bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Statins and/or fibrates for diabetic retinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mozetic Vânia , Pacheco Rafael Leite , Latorraca Carolina de Oliveira Cruz , Riera Rachel 
Published: November 2019

AbstractEvidence from observational studies have found a relationship between serum cholesterol and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Apart of the assumption that cholesterolemic control has benefits for patients with diabetes with or without retinopathy, the effects of lipid-lowering drugs have not been properly mapped and critically assessed so far. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of statins and/or fibrates on prevention and progression of DR. We conducted a Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) following the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and reported in accordance to PRISMA Statement. GRADE approach was used to summarize the certainty of the evidence. Eight RCTs that fulfilled our eligibility criteria were included, assessing the effects of fibrates (n = 4), statins (n = 3) and fibrate plus statins (n = 1) for therapy (n = 8) or prevention (n = 4) of DR. Overall, the main concern regarding risk of bias assessment was due to incomplete outcome data because high rate of losses in five RCTs. Furthermore, the risk of reporting bias was rated unclear due the lack of previously published protocol in seven RCTs. Fibrates seemed to be associated with a 45% risk reduction of macular edema incidence (Relative Risk 0.55, 95% confidence interval of 0.38 to 0.81, 1309 participants, 2 RCTs, I2 = 0%, low certainty of the evidence). The certainty of evidence for other outcomes was also very low or low, and we are uncertain regarding the effects of fibrates for DR. Overall, adverse events seemed to be similar between fibrate and placebo, but again based on the width of the confidence intervals, an important increase of adverse events cannot be rule out. The combination statin/fibrate did not seem to have benefit for visual acuity but is likely that further studies can modify this estimate since the current evidence is limited. Adverse events and quality of life were not measured or reported. Concluding, this study found eight RCTs, with limited methodological quality, that assessed the effects of fibrates and/or statins for DR. Based on these findings, we are uncertain about the effects of statins for DR. Fibrates seemed to reduce the incidence of macular edema (low certainty evidence) without increase adverse events (low to very low certainty evidence).Number of Protocol registration PROSPERO CRD42016029746.
Estrutura de controle e performance financeira: Uma análise de empresas brasileiras listadas e deslistadas, negociadas no Brasil e nos Estados Unidos
Authors: Granzotto Alberto , Bernardi Sonza Igor 
Published: November 2019

O presente trabalho buscou identificar a influência da estrutura de controle do acionista majoritário no desempenho contábil e de mercado das empresas brasileiras listadas e deslistadas negociadas somente na B3 em comparação com as que possuem dupla listagem com os EUA (ADRs). Para este fim, foram aplicadas regressões lineares com dados em painel não balanceados por GMM-Sys. Ficou evidenciado que a estrutura de controle do acionista principal é negativamente relacionada com o desempenho financeiro para as empresas listadas somente na B3, e positivamente relacionada com esse desempenho para as empresas deslistadas, prevalecendo o conflito entre acionistas. Esse contexto é inverso ao encontrado na análise das ADRs, onde a estrutura de controle é positivamente relacionada com o desempenho financeiro enquanto listadas e negativamente relacionada quando ocorre a deslistagem, comprovando que, neste caso, os conflitos de agência prevalecem. Esse estudo confirma que os efeitos da Common Law norte-americana também afetam as empresas brasileiras que são negociadas nos EUA.
Are higher-order factors useful in pricing the cross-section of hedge fund returns?
Authors: Almeida Caio , Fang Elaine 
Published: November 2019

This paper investigates hedge funds’ exposures to various risk factors across different investment strategies through models with both linear and second-order factors. We extend the analysis from an augmented linear model based on Fama & French (1993) and Fung & Hsieh (2001) to second-order models that include all quadratic and interaction terms by adopting a novel multistep strategy that combines the variable selection capabilities of the LASSO regression with the Fama & MacBeth (1973) two-step method. We find that, for some strategies, several quadratic and interaction terms are statistically significant. Nonetheless, there is no evidence that the second-order models have more overall explanatory or predictive power than the linear model. Moreover, while both linear and second-order models perform well for directional funds (like emerging markets, event driven and managed futures), missing factors may still remain for semi-directional funds, such as fund of funds, long/short equity hedge and multi-strategy.
Performance dos bancos brasileiros no contexto de digitalização
Authors: Freitas Otavio Dias , Kirch Guilherme 
Published: November 2019

Considerando o contexto de digitalização do sistema bancário brasileiro, o presente estudo avalia como o investimento em tecnologia vem afetando a performance das instituições financeiras. Diversos estudos avaliaram o impacto da digitalização nos resultados dos bancos. Hernando & Nieto (2007) e Ciciretti, Hasan & Zazzara (2009) identificaram ganhos de rentabilidade e redução de custos com a implantação do internet banking nos bancos espanhóis e italianos. Neste estudo foram analisadas, por meio de regressões lineares, a relação entre investimentos em TI e medidas de rentabilidade (ROA, ROE e margem de intermediação) e despesas (de pessoal e administrativas). Foi também avaliada, por meio de uma análise envoltória de dados (DEA), a evolução das eficiências técnica, de custos e alocativa dos bancos brasileiros, sendo os resultados segregados em termos dos investimentos em TI. Os resultados sugerem que o investimento em tecnologia da informação pelos bancos possui uma relação significativamente positiva com as variáveis de rentabilidade e negativa com as despesas administrativas, corroborando parcialmente com os estudos de Hernando & Nieto (2007). Foi verificado também melhora na eficiência técnica dos bancos brasileiros ao longo do período analisado, principalmente entre aqueles que possuem maior investimento em TI.
Histoire de l’édition en Belgique. XVe-XXIe siècle (P. Durand, T. Habrand, 2018)
Authors: Dutron Martin 
Published: November 2019

Recensé : Pascal Durand et Tanguy Habrand, Histoire de l’édition en Belgique. XVe-XXIe siècle, Paris/Bruxelles, Les Impressions Nouvelles, 2018 (« Réflexions faites »), 576 p.
Aux sons des mémoires. Musiques, archives et terrains (A. Aterianus-Owanga et J. P. Santiago, dir., 2016)
Authors: Rivera Andía Juan Javier 
Published: November 2019

Recensé : Alice Aterianus-Owanga et Jorge P. Santiago (dir.), Aux sons des mémoires. Musiques, archives et terrains, Lyon, Presses universitaires de Lyon, 2016 (« Nouvelles Écritures de l’anthropologie »), 206 p.
Cities & International Policy Diffusion: The Case of Tokyo
Authors: Chiu Nikita 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
In an increasingly globalised world, today’s international challenges such as climate change transcend national boundaries and require multi-level governance responses. Cities, in particular, stand out as an essential governing unit with huge potentials in resolving some of the 21st century’s most pressing concerns. The recent explosion of the phenomenon of city-networks reflects intensifying city-to-city interactions in addressing global environmental issues. This article examines the case of Tokyo in addressing challenges posed by climate change. Examining the origin, development, and diffusion of Tokyo’s climate change policy, the cap-and-trade scheme was found to have first diffused from Europe to Tokyo, adjusted to adapt to the local context, then further diffused to other Asian cities. Study of Tokyo’s experience demonstrates that policy formation does not always follow a centralized, top-down, command-and-control approach. This findings challenge conventional realist conception which emphasises the dominance of central authorities and sovereign states in global policy formation. Under the framework of global governance, this article argues that cities are important sites of policy experimentation and innovation, and that the case of Tokyo demonstrates the potential of cross-country policy diffusion.
Clinical application of a dried blood spot assay for sirolimus and everolimus in transplant patients
Authors: Veenhof Herman , Koster Remco A. , Alffenaar Jan-Willem C. , van den Berg Aad P. , de Groot Marco R. , Verschuuren Erik A.M. , Berger Stefan P. , Bakker Stephan J.L. , Touw Daan J. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Monitoring of immunosuppressive drugs such as everolimus and sirolimus is important in allograft rejection prevention in transplant patients. Dried blood spots (DBS) sampling gives patients the opportunity to sample a drop of blood from a fingerprick at home, which can be sent to the laboratory by mail.

Methods
A total of 39 sirolimus and 44 everolimus paired fingerprick DBS and whole blood (WB) samples were obtained from 60 adult transplant patients for method comparison using Passing-Bablok regression. Bias was assessed using Bland-Altman. Two validation limits were pre-defined: limits of analytical acceptance were set at >67% of all paired samples within 20% of the mean of both samples and limits of clinical relevance were set in a multidisciplinary team at >80% of all paired samples within 15% of the mean of both samples.

Results
For both sirolimus and everolimus, Passing-Bablok regression showed no differences between WB and DBS with slopes of 0.86 (95% CI slope, 0.72–1.02) and 0.96 (95% CI 0.84–1.06), respectively. Only everolimus showed a significant constant bias of 4%. For both sirolimus and everolimus, limits of analytical acceptance were met (76.9% and 81.8%, respectively), but limits or clinical relevance were not met (77.3% and 61.5%, respectively).

Conclusions
Because pre-defined limits of clinical relevance were not met, this DBS sampling method for sirolimus and everolimus cannot replace WB sampling in our center at this time. However, if the clinical setting is compatible with less strict limits for clinical relevance, this DBS method is suitable for clinical application.
Linearity of some low-complexity mapping class groups
Authors: Soroko Ignat 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
By analyzing known presentations of the pure mapping groups of orientable surfaces of genus g with b boundary components and n punctures in the cases when

g
=
0

{g=0}

with b and n arbitrary, and when

g
=
1

{g=1}

and

b
+
n

{b+n}

is at most 3, we show that these groups are isomorphic to some groups related to the braid groups and the Artin group of type

D
4

{D_{4}}

.
As a corollary, we conclude that the pure mapping class groups are linear in these cases.
Solution method for ill-conditioned problems based on a new improved fruit fly optimization algorithm
Authors: Fan Qian , Meng Xiaolin , Xu Chengquan , Yu Jiayong 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Based on deeply analysis for optimization process of basic fruit fly optimization algorithm (FOA), a new improved FOA (IFOA) method is proposed, which modifies random search direction, increases the adjustment coefficient of search radius, and establishes a multi-sub-population solution mechanism. The proposed method can process the nonlinear objective function that has non-zero and non-negative extreme points. In the paper, IFOA method is applied to ill-conditioned problem solution in the field of surveying data processing. Application of the proposed method on two practical examples show that solution accuracy of IFOA is superior to that of three well-known intelligent optimization algorithms and two existing improved FOA methods, and it is also better than truncated singular value decomposition method and ridge estimation method. In addition, compared with intelligent search method represented by particle swarm optimization algorithm, The IFOA method has the advantages of less parameter settings, simple optimization process and easy program implementation. So, IFOA method is feasible, effective and practical in solving ill-conditioned problems.
A kind of dual form for coupling from the past algorithm, to sample from Markov chain steady-state probability
Authors: Nasroallah Abdelaziz , Bounnite Mohamed Yasser 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The standard coupling from the past (CFTP) algorithm is an interesting tool to sample from exact Markov chain steady-state probability.
The CFTP detects, with probability one, the end of the transient phase (called burn-in period) of the chain and consequently the beginning of its stationary phase.
For large and/or stiff Markov chains, the burn-in period is expensive in time consumption.
In this work, we propose a kind of dual form for CFTP called D-CFTP that, in many situations, reduces the Monte Carlo simulation time and does not need to store the history of the used random numbers from one iteration to another.
A performance comparison of CFTP and D-CFTP will be discussed, and some numerical Monte Carlo simulations are carried out to show the smooth running of the proposed D-CFTP.
The Rosko Hoard – a Road Sign? Research and its Perspectives: Mass Deposition of Metal Objects, Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages in Poland
Authors: Maciejewski Marcin 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The phenomenon of depositing various types of goods was practiced in Europe across the annals of all time. Known from the Bronze Age and in some regions of the continent, also from the Early Iron Age, metal object hoards are one of the most spectacular and easiest for identification as well as the most often recorded and analyzed illustration of this phenomenon. In being a specific category of archaeological finds in many respects – as far as the meaning of these practices in the culture of prehistoric communities, as well as the circumstances of their discovery – they were for many decades investigated in a particular way. In this context, unusually high emphasis was placed on typological analysis and the dominant forms of research were regional monographs.
The resulting impasse of using limited data for the purposes of argumentation in favour of one of the hypotheses (sacral or profane) was underscored in the literature many a time. Both the development of archaeology and the significant growth of the number of newly discovered metal artefact assemblages, leads one to considerations over the appropriate means for conducting research on these enigmatic finds. The past few years have brought a series of new research propositions in respect to the means of investigating and interpreting this very phenomenon. The hoard from Rosko one could argue is not only worth exemplification on account of the significant research information it brings, but also as a means of indicating how research on hoards may be conducted.
Bjørn Rabjerg, Robert Stern: On Knud E. Løgstrup’s “Humanism and Christianity”
Authors: Rabjerg Bjørn , Stern Robert 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Dieser Beitrag bietet eine umfassende Diskussion des Textes “Humanismus und Christentum” (1950) des dänischen Philosophen und Theologen Knud E. Løgstrup. Er verortet den Text in seinem geistesgeschichtlichen Kontext und analysiert seine wichtigsten Argumente wie auch seine zentrale These, der zufolge Humanismus und Christentum einen entscheidenden Grundsatz teilen, insofern beide die Ethik als “stumm“ oder “unausgesprochen“ verstehen. Darüber hinaus wird dargelegt, wie Løgstrups Text zentrale Überlegungen in dessen späteren Publikationen, besonders in dem Hauptwerk Die ethische Forderung (1956), vorwegnimmt.
REPRESENTACIONES DE LA LENGUA PORTUGUESA EN LA ARGENTINA: LA BIBLIOTECA DE AUTORES BRASILEÑOS TRADUCIDOS AL CASTELLANO
Authors: Pasero Carlos Alberto 
Published: November 2019

Este estudio analiza las representaciones sobre el portugués en los principales textos y paratextos que conforman la Biblioteca de Autores Brasileños Traducidos al Castellano, publicada por el gobierno argentino entre 1939 y 1943. La supremacía de una "diplomacia del intelecto" en la Biblioteca de Autores Brasileños Traducidos al Castellano, tiñe el discurso referido al Brasil, al portugués y sus culturas y es el resultado de una perspectiva liberal y "mitrista" de apertura integradora con respecto al Brasil. Es la impronta de la Academia Nacional de la Historia presidida por Ricardo Levene. Se podría decir que un sector del campo intelectual se conforma con el objetivo de estudiar y divulgar la cultura brasileña en el marco de una política de mejoramiento de las relaciones bilaterales, de un mayor conocimiento del país vecino e del incremento del intercambio de bienes culturales.Palavras-chave: Representações linguísticas; estatuto formal e informal de língua; mediação cultural; campo intelectual
JUSTICIA: UNA HERRAMIENTA POLIFACÉTICA EN LAS FICCIONES DEL DELITO
Authors: Hwangpo M. Cecilia 
Published: November 2019

Resumen: J. Flores Soto define la justicia como “un valor que tiene por objeto conseguir la paz, el orden, la seguridad y el bien común, mediante la realización de la justicia como supremo valor”. Teniendo en cuenta esta definición, podemos decir que sin los valores, la justicia podría llegar a ser una herramienta multifacética de uso personal, o de un determinado grupo, que se utiliza para lograr su meta o un propósito, como se muestra en nuestro corpus, formado por “Emma Zunz”, Boquitas pintadas y Operación masacre. Sin embargo, a su vez, podemos darnos cuenta de la complejidad y la dificultad de definir la justicia y su ejercicio en un corpus en el que se ligan cuerpos, engaños, falsificaciones y perspectivas. Por ende, la justicia se representa de manera diversa en la cual se convierte en creencias, venganzas, castigos, simuladores, equilibrios, entre otros.Palabras clave: Rodolfo Walsh, Operación masacre, Jorge Luis Borges, Emma Zunz, Manuel Puig, Boquitas pintadas, delito, justicia, castigo, verdad, creencias.
Relation of IGF-I with subclinical cardiovascular markers including intima-media thickness, left ventricular mass index and NT-proBNP
Authors: Eichner Maximilian , Wallaschofski Henri , Schminke Ulf , Völzke Henry , Dörr Marcus , Felix Stephan B , Nauck Matthias , Friedrich Nele 
Published: November 2019

Objective
Several studies revealed relations between low or high insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) levels and risk of cardiovascular diseases or mortality, whereas the mechanisms behind these associations are still unknown.

Design
The study aimed to explore the relations between IGF-I and changes in surrogate markers of cardiovascular disease including carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP).

Methods
Longitudinal data of the population-based cohort Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) were used. IMT was measured by ultrasonography and LVMI was determined based on echocardiography. IGF-I and IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels were measured by chemiluminescent immunoassays and the IGF-I/IGFBP-3 ratio was calculated. Mixed linear regression models adjusted for known cardiovascular confounders were performed.

Results
Statistical analyses demonstrated relations between low baseline IGF-I levels (beta for ΔIMT per s.d. increase −0.044 (s.e. 0.012)) or IGF-I/IGFBP-3 ratio (beta −0.045 (0.012)) and a long-term IMT increase. No associations between IGF-I, IGFBP-3 or IGF-I/IGFBP-3 ratio and changes in LVMI were detected. With respect to NT-proBNP sex-specific associations with IGF-I were found. In women, higher baseline IGF-I levels (beta for ΔNT-proBNP per s.d. increase 5.92 (2.2)) or IGF-I/IGFBP-3 ratio (beta 4.48 (2.2)) were related to an increase in NT-proBNP levels. Among men, U-shaped relations of baseline levels of IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and the IGF-I/IGFBP-3 ratio with an increase in NT-proBNP were found.

Conclusions
The study detected significant relations between IGF-I and long-term changes in IMT and NT-proBNP but not LVMI. These findings argue for different effects of the IGF-I axis with respect to various cardiovascular entities.
Population status of the American crocodile, Crocodylus acutus (Reptilia: Crocodilidae) and the caiman, Caiman crocodilus (Reptilia: Alligatoridae), in the Central Caribbean of Costa Rica
Authors: Bolaños Montero Juan Rafael , Sánchez Ramírez Juan José , Sigler Luis , Barr Brady , Sandoval Hernández Iván 
Published: November 2019

American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus)(Reptilia:Crocodilidae) and caiman (Caiman crocodilus)(Reptilia:Alligatoridae) population status, in the Costarican Central Caribbean. Two species of crocodilians have been described in Costa Rica, american crocodile (Crocodylus acutus: Cuvier 1807), and caiman (Caiman crocodilus: Linnaeus 1758). In Costa Rica, data has been generated on both species, but populations in the Pacific have received more attention from researchers; due to the fact that the Pacific slope has a greater development, which brings greater social pressure on the attention of the incidents generated by the encounter between humans and crocodiles. This study, performed during 2017, was done in an area of approximately 400 km2, characterized by having a wide and dense network of water courses, which includes the Matina, Pacuare, Reventazón and Parismina rivers. In these rivers, an average of 25 kilometers were traveled from the coastline up stream to the interior of the territory, including the Tortuguero canals, and other water bodies that connect these rivers, as well as in the most important lagoons and secondary channels. Three repetitions were made per segment. A population of 1084 caimans and 503 crocodiles is estimated; for a relative abundance of 8.64 and 2.80 ind/Km respectively. Speaking of caimans, up to 12% of individuals of reproductive age were observed, while for crocodiles that number was only 2%. The presence of both species in the different places studied, turned out to be significantly different for crocodiles and for caimans (Kruskal-Wallis, p≤0,000). Likewise, the size distribution is similar for crocodiles reported in all environments (Kruskal-Wallis, p≤0.15), while for caimans it indicates that there is a different distribution for sizes, according to the environment in which they are found (Kruskal -Wallis, p≤0,000), with a bias against of the Pacuare and Matina rivers. It was possible to estimate a sex ratio of 1.25 and 0.83 males to females, in crocodiles and caimans respectively, with 9 and 11 captures in that same order, in individuals of recruits, juvenile and subadult sizes. The Matina River and the Jalova Lagoon are the two main sites for the observation of crocodiles, their abundances are lower than those reported for the Pacific of Costa Rica, in whereas caimans, with a more homogeneous distribution throughout the sampling area, have a relative abundance considerably more than that reported in Honduras (2.2 ind/km), but lower than the 12.5 reported forLa Rambla de Sarapiquí, in the Northern Zone of Costa Rica.