bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Financial stability and sustainable development: Perspectives from fiscal and monetary policy
Authors: Dinh Le Quoc , Oanh Tran Thi Kim , Ha Nguyen Thi Hong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis paper studies the relationship between financial stability and sustainable development from the fiscal and monetary policy perspective in 33 developing countries and 7 developed countries in the period 2005–2020. Bayesian regression results show that financial stability positively affects sustainable development in both groups of countries with a low probability of impact. This probability is above 79.3% in developed countries and above 81.5% in developing ones. When considering the role of monetary policy, the direction of impact and probability is different. Specifically, financial stability in the environment of high inflation and increased money supply (ZscoreInf and ZscoreM2) negatively affects sustainable development in both country groups with high probabilities. In contrast, when considering the monetary policy with the foreign exchange reserves tool (ZscoreER), financial stability positively impacts sustainable development with the probability of 89.6% in developed countries and 92.5% in developing one. When considering the role of fiscal policy, financial stability with government spending (ZscoreGE) positively affects sustainable development with a probability of over 99.7% in the two groups of countries. Meanwhile, tax income in a financially stable environment increases the probability of a positive effect at 100% in developed countries, and a negative effect with a probability of 60.9% in developing countries. From the above results, we propose that central banks in both developed and developing countries should aim to stabilize prices and aim to maintain a low inflation rate to help limit shocks to sudden interest rate changes that cause market volatility. This is a premise to help stabilize finance and promote sustainable development. Furthermore, these countries should maintain an adequate foreign exchange reserve to withstand external shocks and ensure they have enough foreign currency to meet macroeconomic needs, which can boost confidence.
Does e‐commerce infrastructure increase enterprise productivity? Evidence from China's e‐commerce demonstration city
Authors: Zhou Xiong , Jiang Pengcheng 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study leverages the National E‐commerce Demonstration City Pilot (NEDC) as a quasi‐natural experiment in e‐commerce infrastructure development. Utilising panel data from non‐financial firms listed on China's A‐share market from 2005 to 2022, we pioneered employ a multi‐period difference‐in‐differences (DID) approach to explore the direct and indirect effects of e‐commerce infrastructure on total factor productivity (TFP). Our findings reveal that: (1) The NEDC initiative significantly enhances firm‐level TFP. This result remains robust after addressing endogeneity issues through IV‐2SLS and propensity score matching and difference in differences methods and undergoing a series of robustness tests. (2) Channels tests indicate that the NEDC policy indirectly boosts firm TFP primarily by fostering technological innovation and augmenting human capital. (3) Heterogeneity analysis demonstrates that the NEDC policy effectively stimulates TFP growth in state‐owned enterprises, firms with high equity concentration, manufacturing and low‐tech industry firms. The policy's impact is more pronounced in cities with high administrative levels, in the eastern and central cities, and in cities with superior traditional infrastructure. The empirical evidence provided by this study not only supports the role of e‐commerce infrastructure in driving economic growth but also offers valuable insights for bridging the income disparity between developing and developed nations, and mitigating income inequality.
Multiwavelength laser diode based portable photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging system for point of care applications
Authors: Mitra Mahaan , Haworth Abigail , Gaddale Prameth , Badran Faisal , Lagno Nuzhath , Pameijer Colette , Aziz Faisal , Kothapalli Sri‐Rajasekhar 
Published: May 2024

AbstractVascular diseases are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Despite having precursor conditions like peripheral arterial disease (PAD), they are often only diagnosed after the onset of stroke or heart attack. Low‐cost, portable, noninvasive, point‐of‐care (POC), label‐free assessment of deep vascular function benefits PAD diagnosis, especially in resource poor settings of the world. Doppler ultrasound‐based blood flow measurements can diagnose PAD, albeit with limited sensitivity and specificity. To overcome this, here, we propose the first‐of‐its‐kind dual‐modality photoacoustic‐and‐ultrasound (PAUS) imaging system that integrates a multiwavelength pulsed laser diode (PLD) with a compact ultrasound data acquisition unit. The mesoscopic imaging depth of the portable PLD‐PAUS system was validated using tissue phantoms, and its multispectral photoacoustic imaging capabilities were validated using an atherosclerosis‐mimicking phantom. Furthermore, we demonstrated high‐contrast volumetric in vivo photoacoustic imaging of rodent abdominal vasculature and quantified vessel reactivity due to hypercapnia stimulation. The multiparametric functional and molecular imaging capabilities of the PLD‐PAUS system holds promise for POC applications.
Spatial targeted delivery of riboflavin with a controlled corneal iontophoresis delivery system in theranostic‐guided UV‐A light photo‐therapy
Authors: Lombardo Marco , Serrao Sebastiano , Bernava Giuseppe Massimo , Lombardo Giuseppe 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSeven human donor eye globes underwent corneal cross‐linking using theranostic UV‐A device with accessory corneal iontophoresis system for patterned delivery of a 0.22% riboflavin solution. Theranostic‐guided UV‐A light illumination assessed riboflavin distribution and treated corneas at 10 mW/cm2 for 9 min with a 5.0‐mm beam size. Corneal topography maps were taken at baseline and 2‐h post‐treatment. Analysis utilized corneal topography elevation data, with results showing controlled riboflavin delivery led to a consistent gradient, with 40% higher levels centrally (248 ± 79 μg/cm3) than peripherally (180 ± 72 μg/cm3 at ±2.5 mm from the center). Theranostic‐guided UV‐A light irradiation resulted in significant changes in corneal topography, with a decrease in best‐fit sphere value (−0.7 ± 0.2 D; p < 0.001) and consistent downward shift in corneal elevation map (−11.7 ± 3.7 μm). The coefficient of variation was 2.5%, indicating high procedure performance in achieving significant and reliable corneal flattening.
Safety of DOACs in patients with Child‐Pugh Class C cirrhosis and atrial fibrillation
Authors: Ayoub Mark , Faris Carol , Chumbe Julton Tomanguillo , Daglilar Ebubekir , Anwar Nadeem , Naravadi Vishnu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundAnticoagulation (AC) is used for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF). Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) are safe in patients with AF without cirrhosis, they are hardly studied in patients with advanced cirrhosis. Our study evaluates the safety and outcomes of DOACs in patients with Child‐Pugh class C cirrhosis (CPC).MethodsWe queried TriNetX Database. Patients with CPC and AF were divided into three cohorts: patients on DOACs, no AC, and warfarin. Three study arms were created using a 1:1 propensity score matching system (PSM).ResultsTotally 16 029 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of those, 20.2% (n = 3235) were on DOACs, 47.1% (n = 7552) were not on AC, and 32.7% (n = 5242) were on warfarin. First arm comparing AC versus no AC, a statistically significant benefit was identified in 3‐year mortality risk (47% vs 71%, P < 0.0001) and transplant status (17% vs 5%, p < 0.0001) with AC. However, no significant difference was identified regarding intracranial hemorrhage and GI bleeding risk. Second arm comparing patients on DOACs versus no AC, we identified mortality benefit (40% vs 72%, P < 0.0001) and a higher transplant rate (9% vs 3.2%, P < 0.0001) with DOACs. Intracranial hemorrhage rates (6% vs 4%, P = 0.03) were higher in patients on DOACs. Third arm comparing patients on DOACs versus Warfarin, a statistically significant lower risk of intracranial hemorrhage (6.6% vs 8.7%, P = 0.004) and GI bleed (2% vs 2.4%, P < 0.0001) were identified in patients on DOACs.ConclusionAnticoagulation is safe in patients with CPC with AF and may provide a mortality benefit. DOACs are a safer alternative to warfarin.
Comparative skull osteology of Amphisbaena arda and Amphisbaena vermicularis (Squamata: Amphisbaenidae)
Authors: Paiva Carolina L. , Hipsley Christy A. , Müller Johannes , Zaher Hussam , Costa Henrique C. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe skull anatomy of amphisbaenians directly influences their capacity to burrow and is crucial for the study of their systematics, which ultimately contributes to our comprehension of their evolution and ecology. In this study, we employed three‐dimensional X‐ray computed tomography to provide a detailed description and comprehensive comparison of the skull anatomy of two amphisbaenian species with similar external morphology, Amphisbaena arda and Amphisbaena vermicularis. Our findings revealed some differences between the species, especially in the sagittal crest of the parietal bone, the ascendant process, and the transverse occipital crest of the occipital complex. We also found intraspecific variation within A. vermicularis, with some specimens displaying morphology that differed from their conspecifics but not from A. arda. The observed intraspecific variation within A. vermicularis cannot be attributed to soil features because all specimens came from the same locality. Specimen size and soil type may play a role in the observed differences between A. arda and A. vermicularis, as the single A. arda specimen is the largest of our sample and soil type and texture differ between the collection sites of the two species.
How is climate change altering the precipitation pattern over Northwestern India?
Authors: Kumari Amita , Mishra Alok Kumar 
Published: May 2024

AbstractClimate change in India is causing devastating downpour events and shifts in spatial characterization, with apparent regional differences. The Northwest India (NWI), which is in the Aravalli rain shadow zone and was formerly drier, has attracted great attention in recent years due to its changing rainfall patterns. This study throws light on the astonishing behaviour of ISMR over NWI with the advent of intensified rainfall over the region in the recent time frame. The Pettitt test of change point (CP) detection is utilized in this analysis to measure the change in rainfall patterns over a period of 70 years, from 1950 to 2019. This analysis suggests significant variation in the CP's time frame for different months of ISMR. The earliest change was noticed in July, while the latest was for September for the mean as well as for the intense precipitation. Moreover, we found a maximum change in the precipitation during the peak monsoon month (i.e., July and August). The difference in the precipitation of different percentile values before and after CP indicates a decrease (increase) in low (high) intensity precipitation for all the months and seasons as a whole with varying magnitude. The highest reduction of low‐intensity precipitation is noticed for the months of July and August, while the highest increase of high‐intensity precipitation (>95th percentile) is noticed for June and September. The heavier precipitation contributes largely to the mean increase of precipitation, expecting to receive more mean and precipitation extremes in the future. Unlike the increasing precipitation trend, potential evapotranspiration (source of local moisture) shows a declining trend, revealing the negative association among them and the possibility of enhanced advection of remote moisture responsible for enhanced precipitation over NWI. The enhanced vertically integrated moisture transport of the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal and its strengthening relationship with precipitation further confirm the contribution of remote moisture to intensified precipitation over NWI, though the in‐depth dynamical cause remains unclear. The increased Convective Available Potential Energy for entire monsoon seasons as a whole and individual months facilitates a favourable condition for enhanced convective activity over the region, resulting in strengthening the precipitation.
Salivary microbiome and MRP‐8/14 levels in children with gingivitis, healthy children, and their mothers
Authors: Blufstein Alice , Pejcic Natasa , Spettel Kathrin , Hausmann Bela , Seki David , Ertekin Tugba , Hinrichs‐Priller Julia , Altner Sarra , Nehr Marion , Bekes Katrin , Makristathis Athanasios , Andrukhov Oleh 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundGingivitis is the most common form of periodontal disease among children and adolescents and is associated with disrupted host–microbiome homeostasis. Family is an important factor influencing the prevalence of gingivitis. In the present study, we investigated the salivary microbiome, oral hygiene habits, and the salivary level of myeloid‐related protein (MRP)‐8/14 in children aged 7–12 years with gingivitis, periodontally healthy children, and their mothers.MethodsThis study included 24 children with gingivitis (including four sibling pairs) and 22 periodontally healthy children (including two sibling pairs) and their mothers. The whole saliva was collected, DNA was extracted, the variable V3–V4 region of the eubacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene was amplified, and sample library preparation was performed according to the Illumina protocol. The salivary levels of MRP‐8/14 were analyzed by ELISA.ResultsAlpha diversity of the salivary microbiome was considerably higher in gingivitis children and mothers of gingivitis children compared to healthy children and their mothers, respectively. Significant differences in beta diversity between healthy and gingivitis children, healthy children and their mothers, and gingivitis children and their mothers were detected. Overall, the number of common core amplicon sequence variants between children and their own mothers was significantly higher than between children and other mothers. The salivary MRP‐8/14 levels in children with gingivitis were significantly higher compared to healthy children; a similar tendency was also mentioned for mothers.ConclusionOur study underlines the importance of family as an essential factor influencing oral health.
Fibrosis and steatotic liver disease in US adolescents according to the new nomenclature
Authors: Ma Ning , Bansal Meena , Chu Jaime , Branch Andrea D. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo apply the new nomenclature for steatotic liver diseases (SLD), replacing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), in adolescents using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data.MethodsAmong 1410 adolescents (12–19 years) in NHANES (2017‐March, 2020), the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) of transient elastography (TE) was used to define steatosis and fibrosis (TE ≥ 7.4 kPa). Obesity and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≥ 80 U/L were used to identify adolescents qualifying for hepatology referral according to practice guidelines. NAFLD was defined as liver steatosis without a specific exposure; it has no cardiometabolic risk factor requirement, unlike MASLD.ResultsSteatosis (yes/no) is the first decision point in the new diagnostic protocol; however, criteria for steatosis are undefined. At the supplier (EchoSens)‐recommended CAP threshold of 240 dB/m, 30.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 27.1%–34.0%) of adolescents had SLD and about 85% of adolescents with NAFLD met criteria for MASLD. The other 15% would receive an ambiguous diagnosis of either cryptogenic SLD or possible MASLD. At higher CAP thresholds, MASLD/NAFLD concordance increased and approached 100%. Among adolescents with MASLD‐fibrosis, only 8.8% (95% CI: 0%–19.3%) had overweight/obese and ALT ≥ 80 U/L.ConclusionsThe new nomenclature highlights the high prevalence of liver steatosis. At the CAP threshold of 240 dB/m, however, approximately 15% of adolescents would receive an ambiguous diagnosis, which could lead to confusion and worry. Fewer than 10% of adolescents with MASLD‐fibrosis had overweight/obese and ALT ≥ 80 U/L. Revised guidelines are needed to ensure that the other 90% receive appropriate referral and liver disease care.
Mura‐free G8.5 220ppi inkjet printing technology for OLED and QLED display panels
Authors: Yoshida Hidehiro , Nakatani Shuhei , Inoue Takashi , Usui Yukiya , Ohtsuka Futoshi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis paper reported on the development of a Mura‐free and high precise printing to realize high‐resolution organic light‐emitting diode and quantum dot light‐emitting diode display panels with a G8.5 glass substrate. To realize Mura‐free printing, we developed the single‐path print line head and the new pixel volume adjustment system with a pixel volume variation of ±0.8%. And to realize high precise printing, we developed the G8.5 table system that compensated for the drop position by changing the jetting time of each nozzle. And verified a drop position accuracy of ±2.1 μm. By combining these technologies, we achieved Mura‐free 220‐ppi printing on the G8.5 table.
Role of reimbursement and Physicians' awareness in the survival of sorafenib‐eligible advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Huang Hui‐Ling , Chang Te‐Sheng , Canseco Lariza Marie , Wu Fan , Lu Sheng‐Nan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn 2008, sorafenib became the first approved systemic therapeutic agent for advanced HCC. Although its pharmacological efficacy has been established, reimbursement for such a new, high‐cost drug, as well as physicians' awareness and prescription practice, likewise contribute to its clinical effectiveness. We therefore conducted a retrospective study using 38 sorafenib‐eligible, advanced HCC patients when sorafenib was approved but not yet reimbursed as a control and 216 patients during the reimbursed era. Study group showed longer survival at 8.2 months versus the control's 4.9 months (p = 0.0063 hazard ratio: 0.612 [0.431 ~ 0.868], p = 0.0059). Among the 42 (19.4%) patients who survived more than 2 years, 50% had tumor rupture, and all 32 patients with portal vein tumor thrombus and/or extrahepatic metastasis received sorafenib (p = 0.003). Furthermore, during their first 2 years of HCC management, sorafenib had been given in 29.1% of the treatment courses among survivors between 2 and 5 years while it was prescribed in 55.8% among the more than 5 years survivor group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, survival of sorafenib‐eligible HCC patients significantly improved after reimbursement. Patients who underwent longer sorafenib treatment had a survival advantage, except for those with tumor rupture. Reimbursement and awareness of prescriptions for a newly introduced medication therefore improve clinical effectiveness.
A Review of the Health Benefits of Processed Lentils (Lens culinaris L.)
Authors: Dewan Md. Forshed , Shams Shahjadi‐Nur‐Us , Haque M. Amdadul 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTLentil (Lens culinaris L.) is a versatile and nutrient‐dense food legume crop with demonstrated health benefits. As people are trying to minimize health‐related issues through healthy eating, lentils are gaining more popularity. Several processing methods, including heating, germination, fermentation, and extrusion, are frequently utilized to prepare this extensively consumed legume, transforming it into delicious and nutritious dishes while also optimizing its medicinal attributes. However, both in vitro and in vivo studies using the processed lentils effectively demonstrated their functional benefits including cardioprotective, antidiabetic, anti‐inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic activities. These facts make a strong case that consuming processed lentils can lower the likelihood of developing noncommunicable chronic illnesses like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and so on. The conservation of bioactive substances including phenolic compounds and flavonoids is key to the processed lentils' beneficial health effects. These bioactive compounds have an impact on human physiology, neutralizing the excess free radicals or oxidants from damaging cell, which leads to improved health and well‐being. In this article, we reviewed and summarized the results from studies on processed lentils that have an impact on human health. By combining available studies, this review article provides an up‐to‐date and well‐informed viewpoint on improving health through dietary interventions, specifically looking at processed lentils and their potential to systematically lower disease risk and obtain health benefits.
Appendectomy and the Risk of Parkinson's Disease: A Korean Nationwide Study
Authors: Park Kye Won , Woo Hyeong Taek , Hwang Yun Su , Lee Seung Hyun , Chung Sun Ju 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe vermiform appendix is considered a potential reservoir for the abnormal α‐synuclein aggregate in Parkinson's disease (PD). Previous epidemiologic evidence on the association between appendectomy and PD risk remains inconclusive, especially outside the Western world.ObjectivesTo investigate the association between appendectomy and PD risk in Korea.MethodsAmong 703,831 eligible adult subjects in the National Health Insurance Service sample cohort, we identified 16,122 patients who underwent appendectomy. The rest formed the control group. PD risk was assessed using time‐dependent Cox regression analyses.ResultsThe appendectomy group did not have altered risk of PD compared with the control group in either unadjusted [hazard ratio (HR) 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.97–1.80, P = 0.08] or adjusted model (HR 1.42, CI 0.88–2.30, P = 0.15). No further statistical difference appeared when stratified by sex.ConclusionsAppendectomy is not associated with altered risk of PD in the Korean population.
Share pledging: Measuring margin call pressure and its influence on liquidity commonality
Authors: Zhang Junping , Li Ping 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWhile share pledging is a widespread leveraged financing practice in global stock markets, its potential impact on firms' exposure to market risk remains a topic of concern. In the context of the Chinese market, this study investigates the relationship between insiders' share pledging pressure and stock liquidity risk, with a particular focus on stock liquidity commonality. Using data from Chinese firms listed between 2009 and 2022, we find a positive correlation between heightened share pledging pressure and increased stock liquidity commonality. To precisely capture the margin call pressure arising from share pledging, we introduce an innovative method that considers both the price at which shares are pledged and their subsequent price dynamics. This relationship persists after addressing endogeneity concerns. Furthermore, we find that firms under significant share pledging pressure often resort to earnings manipulation, which exacerbates stock liquidity commonality. The findings underscore the significance of understanding the risks and impacts of share pledging in terms of liquidity risk. Insiders who utilize share pledging as a financing channel face a delicate balance between the benefits of expanded funding sources and the risks of losing control due to sustained stock price declines. This study provides valuable insights for investors, policymakers, and regulatory authorities in managing the potential liquidity risks associated with share pledging activities in the Chinese market.