bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The ability to value: An additional criterion for decision‐making capacity
Authors: Harcarik Lauren , Kim Scott Y. H. , Millum Joseph 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn the United States, the dominant model of decision‐making capacity (DMC) is the “four abilities model,” which judges DMC according to four criteria: understanding, appreciation, reasoning, and communicating a choice. Some critics argue that this model is “too cognitive” because it ignores the role of emotions and values in decision‐making. But so far there is no consensus about how to incorporate such factors into a model of DMC while still ensuring that patients with unusual or socially disapproved values still have their autonomous decisions respected. In this paper, we aim to give an account of the role of values in decision‐making which can answer some of the lingering questions about capacity. In the current literature, defenders of the inclusion of values in DMC tend to propose solutions which focus on the distorted or incoherent attributes of the values themselves. We argue that shifting the focus onto valuing as an ability is a better solution and that a complete picture of capacity includes understanding, appreciation, reasoning, communicating a choice, and the ability to value. On the basis of a conceptual analysis of the necessary conditions for autonomous decision‐making, we derive a conception of the ability to value. On our account, the ability to value has four components: the possession of values, the ability to access those values, the ability to engage in practical reasoning with one's values, and the ability to act on the result of that reasoning. We describe the positive components of the ability to value, some indicators of impairment, and some implications of our account.
Demonstrating Progress and Potential: Lessons Learned From Federally Funded Inclusive Postsecondary Education in the United States
Authors: Grigal Meg , Papay Clare , Bukaty Caitlyn , Choiseul‐Praslin Belkis , Weir Cate , VanHorn Stinnett Chelsea 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundSince 2010, there has been significant growth in the United States in the number of students with intellectual disability accessing higher education, driven by federal legislation and funding. Currently, over 340 institutions of higher education provide programs of study for students with intellectual disability. Of these programs, 134 have received federal funding through the Transition and Postsecondary Education Program for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) model demonstration program. The Think College National Coordinating Center (NCC), the evaluator of the TPSID model demonstration projects, has collected annual data on student activities and outcomes.MethodsThis study provides trend analysis of data from the TPSID model demonstration program on almost 5000 students with intellectual disability over a 13‐year period.FindingsThis analysis identified trends in student characteristics, university access, employment, support and outcomes of federally funded higher education programs.ConclusionsThe TPSID model demonstration program and resulting student and program data substantially impacted higher education program development and quality in the United States. Trends reflected in this study demonstrate growth in inclusive course access, employment, credential attainment and use of financial aid for college students with intellectual disability. The study provides implications for practice, research and policy in the United States and internationally.
Clinical Outcomes of Bone‐Level and Tissue‐Level Short Implants Placed in Posterior Maxilla: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Lombardi Teresa , Rapani Antonio , Ezeddine Fatima , Perazzolo Giulia , Di Lenarda Roberto , Sivolella Stefano , Stacchi Claudio 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionShort implants are today a reliable, minimally invasive option for the rehabilitation of the posterior maxilla. However, maintaining marginal bone stability remains a crucial factor for long‐term success, particularly in the case of short implants. The present multicenter prospective case–control study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of bone‐level and tissue‐level short implants in the posterior maxilla, focusing on implant survival and peri‐implant marginal bone stability over 1 year of function.MethodsFifty‐nine patients who met specific inclusion criteria were enrolled and treated by three clinical centers with a total of 74 short implants, either bone‐level (7 mm in length, placed 1 mm sub‐crestally) or tissue‐level (5 or 6.5 mm in length). The primary outcome was physiological bone remodeling (PBR) measured via radiographs at baseline (T0), prosthesis delivery (T1), and 12 months post‐loading (T2). Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate differences in PBR between groups, with multivariate analysis assessing the influence of various patient and site‐specific factors.ResultsThe final analysis included 58 patients who were treated with a total of 71 short implants, comprising 36 tissue‐level and 35 bone‐level implants (one patient dropped out as he did not attend follow‐up visits on time). All implants were rehabilitated with fixed, screwed prosthetics after 5 months, with no recorded complications up to 1 year of loading. Stability was similar between the two implant types at T0 and T1, with no significant differences in insertion torque and implant stability quotient (ISQ). Multivariate analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between insertion torque and ISQ at T0, as well as with bicortical engagement of the implant apex with the sinus floor. Tissue‐level implants demonstrated significantly lower peri‐implant bone remodeling (PBR) compared to bone‐level implants at both T1 (0.11 ± 0.27 mm vs. 0.34 ± 0.35 mm, p = 0.004) and T2 (0.30 ± 0.23 mm vs. 0.55 ± 0.42 mm, p = 0.003). Multivariate analysis showed a significant positive correlation between PBR (T0–T1) and thin vertical mucosal thickness (≤ 2 mm) at T0 in both tissue‐level and bone‐level implants. Additionally, PBR (T1–T2) in both groups significantly correlated with the use of short prosthetic abutments (≤ 2 mm) and, only in bone‐level implants, with crown emergence angles > 30°.ConclusionBoth tissue‐level and bone‐level short implants are effective options for implant‐supported rehabilitation in the posterior maxilla. Tissue‐level short implants offer superior marginal bone stability compared to bone‐level implants placed subcrestally, suggesting their favorable use in clinical practice.
Creating an Authorizing Environment to Care for Country
Authors: Shields Teagan , Talbot Leah , Pascoe Jack , Gilbert Josh , Gould Jade , Hunter Barry , van Leeuwen Stephen 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTTypically, Western Science approaches the study of complex systems by examining the component parts outside of their contextual relationships. In contrast, Indigenous people continue to advocate the need for land and seascape approaches that include all aspects of life, particularly the special relationship between Kin (people), Country, and Knowledge. Globally, Indigenous people are lobbying for environmental research to take a rights‐based approach that improves economic opportunities; confers greater authority over the stewardship of Country; delivers equity in managing Country; emboldens control to integrate knowledge systems; values and promotes culture; and recognizes Indigenous self‐determination. In Australia, the National Indigenous Environment Research Network (NIERN) proposal offers a solution that supports the rights‐based approach driven by Indigenous Australians through the establishment of a community of practice guided by Indigenous researchers and Indigenous Knowledge holders. We describe this Indigenous‐led solution to the self‐determination of Indigenous environmental research priorities by exploring the concept, the authorizing environment, and the mutual benefits that could be delivered by such a network. The empowerment of Indigenous people in research is possible if an all‐of‐system approach is taken. This approach must involve Indigenous people in all decision‐making processes including the development of research priorities, the design of methodologies, the interpretation of findings, and finally the evaluation of outputs and outcomes.
High concordance of PET‐CT treatment response evaluation according to PERCIST 1.0 when comparing images reconstructed with OSEM vs. BSREM
Authors: Skoglund Tilda , Minarik David , Edenbrandt Lars , Trägårdh Elin 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundPositron emission tomography (PET) response criteria in solid tumours (PERCIST 1.0) is a systematic assessment of therapy response with fluorine 18 fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) PET. The ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM) and block sequential regularized expectation maximization (BSREM) reconstruction algorithms are both commonly used. The impact of using OSEM or BSREM on PERCIST 1.0 is not fully determined. This study aimed to compare treatment response evaluation between the reconstructions OSEM and BSREM according to PERCIST 1.0.MethodsThe highest peak standardized uptake value corrected for lean body mass (SULpeak) in a lesion were measured in PET‐CT scans from 90 patients with metastatic breast cancer or malignant melanoma, who had undergone two [18F]FDG PET with computer tomography (CT) scans for treatment evaluation purpose. SUL measurements in the reference organ were also calculated. All scans were reconstructed with OSEM and BSREM. Bland Altman plots and Spearman correlation coefficient were used for comparing measurements obtained from OSEM and BSREM images. Patients were categorized as a complete metabolic response (CMR), partial metabolic response (PMR), stable metabolic disease (SMD), or progressive metabolic disease (PMD).ResultsThe mean standard deviation (SD) of SULmean in the reference organ was slightly lower for BSREM images, resulting in a slightly lower threshold. Lesion SULpeak was slightly higher for BSREM images compared with OSEM images. Only 5 out of 90 patients had different response evaluations for the different reconstructions.ConclusionPERCIST 1.0 serves as a robust response evaluation criterion and is only marginally dependent on the reconstruction used.
Identifying focus zones for the conservation and promotion of priority birds in Swiss farmland
Authors: Klein Noëlle , Adde Antoine , Grêt‐Regamey Adrienne , Guisan Antoine , Herzog Felix , Jeanneret Philippe , Kay Sonja 
Published: December 2024

AbstractModern agriculture faces conflicting objectives—increasing agricultural production while preserving and fostering biodiversity. As intensive agricultural management threatens biodiversity, legal obligations aim to halt biodiversity loss and safeguard threatened species. In Switzerland, agricultural priority species have been defined to set environmental goals for biodiversity, with limited success so far. This study spatially defines farmland focus zones with potential for the promotion of priority species for conservation in agricultural landscapes. We overlaid information about field‐level impact of agricultural activities using the Swiss Agricultural Life Cycle Assessment (SALCA‐BD) as “impact of agricultural activities” with the potential distribution of Swiss priority birds. The potential distribution was assessed by aggregating predictions from species distribution models of 27 bird priority species. We identified significantly high/low values for management impact and potential distribution using hotspot analyses. Multivariate clustering was used to identify zones that should be preserved (low management impact, high bird potential) and zones where conservation measures could be promoted (high management impact, high bird potential). Zones which were minimally impacted by management and had a high potential for birds included grassland with structures, covering ca. 18% of the studied farmland. Zones with high management impacts consisted mainly of arable land with little structures, covering ca. 31% of the studied farmland, occurring mainly in the Swiss lowlands. Our results help to assess and visualize the intertwined links between agricultural management and the species inhabiting these agricultural landscapes in a spatially explicit manner. This can help to identify zones and regions for ecological promotion and set priorities for action within future agricultural policies.
Value for money in humanitarian assistance: How does cost efficiency vary across cash and voucher programmes?
Authors: Tulloch Caitlin , Hoyer Kayla , Chrisco Joel 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMotivationCash and voucher assistance has become a key part of humanitarian response over the last decade as it is able to meet people's basic needs during a crisis and it has high cost efficiency relative to traditional in‐kind assistance.Donors have been introducing cost‐efficiency benchmarks—set as cost‐transfer ratios, the ratio of costs of delivery to the value of cash or goods provided to beneficiaries—for cash and voucher programmes. These benchmarks function as price ceilings for humanitarian agencies providing cash and voucher assistance. The welfare effects of these price ceilings, however, are unclear. They could induce greater efficiency, depending on the cost function for cash and voucher assistance programmes, but they could also have widely different consequences across contexts and could even undermine equity.PurposeWe ask what determines the cost‐transfer ratios of cash and voucher assistance programs? How do cost‐transfer ratios vary by size of benefit delivered, local cost levels, scale of programme, and region? What do the results imply for setting cost‐efficiency benchmarks and humanitarian programming?Approach and methodsWe use a novel set of cost‐efficiency data for 31 humanitarian cash and voucher assistance programmes to examine the variation in delivery costs for humanitarian cash and voucher programmes, and to understand what causes these delivery costs to vary. Regression analysis is used to see the impacts of different characteristics of the programmes on their cost‐transfer ratios.FindingsWe find substantial variation in cost‐transfer ratio efficiency across cash and voucher assistance programmes based on their design and context. Programme scale and local price levels explain the largest fraction of variation: larger programmes and contexts with high local prices tend to push down cost‐transfer ratios.Policy implicationsBenchmarks for cost‐efficiency should be specific to context. Global price ceilings for cash and voucher assistance are likely to undermine quality delivery in contexts where local price levels are low and programmes are small, without fully capturing possible efficiency gains in other contexts. This finding, intuitive to economists familiar with economies of scale, runs counter to views common within humanitarian agencies, where limited budgets—budgets insufficient to meet needs—are thought to have the effect of improving cost‐efficiency.Programmes designed around data‐driven benchmarks offer at least as much leverage as price ceilings for improving the value for money of cash and voucher assistance programmes.
Changes in population literacy and numeracy in Ghana after three decades of free basic education
Authors: Kyei Pearl S. , Dzanku Fred Mawunyo , Annim Samuel Kobina 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMotivationDespite increases in school enrolment, the world is facing a global learning crisis that suggests a trade‐off between the quantity and quality of education.PurposeThis case study from Ghana examines whether there has been a long‐term change in educational outcomes, measured by population literacy and numeracy rates, in the decades following the implementation of a national free compulsory basic education policy. It further determines whether there are variations by level of education in the changes over time.Approach and methodsThis study used nationally representative repeated cross‐sectional data from two Ghana Living Standards Surveys (2006 and 2017) to estimate basic literacy and numeracy.FindingsAt the same level of education for the primary and lower secondary school levels, literacy and numeracy were lower in the latter period than a decade previously. These findings suggest that the expansion in gross enrolment at the primary and lower secondary school levels has been associated with a long‐term decline in the quality of education.Policy implicationsConsidering these findings, it is crucial to consider the long‐term implications of expanding access to education on the quality of the education provided. These findings highlight the need for increased investment in quality education to complement the increase in access. This would ensure that children acquire foundational skills at the basic education level. Failure to maintain quality alongside expanded access could negatively impact workforce productivity, economic growth, and social equality.
Fungal Pathogens on Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius) and French Broom (Genista monspessulana) From Chile
Authors: Balocchi Felipe , Sanfuentes Eugenio A. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTScotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) and French broom (Genista monspessulana) are two woody legumes native to Europe and North Africa that have become invasive in different countries around the world. In Chile, they are among the most serious invasive plants of the central southern regions, where they cause severe negative impacts to natural environments, and have become a serious problem in plantation forestry. Numerous studies have sought biological control agents for both species, however, this approach has not been explored in Chile. The aim of this study was to prospect for pathogens and diseases occurring in these weeds in invaded areas of Chile and explore these as potential biocontrol agents. Surveys were conducted in 13 invaded areas between the Biobio and Araucanía regions, and diseased plants of both species were collected for isolation. The putative pathogens isolated from each broom species were inoculated into healthy plants, and isolates producing symptoms identified by DNA sequencing. These isolates were used in pathogenicity tests on both weed species and on Pinus radiata and Eucalyptus globulus plants. The most aggressive pathogens were Fusarium sambucinum, F. solani and Phytophthora multivora on C. scoparius; Neofusicoccum parvum and Chondrostereum purpureum on both weeds, and F. tricinctum s.l. on G. monspessulana. Except for F. trincinctum s.l., all isolates caused lesions on both weeds, and except for P. multivora, all isolates caused lesions on E. globulus and/or P. radiata. Most pathogens on C. scoparius had been reported previously on this host elsewhere, while most pathogens on G. monspessulana represent novel associations.
Brain microstructural damage through serial diffusion tensor imaging and outcomes in Susac syndrome: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Gaudemer Augustin , Henry‐Feugeas Marie‐Cécile , Peyre Marion , Kachaner Alexandra , Klein Isabelle , Khalil Antoine , Papo Thomas , Sacré Karim 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundSusac syndrome (SuS) is a rare immune‐mediated microangiopathy with potential disabling evolution. We aimed to analyze brain microstructural damage through diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in SuS and determine its association with poor outcomes.MethodCarESS study is a prospective multicenter national cohort study of patients with SuS. Patients included at the principal investigator's center with at least two available brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with DTI were analyzed. Mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) were measured in fibers crossing three regions of interest (ROIs): the corpus callosum as a whole, the genu of the corpus callosum, and the splenium of the corpus callosum. The primary outcome was work resumption.ResultsTwenty‐two patients (36 (25;42) years, 16 (73%) females) were studied. The triad (i.e., brain, eye, and ear involvement) was complete in 21 (95%) patients. All but one patients received steroids alone or in combination with immunosuppressive drugs (n = 11) and/or IVIg (n = 7). Over a median follow‐up of 6 (5;8) years, 15 (68%) patients went back to work. FA and MD were longitudinally measured in 123 DTI MRI accounting for a median of 5.6 [4.2; 7] MRI per patient. Microstructural damages in the corpus callosum as a whole, the genu of the corpus callosum, and the splenium of the corpus callosum increased during follow‐up and were significantly associated with the inability to return to work.ConclusionBrain DTI identified microstructural damage in fibers crossing the corpus callosum that are associated with long‐term disability in SuS.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov portal identifier: NCT01481662 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01481662?term=caress&draw=2&rank=5).
Analysis of practical judgment in older adults with epilepsy: An exploratory, multicenter cohort study
Authors: Zawar Ifrah , Reyes Anny , Arrotta Kayela , Lam Alice D. , Sarkis Rani , Hermann Bruce P. , Busch Robyn M. , Kapur Jaideep , Johnson Emily , Tavella‐Burka Sabrina , McDonald Carrie R. , Punia Vineet 
Published: December 2024

AbstractDespite the high prevalence of cognitive deficits in older people with epilepsy (PWE), their ability to judge and make decisions in daily life remains unexplored. In 61 older PWE (55–90 years) from the multicenter BRain Aging and Cognition in Epilepsy (BrACE) study, we examined everyday judgment, as measured by the Test of Practical Judgment (TOP‐J: 9 questions, score range = 0–27; higher score = better judgment) and evaluated its association with clinical and demographic characteristics, global cognition, neuropsychological performance, subjective cognition, and quality of life (QOL). In our participants (mean age ± standard deviation [SD] = 66.3 ± 6.57 years; 57.4% female), >50% scored in the range observed in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (≤21) and 10% in the range similar to people with dementia (≤16). Multivariable analysis revealed that education was the only demographic factor associated with TOP‐J performance. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that lower TOP‐J scores were associated with lower global cognition, language, and abstraction/executive function. Lower TOP‐J scores were also associated with poorer QOL and self‐reported cognitive complaints. These data suggest that the TOP‐J may be a viable screening tool for early identification of reduced judgment. This could guide appropriate interventions in clinical practice, especially when older PWE present with deficits in language and executive function.
Biased manager aggressiveness, understated profits, tax pass‐through, and tax incidence in a differentiated duopoly
Authors: Wang Leonard F. S. , Wu Di , Ramani Vinay 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we examine the findings on tax pass‐through and tax incidence in a differentiated duopoly when the owner of each firm hires a biased manager. We first show that irrespective of the mode of product market competition, the tax pass‐through and tax incidence are higher when owners hire biased managers compared to the case of no delegation. We then consider the issue of tax pass‐through and tax incidence when the owners understate the profit to lower the tax liability. Surprisingly, we find that when firms understate their profit, hiring biased managers further amplifies the tax pass‐through and tax incidence under an ad valorem tax. However, the results remain the same under specific taxes.