bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What determines small farms’ succession patterns in Eastern European emerging markets? Exploring the role of embeddedness in social networks
Authors: Czyżewski Bazyli , Kryszak Łukasz , Bajrami Egzon , Lucasenco Eugenia , Muntean Andreea , Tošović-Stevanović Aleksandra
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The interactive relationships of farmers with institutions and other individuals create the context of succession intention – “farm embeddedness”. This context shapes in long-term self-efficacy of farmers. The main goal of this paper is to study the contextual drivers of the choice of succession paths in small-scale farms which dominate in Eastern European countries. The studied pathways, ordered by farmers’ self-efficacy are “no succession”, “conditional succession”, “unconditional internalised succession” and “unconditional externalised succession”.

Design/methodology/approach

We used a sample of 1,683 small farms from three Eastern European emerging markets: Romania, Moldova and Serbia. The likelihood of choosing a given succession path is analysed using a multinomial logit model; contextual drivers of succession are selected based on the theory of embeddedness.

Findings

We found that more-educated and more-efficient small-scale farmers are less likely to pass on their farms because of a kind of “glass ceiling”, so they do not want such a difficult future for their children. The most important determinant of unconditional/internalised succession is the successor formation through “training on the farm”. Some formal institutions operating in the agricultural sector hinder self-efficacy and thus unconditional succession.

Originality/value

Most of the papers lack a theoretical background while demonstrating that economic drivers are crucial to succession. The embeddedness theory argues that economic activities are always anchored in a social structure. We contribute to this theory by showing that the embeddedness in social networks is more important than economic factors when smallholders transfer their farms to successors in post-socialist countries. In addition, we attempt to identify which particular types of social networks are most relevant to the multi-stage process of farm transfer, and we outline several transfer scenarios using the concept of self-efficacy.
The impact of corporate governance on narrative disclosure tone: a machine learning approach
Authors: Hasan Arshad , Sufi Usman , Elmarzouky Mahmoud , Hussainey Khaled
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study examines the influence of corporate governance indicators (CGIs) on the textual tone of nonfinancial firms in a developing economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The data from 1,250 annual reports of listed nonfinancial firms in Pakistan are collected for 10 years. The narrative disclosure tone (NDT) is derived using the sentiment analysis of annual reports, resulting in six distinct NDT scores. The CGIs data are also extracted from the annual reports. The fixed effects model is used as the primary analytical tool, supplemented by machine learning-based linear regression. System GMM and two-stage least squares regressions are employed for robustness checks.

Findings

The findings reveal that most CGIs significantly influence all six NDTs. These results align with the existing theoretical literature, except those related to audit committee independence and gender diversity.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to the use of annual reports as a source of narrative disclosures. Future research might employ other sources, such as earning press releases and social media.

Practical implications

Within the unique regulatory environment of Pakistan, the study offers insights for regulators to enhance the efficacy of independent directors, discourage concentrated ownership and promote the inclusion of women in board subcommittees to establish the authenticity of textual disclosures.

Originality/value

The study adds to the limited literature on the determinants of NDT. It underscores the importance of understanding textual tone for informed investor decision-making and restoring investor confidence. Moreover, it contributes by focusing on six NDTs and exploring the interplay between CGIs and textual tone.
Early childhood teachers’ professional capital: a phenomenological study
Authors: Firat Kubra , Zapata Angie , Kuby Candace R.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Overemphasis on teaching academic literacy and legislating high-stakes accountability measures have foregrounded narrow literacy approaches in early childhood settings and sparked debates over teacher professionalism (Reinking et al., 2023). This study examines the experiences of early childhood teachers following a two-year in-service Professional Development (PD) program. The PD program was designed to enhance the teachers' professional capital in early childhood literacies.

Design/methodology/approach

Using phenomenology as the design of the study, three focus groups, one survey, and observations during two events were conducted to document “the essence” of participant teachers’ views and lived experiences (Creswell, 2013).

Findings

Our data analysis revealed that participant teachers demonstrated an increased awareness of different literacy teaching approaches and applied new strategies in their literacy teaching through continuous discussions with other participant teachers and co-workers within their schools.

Originality/value

This phenomenological study underscores the value of integrating collaboration into in-service PD programs for leveraging teachers’ professional capital, in addition to strengthening their human and decisional capital, as reported by the teachers. The study also contributes to scientific knowledge about the ways teachers experience collaborative PD opportunities and their self-initiated strategies to create a cooperative learning environment at their schools.
Helping early childhood educators thrive: insights from human resource management
Authors: Masood Huda
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Early childhood education (ECE) workers (educators and caregivers) play an important role in fostering an effective learning environment for children. However, the alarming turnover in this profession has made it incredibly difficult for ECE programs and employers to retain and support this segment of the workforce. The purpose of this exploratory qualitative inquiry is to answer how early childhood workers experience workplace thriving.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with employees of a community-funded childhood education and care program. A stratified random sampling technique was used to interview the employees who (i) had successfully completed the probationary period; (ii) qualified as ECE workers based on their job description or the human resources coordinator’s assessment. Interviews were conducted till the point of data saturation. Thematic analysis revealed how ECE workers professionally thrive at multiple levels.

Findings

The findings were clustered into five broader spheres in alignment with the social-ecological framework. The personal sphere showcased workers’ passion, work meaningfulness, value system and skill transferability. The microsystems included children, parents, workplace friends and managers as influencing actors. In the mesosystems, leadership processes and managerial support emerged as salient factors. The exosystems captured organizational objectives, job characteristics and work environment. Finally, in the macrosystems, industrial norms, labor market dynamics, and community-building informed workplace thriving of this population.

Originality/value

The current research applies the social-ecological lens to analyze the factors that help ECE workers professionally thrive. The social-ecological framework not only identifies multi-level recommendations but also the human resource management (HRM) interventions at the levels that need the most attention. The current research is among the first to analyze ECE workers’ professional thriving from an HRM viewpoint.
How natural resource consumption, trade, energy transition, and geopolitical risk drive sustainable development in G20 nations?
Authors: Li Jialin
Published: December 2024

The members of the G20 have seen remarkable fiscal growth in recent years, along with a rise in the demand of consumers for energy. The G20 countries, however, use a significant amount of energy products derived from fossil fuels, which could be harmful to the sustainable development goals. This paper assesses the complex relationships between commerce, the energy transition, the use of natural resources, banking development, monetary development, geopolitical issues, and ecological deterioration. For our statistical analysis, this study employed extensive fiscal models and empirical datasets covering the years 1990–2020. The statistical findings using the Moments Quantile Regression method show that breakthroughs in finance and energy transition guarantee sustainable development. The geopolitical risk, economic expansion, and use of natural resources all contribute to the decline of ecological conditions. But trading's overall effect on the health of the world was not consistent. Our thorough empirical study makes it possible for governments to recommend effective laws to solve environmental issues.
The impact of using cannabis during pregnancy on the infant and mother: An overview of systematic reviews, evidence map, targeted updates, and de novo synthesis
Authors: Munn Zachary , Pollock Danielle , Stone Jennifer , Hasanoff Sabira , Gordon Andrea , Price Carrie , Stark Michael , Barker Timothy Hugh
Published: December 2024

Background

Cannabis use during pregnancy is becoming more prevalent. While numerous studies have explored the relationship of cannabis use during pregnancy and outcomes for mothers and infants, uncertainty remains regarding the impact of cannabis use on pregnancy complications and later‐life outcomes for offspring.

Aims

To produce a summary of the short and long‐term effects of prenatal cannabis exposure on fetal growth and development, neonatal conditions, later‐life, and maternal outcomes.

Materials and Methods

An overview of systematic reviews, an evidence and gap map, targeted updates of previous reviews, and de novo evidence synthesis was conducted. The databases searched include PubMed (National Center for Biotechnology Information); MEDLINE (Ovid); Embase (Ovid) and CINAHL with Full Text (EBSCO). Assessment of risk of bias was conducted in duplicate for all studies. Relevant studies were coded and are presented as an evidence and gap map. Where possible, meta‐analyses were conducted with a narrative synthesis of the results. Primary studies and systematic reviews examining the relationship between cannabis consumption in pregnancy and the effect on fetal/child development, antenatal, and obstetric outcomes during pregnancy were eligible for inclusion.

Results

There were 89 studies/reviews eligible for inclusion in this review. There was a potentially harmful impact of prenatal cannabis exposure on all fetal growth and development outcomes, some neonatal outcomes, some later‐life outcomes, and some maternal outcomes. The evidence regarding other neonatal conditions, later‐life, and maternal outcomes was mixed.

Conclusions

The evidence suggests cannabis should be avoided during pregnancy.
Effects of customized corneal cross‐linking on higher‐order aberrations in progressive keratoconus and low‐grade myopia
Authors: Hayek Jad , Viberg Andreas , Elving Sofie , Fredriksson Anneli , Behndig Anders
Published: December 2024

Objective

To evaluate the effects of customized corneal collagen cross‐linking (CXL) on higher‐order aberrations (HOAs) in keratoconus (KC): vertical coma (VC), horizontal coma (HC), spherical aberration (SA), trefoil (TF) and astigmatism, compared with the same effects in healthy eyes undergoing CXL for low‐grade myopia.

Methods

This mixed‐designed study included 38 eyes of 38 patients with KC, treated and followed prospectively, who received customized epi‐on CXL in high oxygen, and a retrospective control group of 23 eyes from 23 patients who underwent central 4‐mm CXL treatment for low‐grade myopia. VC, HC, SA, TF and keratometry values were obtained from Pentacam HR® measurements at baseline and at 1, 6, 12 and 24 months post‐treatment. Statistical analyses included paired T‐tests for changes over time and Pearson correlation tests to assess relationships between aberrations, best spectacle‐corrected and low‐contrast visual acuities (BSCVA and LCVA, respectively) and CXL parameters.

Results

Reduced HOAs and improved visual acuities were observed in KC. A 20% reduction in VC was observed at 24 months (from −1.82 ± 1.15 μm to −1.46 ± 1.01 μm; 95% CI: [0.155, 0.629], p = 0.002), while a 17% reduction in HC was observed at 12 months (from −0.35 ± 0.56 μm to −0.29 ± 0.62 μm; 95% CI: [0.003, 0.096], p = 0.037). A positive correlation was found between baseline VC and the level of improvement in VC at 24 months (R2 = 0.200, p = 0.015). SA increased by 126% at 24 months (from −0.21 ± 0.62 μm to 0.054 ± 0.52 μm; 95% CI: [0.143, 0.347], p ≤ 0.001). TF and astigmatism did not alter from the treatment. In myopia, the natural positive SA increased by 57% post‐treatment (from 0.14 ± 0.061 μm to 0.22 ± 0.076 μm at 24 months; 95% CI: [0.067, 0.098], p ≤ 0.001), while changes in VC and HC were minor and BSCVA remained stable.

Conclusion

Customized CXL effectively reduces HOAs in KC. For VC the improvement is larger in cases with higher preoperative VC, indicating that the concept of customization has its intended effect. Accordingly, SA and visual acuities improve in KC whereas CXL for low‐grade myopia tends to increase corneal SA unfavourably.
Meta‐Analysis: Global Prevalence and Mortality of Cirrhosis in Metabolic Dysfunction‐Associated Steatotic Liver Disease
Authors: Owrangi Soroor , Paik James M. , Golabi Pegah , de Avila Leyla , Hashida Ryuki , Nader Ariana , Paik Annette , Henry Linda , Younossi Zobair M.
Published: December 2024

Background and Aims

Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is responsible for a significant global health burden. Despite this burden, the prevalence and mortality of MASLD‐related cirrhosis remain inadequately defined, hindering effective public health strategies. This study aimed to estimate the global prevalence and mortality associated with MASLD‐related cirrhosis.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and SCOPUS was conducted using keywords related to MASLD and cirrhosis from inception of each database used through June 2024. COVIDENCE was used for abstract and manuscript review. MASLD populations were categorised into ‘general practice setting’ and ‘high risk setting’, which indicated studies from inpatient setting or those referred for liver biopsy for an indication (elevated liver enzymes). Our data extraction and quality assessment followed PRISMA guidelines. A random‐effects model was utilised for meta‐analysis.

Results

From 7924 identified articles, 35 studies comprising 513,742 patients with MASLD met the inclusion criteria. The pooled global prevalence of cirrhosis among MASLD patients was 3.26% (95% CI: 2.47%–4.31%) in general practice settings (4 studies) and 14.51% (95% CI: 11.22%–18.57%) among those in inpatient settings or referred for liver biopsy (31 studies). Regionally, higher prevalence rates in high‐risk settings were observed in North America and Australia (18.38%; 95% CI: 9.06%–33.75%), followed by Europe (10.16%; 95% CI: 5.71%–17.44%) and Asia (9.12%; 95% CI: 6.11%–13.40%) (p = 0.007). Notably, ICD‐based diagnoses indicated a significantly higher prevalence of cirrhosis (27.43%) compared to those diagnosed by liver biopsy (13.24%; p < 0.001). The pooled all‐cause mortality rate for MASLD‐cirrhosis patients was estimated at 7.91 per 100 person‐years (95% CI: 4.44–13.71) (9 studies).

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis underscores the substantial prevalence of cirrhosis among MASLD patients and highlights significant geographic and demographic variability, calling for improved screening and management strategies.
Robot‐Assisted Retroperitoneoscopic Traction‐Aligned Suture Repair of Failed Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty for Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction
Authors: Nakajima Hideaki , Tsukui Takafumi , Koga Hiroyuki , Lane Geoffrey J. , Yamataka Atsuyuki
Published: December 2024

A case of redo pyeloplasty using robot‐assisted retroperitoneoscopic pyeloplasty (RARP) for failed primary laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is reported. A 12‐year‐old boy had LP elsewhere. He was referred for management of persistent left hydronephrosis, but was managed conservatively due to minimal symptoms and stable radioisotopic renography. When 26, he had a sudden onset of severe left flank caused by ureteropelvic anastomosis (UPA) stenosis. A double J stent was inserted and RARP was planned. A large retroperitoneal space was created using conventional retroperitoneoscopy and the proximal end of the stenosed UPA was excised. After docking a robotic surgical system, the most distal part of the renal pelvis was incised. Redo UPA was performed with interrupted sutures while approximating the edges by applying traction. There were no intraoperative complications. He remains asymptomatic 3 years postoperatively. Traction‐aligned suturing during RARP facilitated redo pyeloplasty by enhancing the precision of suturing.
Potential Social Behaviour and Feedback Strategies Related to the Burnout State of Learner Behaviour in MOOCs
Authors: Xia Xiaona , Qi Wanxue
Published: December 2024

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) effectively support online learning behaviour; while constructing a sustainable learning process, MOOCs have also formed the social network. In addition, learners' burnout state has become a serious obstacle to the development and promotion of MOOCs. This study analyzes the potential social behaviour associated with the burnout state of the learning behaviour and designs a fruit fly trajectory model to comprehensively analyse the learning behaviour and social behaviour. Enabled by the sector search mechanism, one improved generalised regression neural network accurately predicts the burnout state. Then, the changes in social behaviour and learning behaviour during the occurrence of burnout state are demonstrated, and strategies for warning learning behaviour, intervening in the learning state and optimising social behaviour are further derived. The entire study might improve the online learning process of integrating learning behaviour with social behaviour, providing effective technical means and reliable decision for learners, and reduce the negative impact of burnout state.
Limited use of FIB‐4 index in patients under 65 years of age with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kim Mimi , Yoon Eileen L. , Park Huiyul , Ito Takanori , Ishigami Masatoshi , Jo Ae Jung , Lee Chul‐Min , Kang Bo‐Kyeong , Kim Hye‐Lin , Arai Taeang , Atsukawa Masanori , Kawanaka Miwa , Toyoda Hidenori , Yu Ming‐Lung , Jun Dae Won , Nguyen Mindie H.
Published: December 2024

Aim

Screening for liver fibrosis holds significant importance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) due to their elevated risk of advanced hepatic fibrosis. However, it is recognized that the diagnostic performance of the Fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index is relatively low in T2DM patients. Our study aims to explore the potential and limitations of utilizing FIB‐4 as a screening tool in patients with T2DM.

Methods

A retrospective biopsy cohort of 1906 patients with biopsy‐proven metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease from South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. Diagnostic performance according to T2DM was again compared after propensity score matching on age, sex, and body mass index.

Results

Patients with T2DM were significantly older than those without. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of FIB‐4 for ruling out advanced fibrosis in non‐T2DM patients was significantly higher than that of T2DM (0.821 vs. 0.761, p = 0.044). However, the AUROCs of FIB‐4 according to the same age groups showed no significant difference between patients with T2DM and without (all p > 0.05). In the middle‐aged group, the sensitivity of FIB‐4 for ruling out advanced hepatic fibrosis was 77.1% for T2DM and did not differ with that of non‐T2DM patients (73.0%) (p = 0.093). After propensity score matching of age, there was no statistically significant difference in the AUROCs of the T2DM and non‐T2DM groups (0.860 vs. 0.761, p = 0.142).

Conclusion

Although the diagnostic performance of FIB‐4 was found to be suboptimal in patients with T2DM, its limited use in individuals under 65 years of age with T2DM still holds value as a screening tool.
How does the transformation of Cerrado vegetation into exotic pastures affect insect communities? A meta‐analysis
Authors: Correa César M. A. , Salomão Renato Portela , Rivera‐Duarte Jose D.
Published: December 2024

Cerrado is the largest and most biodiverse savannah worldwide. However, only a reduced amount of this ecosystem is conserved, and in the last decades, the vast agricultural expansion resulted in the substitution of native vegetation for exotic pasturelands.

Insects are key components for both native and exotic ecosystems in Cerrado, performing critical functions for ecosystem maintenance. Our goal was to evaluate how the transformation of natural Cerrado into cattle pastures (exotic pastures) affects the insect communities in this biome.

We conducted a meta‐analysis using data on species richness and abundance data of insect assemblages from conserved Cerrado and exotic pastures. The analysis was based on a set of 23 scientific articles. Fourteen studies focused on Coleoptera and nine on Hymenoptera.

Conserved Cerrado encompassed a higher species richness of insects than exotic pastures, but their abundance did not differ between these two habitats. However, dung beetle abundance increases significantly in disturbed Cerrado over time. Synanthropic species that thrive in altered environments could be masking the actual decline in abundance of species sensitive to environmental disturbances provoked by exotic pastures.

Our results highlight the consequences of the structural homogenisation of the Cerrado into cattle pastures. That is, despite having a similar open‐canopy vegetation structure, this land‐use change leads to a significant loss of insect species, resulting in a drastic simplification of insect communities. This study reinforces the importance of maintaining native Cerrado patches in order to maintain diverse and functional ecosystems in this region.
Post‐marketing surveillance data for avelumab + axitinib treatment in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma in Japan: Subgroup analyses by pathological classification
Authors: Nonomura Norio , Ito Taito , Sato Masashi , Morita Makiko , Kajita Masahiro , Oya Mototsugu
Published: December 2024

Objective

Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of avelumab + axitinib in patients with advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). However, information is limited regarding the activity of avelumab + axitinib in patients with non‐clear cell RCC (nccRCC). In Japan, post‐marketing surveillance (PMS) of patients with RCC receiving avelumab + axitinib treatment in general clinical practice was undertaken. We report ad hoc analyses of PMS data according to RCC pathological classification.

Methods

Of 328 patients with RCC who received ≥1 dose of avelumab and were enrolled between December 2019 and May 2021, 271 (82.6%) had ccRCC, 22 (6.7%) had nccRCC, and 35 (10.7%) had missing or unknown RCC pathology. Among patients with nccRCC, pathological subtypes were papillary in 12 (3.7%), translocation in 3 (0.9%), acquired cystic disease associated in 3 (0.9%), chromophobe in 2 (0.6%), mucinous tubular and spindle cell in 1 (0.3%), and Bellini duct in 1 (0.3%).

Results

Among patients with ccRCC or nccRCC, any‐grade adverse drug reactions of safety specifications occurred in 140 (51.7%) and 15 (68.2%), and of grade ≥3 in 48 (17.7%) and 6 (27.3%), respectively. The objective response rate in patients with ccRCC or nccRCC was 36.9% and 22.7%, respectively; in patients with papillary tumors, it was 33.3%. Median overall survival was not reached in patients with ccRCC or nccRCC, and 12‐month overall survival rates were 86.8% and 76.7%, respectively.

Conclusions

Overall, subgroup analyses of PMS data suggest that avelumab + axitinib improved clinical outcomes in nccRCC in addition to ccRCC.
Associations between oral frailty, oral microbiota composition, and postoperative delirium in older adult patients
Authors: Hu Xiao‐yi , Duan Hua‐wei , Wang Lei‐yuan , Liu Quan‐fang , Yao Hao , Ma Da‐qing , Wang Dong‐xin , Yang Jian‐jun , Ji Mu‐huo
Published: December 2024

Background

Poor oral health, prevalent among the older adults, can undermine overall health and contribute to frailty. Older adults experiencing oral frailty and dysbiosis potentially face an elevated risk of postoperative delirium. This study aims to explore the influence of oral frailty and changes in oral microbiota composition on occurrence of postoperative delirium in older adult patients undergoing non‐cardiac surgery.

Methods

A total of 303 older adult patients undergoing non‐cardiac surgeries were recruited in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from July 2023 to December 2023. Oral swabs for oral microbiota analyses were collected before surgery. Subsequently, after propensity score matching, 21 samples from patients with postoperative delirium and 21 samples from patients without postoperative delirium were analyzed for oral microbiota. Our primary objective was to determine the association between oral frailty, changes in oral microbiota composition, and the occurrence of postoperative delirium.

Results

Oral frailty emerged as an independent risk factor for postoperative delirium [HR = 1.75; 95% CI = (1.04–2.96); p = 0.035]. Additionally, patients with postoperative delirium demonstrated lower oral microbiota diversity, as indicated by a reduced Chao index compared with those without postoperative delirium (p = 0.034). A significant association was also found between the dysbiosis index and postoperative delirium (p < 0.001). ROC analysis revealed a pronounced area under the curve of 0.95 (95% CI: 0.88–1.00) for the dysbiosis index in predicting postoperative delirium. Subsequent Principal Coordinates and Kaplan–Meier analyses affirmed that both beta diversity and the dysbiosis index were significantly correlated with incidence of postoperative delirium, with p‐values of 0.002 and <0.001, respectively. Furthermore, the interaction analysis through Cox proportional hazards regression suggested a combined effect of oral frailty and the dysbiosis index on the likelihood of developing postoperative delirium (p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Oral frailty and changes in oral microbiota among older adult patients undergoing non‐cardiac surgery may influence the incidence of postoperative delirium.
Cumulative anticholinergic exposure and white matter hyperintensity burden in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Li Kevin H. , Krakauer Chloe , Nelson Jennifer C. , Crane Paul K. , Andre Jalal B. , Curl Patti K. , Yuh Esther , Mossa‐Basha Mahmud , Ralston James D. , Mac Donald Christine L. , Gray Shelly L.
Published: December 2024

Background

Anticholinergic exposure is associated with dementia risk; however, the mechanisms for this association remain unclear. The objective of this study was to examine the association between anticholinergic exposure and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) burden.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of data from the Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) study, a prospective cohort study among adults aged ≥65 years on dementia risk factors. We used data collected through March 2020 for this analysis. The sample included ACT participants who were referred for and had a clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and ≥10 years of continuous healthcare enrollment prior to the scan. Our primary exposure was total standardized daily dose (TSDD) of anticholinergics. Outcomes included three semi‐quantitative ratings of WMH volume. We used separate linear regression models for each outcome to estimate and compare covariate‐adjusted mean values of WMH ratings in each exposure group.

Results

Of the 1043 individuals included in the analyses, 28% had no use, 33% had 1–90 TSDD, 15% had 91–365 TSDD, 7% had 366–1095 TSDD, and 17% had ≥1096 TSDD. The mean age was 81 years, most were female (58%) and White race (88%). Compared to those with no use, the ≥1096 TSDD group had a higher (worse) adjusted mean [95% confidence intervals] Fazekas (4.0 [3.8, 4.2] vs. 3.4 [3.2, 3.5]; p: <0.001), Modified Scheltens (14.3 [13.4, 15.2] vs. 12.2 [11.5, 12.9]; p: <0.001), and Age‐Related White Matter Changes (5.6 [5.3, 6.0] vs. 4.8 [4.5, 5.1]; p = 0.001). A dose–response relationship was not found.

Conclusions

The highest anticholinergic exposure was associated with greater WMH burden. Future studies should focus on longitudinal changes of WMH burden to better understand the biological mechanisms underlying the link between anticholinergics and dementia risk.
The Power of Monetary and Fiscal Policies in a Neoliberal Age: A Christian Ethical Engagement with the Cases of Sweden and the United States
Authors: Ahn Ilsup , Sundman Per
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this coauthored research is to develop a Christian ethical argument that better addresses the various social ills of financial neoliberalism, especially the growing wealth gap between the haves—the top 1%—and the have‐nots—the bottom 50%. We find that a more progressive and integrative approach to monetary and fiscal policy is necessary. First, we critically review the histories of United States and Swedish monetary policies. We then provide a theological perspective regarding how Christian ethicists should engage with neoliberal structural injustice. Finally, we propose an ethical principle of justice for use in the state's macroeconomic management of money: the accumulation of financial capital should also promote the increase of social capital. Put negatively, the accumulation of financial capital should not be achieved at the expense of depleting social capital.
Potato Leaf Disease Detection and Classification With Weighted Ensembling of YOLOv8 Variants
Authors: Muthulakshmi Muthunayagam , Aishwarya Nagasubramanian , Vinesh Kumar Rajes Kumar , Rakesh Thoppaen Suresh Babu
Published: December 2024

The identification and control of potato leaf diseases pose considerable difficulties for worldwide agriculture, affecting both the quality and yield of crops. Addressing this issue, we investigate the efficacy of the lightweight YOLOv8 variants, namely YOLOv8n, YOLOv8s and YOLOv8m, for the automated detection and classification of different potato leaf states. These conditions are categorised into three types: healthy, early blight disease and late blight disease. Our findings show that YOLOv8n achieves a mean average precision (mAP) of 94.2%, YOLOv8s achieves a mAP of 93.4%, and YOLOv8m achieves a mAP of 94%. Building on these results, we propose a novel weighted ensembling technique based on the confidence score (WECS) to combine the predictions of these YOLOv8 variants. The WECS technique efficiently leverages the advantages of each YOLOv8 variant by assigning weights based on the confidence scores of individual model predictions. These weighted forecasts are then combined to produce a final ensemble prediction for each sample. Achieving 99.9% precision and 89.6% recall, the WECS method attains a global mean Average Precision (mAP) of 96.3%, showcasing its robustness in real‐world applications.
The Uncertainty in Energy and Cryptocurrency Markets: Is Gold Really a Safe Haven?
Authors: Chang Shuangshuang , Qin Meng , Su Chi Wei
Published: December 2024

Investigating gold's safe‐haven status is crucial to stabilising energy and cryptocurrency markets. To capture the dynamic relationships between energy‐related uncertainty (ERU), gold prices (GP), and cryptocurrency policy uncertainty (CPOU), this study employs the TVP‐SV‐VAR methodology. Through quantitative analysis, we find ERU has favourable and unfavourable effects on GP. The favourable impact underscores gold's safe‐haven role against energy market uncertainty. At the same time, the negative impact contradicts this view and theoretical models, likely due to the U.S. dollar's value and gold's hedging performance against other uncertainties. CPOU, however, positively impacts GP, supporting gold's safe‐haven characteristics against uncertainty in the cryptocurrency market and aligning with theoretical predictions. Gold's safe‐haven status in the cryptocurrency market is comparably more consistent but slightly less significant. Additionally, this study validates the findings by substituting CPOU with cryptocurrency price uncertainty (CPRU), confirming their robustness. Given the high volatility in energy and cryptocurrency markets, this article offers valuable insights for authorities to maximise profits and ensure stable growth.
Phenotypic and genetic variation of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Thailand and its global relationships: Insights from wing morphometric and mitochondrial COI gene analyses
Authors: Laojun Sedthapong , Chaiphongpachara Tanawat
Published: December 2024

Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae), commonly known as the Asian tiger mosquito, is an important vector transmitting dangerous arboviruses to humans. This study investigated the phenotypic and genetic variation of this species in Thailand through wing geometric morphometric (GM) and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequence analyses. A total of 236 Ae. albopictus specimens from 12 populations in Thailand and 89 specimens from invasive populations in Florida, Hawaii and Brazil underwent wing GM analysis. The centroid size (CS) of Ae. albopictus populations in Thailand ranged from 2.00 mm in Bangkok to 2.36 mm in Chanthaburi, while in invasive populations, CS varied from 2.25 mm in Brazil to 2.47 mm in Florida. Pairwise comparisons of wing shape revealed significant differences for most population pairs, with distances ranging from 1.63 to 10.02. The clustering tree indicated distant relationships in wing shape between native and invasive populations. Additionally, partial COI gene sequences were amplified from 108 specimens, revealing a mean haplotype diversity of 0.842 ± 0.025 and a mean nucleotide diversity of 0.002 ± 0.001. The results from neutral Tajima's D and Fu's Fs tests indicated negative and statistically significant values (−2.159 and −33.846, respectively), suggesting population expansion. Further examination of haplotype relationships between Thailand and other countries identified two distinct groups: a Southeast Asia group, with Thai haplotypes clustered exclusively within it, and a non‐Southeast Asia group. These findings highlight the phenotypic and genetic variation of Ae. albopictus in Thailand, providing essential insights for disease control strategies and tracing the mosquito's origins across regions.
Fixed points for group actions on 2‐dimensional affine buildings
Authors: Schillewaert Jeroen , Struyve Koen , Thomas Anne
Published: December 2024

We prove a local‐to‐global result for fixed points of finitely generated groups acting on 2‐dimensional affine buildings of types and . Our proofs combine building‐theoretic arguments with standard results for  spaces.
Ultrasound’s role in differentiating camptodactyly-arthropathy-coxa vara-pericarditis (CACP) syndrome from inflammatory arthritis in children. A narrative review.
Authors: Sparchez Mihaela , Fodor Daniela
Published: December 2024

Camptodactyly-arthropathy-coxa vara-pericarditis (CACP) syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by a combination of congenital flexion contractures of the fingers (camptodactyly), non-inflammatory joint swelling (arthropathy), hip deformities (coxa vara), and recurrent pericarditis. In early childhood, the clinical presentation is dominated by the articular manifestations that can easily mimic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, often leading to delayed diagnosis and inappropriate treatments. Although not pathognomonic, ultrasound may provide specific ultrasound characteristics of joint involvement in CACP syndrome that help differentiate it from inflammatory arthropathies. This report aims to highlight the role of ultrasound in the initial assessment, differential diagnosis, and ongoing monitoring of CACP syndrome, drawing on both our patient series and a review of the literature.
Ultrasonographic and pathological findings of intrathyroidal thymic carcinoma
Authors: Chen Guiwu , Luo Haibo , Qiu Zhongxian , Guo Xiaodong
Published: December 2024

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Ultrasound findings of the right thigh rectus femoris muscle intramuscular myxoma
Authors: Jiang Fenglin , Shi Na
Published: December 2024

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The tricuspid leaflets severe dehiscence after tricuspid rigid ring annuloplasty
Authors: Cheng Jing , Li Xuejie
Published: December 2024

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The retroaortic anomalous coronary artery (RAC) sign – when echocardiography detects coronary artery anomaly
Authors: Meter Mijo , Fabijanić Damir
Published: December 2024

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Ultrasound evaluation of a vascular malformation in the external jugular vein: worsening swelling and pain in the supine position
Authors: Oh Daeseok
Published: December 2024

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Non-mass-like breast intraductal carcinoma detected by Micro-Flow imaging and elastography
Authors: Liu Ruifeng
Published: December 2024

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Quantifying the global biodiversity of Proterozoic eukaryotes
Authors: Tang Qing , Zheng Wentao , Zhang Shuhan , Fan Junxuan , Riedman Leigh Anne , Hou Xudong , Muscente A. D. , Bykova Natalia , Sadler Peter M. , Wang Xiangdong , Zhang Feifei , Yuan Xunlai , Zhou Chuanming , Wan Bin , Pang Ke , Ouyang Qing , McKenzie N. Ryan , Zhao Guochun , Shen Shuzhong , Xiao Shuhai
Published: December 2024

The global diversity of Proterozoic eukaryote fossils is poorly quantified despite its fundamental importance to the understanding of macroevolutionary patterns and dynamics on the early Earth. Here we report a new construction of fossil eukaryote diversity from the Paleoproterozoic to early Cambrian based on a comprehensive data compilation and quantitative analyses. The resulting taxonomic richness curve verifies Cryogenian glaciations as a major divide that separates the “Boring Billion” and Ediacaran periods, with the former characterized by a prolonged stasis, and the latter by greater diversity, more-rapid turnover, and multiple radiations and extinctions. These contrasting evolutionary patterns and dynamics provide a framework to test competing hypotheses on biosphere and geosphere coevolution in the Proterozoic Eon.
Biocatalytic C–H oxidation meets radical cross-coupling: Simplifying complex piperidine synthesis
Authors: He Jiayan , Yokoi Kenta , Wixted Breanna , Zhang Benxiang , Kawamata Yu , Renata Hans , Baran Phil S.
Published: December 2024

Modern medicinal chemists are targeting more complex molecules to address challenging biological targets, which leads to synthesizing structures with higher sp
3
character (Fsp
3
) to enhance specificity as well as physiochemical properties. Although traditional flat, high-fraction sp
2
molecules, such as pyridine, can be decorated through electrophilic aromatic substitution and palladium (Pd)–based cross-couplings, general strategies to derivatize three-dimensional (3D) saturated molecules are far less developed. In this work, we present an approach for the rapid, modular, enantiospecific, and diastereoselective functionalization of piperidine (saturated analog of pyridine), combining robust biocatalytic carbon-hydrogen oxidation with radical cross-coupling. This combination is directly analogous to electrophilic aromatic substitution followed by Pd-couplings for flat molecules, streamlining synthesis of 3D molecules. This study offers a generalizable strategy for accessing complex architectures, appealing to both medicinal and process chemists.
Congo’s mpox crisis
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: December 2024

For the second time in 2 years, a long-overlooked virus poses a global threat. Can it be contained?
2024 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Award Winners Named
Authors: Lane Earl , Hughes Emily
Published: December 2024

Seven awards went to international journalists and two to international/US collborations
Human coronaviruses: activation and antagonism of innate immune responses
Authors: Tanneti Nikhila S. , Stillwell Helen A. , Weiss Susan R.
Published: December 2024

Human coronaviruses cause a range of respiratory diseases, from the common cold (HCoV-229E, HCoV-NL63, HCoV-OC43, and SARS-CoV-2) to lethal pneumonia (SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and MERS-CoV). Coronavirus interactions with host innate immune antiviral responses are an important determinant of disease outcome. This review compares the host’s innate response to different human coronaviruses. Host antiviral defenses discussed in this review include frontline defenses against respiratory viruses in the nasal epithelium, early sensing of viral infection by innate immune effectors, double-stranded RNA and stress-induced antiviral pathways, and viral antagonism of innate immune responses conferred by conserved coronavirus nonstructural proteins and genus-specific accessory proteins. The common cold coronaviruses HCoV-229E and -NL63 induce robust interferon signaling and related innate immune pathways, SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 induce intermediate levels of activation, and MERS-CoV shuts down these pathways almost completely.
Bilateral asthenospheric flow fed by the Caroline plume (western Pacific Ocean)
Authors: Park Ji-hoon , Chang Sung-Joon
Published: December 2024

The interaction of mantle plumes with plate tectonics is typically illustrated by hotspots and corresponding seamount chains, which exhibit age progression in line with absolute plate motions. However, the Caroline seamount chain in the western Pacific Ocean presents ambiguous features that challenge the classical hotspot hypothesis. We used waveform tomography to derive S-wave velocity and radial anisotropy models around the Caroline plate by fitting body and surface waves. Our findings reveal an elongated low-velocity anomaly in the asthenosphere beneath the Caroline seamount chain, accompanied by positive radial anisotropy. This anomaly is associated with a vertical low-velocity anomaly east of the middle of the chain, suggesting bilateral asthenospheric flow fed by the Caroline plume. This mechanism could explain age overlapping and prolonged volcanic activities in the Caroline Islands. We propose that a subducting slab acts as a barrier, redirecting the asthenospheric flow along thin lithosphere bilaterally. These observations shed new light on the interplay between plate tectonics and mantle plumes.
Human vs. Machine: A Comparative Study on the Detection of AI-Generated Content
Authors: Boutadjine Amal , Harrag Fouzi , Shaalan Khaled
Published: December 2024

The surge in advancements in large language models (LLMs) has expedited the generation of synthetic text imitating human writing styles. This, however, raises concerns about the potential misuse of synthetic textual data, which could compromise trust in online content. Against this backdrop, the present research aims to address the key challenges of detecting LLMs-generated texts. In this study, we used ChatGPT (v 3.5) because of its widespread and capability to comprehend and keep conversational context, allowing it to produce meaningful and contextually suitable responses. The problem revolves around the task of discerning between authentic and artificially generated textual content. To tackle this problem, we first created a dataset containing both real and DeepFake text. Subsequently, we employed transfer-learning (TL) and conducted DeepFake-detection utilizing SOTA large pre-trained LLMs. Furthermore, we conducted validation using benchmark datasets comprising unseen data samples to ensure that the model's performance reflects its ability to generalize to new data. Finally, we discussed this study's theoretical contributions, practical implications, limitations and potential avenues for future research, aiming to formulate strategies for identifying and detecting large-generative-models’ produced texts. The results were promising, with accuracy ranging from 94% to 99%. The comparison between automatic detection and the human ability to detect DeepFake text revealed a significant gap in the human capacity for its identification, emphasizing an increasing need for sophisticated automated detectors. The investigation into AI-generated content detection holds central importance in the age of LLMs and technology convergence. This study is both timely and adds value to the ongoing discussion regarding the challenges associated with the pertinent theme of "DeepFake text detection", with a special focus on examining the boundaries of human detection.
Privacy-preserved and Responsible Recommenders: From Conventional Defense to Federated Learning and Blockchain
Authors: Ali Waqar , Zhou Xiangmin , Shao Jie
Published: December 2024

Recommender systems (RS) play an integral role in many online platforms. Exponential growth and potential commercial interests are raising significant concerns around privacy, security, fairness, and overall responsibility. The existing literature around responsible recommendation services is diverse and multidisciplinary. Most literature reviews cover a specific aspect or a single technology for responsible behavior, such as federated learning or blockchain. This study integrates relevant concepts across disciplines to provide a broader representation of the landscape. We review the latest advancements toward building privacy-preserved and responsible recommendation services for the e-commerce industry. The survey summarizes recent, high-impact works on diverse aspects and technologies that ensure responsible behavior in RS through an interconnected taxonomy. We contextualize potential privacy threats, practical significance, industrial expectations, and research remedies. From the technical viewpoint, we analyze conventional privacy defenses and provide an overview of emerging technologies including differential privacy, federated learning, and blockchain. The methods and concepts across technologies are linked based on their objectives, challenges, and future directions. In addition, we also develop an open source repository that summarizes a wide range of evaluation benchmarks, codebases, and toolkits to aid the further research. The survey offers a holistic perspective on this rapidly evolving landscape by synthesizing insights from both RS and responsible AI literature.