessary precautions beforehand. The public can be forewarned of any worsening of air quality and be aware of the importance of reducing air pollution. In recent years, forecasting techniques based on deep learning algorithms such as recurrent neural network (RNN) have seen improvements in both accuracy and execution speed. Long short-term memory (LSTM) network and gated recurrent unit (GRU) are among the most popular variants of RNN. In this study, the hourly PM2.5 concentrations at five selected air quality monitoring stations, provided by the Department of Environment Malaysia, are forecasted using LSTM, GRU and vector autoregressive integrated moving average (VARIMA) models respectively. Data containing missing, negative and zero values are pre-processed using an interpolation technique before being split into training and test sets on an 80:20 ratio basis. Optimal combinations of hyperparameter values are selected via manual tuning based on the 10-fold growing window cross-validation results. The model performance is evaluated based on RMSE, MAE and MAPE. The results demonstrate that neural network models significantly outperform the multivariate time series model in which the LSTM and GRU models have comparable performance in forecasting the hourly PM2.5 concentration, with a slightly better prediction in the west coast region for LSTM and the east coast region for GRU. However, due to the complex architecture of neural networks, the computational time to train both LSTM and GRU models is three times longer than that for VARIMA. Additionally, it is observed that a higher percentage of interpolated values leads to lower prediction errors.
Integrating Fuzzy-Based Evaluation Method to Analyse Attributes and Parameters for the Assessment Model Development
Authors: Abu Bakar Mohamad Ariffin , Ahmad Termimi Ab Ghani  , Mohad Lazim Abdullah
Published: December 2024

In this paper, an assessment model was developed based on the proposed integrated fuzzy-based evaluation method on students' mathematics learning ability. This model classifies six main attributes that structure the overall evaluation model into several parameters. The weightings of these main attributes and parameters were collected through fuzzy questionnaires among teachers and experts based on triangular fuzzy conjoint and fuzzy Delphi methodology. This highlighted integration contributes to a more reasonable and effective procedure for developing a structured and dynamic assessment model. It can reduce the problem of the measurement results obtained straying from the structure of the developed model due to procedural errors in identifying and analyzing the attributes and parameters of the model when it was developed. In addition, the presented case application also provides an analysis protocol that is simpler and easier compared to other complicated and complex approaches to developing assessment models.
The Impact of Heterogeneity in High-Ranking Variables Using Precision Farming
Authors: Abu Afouna Nour , Majahar Ali Majid Khan
Published: December 2024

Smart precision farming combines IoT, cloud computing, and big data to optimize agricultural productivity, reduce costs, and advance sustainability through digitalization and intelligent approaches. However, precision farming grapples with challenges like managing complex variables, addressing multicollinearity, handling outliers, ensuring model robustness, and improving accuracy, particularly with smaller or medium-sized datasets. Reducing retraining time and solving the calamity of complexity are necessary to overcome these obstacles and improve machine learning algorithms' performance, scalability, and efficiency—especially when working with big or high-dimensional datasets. In a recent study with 435 drying parameters and 1914 observations. In this study, we employed Ridge, Lasso, and Elastic Net regression techniques to address the challenges of multicollinearity and heterogeneity within our dataset. Traditional regression models, such as ordinary least squares (OLS), often struggle with multicollinearity, leading to unstable and unreliable coefficient estimates. Ridge regression mitigates this issue by adding an L2 penalty, stabilizing the coefficients. Lasso regression introduces an L1 penalty, which further enhances the model by performing variable selection. Elastic Net, a combination of L1 and L2 penalties, effectively handles both multicollinearity and heterogeneity by selecting relevant variables and capturing varying patterns across different subgroups. Our study's use of Ridge, Lasso, and Elastic Net regression techniques has broad practical applications across various fields. In economics, they help identify key indicators for economic forecasting; in healthcare, they improve predictions of patient outcomes for personalized treatment; in finance, they create more stable models for market behavior; and in social sciences, they reveal influential factors in behavioral studies. These methods effectively manage multicollinearity and heterogeneity, making them valuable tools for decision-making and policy development across these domains. The objective was to identify significant drying parameters both before and after heterogeneity, while selecting varying numbers of variables (50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300) based on validation metrics such as MAPE, MSE, SSE, and R2. The results revealed that the Ridge model demonstrated the highest efficiency, exhibiting the smallest values for MAPE, MSE, SSE, and the largest value for R2, both before and after heterogeneity.
Beta and Gamma Products of Fuzzy Random Graphs with Hesitancy
Authors: N Sarala , Ravichandran Abirami
Published: December 2024

Fuzzy random graphs offer a powerful framework for modeling uncertain and imprecise relationships in various real-world systems. This study introduces the concept of hesitancy fuzzy random graphs, which incorporate both fuzziness and randomness in edge and vertex memberships. Additionally, this study investigates the beta and gamma products within the context of hesitancy fuzzy random graphs. Leveraging the beta and gamma operations, this study investigates the application of combining and aggregating uncertain information from multiple sources represented by hesitancy fuzzy random graphs.
Improving Classification Performance of Spatial Filters in Mammographic Microcalcifications Images Using Persistent Homology
Authors: Abdul Malek Aminah , Alias Mohd Almie , Abdul Razak Fatimah , Md Norani Mohd Salmi
Published: December 2024

Noise and artefacts in mammogram images can obscure important indicators of microcalcifications, complicating accurate diagnosis. While traditional spatial filters can reduce noise and are effective to some extent, they often fail to enhance features crucial for classification. This study uses persistent homology (PH) to evaluate and improve the classification performance of various spatial filters on mammogram images. The evaluation process involves converting filtered images into persistence diagrams (PDs) to capture topological features. These diagrams are then vectorised into PH features for classification using a neural network classifier. This study also examines further filtering of PDs from filtered images to enhance classification performance. Using the Digital Database for Screening Mammography (DDSM) and Mammographic Image Analysis Society (MIAS) datasets, we evaluate Median, Wiener, Gaussian, and Bilateral filters alone and integrate them with PH-based filtering. Results show significant classification improvements, with Wiener filters achieving 96.33% accuracy on the DDSM dataset (up from 57.38%) and Gaussian filters reaching 85.33% on the MIAS dataset (up from 73.33%). These findings demonstrate the potential of PH-based filters to enhance diagnostic accuracy in breast cancer detection by refining topological features and effectively reducing noise.
Valency-Based Molecular Descriptor on Structural Property Relationship of Ni Tetrathiafulvalene Tetrathionate
Authors: Fathi Abdelli , Vijay Jeyaraj Sahaya , Husin Mohamad Nazri , Augustine Tony
Published: December 2024

Induced by quantitative structural relationships, valency-based topological indices have been investigated for predicting the structural properties of Ni Tetrathiafulvalene tetrathionate (NiTTFtt) like 2D sheet. Through the use of topological indices, the Kubelka-Munk function for bad gap energy, vibrational frequencies of IR spectroscopy, and graph energy of NiTTFtt like 2D sheet are calculated. The structural features studied have applications such as biosensing, drug discovery, chemical graph theory, machine learning, and more. This main study focused on deriving expressions and numerical values of valency-based topological indices for NiTTFtt like 2D sheet. Additionally, we employed technique to calculate the Kubelka-Munk function values linearly increase when obtained directly from numerical values of valency-based topological indices. Finally, for investigating the properties of NiTTFtt like 2D sheet, statistical correlation analysis shows a significant correlation with vibrational frequencies.
Enhancing the Ability of the EWMA Control Chart to Detect Changes in the Mean of a Time-Series Model
Authors: Areepong Yupaporn , Peerajit Wilasinee
Published: December 2024

We improved the ability of the exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control chart to detect small shifts in the mean of a long-memory fractionally integrated autoregressive process with an exogenous variable under exponential white noise. We first designed the structure of the control chart and then evaluated its performance in terms of the average run length (ARL) via a simulation study. We first derived an analytical ARL using explicit formulas by solving integral equations and an approximated ARL derived by utilizing the numerical integral equation approach. Banach's fixed-point theorem proved that the analytical ARL exists and is unique. We then compared the out-of-control ARL values using both methods via a simulation study; the out-of-control ARL results for the analytical and approximated ARLs were similar. Moreover, the methods provided comparable accuracy in terms of the percentage difference in expected ARL and standard deviation of the run length. However, the explicit formula approach proved to be more advantageous in terms of faster computational speed and is thus recommended in this situation. An illustrative example using real data is also provided to demonstrate the practicability of the analytical ARL method.
La ilícita exclusión de la culpa grave en el seguro de responsabilidad civil extracontractual
Authors: García Vásquez Diego
Published: December 2024

En este artículo se defenderá la tesis de que la exclusión de la culpa grave en los seguros de responsabilidad extracontractual es ilícita. La ilicitud se sustenta con la prohibición de incluir cláusulas abusivas en los contratos de consumo, y la abusividad se basa en la imposición de cargas excesivas al asegurado y al beneficiario. También se analizarán los efectos nocivos que esa exclusión ilícita les genera no solo al asegurado y al beneficiario, sino también a la aseguradora que impone la exclusión.
Seguros paramétricos: Notas descriptivas
Authors: Rios Urzúa Vicente
Published: December 2024

Abogado, Licenciado en Ciencias Sociales y Jurídicas de la Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez. LL.M. in Business Law, Universidad Adolfo Ibañez (Chile), y Magíster en Derecho de Daños y Responsabilidad Civil de la Universidad de los Andes (Chile). Diplomado en Derecho Administrativo, mención Derecho Económico (Pontificia Universidad Católica, Chile), postitulado en Derecho Económico (Universidad del Desarrollo, Chile) y postitulado en Derecho de Seguros (Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina). Autor de diversas publicaciones en Derecho de Seguros y Derecho Marítimo con divulgación en Chile, Colombia, Argentina, Venezuela, Brasil y España. Autor de los libros: “Breviario práctico de seguros marítimos y gestión de reclamaciones” (2023) y “Seguros de Responsabilidad Civil: Perspectivas técnicas y legales” (2024), ambos de Editorial Hammurabi, Chile. Vicepresidente Suplemente del Instituto Iberoamericano de Derecho Marítimo rama chilena, y miembro la Association Internationale de Droit des Assurances, AIDA Chile. Claims Manager en Liventus S.A. y Of Counsel de Contreras & Cía. Abogados
The impact of studying social work on student social wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand: Struggling with incongruent demands
Authors: Beddoe Liz , Hunt Sonya , Staniforth Barbara , Cox Kendra
Published: December 2024

INTRODUCTION: Social work education places many demands on students, including dealing with challenging content, demanding assessment requirements, and long unpaid placements. A growing literature reports that social work students are experiencing social and financial hardship with impacts on their health and wellbeing.
METHOD: A mixed methods study incorporating a survey (n = 353) and 31 semi-structured interviews was conducted in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2019. Participants in the study were then current students or new graduates in their first 2 years of practice.
FINDINGS: The findings reported in this article are drawn from analysis of the responses to the relevant open-ended questions in the survey and the qualitative interviews. Participants reported various challenging impacts of their engagement in a social work qualifying programme. These impacts were felt in their personal and family relationships, social and cultural participation, and physical and emotional wellbeing. Some students reported impacts on their opportunities to participate in social activism.
IMPLICATIONS: These findings confirm, in a local context, those from Australia and elsewhere. It is recommended that professional bodies and social work education providers should urgently address how study in social work could have a less detrimental impact on students. It is vital that we avoid an overly responsiblising emphasis on self-care but rather acknowledge the impact of structural factors. The lack of congruence between social work stated values of social connection and participation and the student experience reported here suggests a dissonance that limits student inclusion and success.
The Empire Strikes Back: Māori and the 2023 coalition government
Authors: Eketone Anaru
Published: December 2024

Commentary on the 2023 NZ Govt and its attacks on Māori
Practising feminism for social welfare: A global perspective
Authors: Joy Eileen
Published: December 2024

Review of Practising feminism for social welfare: A global perspective by Ruth Phillips. Routledge, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-138-65068-8, paperback, pp.193, $62.24 (through www.routledge.com)
Becoming Pākehā
Authors: Gardiner Blake
Published: December 2024

Review of Becoming Pākehā by John Bluck. HarperCollins, 2022
ISBN: 9781 7755 42100, paperback, pp.304, $39.99