bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of Basel III regulations on solvency and credit risk-taking behavior of Islamic banks
Authors: Addou Khadija Ichrak , Boulanouar Zakaria , Anwer Zaheer , Bensghir Afaf , Ramadilli Mohammad Shamsher Mohamad 
Published: August 2024

Purpose
This study aims to examine the simultaneous effect of variations in the Capital Adequacy Ratio and Credit Risk of Islamic banks of the Gulf Cooperation Council under the influence of the Basel III regulations using an innovative approach.

Design/methodology/approach
This approach highlights the critical importance of the Basel III reform in preserving the stability of the regional and international financial sector in the Gulf Cooperation Council and globally by examining the complex dynamics between Capital Adequacy Ratio and Credit Risk and their interaction under regulatory constraints. The annual reports and financial performance of 26 Islamic banks were analyzed over the period 2013–2021.

Findings
The findings highlight the critical importance of the Basel III reform in preserving the stability of the regional and international financial sector in the Gulf Cooperation Council and globally by examining the complex dynamics between Capital Adequacy Ratio and Credit Risk and their interaction under regulatory constraints. The annual reports and financial performance of 26 Islamic banks were analyzed over the period 2013–2021.

Originality/value
The insights from findings help define effective strategies to manage and mitigate Credit Risk while strengthening solvency under Basel III prudential supervision. Policymakers, regulatory authorities and banking institutions can optimize the management of Credit Risk and create a robust and stable financial environment for Islamic banks.
The green generation: a survey of environmental attitudes among university students in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: AL-Tkhayneh Khawlah M. , Ashour Sanaa 
Published: August 2024

PurposeIn this study, we evaluated university students’ attitudes towards environmental issues, with a particular focus on the cohort’s understanding of climate change and knowledge of environmental issues. We also explored whether students’ gender or university major (natural sciences vs humanities and social sciences) impact attitudes to environmental issues.Design/methodology/approachWe surveyed undergraduate students (n = 1,310) using an online questionnaire comprising 17 statements that reflect attitudes towards environmental concerns. This questionnaire was constructed using a 5-point Likert Scale and was tested for reliability and validity to ensure its precision and consistency in assessing the targeted constructs.FindingsThe results revealed that the surveyed students had a medium level of positive attitudes towards the environment. While no significant differences based on gender were observed, students from different university majors significantly differed in the degree to which they endorsed positive attitudes towards the environment, with those majoring in natural sciences reporting stronger attitudes to environmental issues. These findings warrant the implementation of mandatory courses on the environment at UAE universities so as to enhance students’ awareness and foster positive attitudes towards the environment.Originality/valueUnlike previous studies that may have focused narrowly on specific environmental attitudes or behaviors, this research offers a broad yet detailed assessment by incorporating factors such as students' academic majors and gender. By comparing attitudes across different fields of study—natural sciences versus humanities and social sciences, the study provides new insights into how educational background and demographic variables shape environmental perceptions. This approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of the factors that influence environmental attitudes among young adults, potentially guiding more targeted educational interventions.
Vegetative stage and soil horizon respectively determine direction and magnitude of rhizosphere priming effects in contrasting tree line soils
Authors: Michel Jennifer , Fontaine Sébastien , Revaillot Sandrine , Piccon‐Cochard Catherine , Whitaker Jeanette 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Tree lines in high latitudes and high altitudes are considered sentinels of global change. This manifests in accelerated encroachment of trees and shrubs and enhanced plant productivity, with currently unknown implications for the carbon balance of these biomes. Given the large soil organic carbon stocks in many tree line soils, we here wondered whether introducing highly productive plants would accelerate carbon cycling through rhizosphere priming effects and if certain soils would be more vulnerable to carbon loss from positive priming than others.

To test this, organic and mineral soils were sampled above and below tree lines in the Swedish sub‐arctic and the Peruvian Andes. A greenhouse experiment was then performed to quantify plant‐induced changes in soil mineralisation rates (rhizosphere priming effect) and new C formation using natural abundance labelling and the C4‐species Cynodon dactylon. Several environmental, plant, soil and microbial parameter were monitored during the experiment to complement the observations on soil C cycling.

Priming was predominantly positive at the beginning of the experiment, then systematically decreased in all soils during the plant growth season to be mostly negative at the end of the experiment at plant senescence. Independent of direction of priming, the magnitude of priming was always greater in organic than in corresponding mineral soils, which was best explained by the higher C contents of these soils. Integrated over the entire study period, the overall impact of priming (positive and negative) on the soil C balance was mostly negligible. Though net soil C loss was observed in organic soils from the sub‐arctic tundra in Sweden.

Most notably, positive and negative priming effects were not mutually exclusive, rather omnipresent across ecosystems, depending on sampling time. The direction of priming seems to be fluctuating with plant productivity, rhizosphere carbon inputs and nutrient uptake. This highlights the need for integrative long‐term studies if we aim to understand priming effects at ecosystem scale and greenhouse and laboratory studies must be validated in situ to enable reliable ecological upscaling.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Dietary fibre optimisation in support of global health
Authors: Ramsteijn Anouschka S. , Louis Petra 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe human gut microbiota influences its host via multiple molecular pathways, including immune system interactions, the provision of nutrients and regulation of host physiology. Dietary fibre plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy microbiota as its primary nutrient and energy source. Industrialisation has led to a massive decrease of habitual fibre intake in recent times, and fibre intakes across the world are below the national recommendations. This goes hand in hand with other factors in industrialised societies that may negatively affect the gut microbiota, such as medication and increased hygiene. Non‐communicable diseases are on the rise in urbanised societies and the optimisation of dietary fibre intake can help to improve global health and prevent disease. Early life interventions shape the developing microbiota to counteract malnutrition, both in the context of industrialised nations with an overabundance of cheap, highly processed foods, as well as in Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries (LMICs). Adequate fibre intake should, however, be maintained across the life course to promote health. Here we will discuss the current state of dietary fibre research in the global context and consider different intervention approaches.
Age and gender differences in motives for z‐drug misuse: Findings from the 2015 to 2019 NSDUH survey
Authors: Ellis Robyn A. , Trapani Emma , McHugh R. Kathryn 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesApproximately 9% of people who are exposed to a nonbenzodiazepine sedative‐hypnotic medication (“z‐drug”) misuse this medication, yet, the reasons why people misuse z‐drugs are not well‐characterized.MethodsUsing population survey data, we examined gender and age differences in motives for z‐drug misuse.ResultsResults suggested women and older adults have higher odds of misusing z‐drugs for sleep, and young adults have higher odds of misusing for recreation.Discussion and ConclusionsAlthough the majority of people who misuse z‐drugs report misusing to manage sleep, this is particularly common in women and older adults.Scientific SignificanceAddressing inadequately treated sleep concerns may help mitigate z‐drug misuse.
Peri‐operative Replacement of Exogenous Steroids (PREdS): a national audit of current peri‐operative prescribing for patients taking therapeutic steroids
Authors: Barker Oliver J. H. , Ramesh Aravind V. , Kangesan Inthu , Barnes Jonathan , Harrogate Suzanne , Gupta Swati , Reeves Barnaby C. , Gibbison Ben ,   the PREdS Trainee Research Network Collaborators
Published: August 2024

SummaryIntroductionApproximately 1% of the UK population take oral corticosteroids for ≥ 28 days each year, for broadly two reasons: deficiency in corticosteroid requiring replacement; or therapeutic corticosteroid for inflammatory conditions. Acute deficiency can occur at times of physiological stress (e.g. surgery), potentially leading to major complications. The Association of Anaesthetists' 2020 consensus guideline provides detailed advice for the management of glucocorticoids during the peri‐operative period for patients with adrenal insufficiency. This national audit aimed to assess compliance with this guideline.MethodsData were collected from 59 Trusts over 14 consecutive days for all eligible patients undergoing procedures under the care of an anaesthetist. Patients who were prescribed ≥ 5 mg oral prednisolone equivalents pre‐operatively, in whom supplementary corticosteroid would be indicated, were compared with those prescribed < 5 mg oral prednisolone equivalents.ResultsOperations for 21,731 patients were audited: 277 (1.3%) patients were taking therapeutic corticosteroids. Detailed peri‐operative data were collected for all patients receiving therapeutic corticosteroids: 201/277 (73%) were ASA physical status ≥ 3; 184/277 (66%) underwent elective procedures; and 252/277 (91%) were prescribed prednisolone pre‐operatively, of whom 219/277 (79%) were prescribed ≥ 5 mg oral prednisolone equivalents. In the patients who were prescribed ≥ 5 mg oral prednisolone equivalents, 186/219 (85%) received pre‐operative glucocorticoid supplementation and 97/219 (42%) received it postoperatively; however, only 67/219 (31%) and 43/219 (20%) respectively received glucocorticoid supplementation according to the guidelines. Overall, peri‐operative prescribing was compliant in 19/219 (9%) patients. A similar proportion, 30/219 (14%), received no supplementation. In the patients taking < 5 mg oral prednisolone equivalents pre‐operatively, 28/58 (48%) received inappropriate supplementation.ConclusionsDespite 125/277 (45%) of anaesthetists reporting Association of Anaesthetists' guidelines use, compliance remained low, with adherence in only 27/125 (22%) patients. Further research is required to identify the correct peri‐operative strategy for patients taking therapeutic corticosteroids.
Does HPV vaccination during periconceptional or gestational period increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes?—An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis based on timing of vaccination
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Lian Zhirun , Xue Xiaoou , Li Jun , Zhu Yuying , Huang Nian , Xie Wei 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is crucial in preventing cervical cancer, and a significant number of women in 135 countries worldwide may have unknowingly received the vaccine during peri‐pregnancy or pregnancy due to a lack of regular pregnancy testing. Previous studies on the safety of pregnancy outcomes with vaccination before and after pregnancy have not reached definitive conclusions. Thus, we subdivided the vaccination time frame and conducted an updated study to further examine whether exposure to the HPV vaccine during pregnancy or the periconceptional period increases the likelihood of adverse pregnancy outcomes.Material and MethodsThe clinical trials and cohort studies published before August 1, 2023, were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool were adopted to evaluate the risk of bias in the included studies. In addition, the quality assessment was carried out using the Review Manager 5.4 Software, and a meta‐analysis was conducted using the Stata 16 Software.ResultsEleven studies were located. The results showed that receiving 4vHPV during the periconceptional or gestational period had no relationship with an increased risk of spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, preterm birth, birth defects, small for gestational age, and ectopic pregnancy. Neither receiving 2vHPV nor 9vHPV was associated with a higher risk of stillbirth, preterm birth, birth defects, small for gestational age, and ectopic pregnancy; however, receiving 2vHPV during the period from 45 days before last menstrual period (LMP) to LMP and 9vHPV during the period from 90 days before LMP to 45 days after LMP seemed to be related to an increased risk of spontaneous abortion (RR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.04–2.45, RR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.28–3.24).ConclusionsIn conclusion, the likelihood of an elevated risk of spontaneous abortion caused by HPV vaccination during the periconceptional or gestational period could not be completely ruled out. Given the lack of evidence, further research is needed to examine the effect of HPV vaccination on spontaneous abortion.
Down syndrome and associated atrioventricular septal defects in a nationwide Norwegian cohort: Prevalence, time trends, and outcomes
Authors: Nordklev Cecilie Bryn , Gjesdal Ola , Gunnes Nina , Holmstrøm Henrik , Morken Nils‐Halvdan , Vangen Siri , Sitras Vasilis 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe prevalence of Down syndrome (DS) is approximately 1 per 1000 births and is influenced by increasing maternal age over the last few decades. DS is strongly associated with congenital heart defects (CHDs), especially atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD). Our objectives were to investigate the prevalence of live‐born infants with DS having a severe CHD in the Norwegian population over the last 20 years and compare outcomes in infants with AVSD with and without DS.Material and MethodsInformation on all births from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2019 was obtained from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. We also obtained data on all infants with severe CHDs in Norway registered in Oslo University Hospital's Clinical Registry for Congenital Heart Defects during 2000–2019 and accessed individual‐level patient data from the electronic hospital records of selected cases. Infants with AVSD and DS were compared to infants with AVSD without chromosomal defects. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of infant mortality and need for surgery during the first year of life, with associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were estimated by logistic regression.ResultsA total of 1 177 926 infants were live‐born in Norway during the study period. Among these, 1456 (0.1%) had DS. The prevalence of infants with DS having a severe CHDs was relatively stable, with a mean of 17 cases per year. The most common CHD associated with DS was AVSD (44.4%). Infants with AVSD and DS were more likely to have cardiac intervention during their first year of life compared to infants with AVSD without chromosomal defects (adjusted OR [aOR]: 2.52; 95% CI 1.27, 4.98). However, we observed no difference in infant mortality during first year of life between the two groups (aOR: 1.08; 95% CI 0.43, 2.70).ConclusionsThe prevalence of live‐born infants with severe CHDs and DS has been stable in Norway across 20 years. Infants with AVSD and DS did not have higher risk of mortality during their first year of life compared to infants with AVSD without chromosomal defects, despite a higher risk of operative intervention.
Nondietary psychological app program leads to sustained weight loss due to trained physiological satiety perception
Authors: Wardzinski Ewelina K. , Richter Juliane , Moenikes Sophia , Duysen Kai U. , Oltmanns Kerstin M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObese people are mostly unable to maintain successful weight loss after the end of a dietary change. One reason is that conventional weight reduction concepts neglect physiological hunger and satiety perception, leading to a relapse to previous eating habits on the long run. We examined the long‐term efficacy of a psychological smartphone weight loss program, which avoids any dietary instructions and aims at relearning of satiety perception. Parameters of body weight alterations and psychological features, for example, satiety perception, food cravings, and emotional eating, were explored in a nonrandomized experimental study comprising 75 obese participants. Measurements occurred at baseline, two times during program application, as well as at 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up. Participants displayed significant weight loss during the entire study period (p = .029) and showed an improved body composition at the 6‐month follow‐up (p = .018). These effects were associated with increased satiety perception, as well as reduced food cravings, and emotional eating habits. Notably, all improvements in measured parameters significantly sustained between the end of the program and the 12‐month follow‐up (p < .005 for all). Psychological relearning of satiety perception may outclass dietary approaches in terms of long‐term efficiency.
Median line: A century of border violence and the alluvial geopolitics of the Evros/Meriç/Maritsa River border
Authors: Duncan Ifor , Levidis Stefanos 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe border river of the Evros/Meriç/Maritsa has been shaped during the century since its demarcation by the Lausanne peace treaty. Over this period, a dense overlap of environmental, geopolitical, legal and cultural actors has turned it into both a riverised border and a borderised river. The border regime appropriates the riverine characteristics of flow, erosion, mud, turbulence and fog as much as it is founded on military technology, international law, agricultural and conservation practices, resource logistics, border crossing and the denial thereof. Here, the river's movement of sand and alluvium has become an agent in the policing of the river border. Drawing on interviews with asylum seekers, locals, forensic pathologists, legal scholars and fish scientists, this paper weaves field research, primarily undertaken on the Greek side, with a historic and ecosystemic perspective of a century‐old border that has become a hotspot for violent practices. These practices themselves harness the uncertain physical conditions that the riverscape affords. In this article we argue that the disjunctures of the river's dynamic geomorphology and the history of demarcation of the median line frame the contemporary politics of mobility of those illegalised by the border regime. In the ambiguous territorial pockets produced by the movement of the river away from the median line of 1926, islands of hyperlegality have been produced where state violence takes place with impunity.
Effects of multisensory stimulation on infants' learning of object pattern and trajectory
Authors: Ganea Nataşa , Addyman Caspar , Yang Jiale , Bremner Andrew 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study investigated whether infants encode better the features of a briefly occluded object if its movements are specified simultaneously by vision and audition than if they are not (data collected: 2017–2019). Experiment 1 showed that 10‐month‐old infants (N = 39, 22 females, White‐English) notice changes in the visual pattern on the object irrespective of the stimulation received (spatiotemporally congruent audio‐visual stimulation, incongruent stimulation, or visual‐only;  = .53). Experiment 2 (N = 72, 36 female) found similar results in 6‐month‐olds (Test Block 1,  = .13), but not 4‐month‐olds. Experiment 3 replicated this finding with another group of 6‐month‐olds (N = 42, 21 females) and showed that congruent stimulation enables infants to detect changes in object trajectory (d = 0.56) in addition to object pattern (d = 1.15), whereas incongruent stimulation hinders performance.
Lifting Women Up: Gender Quotas and the Advancement of Women on Corporate Boards
Authors: Gibert Anna , Fedorets Alexandra 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTResearch Question/IssueThe introduction of gender quotas on corporate boards can disrupt the status quo, resulting in externalities that affect women's advancement within the company. This study investigates whether boardroom quotas contribute to promoting women further up the corporate ladder and facilitate access to a broader spectrum of positions.Research Findings/InsightsUsing legislative changes in Germany as a natural experiment, we find that quotas increase female representation on affected boards. However, quotas may also have adverse effects on women's executive careers; they fall short of eliminating the glass ceiling and fail to level the playing field for women, both inside and outside the firm.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsThe incentives provided by the quota to hire female candidates for a mandated board may hinder their prospects for advancement to executive roles. Drawing from institutional theory, we interpret this as evidence of decoupling—firms comply with the law but do not necessarily change their stance on gender diversity at the top. Additionally, when women accessing the board have backgrounds more closely aligned with executive positions (proxied by their affiliation with the capital side of the board), the negative effect on the non‐affected executive board is larger. This suggests a substitution effect, whereby women enter nonexecutive positions instead of pursuing executive careers.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsPolicy design needs to consider the desired outcomes and unintended effects, carefully weighing the trade‐offs among them. Relying solely on quotas is insufficient to achieve gender equality in corporations.
Trichophyton erinacei infection in humans: a case report and a literature review
Authors: Cammarata Edoardo , Cristo Nunzia Di , Airoldi Chiara , Veronese Federica , Esposto Elia , Giacomazzi Claudio , Coppo Paola , Zavattaro Elisa , Savoia Paola 
Published: August 2024

SummaryBackgroundTrichophyton (T.) erinacei is a rare but emerging zoonotic dermatophyte that is rarely isolated as a human pathogen, with only a few cases extensively described in the literature.Patients and MethodsWe conducted a systematic search to identify eligible articles reporting demographics, clinical characteristics, and the therapeutic approach regarding T. erinacei infection in humans.Results168 patients affected by T. erinacei were reported in the international literature between inception and November 2023. Only 56 cases (32.1%) were fully described. The median age at diagnosis was 26 years, the female/male ratio was around 2:1. The main source of the disease was the hedgehog. The infection presented with a combination of erythema, scaly plaques, pustules, papules, vesicles, oedema, and erosion; the most common locations were the hands and the head. The most frequently conducted examination was fungal culture, but gene sequencing and mass spectrometry improved both speed and precision in the most recent diagnostic course. Topical clotrimazole and systemic terbinafine were the most chosen treatment.ConclusionsTrichophyton erinacei should be considered in patients with erythematous scaly patches and recent contact with hedgehogs. Terbinafine should be considered as a first‐line effective treatment, griseofulvin and azoles could be considered valid alternatives.