bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implementing equitable and intersectionality‐aware ML in education: A practical guide
Authors: Mangal Mudit , Pardos Zachary A. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe greater the proliferation of AI in educational contexts, the more important it becomes to ensure that AI adheres to the equity and inclusion values of an educational system or institution. Given that modern AI is based on historic datasets, mitigating historic biases with respect to protected classes (ie, fairness) is an important component of this value alignment. Although extensive research has been done on AI fairness in education, there has been a lack of guidance for practitioners, which could enhance the practical uptake of these methods. In this work, we present a practitioner‐oriented, step‐by‐step framework, based on findings from the field, to implement AI fairness techniques. We also present an empirical case study that applies this framework in the context of a grade prediction task using data from a large public university. Our novel findings from the case study and extended analyses underscore the importance of incorporating intersectionality (such as race and gender) as central equity and inclusion institution values. Moreover, our research demonstrates the effectiveness of bias mitigation techniques, like adversarial learning, in enhancing fairness, particularly for intersectional categories like race–gender and race–income.
Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic

AI‐powered Educational Decision Support Systems (EDSS) are increasingly used in various educational contexts, such as course selection, admissions, scholarship allocation and identifying at‐risk students.
There are known challenges with AI in education, particularly around the reinforcement of existing biases, leading to unfair outcomes.
The machine learning community has developed metrics and methods to measure and mitigate biases, which have been effectively applied to education as seen in the AI in education literature.
What this paper adds

Introduces a comprehensive technical framework for equity and inclusion, specifically for machine learning practitioners in AI education systems.
Presents a novel modification to the ABROCA fairness metric to better represent disparities among multiple subgroups within a protected class.
Empirical analysis of the effectiveness of bias‐mitigating techniques, like adversarial learning, in reducing biases in intersectional classes (eg, race–gender, race–income).
Model reporting in the form of model cards that can foster transparent communication among developers, users and stakeholders.
Implications for practice and/or policy

The fairness framework can act as a systematic guide for practitioners to design equitable and inclusive AI‐EDSS.
The fairness framework can act as a systematic guide for practitioners to make compliance with emerging AI regulations more manageable.
Stakeholders may become more involved in tailoring the fairness and equity model tuning process to align with their values.
Biallelic FANCA variants detected in sisters with isolated premature ovarian insufficiency
Authors: Tucker Elena J. , Sharp Michael F. , Lokchine Anna , Bell Katrina M. , Palmer Catherine S. , Kline Brianna L. , Robevska Gorjana , van den Bergen Jocelyn , Dulon Jérôme , Stojanovski Diana , Ayers Katie L. , Touraine Philippe , Crismani Wayne , Jaillard Sylvie , Sinclair Andrew H. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPremature ovarian insufficiency is a common form of female infertility affecting up to 4% of women and characterised by amenorrhea with elevated gonadotropin before the age of 40. Oocytes require controlled DNA breakage and repair for homologous recombination and the maintenance of oocyte integrity. Biallelic disruption of the DNA damage repair gene, Fanconi anemia complementation group A (FANCA), is a common cause of Fanconi anaemia, a syndrome characterised by bone marrow failure, cancer predisposition, physical anomalies and POI. There is ongoing dispute about the role of heterozygous FANCA variants in POI pathogenesis, with insufficient evidence supporting causation. Here, we have identified biallelic FANCA variants in French sisters presenting with POI, including a novel missense variant of uncertain significance and a likely pathogenic deletion that initially evaded detection. Functional studies indicated no discernible effect on DNA damage sensitivity in patient lymphoblasts. These novel FANCA variants add evidence that heterozygous loss of one allele is insufficient to cause DNA damage sensitivity and POI. We propose that intragenic deletions, that are relatively common in FANCA, may be missed without careful analysis, and could explain the presumed causation of heterozygous variants. Accurate variant curation is critical to optimise patient care and outcomes.
The Effects of Linear Order in Category Learning: Some Replications of Ramscar et al. (2010) and Their Implications for Replicating Training Studies
Authors: Viviani Eva , Ramscar Michael , Wonnacott Elizabeth 
Published: May 2024

AbstractRamscar, Yarlett, Dye, Denny, and Thorpe (2010) showed how, consistent with the predictions of error‐driven learning models, the order in which stimuli are presented in training can affect category learning. Specifically, learners exposed to artificial language input where objects preceded their labels learned the discriminating features of categories better than learners exposed to input where labels preceded objects. We sought to replicate this finding in two online experiments employing the same tests used originally: A four pictures test (match a label to one of four pictures) and a four labels test (match a picture to one of four labels). In our study, only findings from the four pictures test were consistent with the original result. Additionally, the effect sizes observed were smaller, and participants over‐generalized high‐frequency category labels more than in the original study. We suggest that although Ramscar, Yarlett, Dye, Denny, and Thorpe (2010) feature‐label order predictions were derived from error‐driven learning, they failed to consider that this mechanism also predicts that performance in any training paradigm must inevitably be influenced by participant prior experience. We consider our findings in light of these factors, and discuss implications for the generalizability and replication of training studies.
Clinical and cost‐effectiveness of telemedicine among patients with type 2 diabetes in primary care: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Alfarwan Nawwarah , Hodkinson Alexander , Panagioti Maria , Hassan Lamiece , Kontopantelis Evangelos 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimsTelemedicine has been promoted as an effective way of managing type‐2 diabetes (T2DM) in primary care. However, the effectiveness of telemedicine is unclear. We investigated the clinical and cost‐effectiveness of different telemedicine interventions for people with T2DM, compared to usual care.MethodsWe searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane, CINHAL, ProQuest and EconLit for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effectiveness of telemedicine interventions on clinical outcomes (HbA1c, body mass index [BMI], weight, diastolic blood pressure [DBP], systolic blood pressure [SBP], fasting blood glucose, high‐density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglyceride) in adults with T2DM, published in English from inception until 31 December 2022. Meta‐analyses were conducted using random‐effects models pooling mean differences, heterogeneity was quantified using the I2 statistic. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots, Egger tests and trim and fill. Subgroup analyses included type of telemedicine intervention, telemedicine mode of delivery and type of healthcare professionals. This study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD 42022375128.ResultsOf the 4093 records identified, 21 RCTs, 10,732 participants from seven regions, were included. Reported interventions included telephone (k = 16 studies), internet‐based (k = 2), videoconference (k = 2) and telephone and emails (k = 1). We observed no statistically significant differences between synchronous or asynchronous telemedicine interventions compared to usual care for HbA1c (−0.08% (−0.88 mmol/mol); 95% CI: −0.18, 0.02), BMI (0.51 kg/m2; 95% CI: −0.21, 1.22), SBP (−1.48 mmHg; 95% CI: −3.22, 0.26), DBP (3.23 mmHg; 95% CI: −0.89, 7.34), HDL‐cholesterol (0.01 mmol/L; 95% CI: −0.03, 0.05), LDL‐cholesterol (0.08 mmol/L; 95% CI: −0.22, 0.37), triglycerides (−0.08 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.31, −0.15), total cholesterol (−0.10 mmol/L; 95% CI: −0.25, 0.04) and weight (−0.50 kg; 95% CI: −1.21, 0.21).ConclusionsTelemedicine was as effective as usual care in improving health outcomes of people with T2DM. They can provide a safe solution in times of rising demands for primary healthcare services, or in extreme events, like a global pandemic. More high‐quality RCTs are needed on the cost evaluation of telemedicine.
The prognostic value of metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease in acute myocardial infarction: A propensity score‐matched analysis
Authors: Kong Gwyneth , Cao Grace , Koh Jaycie , Chan Siew Pang , Zhang Audrey , Wong Esther , Chong Bryan , Jauhari Silingga Metta , Wang Jiong‐Wei , Mehta Anurag , Figtree Gemma A. , Mamas Mamas A. , Ng Gavin , Chan Koo Hui , Chai Ping , Low Adrian F. , Lee Chi Hang , Yeo Tiong Cheng , Yip James , Foo Roger , Tan Huay Cheem , Huang Daniel Q. , Muthiah Mark , Chan Mark Yan‐Yee , Loh Poay‐Huan , Chew Nicholas W. S. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimPatients with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are at increased risk of incident cardiovascular disease. However, the clinical characteristics and prognostic importance of MASLD in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have yet to be examined.MethodsThis study compared the characteristics and outcomes of patients with and without MASLD presenting with AMI at a tertiary centre in Singapore. MASLD was defined as hepatic steatosis, with at least one of five metabolic criteria. Hepatic steatosis was determined using the Hepatic Steatosis Index. Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for age and sex. The Kaplan‐Meier curve was constructed for long‐term all‐cause mortality. Cox regression analysis was used to investigate independent predictors of long‐term all‐cause mortality.ResultsIn this study of 4446 patients with AMI, 2223 patients with MASLD were matched with patients without MASLD using propensity scores. The mean follow‐up duration was 3.4 ± 2.4 years. The MASLD group had higher rates of obesity, diabetes and chronic kidney disease than their counterparts. Patients with MASLD had early excess all‐cause mortality (6.8% vs. 3.6%, p < .001) at 30 days, with unfavourable mortality rates sustained in the long‐term (18.3% vs. 14.5%, p = .001) compared with those without MASLD. After adjustment, MASLD remained independently associated with higher long‐term all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio 1.330, 95% confidence interval 1.106‐1.598, p = .002).ConclusionMASLD embodies a higher burden of metabolic dysfunction and is an independent predictor of long‐term mortality in the AMI population. Its early identification may be beneficial for risk stratification and provide therapeutic targets for secondary preventive strategies in AMI.
Forecasting the UK top 1% income share in a shifting world
Authors: Castle Jennifer L. , Doornik Jurgen A. , Hendry David F. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractUK top income shares have varied hugely over the past two centuries, ranging from more than 30% to less than 7% of pre‐tax national income allocated to the top 1 percentile. We build a congruent dynamic linear regression model of the top 1% income share allowing for economic, political and social factors. Saturation estimation is used to model outliers and trend breaks, proxying underlying structural changes driving income inequality in the UK. We use the model to forecast the top 1% income share over the last 15 years, and compare to a range of forecast devices. Despite a well‐specified constant parameter model conditioning on significant explanatory variables, the best performing forecasts are obtained from a random walk and a smoothed random walk. These results are explained by the presence of shifts in the income share over the forecast period, resulting in forecasts from equilibrium correction models converging to the wrong equilibrium. Our best prediction for 2026 based on the most recent data from 2021 (a 5‐year ahead projection) is that the pre‐tax top 1% income share will remain at the most recent realized value of 12.7%, but there is a large degree of uncertainty, with a 95% confidence band ranging from 10% to 15.7%.
Austerity and elections
Authors: Alesina Alberto , Ciminelli Gabriele , Furceri Davide , Saponaro Giorgio 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis paper revisits the conventional but unproven wisdom that voters penalize governments for adopting fiscal austerity in a sample of advanced economies. We consider the composition of the austerity package and the economic manifesto of the implementing government, and find that austerity packages consisting mostly of tax hikes have a significant electoral cost, which is larger for government parties that campaigned on a free‐market manifesto. Conversely, expenditure‐based austerity is costlier for government parties that did not run on a small‐government platform, but may be beneficial for those that did.
New insights into the therapeutic options to lower lipoprotein(a)
Authors: Baragetti A. , Da Dalt L. , Norata G. D. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundElevated levels of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] represent a risk factor for cardiovascular disease including aortic valve stenosis, myocardial infarction and stroke. While the patho‐physiological mechanisms linking Lp(a) with atherosclerosis are not fully understood, from genetic studies that lower Lp(a) levels protect from CVD independently of other risk factors including lipids and lipoproteins. Hereby, Lp(a) has been considered an appealing pharmacological target.ResultsHowever, approved lipid lowering therapies such as statins, ezetimibe or PCSK9 inhibitors have a neutral to modest effect on Lp(a) levels, thus prompting the development of new strategies selectively targeting Lp(a). These include antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) directed towards apolipoprotein(a) [Apo(a)], which are in advanced phase of clinical development. More recently, additional approaches including inhibitors of Apo(a) and gene editing approaches via CRISPR‐Cas9 technology entered early clinical development.ConclusionIf the results from the cardiovascular outcome trials, designed to demonstrate whether the reduction of Lp(a) of more than 80% as observed with pelacarsen, olpasiran or lepodisiran translates into the decrease of cardiovascular mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events, will be positive, lowering Lp(a) will become a new additional target in the management of patients with elevated cardiovascular risk.
Rapid response system for critically ill patients with haematological malignancies: A pre‐ and post‐intervention study
Authors: Mauz N. , Bouisse M. , Cahn J. Y. , Kaphan E. , Truche A.‐S. , Thiebaut‐Bertrand A. , Carré M. , Bulabois C.‐E. , Hamidfar‐Roy R. , Schwebel C. , Park S. , Labarere J. , Terzi N. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to determine whether implementing a rapid response system (RRS) is associated with improved short‐term outcomes in critically ill patients with haematological malignancies.MethodsOur monocentric pre‐ versus post‐intervention study was conducted between January 2012 and April 2020. RRS was activated at early signs of haemodynamic or respiratory failure. The primary outcome was the reduction in Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score on Day 3 after intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Secondary outcomes included time to ICU admission and mortality.ResultsA total of 209 patients with a median age of 59 years were enrolled (108 in the pre‐intervention period and 101 in the post‐intervention period). 22% of them had received an allogeneic transplant. The post‐intervention period was associated with a shorter time to ICU admission (195 vs. 390 min, p < .001), a more frequent favourable trend in SOFA score (57% vs. 42%, adjusted odds ratio, 2.02, 95% confidence interval, 1.09 to 3.76), no significant changes in ICU (22% vs. 26%, p = .48) and 1‐year (62% vs. 58%, p = .62) mortality rates.ConclusionDetection of early organ failure and activation of an RRS was associated with faster ICU admission and lower SOFA scores on Day 3 of admission in critically ill patients with haematological malignancies.
Wheat straw and microbial inoculants have an additive effect on N2O emissions by changing microbial functional groups
Authors: Ji Cheng , Wang Jidong , Sun Yuxiang , Xu Cong , Zhou Jie , Zhong Yuehua , Ning Yunwang , Zhang Hui , Zhang Yongchun , Chen Yinglong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractStraw‐decomposing microbial inoculants (MIs) have been increasingly applied to straw‐amended soils. However, the interactive effects and underlying microbial mechanisms of straw and decomposing MIs on nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions remain unclear. Here, a pot experiment with an Aquic Inceptisol was conducted to determine soil N2O emissions and the abundance and composition of microbial functional genes under six amendments: wheat straw (W), Bacillus subtilis MI (B), Streptomyces rochei MI (S), a combination of straw and B. subtilis MI (WB), a combination of straw and S. rochei MI (WS), and a control without wheat straw or MI (C). Compared with the control, the amendments of straw, decomposing MIs, and their combinations decreased soil N2O emissions by 43%, 22–30%, and 46–60%, respectively. Mechanistically, the positive relationship between ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and soil potential nitrification rate (PNR), along with decreased AOB abundance (−36%) following straw and decomposing MI amendments, further suggested that AOB predominated soil nitrification and was responsible for the suppressed nitrification. In addition, straw amendment increased nirK gene abundance (by 48%) and potential denitrification rate (by 11%), while the increase in nosZI gene abundance (+25%) involved in N2O consumption contributed to the decrease in N2O emissions. Overall, the additive effect of straw and decomposing MIs on soil N2O emissions was associated with two amendment‐induced changes in the abundance and composition of AOB and straw‐stimulated the abundance of the nosZI gene. Our results revealed the potential for mitigating N2O emissions following the amendments of straw and MI by influencing soil N2O‐related microbial groups.
Pedological features of a sustainable halophyte wetland: El Hito saline pond (Central Spain)
Authors: Jiménez‐Ballesta Raimundo , Cirujano‐Bracamonte Santos , Palencia‐Mayordomo Eduardo , Álvarez‐Soto Mario 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn semi‐arid Mediterranean regions, particularly in some wetland soils, salinity is thought to be an indicator of low‐quality soils. In this study, a characterization is presented of the soils surrounding El Hito saline pond (Castilla La Mancha, Central Spain), an ecological halophyte niche within a natural semi‐arid steppe land. The main aim is to classify the salt‐affected soils and their morphology, genesis, and physico‐chemical properties. Four soil profiles were opened with a backhoe machine for sampling and subsequent description on the basis of their pedogenetic morphology. Systematic surface sampling was also performed. Standard methods were followed to measure the soil properties of 27 samples. Overall electrical conductivity (EC) and pH levels of the wetland were mapped (using ArcGIS 3.1.3). Soil salinity at elevated levels was detected, inhibiting plant uptake of water and nutrients. Distinct sub‐areas of extreme elevated surface salinity providing specialized plant habitats and poor soil structure were observed, as well as a mainly whitened‐yellowish‐greenish soil colour due to salt accumulation and poor drainage. The soils also showed alkaline pH values. In most samples, the pH was over 8.5, and EC was higher than 4 (dS m−1), and in several samples higher than 20 (dS m−1). A low sodium (Na) content was detected in the saturation extract where magnesium (Mg+) was the dominant soluble cation, followed by both calcium (Ca+) and sodium (Na+), and then potassium (K+), present in lower proportions. Sulphate (SO42−) and then chloride (Cl−) anions were dominant, although carbon trioxide, (CO3−) and carbonate (CO32−) anions were also present. The percentages of organic carbon (C) were very low, while total nitrogen (TN) and available phosphorus (P) were higher in the upper horizons, suggesting a degree of eutrophication. The present work will increase the existing knowledge about the role of El Hito saline pond, that play a vital ecological role in the broader biosphere, providing new suggestions to readers on how this knowledge can be used to improve these types of ecosystems. In particular, the agricultural pesticides and fertilizers continuously damage the soil fertility as evidenced by the high content of soluble phosphorus found in some points of the Hito saline pond.
Bisphenol A release from CAD/CAM splint materials
Authors: Hampe Tristan , Liersch Julia , Wiechens Bernhard , Bürgers Ralf , Krohn Sebastian 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the bisphenol A (BPA) release from four CAD/CAM splint materials: three polycarbonate‐based (DD BioSplint C, Splint Plus Biostar, Temp Premium Flexible) and one polymethylmethacrylate‐based (Temp Basic) material. From each material, ten cylindrical samples (n = 40) were immersed in high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) grade water following ISO 10993‐12 and incubated for 24 h in an incubation shaker at 37°C and 112 rpm. Following BPA derivatization, analysis was performed by high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS). After 24 h of incubation, all investigated materials released significant amounts of BPA compared to water blanks. The material‐dependent elution increased in the following order: DD BioSplint C < Splint Plus Biostar < Temp Basic < Temp Premium Flexible. Subtracting extraneous BPA, the concentrations ranged between 2.27 ng/mL and 12.65 ng/mL. After extrapolating the concentrations in relation to the average surface area of occlusal splints, the amount of BPA per mL exceeded the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) set by the European Union for a person weighing 70 kg by 1.32–6.16 times. Contrary to the release from previously investigated materials, BPA elution from CAD/CAM splint materials was highly elevated. Considering the increasing adaptation of CAD/CAM techniques, elution from them may represent a relevant BPA source in daily dental practice.