bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Personal is Political: Political Attitudes, Affective Polarization and Fertility Preferences in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheung Adam Ka-Lok , Lui Lake 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study examines the relationship between political attitudes, affective polarization, and fertility preferences among married couples in Hong Kong. Using dyadic data from a representative household survey (N = 1586 heterosexually married adults), we investigate how individuals’ attitudes toward democracy and levels of affective polarization are associated with their fertility preferences. We also explore the influence of spouses’ political attitudes and affective polarization on one's fertility preferences. We found that individuals with stronger support for democracy have lower fertility preferences. This negative association between political attitudes and fertility preferences is further amplified by one’s level of affective polarization. The findings of this study contribute to our understanding of how political factors shape fertility patterns in the context of dramatic political transitions. This study provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics between political attitudes, affective polarization, and family formation decisions in Hong Kong, which have both theoretical, policy and political implications.
An applied framework to unlocking multi-angular UAV reflectance data: a case study for classification of plant parameters in maize (Zea mays)
Authors: Heim Rene H. J. , Okole Nathan , Steppe Kathy , Van Labeke Marie-Christine , Geedicke Ina , Maes Wouter H. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractOptical sensors, mounted on uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), are typically pointed straight downward to simplify structure-from-motion and image processing. High horizontal and vertical image overlap during UAV missions effectively leads to each object being measured from a range of different view angles, resulting in a rich multi-angular reflectance dataset. We propose a method to extract reflectance data, and their associated distinct view zenith angles (VZA) and view azimuth angles (VAA), from UAV-mounted optical cameras; enhancing plant parameter classification compared to standard orthomosaic reflectance retrieval. A standard (nadir) and a multi-angular, 10-band multispectral dataset was collected for maize using a UAV on two different days. Reflectance data was grouped by VZA and VAA (on average 2594 spectra/plot/day for the multi-angular data and 890 spectra/plot/day for nadir flights only, 13 spectra/plot/day for a standard orthomosaic), serving as predictor variables for leaf chlorophyll content (LCC), leaf area index (LAI), green leaf area index (GLAI), and nitrogen balanced index (NBI) classification. Results consistently showed higher accuracy using grouped VZA/VAA reflectance compared to the standard orthomosaic data. Pooling all reflectance values across viewing directions did not yield satisfactory results. Performing multiple flights to obtain a multi-angular dataset did not improve performance over a multi-angular dataset obtained from a single nadir flight, highlighting its sufficiency. Our openly shared code (https://github.com/ReneHeim/proj_on_uav) facilitates access to reflectance data from pre-defined VZA/VAA groups, benefiting cross-disciplinary and agriculture scientists in harnessing the potential of multi-angular datasets.
Graphical abstract
The iSPAC
Authors: Nawaz Tasawar 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSpecial purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) are one of the most celebrated investment vehicles in recent years. Relative to traditional IPOs, SPACs are much more cash-strapped and speculative. Resultantly, the scope for SPACs remains sparse for certain segments of the financial system notwithstanding the SPAC euphoria surrounding the financial markets: one notable exception is Islamic banking and finance. The Islamic banking business model is based upon the ethical ontologies and epistemologies – informed by the divine sources of Quran and Sunnah: the Shariah – operating with the mandate to promote socio-economic justice through a fair redistribution of wealth while embargoing speculative trading or investments and adopting a risk-sharing model between economic agents. Unsurprisingly, – owing to the speculative nature of SPACs – the Islamic finance industry remains reluctant to participate in the SPAC-mania despite the frenzy engulfing global securities markets. This work addresses the misaligned incentives inherent in a conventional SPAC structure and proposes alternative SPAC structure terms i.e., the iSPAC, which potentially mitigates the noted misaligned incentives and offers less dilutive SPAC terms to shareholders. Specifically, iSPAC structure terms address the issues of speculation (gharar), information asymmetry, and transparency in the pre-IPO phase, which may lead to adverse selection and moral hazard. Equally, the proposed structure reconciles post-IPO operational and investment-related risks such as the treatment of proceeds, interest rate (riba), opportunity costs, and management costs in consort with unethical behavior i.e. cashing-out opportunities that may lead to uneven redistribution of wealth thereby, widening the socio-economic voids in the society.
The impact of exercise on blood-based biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease in cognitively unimpaired older adults
Authors: Sewell Kelsey R. , Rainey-Smith Stephanie R. , Pedrini Steve , Peiffer Jeremiah J. , Sohrabi Hamid R. , Taddei Kevin , Markovic Shaun J. , Martins Ralph N. , Brown Belinda M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPhysical activity is a promising preventative strategy for Alzheimer’s disease: it is associated with lower dementia risk, better cognition, greater brain volume and lower brain beta-amyloid. Blood-based biomarkers have emerged as a low-cost, non-invasive strategy for detecting preclinical Alzheimer’s disease, however, there is limited literature examining the effect of exercise (a structured form of physical activity) on blood-based biomarkers. The current study investigated the influence of a 6-month exercise intervention on levels of plasma beta-amyloid (Aβ42, Aβ40, Aβ42/40), phosphorylated tau (p-tau181), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neurofilament light (NfL) chain in cognitively unimpaired older adults, and as a secondary aim, whether blood-based biomarkers related to cognition. Ninety-nine community-dwelling older adults (69.1 ± 5.2) were allocated to an inactive control, or to moderate or high intensity exercise groups where they cycled twice weekly for six months. At baseline and six months (post-intervention), fasted blood was collected and analysed using single molecule array (SIMOA) assays, and cognition was assessed. Results demonstrated no change in levels of any plasma biomarker from pre- to post-intervention. At baseline, higher NfL was associated with poorer cognition (β = -0.33, SE = 0.13, adjusted p = .042). Exploratory analyses indicated higher cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with higher NfL and GFAP levels in apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 non-carriers compared to ε4 carriers (NfL, β = -0.43, SE = 0.19, p = .029; GFAP, β = -0.41, SE = 0.20, p = .044), though this association was mediated by body mass index (BMI). These results highlight the importance of considering BMI in analysis of blood-based biomarkers, especially when investigating differences between APOE ε4 carriers and non-carriers. Our results also indicate that longer follow-up periods may be required to observe exercise-induced change in blood-based biomarkers.
Higher order elliptic equations in weighted Banach spaces
Authors: Bilalov Bilal T. , Sadigova Sabina R. , Softova Lyoubomira G. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe consider m-th order linear, uniformly elliptic equations $$\mathcal {L}u=f$$

L
u
=
f

with non-smooth coefficients in Banach–Sobolev spaces $$W_{X_w}^m (\Omega )$$

W

X
w

m

(
Ω
)

generated by weighted Banach Function Spaces (BFS) $$X_w (\Omega )$$

X
w

(
Ω
)

on a bounded domain $$\Omega \subset {\mathbb R}^{n}$$

Ω
⊂

R

n

. Supposing boundedness of the Hardy–Littlewood Maximal operator and the Calderón–Zygmund singular integrals in $$X_w (\Omega )$$

X
w

(
Ω
)

we obtain solvability in the small in $$W_{X_w}^m (\Omega )$$

W

X
w

m

(
Ω
)

and establish interior Schauder type a priori estimates. These results will be used in order to obtain Fredholmness of the operator $$\mathcal {L}$$
L
in $$X_w (\Omega )$$

X
w

(
Ω
)

.
Towards true prices in food retailing: the value added tax as an instrument transforming agri-food systems
Authors: Oebel B. , Stein L. , Michalke A. , Stoll-Kleemann S. , Gaugler T. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCurrent crises (i.e., climate crisis, COVID-19 pandemic, Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the resulting energy and food shortages) indicate the need for robust, and sustainable supply chains with regional food production and farmland to secure food supply in the European Union (EU). Recent research shows that organic food is more resilient to supply chain disruptions and price fluctuations. In this context, we examine an approach for the sustainable and resilient transformation of agri-food networks: can an adaptation of value added tax (VAT) levels work as a financial incentive to amplify resilient agricultural practices and sustainable dietary patterns? Within the setting of the amendment of the European framework directive on the use of VAT in 2022, we model the effects of adapting the current German VAT system by (1) reducing VAT on organic vegetarian food to 0% and (2) raising VAT on conventional meat and fish to 19%. Based on historical data on organic sales shares and price elasticities, we project sales shares differentiated by product group for each scenario. Then, we calculate expected tax revenues, changes in consumption patterns, and arising total external climate costs in Germany for both scenarios. Our results show that the overall consumption share of organic food would increase by 21.83% due to the modeled VAT reform compared to the status quo. Despite the VAT reduction to 0% on organic vegetarian products, the measure would yield €2.04 billion in extra tax revenues in Germany per year due to the increased taxation on conventional meat products. We find that annual environmental costs of €5.31 billion can be avoided as a result of lower external climate costs of organic and vegetarian food. Therefore, adjusting VAT rates in the food market can be a political instrument to drive organic food consumption and reduce animal livestock. This supports re-territorialization of agriculture and a more sustainable and resilient European food supply.
Running up that hill: a literature review and research agenda proposal on “gazelles” firms
Authors: Fulco Irene , Loia Francesca , Aquilani Barbara , Gravili Ginevra 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In recent years, “gazelles”—a small set of high-growth firms—have attracted considerable interest from researchers for their capacity to contribute significantly to the competitiveness of nations. However, in management literature, the research on this topic is still incomplete, and a broad but focused review is needed to understand the phenomenon fully. Therefore, the paper aims to analyse in depth the literature on “gazelles” published in the Business, Management, and Accounting and Decision Sciences fields, shedding light on opportunities arising from emerging research topics related to the phenomenon. In meeting this aim, the work is built on a systematic literature review, and Elsevier’s Scopus database was selected and scanned to access publications. The analysis identifies in the sample under investigation the quantitative characteristics (temporal distribution of publications, journals included in the sample, and methodological approach adopted by authors), as well as seven main topics resulting from the qualitative coding process (performance, policy and employment, innovation, entrepreneurship, corporate governance and decision-making, human resources, and strategy). Finally, a comprehensive outlook and a critical analysis of the state-of-the-art research on these specific high-growth firms have been provided through the proposal of a conceptual framework. This study also proposes a research agenda for scholars while providing insightful suggestions from a practical point of view.
Validity of multiple-choice digital formative assessment for assessing students’ (mis)conceptions: evidence from a mixed-methods study in algebra
Authors: Klingbeil Katrin , Rösken Fabian , Barzel Bärbel , Schacht Florian , Stacey Kaye , Steinle Vicki , Thurm Daniel 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAssessing students’ (mis)conceptions is a challenging task for teachers as well as for researchers. While individual assessment, for example through interviews, can provide deep insights into students’ thinking, this is very time-consuming and therefore not feasible for whole classes or even larger settings. For those settings, automatically evaluated multiple-choice (MC) items could be a solution. However, it is a challenge to design those items and to adapt them for other countries in a way that they adequately reveal students’ (mis)conceptions. In this article, we investigate the question whether it is valid to use a German adaption of a multiple-choice test developed in Australia for formative assessment of the letter-as-object misconception in Germany. For this, first semi-structured interviews with five German Year 8 students were conducted, and second, 616 students were asked for short written explanations. These data were analysed with regards to the students’ (mis)conceptions and compared with their automatic online diagnosis. In general, a high concordance between online SMART test results and students’ explanations was observed, confirming that useful diagnoses of student misconceptions can be obtained from such a short well-designed MC test.
Numerical simulation of COSMOS 2499 fragmentation
Authors: Olivieri Lorenzo , Giacomuzzo Cinzia , Francesconi Alessandro 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn-space satellites fragmentation events contribute to the continuous growth of man-made debris. Observations of these events can provide limited information on the number and characteristics of the generated fragments, as only the largest ones can be detected with ground instrumentation. Numerical simulations replicating in-orbit fragmentation can integrate the missing information regarding fragments number, shape, and orbital distribution. In this context, this paper presents the numerical reconstruction of COSMOS 2499 break-up of January 4th, 2023. First, a digital twin of the satellite is modeled with the Collision Simulation Tool Solver, a custom semi-empirical simulation code, to replicate the explosion of an internal tank; different expansion velocities for the exploding elements are examined and the resulting fragments size and shape distributions are presented. In a second part, the effect of the attitude at the moment of the break-up on the generated debris orbital distribution is discussed. Finally, the numerical results are compared with the available data from ground observations, showing a good accordance with them.
Playing both fig sides: the presence and host-switch of Pleistodontes imperialis (Hymenoptera: Agaonidae) is confirmed in Greece and Cyprus
Authors: Koutsoukos Evangelos , Demetriou Jakovos , Martinou Angeliki F. , Compton Stephen G. , Avtzis Dimitrios N , Rasplus Jean-Yves 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSeveral Oriental and Australian species of Ficus have been introduced outside their native range and planted as ornamentals in urban habitats throughout the Mediterranean. This translocation of plant species has led to the introduction of host-specific insects such as their pollinating fig wasps (Hymenoptera: Agaonidae). Here, the Australian fig wasp Pleistodontes imperialis Saunders, 1882 is reported for the first time from Greece. Partial COI genes were sequenced for specimens sampled in Greece and Cyprus, and they appear to share identical haplotypes. Interestingly, this species-specific wasp not only develops in figs of its usual host, Ficus rubiginosa, but also in figs of Ficus watkinsiana, another Australian species introduced in Greece, which is pollinated by a second agaonid species (Pleistodontes nigriventris Girault, 1915) in its native range. Although no negative economic or environmental impacts have been observed yet, monitoring of alien Ficus spp. in the region is encouraged to prevent their possible establishment in natural habitats.
I belong; hence, I engage? A cohort study of transitions between school engagement classes and academic achievement: The role of relational school climate
Authors: Katsantonis Ioannis 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The role of the school climate in buffering disengagement remains relatively underresearched. The present study examined transitions between classes of early adolescents’ school engagement and relational school climate factors influencing classes of students’ (dis-)engagement, and how these were linked with academic achievement in mid-adolescence. A representative sample of 3,643 early adolescents (48.72% females) from the Growing Up in Australia cohort study was utilised. Latent transition analyses indicated three classes of school engagement, namely mostly disengaged, moderately engaged and highly engaged. Significant transitions were found between classes with fewer students becoming moderately engaged and mostly disengaged. Having a positive teacher–student relationship and higher feelings of school belonging predicted membership to the highly engaged classes. Highly engaged students were fewer by age 12 but had the best achievement only in numeracy, writing and spelling tests at age 14/15. The study underscores the importance of positive relational school climate for fostering school engagement and achievement.
Clinical effectiveness of pit and fissure sealants in primary and permanent teeth of children and adolescents: an umbrella review
Authors: Amend S. , Boutsiouki C. , Winter J. , Kloukos D. , Frankenberger R. , Krämer N. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This umbrella review aimed to critically appraise the evidence published in systematic reviews (SRs) on the clinical effectiveness of sealants compared with each other/the non-use in primary/permanent teeth of children and adolescents with at least 12-month follow-up.

Methods
A systematic literature search on 4 electronic databases was conducted up to January 18th, 2023. Following handsearching, two review authors independently screened retrieved articles, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias (RoB) using the risk of bias in systematic reviews (ROBIS) tool. Based on a citation matrix, the overlap was interpreted by the corrected covered area (CCA).

Results
Of 239 retrieved records, 7 SRs met the eligibility criteria with a moderate overlap among them (CCA = 7.4%). For primary molars, in 1120 1.5- to 8-year-old children, data on the clinical effectiveness of sealants were inconclusive. For permanent molars, 3 SRs found a significant caries risk reduction for sealants versus non-use (≤ 36-month follow-up). There was insufficient evidence to proof superiority of sealants over fluoride varnish for caries prevention (3 SRs), and to rank sealant materials according to the best clinical effectiveness in permanent molars. One study was rated at low and 6 at high RoB, which did not allow for a valid quantitative synthesis.

Conclusion
Considering the limitations of this umbrella review, sealants are more effective for caries prevention in children’s permanent molars compared to no treatment. Future well-implemented RCTs are needed to draw reliable conclusions on the clinical effectiveness of sealants in primary and permanent teeth of children and adolescents.
Stress distributions around the interference fit between a round pin and a perforated finite plate
Authors: Castagnetti D. , Dragoni E. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractInterference fit couplings between a perforated finite plate and a round pin are widely used mechanical systems in several industrial applications. Only a few works in the literature investigate the coupling contact pressure due to interference in the absence of an external load, and these works are limited to a few specific configurations. To overcome this limitation, this work performs a numerical systematic investigation of the pin-plate coupling for a wide range of configurations that can be encountered in practice. Three are the variables investigated: the pin diameter, the plate length, and the pin offset in the longitudinal direction, all of them normalized over plate width, for a total of 18 configurations. The work provides a detailed prediction of the contact pressure and equivalent von Mises stress along the contact surface and compares the results with photoelastic investigations retrieved from the literature. For design purposes, the results are synthesized through two stress concentration factors, one referring to the peak contact pressure, and the second one to the peak von Mises stress.
No association between history of psychiatric treatment and postoperative weight reduction after bariatric surgery
Authors: Kozela Magdalena , Stepaniak Urszula , Koziara Karolina , Karpińska Izabela , Major Piotr , Matyja Maciej 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurposeThe objective of the study was to assess whether the history of psychiatric treatment was associated with (1) body weight and BMI on admission for bariatric surgery, (2) weight loss > 5 kg prior to bariatric surgery, and (3) postoperative body weight reduction.MethodsData from medical records of all consecutive patients admitted for surgical treatment of obesity in the 2nd Department of General Surgery Jagiellonian University Medical College were obtained. There were 1452 records of patients who underwent bariatric surgery between 2009 and 2021 included in the study.ResultsHistory of psychiatric treatment was found in 177 (12%) of the sample and was inversely associated with body weight and BMI on admission for surgery in women. Men with history of psychiatric treatment were 54% less likely to lose > 5 kg before the surgery (OR = 0.46 95% CI = 0.24–0.88). Both in men and women %TWL did not differ significantly by history of psychiatric treatment (Me: 40.7 vs. 45.9;p = 0.130 and Me: 27.0 vs. 23.9;p = 0.383, respectively). After adjustment for covariates no association was found between history of psychiatric treatment and body weight reduction one year after surgery.ConclusionAlthough men with preoperative history of psychiatric treatment had lower odds of losing weight before the surgery, psychiatric treatment did not differentiate the effectiveness of bariatric treatment in 1 year of observation. Bariatric surgery appears to be an effective obesity care for people treated for mental disorders.Level of evidence:IIIEvidence obtained from cohort or case-control analytic studies.