bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does E-government curb corruption? The moderating role of national culture: a machine learning approach
Authors: Belhaj Slimene Senda , Borgi Hela , Ben Othman Hakim 
Published: August 2024

Purpose
The study aims to investigate the relationship between E-government and corruption. It also examines the moderator role of national culture through Hofstede’s dimensions on the association between E-government and corruption.

Design/methodology/approach
In addition to panel regression techniques, the authors use the random forest method to assess the order of importance of all significant variables in determining corruption. The sample of this study consists of 55 countries during 2008–2020 period.

Findings
The results show that E-government is negatively correlated with corruption. The authors also find that both economic and cultural variables play an important role in determining corruption. However, religion has no impact on corruption. The results can potentially assist regulators and policy-makers when trying to control corruption as they should take into consideration the cultural background of citizens when making rules and procedures that aim at reducing corruption.

Originality/value
The current study uses random forests model, which allows the regression of variables based on the construction of a multitude of decision trees. The main contribution of using this model compared to the other regression models used in prior studies is to extract the relative importance of each significant variable. More precisely, it evaluates the rank of importance for each significant variable that drives corruption rather than merely identifying variables that drive corruption regardless of their relative importance.
A recoverable hydrophilic deep eutectic solvent for efficient extraction of polyphenolic compounds from raspberry root
Authors: Hou Jing‐hua , Kong Fan‐yu , Mu Li‐ting , Gao Jin‐shuang , Sun Shi‐yuan , Zhang Yu , Sun Chang‐hai 
Published: August 2024

AbstractGreen deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are widely used to extract bioactive components from plant biomass; however, hydrophilic DES and bioactive component isolation methods have not been developed. In this study, we synthesized hydrophilic DES (CL‐CA‐DES) using citric acid and choline chloride. We combined this with environmentally friendly anion‐ and cation‐exchange resin column chromatographic isolation methods. This approach extracted and isolated four polyphenolic compounds (catechins, epicatechins, procyanidin B1, and procyanidin B2) from raspberry root and efficiently recovered the hydrophilic DES. CL‐CA‐DES extracted significantly higher contents of catechin and procyanidin B2 from raspberry root compared to other solvents. It also extracted substantially higher contents of epicatechin compared to butyl alcohol, 70% ethanol, and water, but there was no significant difference when compared with acetone and ethyl acetate. Additionally, CL‐CA‐DES extracted significantly higher contents of procyanidin B1 compared to butyl alcohol, water, and ethyl acetate, with no significant difference when compared with 70% ethanol and acetone. The isolation efficiency of the bioactive components in the raspberry root extract by anion‐ and cation‐exchange resin column chromatography was higher than that of the organic solvent extraction and precipitation generation methods, and the method was effective in recovering CL‐CA‐DES with a recovery rate higher than 60%. In conclusion, this study developed a new method for the efficient recovery of hydrophilic CL‐CA‐DES, which can be used for isolating polyphenolic compounds from raspberry root.
Detection of systemic autoimmune diseases in an ongoing assessment program for hand arthralgias. A comparative analysis with inflammatory and non‐inflammatory arthropathies
Authors: Sebastian Magri , Jonatan Mareco , Alvaro Ruta , Santiago Ruta , Facundo Salvatori , Ramiro Gomez , Rodrigo Garcia‐Salinas 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIntroductionArthralgias are prevalent in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARD), emphasizing the need for early recognition. This study aimed to estimate SARD frequency and compare clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings among SARD, non‐inflammatory arthralgia (NIA), and RA in patients with hand arthralgias.MethodsA prospective evaluation program included individuals aged ≥18 with hand arthralgias. Baseline assessments covered clinical, laboratory, ultrasound, and radiography. Follow‐up diagnoses categorized patients into SARD, NIA, and RA groups. Comparison between groups was performed using parametric and non‐parametric tests. Two multivariate logistic regression analyzes were performed using the final diagnosis of SARD as the dependent variable (NIA and RA). ROC curves were calculated in those variables that presented an independent association in the multivariate analysis.ResultsAmong 1053 patients, 9.6% were SARD (SLE 47%). Comparing SARD with NIA revealed higher CRP levels, power Doppler, less rhizarthrosis in ultrasound, and more ANA positivity in SARD patients. Distinct differences were observed between SARD and RA patients in terms of pain levels, swollen joints, metacarpophalangeal involvement and morning symptoms. Diagnostic markers demonstrated specific sensitivities and specificities: ANA for SARD versus NIA (82%, 34%), US not finding rhizarthrosis for SARD versus NIA (66%, 85%), CRP (cut‐off >2.5 mg/L) sensitivity 52%, specificity 60%, AUC 0.62, RA antibodies (RF, 11 IU/mL) sensitivity 76%, specificity 74%, AUC 0.8, ACPA (1.25) sensitivity 50%, specificity 98%, AUC 0.7, ANA+ sensitivity 95%, specificity 32%, AUC 0.7, and US absence of synovitis sensitivity 82%, specificity 34%, AUC 0.75.ConclusionThis study highlights distinct clinical, laboratory, and imaging features differentiating SARD‐related hand arthralgia from non‐SARD hand arthralgia and RA.
Age‐related features of lung cancer treatment using reprogrammed CD8 positive T cells in mice subjected to injection of Lewis lung carcinoma cells
Authors: Skurikhin Evgenii , Zhukova Mariia , Ermakova Natalia , Pan Edgar , Widera Darius , Sandrikina Lubov , Kogai Lena , Kushlinskii Nikolai , Kubatiev Aslan , Morozov Sergey , Dygai Alexander 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundAwareness of age‐related features of carcinogenesis and the importance of cellular immunity is crucial for developing effective antitumor therapies for specific patient groups.MethodsIn this study, we examined different populations of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in "young" (8‐10 weeks) and "aged" (80‐82 weeks) C57BL/6 male mice. We used an orthotopic model of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) to evaluate the effectiveness of cell therapy targeting lung cancer through reprogrammed CD8‐positive T cells (rCD8+ T cells) in mice from two different ages.ResultsThe findings revealed that tumor progression with age is primarily caused by impaired recruitment of T cells to the lungs. Additionally, a lower number of CTCs and CSCs were observed in younger mice compared to the older mice. The antitumor effect of rCD8+ T cells in aged mice was found to be inferior to that in young mice, which can be attributed to the reduced impact of therapy on specific CSCs populations.ConclusionsThese results offer new insights into the treatment of lung cancer using rCD8+ T cells. Considering the age‐related characteristics influencing disease progression, this therapy has the potential to significantly enhance the effectiveness of treatment methods.
Physically based modelling of spectral transmittance through forest canopies
Authors: Hovi Aarne , Janoutová Růžena , Malenovský Zbyněk , Schraik Daniel , Gastellu‐Etchegorry Jean‐Philippe , Lauret Nicolas , Novotný Jan , Rautiainen Miina 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Physically based models simulating the spectral transmittance of solar radiation through forest canopies are useful tools for examining the connections between the shortwave radiation environment and the productivity and biodiversity of the forest floor. We report a comprehensive evaluation of two approaches simulating forest canopy spectral transmittance.

The approaches were (i) three‐dimensional radiative transfer modelling in canopies composed of individual trees filled with turbid media and (ii) photon recollision probability theory (p‐theory), and were implemented using DART‐FT and PARAS models, respectively. The simulations were evaluated against mean and standard deviation of canopy transmittance spectra measured under clear‐sky conditions in forest plots across central and Northern Europe.

In general, both models agreed well with the in situ measurements. They performed equally in conifer forests, while PARAS had a slightly lower accuracy than DART‐FT in broadleaved forests.

We conclude that both approaches produce realistic simulations of canopy spectral transmittance at the spatial scale tested in this study, and that p‐theory constitutes a computationally efficient and easy‐to‐parameterize alternative to three‐dimensional radiative transfer.
Alcohol and arterial stiffness in middle‐aged and older adults: Cross‐sectional evidence from the UK Biobank study
Authors: Schutte Rudolph , Zhang Jufen , Kiran Mahreen , Ball Graham 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe association between arterial stiffness and alcohol consumption is still controversial. We investigated this relationship by performing continuous analysis in men drinking only beer/cider, and women drinking only red wine.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study involved participants aged 40–69 years consisting of 9029 men who drank only beer/cider, and 6989 women drinking only red wine. Alcohol consumption was captured by self‐reported questionnaire and reported as units per week, where one unit is equal 10 mL pure ethanol. Arterial stiffness index (ASI) was estimated using photoplethysmography.ResultsIn men consuming a mean 17.8 (5th and 95th percentiles, 2.6–76.7) units/week, ASI increased by heptiles (sevenths) of alcohol captured from beer/cider consumption and after adjusting for age (9.14, 9.40, 9.51, 9.53, 9.80, 9.80, 10.00 m/s; p‐trend < 0.001) and after full adjustment (9.29, 9.46. 9.55, 9.55, 9.73, 9.73, 9.75 m/s; p‐trend = 0.013). Similarly, in women consuming a mean 8.1 (1.6–29.3) units/week, ASI increased by heptiles of alcohol captured from red wine consumption and after adjusting for age (8.05, 8.05, 8.05, 8.11, 8.17, 8.30, 8.45 m/s; p‐trend = 0.012) and borderline significant after full adjustment (8.05, 8.07, 8.05, 8.07, 8.11, 8.22, 8.43 m/s; p‐trend = 0.055). These associations were confirmed in multivariable‐adjusted regression analysis in all men, men younger and older than 50 years, and when consuming more than 14 units per week. Similarly, these associations were confirmed in all women, women older than 50 years, and in those consuming more than 14 units per week.ConclusionsPositive linear relationships exist between arterial stiffness and alcohol, irrespective of whether captured from beer/cider consumption in men or red wine consumption in women. No evidence existed to support the notion that our arteries benefit from any level of alcohol consumption.
Examining how the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic affected alcohol use in different socio‐demographic groups in an Australian representative longitudinal sample
Authors: Mojica‐Perez Yvette , Livingston Michael , Pennay Amy , Callinan Sarah 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground and aimsResearch examining how alcohol consumption changed across different socio‐demographic groups during the pandemic has largely relied upon convenience samples recruited after the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to measure whether the pandemic shifted alcohol consumption in different gender, age and income groups in Australia.Design, setting and participantsThis was a longitudinal study using four waves (2017–20) of the annual Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey to compare pre‐pandemic consumption (2017–19) with consumption in 2020. A total of 11 636 participants in Australia aged 15 years and older took part.MeasurementsParticipants were asked annually about their alcohol consumption, demographics and income.FindingsThere was a statistically significant increase in alcohol consumption during the first year of the pandemic [incident rate ratio (IRR) = 1.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1, 1.1], largely driven by changes in drinking frequency. We found a significant difference in consumption change from pre‐COVID‐19 to during COVID‐19 for participants aged under 55 years compared with those aged over 55 years. In addition, participants aged 15–34 reported less alcohol consumption during the pandemic than those aged 35 years and older. No significant differences were identified across gender and income groups.ConclusionsAlcohol consumption in Australia increased during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Survey participants aged 55 years and over seemed to be the least impacted by the public health measures introduced during the pandemic, such as the closure of licensed premises.
Farmers’ preferences for soil conservation measures in Southern Ethiopia: Plot‐level discrete choice experiment
Authors: Adere Tilahun Habtamu , Vanermen Iris , Maertens Miet , Vranken Liesbet 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study assesses farmers' preferences for the adoption of grass strips as cropland conservation measures and explores the effects of information on their preferences. We further analyze these preferences for plots with varying levels of tenure security and erosion vulnerability. Using survey data from Southern Ethiopia, a plot‐level discrete choice experiment in two rounds that includes a video‐based information treatment in a within‐subject design is conducted. The findings show that farmers prefer to adopt grass strips with a high conservation potential, that can be used as feedstock and that help to stabilize physical structures or delineate plot boundaries. In addition, information transfer increases preferences for adopting grass strips with not only a high conservation potential but also a medium conservation potential. The effects of the information transfer on preferences are found to be heterogeneous and vary with plot characteristics. Under well‐defined property rights, farmers prefer to adopt the grass strips for stabilizing physical structures, conserving their cropland against environmental risk or boundary delineation. However, under weak tenure security, they prefer to plant grass strips only for boundary delineation to reduce the institutional risk of losing cropland, but this preference was only observed after information provision. These findings highlight the importance of designing and implementing context‐specific agricultural information dissemination systems and that well‐defined land rights increase the adoption of land conservation technology in the global south.
Evaluation of dupilumab on the disease burden in children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Tsai Serena Yun‐Chen , Gaffin Jonathan M. , Hawryluk Elena B. , Ruran Hana B. , Bartnikas Lisa M. , Oyoshi Michiko K. , Schneider Lynda C. , Phipatanakul Wanda , Ma Kevin Sheng‐Kai 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundDupilumab is the first and only biologic agent approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) in pediatric patients aged from 6 months to 17 years. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of dupilumab on the occurrence of comorbidities in pediatric patients with AD.MethodsIn this population‐based cohort study, we utilized electronic health records from multiple healthcare organizations across the United States. Pediatric patients (<18 years of age) with a diagnosis of AD initiating dupilumab were propensity‐score matched 1:1 to those initiating other systemic agents (azathioprine, cyclosporine, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, or systemic corticosteroids). The primary outcomes were new‐onset comorbidities emerging during the study period measured by the risk ratio (RR) and its confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analyses were stratified by age (0–5 years, 6–11 years, and 12–17 years), sex, and race.ResultsA total of 3575 pediatric patients with AD treated with dupilumab were matched to 3575 patients treated with other systemic agents. The dupilumab cohort was associated with a lowered risk of new‐onset atopic comorbidities (including asthma [RR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.59–0.89] and allergic rhinitis [RR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.52–0.74]), infections (e.g., skin and soft tissue infection [RR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.63–0.76] and respiratory tract infection [RR = 0.56; 95% CI, 0.51–0.61]), psychiatric disorders (e.g., mood disorder [RR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.39–0.70] and anxiety [RR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.46–0.70], sleep disturbance [RR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.47–0.77]), neurologic and developmental disorders (e.g., attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [RR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.38–0.75]). Furthermore, the positive effects are found to be more pronounced in younger children (aged 0–5 years) with AD.ConclusionsTreatment with dupilumab compared to systemic agents resulted in reductions in AD‐related comorbidities in pediatric patients.
Risvegli di un paese. Awakenings of a rural community
Authors: Fontefrancesco Michele Filippo 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThroughout Europe, particularly in Italy, the rapid phenomenon of rural marginalization and depletion is one of the most significant social and environmental challenges characterizing contemporary reality. Where, in the second post‐war era, about half of the Italian population lived in rural settings, today this percentage has precipitously fallen, leading to an estimated urbanization rate of 70%, concentrated within an area that covers about 30% of the national territory. The future of the remaining 70% is uncertain, raising questions about the country's territorial cohesion and the management of its environmental resources. As the future and present of these communities are increasingly defined by trajectories of impoverishment, aging, and depopulation, these communities' voices seem marginal in the debate, utterly unheard amidst the complexities urban centers face. This poetic project's series of tercets aims to narrate the cosmos of ordinary effects that mark the everyday life of a village amidst phenomena of rewilding, growing silences, and abandonments. It dwells on a specific moment of the day, culturally laden with expectations and meanings, namely the dawn, portrayed here as the advance of a new day, a guarantor of the future, though the forms of this future remain uncertain.
The process model of self‐control: Developing a measure of self‐control strategies
Authors: Milosevic Mina , Converse Patrick D. , Moon Nicholas A. , Fedele Dominic , McFerran Michael W. , al‐Qallawi Sherif 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this research was to develop and examine a measure of self‐control strategies, proposed in the process model of self‐control. Across three studies (N = 1045), we developed and refined items, examined scale dimensionality and relationships with orbiting constructs, and assessed criterion‐related validity. Findings provide initial support for a 34‐item measure of six self‐control strategies: five strategies that were theoretically proposed in the process model and one that emerged empirically from our data. The proposed Self‐Control Strategies Scale was significantly correlated with other similar measures and demonstrated expected relationships with orbiting constructs and criterion‐related validity. This measure may be useful in expanding our understanding of different strategies beneficial for long‐term goal pursuit.
Can everyone get interesting jobs? Estimating interest fit across gender, ethnicity, and education
Authors: Hanna Alexis , Morris Michael L. , Hoff Kevin A. , Nye Christopher D. , Jones Kisha S. , Rounds James 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAlthough research and policy efforts have attempted to “even the hiring playing field” and progress equal opportunities, systemic employment patterns based on gender and ethnicity remain prevalent. An unexplored avenue of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts is the degree to which all people can obtain jobs that fit their interests. The present study used a large, diverse sample of over 250,000 American employees to estimate the average vocational interest fit that people have with their jobs and differences in fit across race/ethnicity, gender, and education. Overall, employees showed moderate positive vocational interest fit with their jobs, with an average profile correlation of .20 between person and job interests. There were small gender differences in vocational interest fit favoring men, especially White and Hispanic men, with minimal differences across other race/ethnicity groups. However, the largest group differences emerged for education, as employees with higher educational attainment showed greater vocational interest fit, particularly among women. Further intersectional analyses added greater nuance to these results, including how various groups achieve vocational interest fit across different types of jobs. Altogether, this work provides important fit benchmark estimates for researchers, counselors, organizational placement, and theory refinement.
Long‐term clinical outcomes of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for pancreatic duct stone treatment in patients with chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Liu Yu , Yin Xiao‐Yi , Cui Jia‐Hui , Wang Teng , Feng Xiao‐Yue , Yi Jin‐Hui , Xu Jin‐Jie , Zhang Song‐Ling , Han Pei‐Dong , Wang Dan , Liu Run‐Hui , Wang Fang‐Yu , Li Zhao‐Shen , Hu Liang‐Hao 
Published: August 2024

SummaryBackground and AimsExtracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for pancreatic stones (P‐ESWL) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are the preferred therapeutic approaches for painful chronic pancreatitis (CP) with pancreatic stones. This study aimed to report the short‐ and long‐term outcomes following P‐ESWL and ERCP in a large cohort with CP.MethodsPatients with painful CP and pancreatic stones >5 mm in size, who underwent P‐ESWL and subsequent ERCP between March 2011 and June 2018, were included in this retrospective‐prospective mixed observational study. The total stone clearance rates were recorded. All patients were followed up until the end of March 2024, with the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, pain type, quality‐of‐life scores and other relevant information recorded.ResultsA total of 2071 patients underwent P‐ESWL, and 93.1% of them subsequently underwent ERCP during the study period. Patients were followed up for an average of 11.8 years from the onset of CP and 6.7 years from the first P‐ESWL procedure. Complete stone clearance was achieved in 73.7% of the patients. At the end of the follow‐up period, 70.1% of the patients achieved complete pain remission. Significant pain type conversion and lower VAS scores were observed in the patients after treatment. Quality‐of‐life scores and body mass indices increased after P‐ESWL and ERCP.ConclusionsP‐ESWL and ERCP are effective and minimally invasive treatments for pancreatic stones in patients with painful CP. Most patients achieved complete pain relief, and pain‐type conversion was common after treatment. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05916547).