bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A randomized controlled study of a second grade numeracy intervention with Swedish students at‐risk of mathematics difficulties
Authors: Lindström‐Sandahl Hanna , Samuelsson Joakim , Danielsson Henrik , Samuelsson Stefan , Elwér Åsa 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundEarly numeracy interventions including basic arithmetic are crucial for young students at risk for early mathematics difficulties (MDs), yet few studies have evaluated numeracy interventions in second grade with a randomized controlled design.AimThis pre‐ and post‐test randomized controlled study evaluated the effects of an intensive 9‐week numeracy and arithmetic programme for second‐grade students at risk for early MDs. The focus of the programme was students’ foundational understanding of numbers and mathematical concepts and procedural fluency with arithmetic tasks.SampleA total of 753 first‐grade students from 21 schools in Sweden were screened for low achievement in number knowledge and arithmetic.MethodsStudents considered at risk for MDs (≤25 percentile on two consecutive first‐grade mathematics screenings) were individually randomized to an intervention group (n = 32) or control group (n = 30) at the beginning of second grade (7–8 years old). Trained teachers administered the one‐to‐one, explicit programme to intervention group students in elementary school settings. The intervention group received numeracy instruction emphasizing foundational mathematics concepts and procedures. Controls received teaching as usual with potential special education support provided by their schools.ResultsThe intervention group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in conceptual knowledge, arithmetic calculations and problem‐solving compared to the control group, with medium size effects observed.ConclusionsA supplemental and intensive programme, with explicit instruction emphasizing numeracy, substantially improved knowledge and skills essential for arithmetic learning. Instruction in conceptual number knowledge and procedures also shows a significant impact on basic arithmetic problem‐solving.
Surgeon perceptions of personality as an influencing factor on anastomotic decision‐making: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Bisset Carly N. , Moug Susan J. , Oliphant Raymond , Dames Nicola , Cleland Jennifer 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimSurgeon personality is a factor influencing rectal anastomotic decision‐making. However, it is unclear how or why this may be the case, or what aspects of personality are involved. The aim of this study was to investigate the views of colorectal surgeons on how their individual personality may influence variation in anastomotic decision‐making.MethodPurposive sampling was used to invite certified UK‐based colorectal surgeons to participate, with individual interviews used for data collection. Participants were recruited until ongoing data review indicated no new codes were generated (i.e. data sufficiency). Data were analysed thematically following Braun and Clarke's six‐step framework.ResultsSeventeen colorectal surgeons (eight female, nine male) participated. Two key themes relating to personality and decision‐making were identified: (1) surgeon development and training and (2) patient–surgeon interactions, each with relevant subthemes. Surgeons described how their personality may influence patients’ postoperative outcomes (e.g. decision‐making, team working and communication) and potential mechanisms for how their personality may influence operative risk‐taking. Following anastomotic leakage, surgeons described a disproportionate sense of guilt and responsibility. There appears to be a significant transition in responsibility from trainee to newly appointed consultant, which may be part of the ‘hidden curriculum’ of surgical training.ConclusionColorectal surgeons have described their perceptions of how personality traits may impact variation in decision‐making and patient outcomes for the first time. Early career surgeons felt ill‐prepared for the level of guilt experienced when managing complications. Surgeons appear open to personality assessment if this was through an educational lens, with the aim of improving decision‐making following complications and overall performance.
How much would it cost to guarantee debt for all publicly traded U.S. corporations?
Authors: Miller Stephen Matteo 
Published: June 2024

AbstractEstimated marked‐to‐market values of guaranteeing debt ex ante for all available publicly traded US corporations from Q4 1971 to Q4 2022 reveal that the largest estimates periodically arise with a handful of large financial corporations, but significant estimates can arise for nonfinancial corporations. In real Q1 2010 US dollars, the aggregate cost of guaranteeing debt reached $983 billion in Q1 2009 and $284.78 billion in Q1 2020 during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Large observed guarantee estimates may reflect moral hazard, but also concerns about avoiding substantial increases in unemployment or maintaining the provision of essential services during national emergencies.
Question‐driven text summarization using an extractive‐abstractive framework
Authors: Abazari Kia Mahsa , Garifullina Aygul , Kern Mathias , Chamberlain Jon , Jameel Shoaib 
Published: June 2024

AbstractQuestion‐driven automatic text summarization is a popular technique to produce concise and informative answers to specific questions using a document collection. Both query‐based and question‐driven summarization may not produce reliable summaries nor contain relevant information if they do not take advantage of extractive and abstractive summarization mechanisms to improve performance. In this article, we propose a novel extractive and abstractive hybrid framework designed for question‐driven automatic text summarization. The framework consists of complimentary modules that work together to generate an effective summary: (1) discovering appropriate non‐redundant sentences as plausible answers using an open‐domain multi‐hop question answering system based on a convolutional neural network, multi‐head attention mechanism and reasoning process; and (2) a novel paraphrasing generative adversarial network model based on transformers rewrites the extracted sentences in an abstractive setup. Experiments show this framework results in more reliable abstractive summary than competing methods. We have performed extensive experiments on public datasets, and the results show our model can outperform many question‐driven and query‐based baseline methods (an R1, R2, RL increase of 6%–7% for over the next highest baseline).
Squamous cell carcinoma of the nail apparatus: Histopathology and immunohistochemistry correlation study
Authors: Moulart Florine , Olemans Catherine , de Saint Aubain Nicolas , Richert Bertrand , André Josette 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundNail squamous cell carcinoma (NSCC) is the most frequent ungual malignant tumor, but its incidence remains low. The histopathological description is sparse. We aim to characterize NSCC histopathological aspects, search for a correlation with clinical subtypes, and investigate immunohistochemistry expression of p16, p53, and Ki67.MethodsThis retrospective study collected NSCC diagnosed in our dermatology department between 2007 and 2021. The histopathological features were correlated with the clinical signs and immunohistochemistry.ResultsA total of 48 patients were included, and immunohistochemistry was available for 36 of them. Two histopathological patterns became prominent: a blue‐basaloid type characterized by koilocytosis (p < 0.001), and a pink‐keratinizing type. Mean ages were similar when comparing basaloid and periungual versus keratinizing and subungual (p < 0.001). p16 was positive in 31 of 36 cases: 18 basaloid and 13 keratinizing (p = 0.167). p53 and Ki67 were all abnormal.ConclusionsOur study described two histopathological NSCC subtypes and associated them with the two clinical subtypes: the blue‐basaloid type, HPV‐induced, in situ, of periungual localization in younger males; and the pink‐keratinizing type, non‐HPV‐induced, invasive, of subungual site, in elderly. Immunohistochemistry was not contributing on its own, but p16 positivity associated with basaloid histopathological profile helps support HPV etiology.
Factors affecting complete stone removal and bile duct stone recurrence in patients with surgically altered anatomy treated by double‐balloon endoscopy‐assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiography
Authors: Yokoyama Kensuke , Kanno Atsushi , Tanaka Akitsugu , Sakurai Yusuke , Ikeda Eriko , Ando Kozue , Nagai Hiroki , Yano Tomonori , Yamamoto Hironori 
Published: June 2024

ObjectivesThis study assessed factors influencing the complete removal and recurrence of bile duct stones in patients with surgically altered anatomy (SAA) undergoing double‐balloon endoscopy‐assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (DBERC).MethodsA retrospective analysis of 289 patients with SAA treated for biliary stones with DBERC at Jichi Medical University Hospital (January 2007 to December 2022) was conducted. Evaluation of factors impacting complete stone removal was performed in 257 patients with successful bile duct cannulation. Logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to compute the odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) at 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsOf 257 patients, 139 (54.0%) and 209 (81.3%) achieved initial and complete removal, respectively. Recurrence occurred in 55 (21.4%) patients. Factors associated with initial complete stone removal included cholangitis (P < 0.01, OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.27–0.83), number of stones (P < 0.01, OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.18–0.54), and largest stone diameter (P < 0.01, OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.20–0.67). The size of the largest stone was associated with complete removal (P = 0.01, OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.13–0.76). Recurrence was associated with cholangitis (P = 0.046, HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.29–0.99), congenital biliary dilatation (P = 0.01, HR 2.65, 95% CI 1.21–5.80), and number of stones (P = 0.02, HR 1.96, 95% CI 1.12–3.41).ConclusionsSuccessful complete bile stone removal in patients with SAA depends on the stone diameter and number. Stone recurrence is influenced by the number of stones and history of congenital biliary dilatation.
How to care for carers: Psychosocial care for local staff of aid agencies
Authors: Vento Daniella , Koch Dirk‐Jan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWhile mental health and psychosocial support receive substantial international attention in humanitarian aid, the well‐being of local aid agency staff themselves is often overlooked. This research, using an exploratory sequential mixed‐methods design composed of two rounds of interviews (N = 23) and a survey (N = 146), highlights the constraints that local staff encounter to access psychosocial support. The study presents a snapshot of what mental health and psychosocial support is available for aid workers active in emergencies. Among local staff, 50 per cent deem the support not to be appropriate. The main causes are a lack of information regarding the available care, a lack of time to access care, and a lack of trust to access services provided through the employer. This paper suggests that agencies can improve local staff welfare by alleviating stressors related to short‐term contracts, granting access to after‐assignment care, and catering to a wider array of coping strategies.
The efficacy and safety of iGlarLixi versus IDegAsp in Chinese people with type 2 diabetes suboptimally controlled with oral antidiabetic drugs: The Soli‐D randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liu Ming , Gu Weijun , Chen Li , Li Yanbing , Kuang Hongyu , Du Jianling , Alvarez Agustina , Lauand Felipe , Souhami Elisabeth , Zhang Jiewen , Xu Weiya , Du Qin , Mu Yiming ,   SoliD trial investigators
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimTo compare the efficacy and safety of a fixed‐ratio combination of insulin glargine 100 U/mL plus lixisenatide (iGlarLixi) with premixed insulin, insulin degludec plus insulin aspart (IDegAsp), in Chinese people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) suboptimally controlled with oral antidiabetic drug(s) (OADs).MethodsIn Soli‐D, a 24‐week, multicentre, open‐label, study, insulin‐naïve adults were randomized 1:1 to once‐daily injections of iGlarLixi (n = 291) or IDegAsp (n = 291), with continued metformin ± sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors. The primary endpoint was non‐inferiority in HbA1c change from baseline to week 24. Key secondary endpoints included superiority in HbA1c change and body weight (BW) change at week 24. Hypoglycaemia rates were also assessed.ResultsAt week 24, iGlarLixi showed non‐inferiority and superiority over IDegAsp in HbA1c reduction (least squares [LS] mean difference: −0.20 [95% confidence interval {CI}: –0.33, −0.07]; P < .001 for non‐inferiority; [97.5% CI: –0.35, −0.05]; P = .003 for superiority). iGlarLixi decreased BW and IDegAsp increased BW from baseline to week 24, with a statistically significant LS mean difference of −1.49 kg in favour of iGlarLixi (97.5% CI: –2.32, −0.66; P < .001). Event rates (per person‐year) for American Diabetes Association (ADA) Level 1, 2 or 3 hypoglycaemia were lower for iGlarLixi (1.90) versus IDegAsp (2.72) (relative risk: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.52, 0.98). No ADA Level 3 hypoglycaemia or unexpected safety findings were reported.ConclusionsIn Chinese people with T2D suboptimally controlled with OADs, once‐daily iGlarLixi provided better glycaemic control with BW benefit and lower hypoglycaemia event rates versus IDegAsp.
Changes in thyroid hormones predict weight regain in patients with obesity who undergo metabolic surgery
Authors: Tang Yi , Liu Wei , Wang Wuhao , Zhao Huandong , Lu Zongshi , Li Qiang , Yan Zhencheng , He Hongbo , Zhao Zhigang , Ke Zhigang , Li Fan , Tong Weidong , Sun Fang , Zhu Zhiming 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimTo investigate the relationship between thyroid function and weight regain in patients with obesity after metabolic surgery.MethodsThis retrospective study enrolled 162 patients who underwent metabolic surgery. Correlations between decreases in thyroid hormone levels and changes in weight, waist circumference (WC) and the Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI) were assessed. Binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify predictors and clinically useful cut‐off values, respectively.ResultsThe levels of thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) and free triiodothyronine (FT3) decreased markedly at 1 year after surgery, as did weight, body mass index (BMI), triglycerides, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, WC and CVAI. Decreases in TSH and FT3 after metabolic surgery were associated with changes in weight, BMI and CVAI. Binary logistic regression and ROC curve analyses confirmed that decreases in TSH can predict good weight loss after metabolic surgery to some extent. Finally, binary logistic regression and ROC curve analyses confirmed that changes in TSH can predict weight regain after metabolic surgery.ConclusionsChanges in TSH and FT3 after metabolic surgery were correlated with changes in weight and CVAI. Changes in thyroid hormones can predict weight regain in patients with obesity who underwent metabolic surgery.
The Arab uprising: A decade of transformations and challenges
Authors: Gady Ammar Ahmad Ahmad 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMotivationA decade has passed since the outbreak of the so‐called Arab Spring, which led to regime changes in several Arab countries. However, these public protests demonstrated their ineffectiveness in bringing about political and economic improvements, nor did they facilitate a peaceful transition to democracy in Arab countries.PurposeThis article attempts to discuss the obstacles to democratic transformation in Arab countries and the methods that should be followed to achieve democratic transformation, along with showing the international community's response to the Arab Spring.Approach and methodsThis article relies on a descriptive, methodological, and analytical approach to the obstacles to democratic transformation in Arab countries by analysing the events and results of the Arab Spring.FindingsThe democratic transformation in Arab countries does not require as much concerted effort to protect the right to peaceful assembly as it does to safeguard other rights from violations resulting from certain practices. This is primarily due to significant differences between ideological, intellectual, and political groups within society. Furthermore, democratic transformation in Arab countries necessitates the collective efforts of the international community, particularly Western nations such as the United States, employing a credible and transparent approach free from political or economic interests. These external factors are crucial when it comes to either facilitating or hindering the democratic transition and the implementation of democratic reforms.Policy implicationsThe Arab Spring showed that peaceful democratic transitions and the conditions for the continuation or replacement of authoritarian regimes require the approval and support of some countries that are devoid of political or economic interests, as they are external factors that can influence and hinder the democratic transition or ensure democratic reforms. This is especially true because public protests are no longer simply a sign of resistance to the regime but rather are rather a potential advance warning of rebellion and the overthrow of said regimes.
Population life‐history differences and their correlates across a regional spatial scale in largemouth bass (Micropterus nigricans)
Authors: Finigan Rachael E. , Marschall Elizabeth A. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIsolation and limited migration among populations and differences in the environments they inhabit set up conditions for population differentiation of life‐history traits, even across a regional spatial scale, such as a statewide landscape of lakes and reservoirs. Our objective was to understand how largemouth bass (Micropterus nigricans) life histories differ across a regional spatial scale (Ohio, USA) and whether environmental differences are influencing this variation. To address this, we (1) described spatial variation in largemouth bass life‐history traits, with a specific interest in potential correlations between early‐life growth and later‐life traits and (2) tested whether life‐history traits can be predicted by reservoir characteristics. We found two groups of correlated population traits: the inverse relationship of early‐life growth rate with population density and asymptotic length and the positive relationship between adult size and asymptotic length. Early‐life growth had a positive relationship (and population density and asymptotic length had a negative relationship) with littoral habitat availability and other environmental conditions expected to enhance early growth. Despite the strong influence of reservoir characteristics on life‐history traits in our analysis, the most plausible model could not give precise predictions of these life‐history traits, suggesting that the availability of data on other aspects of the populations and environments may improve our ability to understand life‐history differences. Overall, our results suggest that, even among recently separated populations, we should expect differences in growth patterns and that we cannot understand drivers of these differences without considering possible correlations in growth patterns across the lifespan.
Fish assemblages on two continents respond to valley‐ and reach‐scale hydrogeomorphic variation: Analyses across three temperate ecoregions
Authors: Pyron Mark , Maasri Alain , Costello John , Kenner Scott , Otgonganbat Amarbat , Mendsaikhan Bud , Chandra Sudeep , Thorp James H. , Arsenault Emily R. , Shields Robert , Artz Caleb , Minder Mario 
Published: June 2024

AbstractFish assemblages, defined by taxonomy or functional traits, –respond to regional and local habitat variation. Our hypothesis was that fish assemblages could be best predicted using reach‐scale (RS) hydrology variables over valley‐scale (VS) hydrogeomorphology variables for US and Mongolian rivers. We further predicted that fish traits were predicted better by RS than VS variables. We evaluated the FS and VS hydrogeomorphologies of rivers in the United States and Mongolia in each of three ecoregions: grassland, forest and endorheic. Fishes were collected using a backpack electrofisher, following standard protocols. Constrained ordination analyses were conducted at three scales: among continents, by continents and by individual ecoregions within continents. We found no significant difference in mean variation explained by VS versus RS or by taxonomy versus traits. Ecoregions differed in factors contributing to fish assemblage patterns, likely a result of differences in hydrogeomorphology, hydrological connectivity and historical influences. We found that fish assemblages were structured by hydrogeomorphic processes occurring at VS and RS, and that variables predicting fish assemblages varied with scale and whether fishes were classified by taxonomy or traits. Although anthropogenic impacts were substantially higher for western US rivers than for Mongolian rivers, we were unable to detect strong differences in our ability to predict fish assemblage variation from RS and VS habitat variables.
Fusarium decemcellulare Brick causes root rot of Cinnamomum camphora (Linn) Presl
Authors: Pu Wangling , Hu Yuechen , Wu Tong , Luan Fenggang , Zheng Yongming , Zhou Lifeng , Zhou Xudong 
Published: June 2024

AbstractLeaf chlorosis and root browning with root rot were observed on mature Cinnamomum camphora (Linn) Presl between 2021 and 2023 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China. Three strains of fungi consistently isolated from the diseased roots were selected for identification and pathogenicity test. They were identified as Fusarium decemcellulare Brick based on the morphology and phylogenetic analysis using combined sequence data. The pathogenicity of the strains was verified by inoculating on C. camphora seedings in pots. Fusarium decemcellulare was reisolated from the artificially inoculated roots of C. camphora seedings. To our knowledge, this is the first report that F. decemcellulare causes root rot on C. camphora worldwide and its potential threat should be monitored.
Improving teacher performance: Evolution and enlightenment of primary and middle school teacher certification institution in China (1978–2023)
Authors: Guo Yanbin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractFrom the perspective of historical institutionalism, based on several critical junctures of the past half‐century in China, this paper divides over 40‐year history of China's teacher certification institution into four stages and elaborates on mechanisms and processes of critical junctures that impact even determine teacher certification institution reforms. The features of China's teacher certification institution are as follows: Its examination system is increasingly perfect; its direct accreditation depends more on graduates' quality rather than major categories; its history is a seesaw effect history between pedagogic and academic orientation of teacher education; teacher certification institution and normal specialty students' quality is the bottom line of teacher workforce performance under the open teacher education system; and the intersection between pedagogic and academic orientation of teacher education leads to the standardization and professionalization of teacher education in all respects.