bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early child development in England: cross-sectional analysis of ASQ®-3 records from the 2-2½-year universal health visiting review using national administrative data (Community Service Dataset, CSDS)
Authors: Jung Jayu , Cattan Sarah , Powell Claire , Barlow Jane , Liu Mengyun , Clery Amanda , Grath-Lone Louise Mb , Bunting Catherine , Woodman Jenny 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ®; 3rd Edition) is a tool to measure developmental delay for children aged between 1 - 66 months which was originally developed in the United States (USA). This measure has been collected in England since 2015 as a part of 2-21/2-year Health Visiting review. However, the quality of the data is known to be incomplete and to-date there have not been any analyses of this data across England looking at disparities between groups of children.ObjectivesWe identify a subset of child development data, ASQ®-3 in Community Service dataset (CSDS) that is sufficiently complete to carry out research then using this dataset we describe child development at aged 2-21/2years in England (2018/19-2020/21).MethodsWe compared counts of ASQ®-3 records in CSDS by local authority and financial quarter against the Health Visitor Service Delivery Metrics (HVSDM) to identify a subset of CSDS data that were complete. We described child development using this subset of the data. We used both binary cut-off variable indicating whether a child reached expected/above level of development and continuous ASQ®-3 score variable to understand child development at age 2-21/2.ResultsAmong the 226,505 children from 64 local authorities in our sample, 86.2% met expected level of development. Children from the most deprived neighbourhoods (82.6%), the Black ethnic group (78.9%) and boys (81.7%) were less likely to meet expected level of development. Gender disparity on child development was strong as boys (86.0) in the least deprived neighbourhood were less likely to reach expected level of development compared to the girls (88.2%) from the most deprived neighbourhoods.ConclusionsIn order to fully understand child development in England, first ASQ®-3 data flow needs to be improved. Second, ASQ®-3 data needs to be standardised and validated in the UK context. Developmental support is needed for at least 13.8% of the children who did not meet the expected level of development and especially for those who lived in the most deprived neighbourhoods and boys.
VirtualIce: Half-synthetic CryoEM Micrograph Generator
Authors: Noble Alex J. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSingle particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) is going through a phase of rapid optimization focused on increasing the efficiency, accuracy, and automation of every step in the data pipeline. Machine learning models in particular have been making substantial advances in cryoEM, however their impact has been limited. This limitation is due in part to the lack of availability of realistic ground-truth datasets for training and evaluation of cryoEM machine learning models. To address this limitation and accelerate this phase, we introduce VirtualIce which generates half-synthetic micrographs by projecting proteins onto real, curated micrographs of vitrified buffer. VirtualIce provides configurable features including noise simulation, realistic particle distributions, particle overlapping, particle aggregation, filtering obscured regions, and multiple structures per micrograph. VirtualIce may be a valuable resource to help visualize unknown proteins, accelerate the development of automated data collection and processing pipelines, and develop cryoEM algorithms.
Diversification mitigates pesticide but not microplastic effects on bees without compromising rapeseed yield in China
Authors: Lin Wei , He Xueqing , Hu Jilan , Balle Marcel , Darras Kevin F.A. , Jing Siyuan , Scherber Christoph , Toledo-Hernández Manuel , Yan Yan , Zhang ChengCheng , Zeng Siyan , Wanger Thomas Cherico 
Published: September 2024

AbstractHumanity depends on agriculture for food, fiber and energy provisioning, but input-intensive agricultural production is impacting ecosystem services such as pollination. Pollution effects from neonicotinoid insecticides on pollinators receive much attention, but nothing is known on the synergistic effects with emerging plastic contaminants and the mitigation potential of agricultural diversification. Here, we conduct the first large-scale and full-factorial mesocosm study to understand two-generation effects of diversified floral resources (diversification treatment), neonicotinoid and microplastic pollution (pollution treatments) onOsmia cornifronsbees in 72 mesocosms. In our three-year experiment, we found that diversification can mitigate individual neonicotinoid effects. We did not find any individual or synergistic effects of microplastic on reproductive performance of solitary bees. None of our treatments affected rapeseed yield. Our results confirm the benefits of diversified flower resources to mitigate pesticide effects on bees in China and suggest that microplastics have no acute individual or interaction toxicity in semi-natural environment at realistic exposure levels. Diversified flower resources in Chinese agricultural landscapes to mitigate pesticide pollution effects on pollinators is an important policy argument for pollinator protection with downstream implications for food security.
Unveiling AI-ECG using Generative Counterfactual XAI Framework
Authors: Jang Jong-Hwan , Jo Yong-Yeon , Kang Sora , Son Jeong Min , Lee Hak Seung , Kwon Joon-myoung , Lee Min Sung 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe application of artificial intelligence (AI) to electrocardiograms (ECGs) has shown great promise in the screening and diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases, often matching or surpassing human expertise. However, the “black-box” nature of deep learning models poses significant challenges to their clinical adoption. While Explainable AI (XAI) techniques, such as Saliency Maps, have attempted to address these issues, they have not been able to provide clear, clinically relevant explanations. We developed the Generative Counterfactual ECG XAI (GCX) framework, which uses counterfactual scenarios to explain AI predictions, enhancing interpretability and aligning with medical knowledge.MethodsWe designed a study to validate the GCX framework by applying it to eight AI-ECG models, including those focused on regression of six ECG features, potassium level regression, and atrial fibrillation (AF) classification. PTB-XL and MIMIC-IV were used to develop and test. GCX generated counterfactual (CF) ECGs to visualize how changes in the ECG relate to AI-ECG predictions. We visualized CF ECGs for qualitative comparisons, statistically compared ECG features, and validated these findings with conventional ECG knowledge.ResultsThe GCX framework successfully generated interpretable ECGs aligned with clinical knowledge, particularly in the context of ECG feature regression, potassium level regression, and AF classification. For ECG feature regression, GCX demonstrated clear and consistent changes in features, reflecting the corresponding morphological alterations. CF ECGs for hyperkalemia showed a prolonged PR, discernible P wave, increased T wave amplitude, and widened QRS complex, whereas those for AF demonstrated the disappearance of the P wave and irregular rhythms.ConclusionThe GCX framework enhances the interpretability of AI-ECG models, offering clear relevant explanations for AI predictions. This approach holds substantial potential for improving the trust and utility of AI in clinical practice, although further validation across diverse datasets is required.
The willingness to accept and to pay for non-communicable disease screenings in rural Bangladesh: A contingent valuation study
Authors: Sabin Lucie , Uddin Ahmed Sarker Ashraf , Kuddus Abdul , King Carina , Morrison Joanna , Kumar Shaha Sanjit , Ahmed Naveed , Nahar Tasmin , Azad Kishwar , Fottrell Edward , Haghparast-Bidgoli Hassan , Kiadaliri Ali 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundBangladesh is experiencing a rapid increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Early screening is essential to enable timely treatment. In Bangladesh, access to screening services for NCDs is often limited. This study aimed to elicit the willingness to accept (WTA) and the willingness to pay (WTP) for four screening packages for NCDs and their association with the respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics among rural communities in Bangladesh.MethodsA cross-sectional survey using contingent valuation was conducted in six villages of Faridpur district, Bangladesh. The WTP was elicited using a double-bounded dichotomous choice and bidding game approach, with initial bid amounts based on local market prices. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with WTA and WTP, and a two-part model was employed to estimate mean WTP and its determinants. We used a double-limit dichotomous choice model with the respondents who took part in the bidding exercise.ResultsWe found that 83% of the 346 respondents were willing to accept at least one screening package and among these 44% would be willing to pay to accept all screenings. The willingness to accept and pay varied largely by the type of screening being offered, with much lower proportions for obesity than for hypertension and diabetes. The results suggested that individuals from households with a member with an NCD were more willing to accept and pay for screening compared to those from households without an NCD. Married individuals in the highest wealth and expenditure tertiles were also more willing to pay than not-married individuals from middle- and low-wealth and expenditure tertiles. Sex and occupation influenced the amount individuals were willing to pay.ConclusionsOur results encourage the development of screening interventions for NCDs in rural populations. Further research is needed to assess their feasibility, effectiveness and equity in Bangladesh on a larger scale.
DETERMINANTS OF COMPLIANCE WITH IRON-FOLIC ACID SUPPLEMENTATION AMONG PREGNANT MOTHERS IN BULE HORA DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA: UNMATCHED CASE-CONTROL STUDY
Authors: Tesfa Reta , Mareg Moges , Birane Mahlet , Dhinsa Midhagsaa , Muleta Biranu , Jemal Jibril , Begna Tadase 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundWorld Health Organization has recommended a daily supplementation of iron folic acid, to avert anemias during pregnancy. However, due to many factors, compliance of pregnant women with this recommendation of iron and folic acid supplementation remains low, both in Africa and Ethiopia. The findings from previous studies show in concurrent finding regarding determinants of iron and folic acid compliance.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess determinants of iron and folic acid supplementation compliance among antenatal care attendee pregnant women in the Bule Hora district, south Ethiopia, in 2023.MethodsHealth facility -based, unmatched case-control study was conducted in Bule Hora district from November 2023 to December 2023, using pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. The sample size for the study was calculated using Epi Info version 7.2.6 software. A total of 115 cases and 230 controls were included in the study. The sample size was proportionally allocated to each health facility based on number of pregnant women supplemented with iron-folic acid at least one month before the data collection period; after that, systematic sampling techniques were used to select every 2ndparticipant from each health facility. Binary and multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify determinants of iron folic acid compliance; AOR at P-value < 0.05 with 95% CI was used to declare a statistically association after checking absence of multicollinearity (VIF < 1.65, Tolerance >0.6) and Hosmer and Leme-show test of model fitness (p-value =0.08).ResultsA total of 345 pregnant women were included in the study with, a 100% response rate. Prim gravidity [AOR: 4.67, 95% CI (1.60, 13.57)], antenatal care contact 4 or more times [AOR: 7.84, 95% CI (3.34-18.41)], having husband/family support to take iron folic acid [AOR: 4.48, 95% CI (2.19-9.13)] and good knowledge on anemia [AOR: 3.79, 95%CI (1.85-7.75)] shows significant association with iron-folic acid good compliance.ConclusionThe study concluded that prim-gravidity, antenatal care contact 4 or more times, having husband support, and good knowledge of anemias were determinants of good compliance. Promoting husband support and frequency of antenatal care contact and providing information about anemias were needed to enhance compliance with iron folic acid.
Gut microbial dysbiosis is associated with occurrence and post-surgical prognosis of unraptured cerebral aneurysm
Authors: Du Jiancheng , Li Gang , Wang Donghai , Zhao Peng , Zhang Ping , Dong Tianyi , Wei Junhao , Deng Lin , Dun Zhiping , Liu Shili 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe microbiota has been reported to play an important role in the occurrence of brain aneurysms (CA). However, no microbiota or metabolite has been used for diagnosis or therapy of CA till now. Therefore, we investigated the shifts of gut microbiota and metabolites in CA patients, and explored the feasibility of using them as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.METHODSThe microbial DNA was extracted from the stool samples of the CA and healthy volunteer groups. The variable V3-V4 region of the 16S rDNA gene was sequenced on a MiSeq system. R software package was used to analyze the sequence, and the variations in microbial composition was obtained. The correlation analysis of the differential intestinal bacteria, metabolites and blood parameters was explored based on a logistic regression model. A random forest algorithm was used to predict the classification of samples for further exploring the relationship between fecal microbiota and CA.RESULTSThe α-diversity indexes demonstrated an altered within-sample microbial diversities between patients and healthy people. The subsequent beta diversity results indicated that shift in the between-sample microbial diversities of the intestinal microbiota was associated with the occurrence of cerebral aneurysm. Specifically, the abundance of some gut bacterial genera, such as Blautia and Faecalibacterium, changed significantly after CA. Intestinal metabolite enrichment results highlight the role of carbohydrate metabolic pathways in CA, including sedoheptulose 7-phosphate (S-7-P). The correlation analysis of the differential intestinal bacteria, metabolites and blood parameters indicated that intestinal bacteria and metabolites were related to host blood parameters. Then, the predictive models were employed to test the significance of the combination of differential bacteria, metabolites and blood parameters in CA diagnosis and prognosis. The predictive model built by Faecalibacterium and s7p obtained an area under ROC curve (AUC) of 99.7%, and Faecalibacterium and s-7-p were also associated with some metabolite that have significance in post-surgery prognosis of CA.ConclusionsThe gut microbiota and metabolites profiles of patients with CA were significantly altered. Bacterial genus Faecalibacterium and metabolite s-7-p could serve as potential biomarkers in CA prediction and post-surgery prognosis.
The Hurst exponent as a marker of inhibition in the developing brain
Authors: Nishio Monami , Ellwood-Lowe Monica E. , Woodburn Mackenzie , McDermott Cassidy L. , Park Anne T. , Tooley Ursula A. , Boroshok Austin L. , Grandjean Joanes , Mackey Allyson P. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe maturation of inhibitory neurons is crucial for regulating plasticity in developing brains. Previous work using computational models has suggested that the Hurst exponent, the decay in power over frequency, reflects inhibition, but empirical data supporting this link is sparse. Here, we took a cross-species approach to validating the Hurst exponent of fMRI as a marker of inhibition, then characterized the development of the Hurst exponent in childhood. We found significant spatial correlations between the Hurst exponent and ex vivo parvalbumin mRNA expression in human children and adults, and between the Hurst exponent and parvalbumin-positive cell counts in mice. We identified a plateau in the mRNA expression by late childhood, aligning with the Hurst exponent plateau in both humans and rats. In sum, this work suggests that the Hurst exponent can be used to study the development of inhibitionin vivo, and in the future, to understand individual differences in plasticity.
ALG-1, a microRNA argonaute, promotes vulva induction inC. elegans
Authors: Zhen Sunny , Rocheleau Christian E. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSignaling by the LET-60 Ras GTPase/MPK-1 Extracellular Regulated Kinase pathway specifies the vulva cell fate inC. elegans. Thelet-7miRNA family negatively regulates LET-60 Ras but other miRNAs can also modulate vulva induction. To determine the impact of globally reducing miRNA function on LET-60 Ras-mediated vulva induction we analyzed the effect of loss of the ALG-1 miRNA regulator on vulva development. Contrary to our expectations, we find that ALG-1 promotes vulva induction independently of LET-60 Ras. We found that the reduced vulva cell fate induction ofalg-1deletion mutants could be due to delayed development of the vulva, or a requirement to maintain the competence of the uninduced precursor cells.
Digital transformation and religious entrepreneurship in Nigeria: integrating artificial intelligence toward competitive advantage
Authors: Godswill Agu Agu , Margaça Clara 
Published: September 2024

PurposeBased on the technology acceptance model (TAM), this study contextually examines the level of willingness of religious entrepreneurs to accept and implement artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Furthermore, it aims to explore the challenges and prospects of AI adoption among entrepreneurs.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a qualitative approach, the data were collected from 12 informants from different segments of religious entrepreneurship in Nigeria. Semi-structured interviews and deductive thematic analysis were used to collect data.FindingsThe findings show that religious entrepreneurs demonstrate commendable level of awareness of the availability and usefulness of AI tools that support secular and sacred entrepreneurial pursuits. Furthermore, findings indicate that they have fully integrated AI in their secular entrepreneurial affairs but still demonstrate restraints in implementing it in certain sacred functions. Several challenges including shortage of finance, trained manpower and equipment are faced by the entrepreneurs.Originality/valueTheoretically, the findings demonstrate that AI awareness and perceived usefulness influence the intention of religious entrepreneurs to integrate AI into religious entrepreneurship, while perceived ease of use does not.
Impact of patent infringement damages on firms' innovation performance: the moderating effects of patent-intensive industries
Authors: Deng Yuting , Qi Yong , Guo Qing 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThe patent thickets exacerbate patent infringement, especially in patent-intensive industries. Damages are a crucial remedy for patent infringement, upholding innovation incentives in the patent system. This paper aims to examine the impact of damages on the subsequent innovation performance of plaintiff and defendant firms and the moderating role of patent-intensive industries in these effects.Design/methodology/approachBased on data from 1,062 Chinese firms involved in patent infringement litigation, this paper uses Poisson panel regression models to examine the dynamic impact of damages on incremental and breakthrough innovation performance for plaintiff and defendant firms and further validates the moderating role of patent-intensive industries on the impacts. Additionally, this paper conducts heterogeneity analysis by categorizing the sample into micro and small enterprises (MSEs) and medium and large enterprises (MLEs).FindingsThis paper shows that MLE plaintiffs skew toward incremental rather than breakthrough innovations after awarding damages, whereas MSEs transiently engage in high-level innovation activities. (2) Plaintiffs with higher payout ratios are more inclined toward undertaking breakthrough innovations. (3) Awarded damages significantly inhibit the innovative output of defendants at varying levels of innovation. (4) Plaintiff firms in patent-intensive industries show more innovation after awarding damages than those in other sectors, but damages do not effectively encourage MSEs to innovate. Defendants in patent-intensive industries are also more reluctant to innovate after damages.Originality/valueThis paper empirically investigates the relationship between patent damages and firms' subsequent innovation performance in terms of litigation status, organizational scale and level of technological innovation. Besides, this paper reveals the differences in the impact of patent protection on firms' innovation in patent-intensive industries versus other industries.
Leadership in small business environments: from the heroic model to distributed approach
Authors: Debono David , Aquilina Ronald , Brincat Jean-Pierre 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
This study explores the process of interactions experienced by leaders during the evolution of the small firm. Three key propositions are conceptualized into a model with the main aim of supporting leaders of small organizations in understanding better the leadership phenomena.

Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative research project investigates the dynamics of leadership in small businesses through an inductive and abductive approach, inherent to grounded theory. This enabled the development of propositions directly from data. Field research involved responsive interviews with 12 established small enterprise leaders. Selective and theoretical sampling coupled with ongoing data comparison and analysis were applied to uncover and refine emerging leadership concepts.

Findings
Intellectual assets of leaders in small firms propel the recognition and sensitivity to the process of organizational evolution which requires a continuous adaptation of the leadership paradigm.

Research limitations/implications
The researchers’ philosophical stance to construct reality based on the participants own experiences, cannot produce generalized findings on the subject area.

Practical implications
Enhanced Decision-Making and Strategic Planning: Small business leaders can leverage their academic and industry backgrounds to make more informed and strategic decisions. Facilitating Organizational Change: By understanding the necessity of continuous change, small business leaders can implement frameworks that encourage flexibility and adaptability within their organizations. Adopting Distributed Leadership: Encouraging small business owners to move away from centralized control towards a more distributed leadership model can lead to better organizational outcomes.

Originality/value
A considerable amount of research has been devoted to leadership in the past decades. There is very little evidence on behavioral patterns of leaders, grounded in data within the context of the Small Firm aimed at the practitioner. This work is contribution towards this shortfall.