bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expediting financial inclusion in Tanzania using FinTech: the perspective of diffusion of innovation theory
Authors: Koloseni Daniel , Mandari Herman 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is examining how financial inclusion can be enhanced in rural and remote areas in emerging economies through the adoption of Financial technologies. The study examines the direct influence of technological characteristics, facilitating conditions, trust and perceived risk on adoption of FinTech. Furthermore, the study examines the mediating effects of facilitating conditions and moderating effects of education level in adoption of FinTech.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed quantitative research design. Stratified and simple random sampling were employed to identify areas in which respondents will be collected. Drop and Pick method was further employed to collect 275 valid and reliable responses. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data and assess the reliability and validity of the measurement model. Structural model analysis was employed to examine the hypothesized relationship.FindingsThe results show that compatibility, complexity agent trust, perceived risk and facilitating have significant influence on adoption of FinTech. Furthermore, the findings show that facilitating conditions mediate the relationship between all technological characteristics and FinTech adoption except the relationship between compatibility and FinTech. The study also has found that education level moderates the relationship between observability and FinTech adoption as well as trialability and FinTech adoption.Research limitations/implicationsThis study employed cross-sectional research-based techniques in collecting data for analyzing the hypothesized relationship. However, the drawback of cross-sectional may impact the findings of this study over a long time. Therefore, future studies must consider conducting longitudinal studies which may collect data over some time for analysis of the FinTech adoption. Furthermore, the generalization of these findings should be considered carefully by other countries which are not economically similar to Tanzania and developed countries. This also provides room for future studies to examine the same area in countries with different economic development.Originality/valueThis study contributes to knowledge into two folds: First there is limited knowledge on adoption of FinTech in emerging economies; the study addresses the knowledge gap by providing empirical findings which will help scholar. Furthermore, less studies have examined the moderating effects of facilitating condition in adoption of technology. This study addresses the knowledge gap by examining the moderating influence of moderating influence of facilitating conditions. Also, this study provides empirical findings which will help policymakers to implement strategy that will speed-up financial inclusion in rural and isolated areas in emerging economies.
Seed‐dispersal mode and habitat connectivity underpin variation in carbon stocking between Brazilian biomes
Authors: Gonçalves Rute Maria , Grilo Clara , Edwards David P. , Pyles Marcela V. , Passamani Marcelo , Fontes Marco Aurélio Leite , Santos Rubens Manoel Dos , Magnago Luiz Fernando Silva 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In tropical forests, about 60%–80% of woody plant species depend on animal–plant interactions for dispersal. The dependence on animal species for dispersal makes this interaction very fragile in the face of anthropogenic changes in land use. Disrupting seed‐dispersal processes, principally zoochoric dispersal, could significantly alter the long‐term carbon storage potential of tropical forests.

An important question is how landscape structure changes tree carbon stocks in different types of tropical vegetation and how variation is mediated by the dispersal mode of animal (zoochoric) or abiotic (non‐zoochoric) seeds.

We focused on tree plots at 126 sites in Brazil spanning four types of forest and savanna vegetation, and calculated carbon stored in zoochoric, non‐zoochoric, and large frugivore‐dispersed species.

Our results showed that carbon stocks in zoochoric species and non‐zoochoric species differ significantly among vegetation types, with rainforests having higher stocks in zoochoric species and deciduous seasonally dry tropical forests having higher values in non‐zoochoric species. A greater area of native vegetation promotes higher proportions of carbon stocks dispersed by large frugivore species, whereas a higher mean shape index reduces this proportion.

Synthesis. This study highlights that seed‐dispersal type underpins the variation in carbon stocks between vegetation types and that the maintenance of habitat of large dispersers and connectivity are key for retaining carbon stocks in zoochoric species, particularly in rainforest and cerrado sensu stricto.
Escaping Zombiness: Does Corporate Governance Have the Elixir of Life?
Authors: Rodríguez‐Sanz Juan Antonio , Vallelado Eleuterio , Velasco Pilar 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the influence of corporate governance on firms’ transition into and out of zombiness. We underscore the beneficial role of external members in the corporate governance structure and long‐tenured chief executive officers (CEOs) in facilitating access to the external resources that firms need to be successful. Using a sample of European listed firms over the period 2008–2018, we adopt a dynamic view of zombiness by identifying shifts in the state from zombie to non‐zombie and vice versa. The results show that board independence is a twofold panacea against zombies, prompting zombie recovery and preventing healthy firms from becoming zombies. By contrast, leadership independence, materialized by separating the CEO and chairperson roles, hampers the recovery of zombies, probably because the cost of lacking unified leadership may exceed the benefits of external dependence minimization. Finally, the results suggest that longer CEO tenure helps healthy firms avoid zombiness. When considering a broader array of stakeholders, government bailout programmes impair zombie recovery, and stronger trade unions help healthy firms escape zombiness. Overall, this study brings a ray of hope to the zombie problem and provides a better appraisal of when supporting zombies might be worthwhile vis‐à‐vis saving promising firms and bringing them back to life.
Improving search efficiency in housing markets using online listings
Authors: Sing Tien Foo , Zou Yiheng 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe use of online listing portals helps improve search efficiency in real estate markets. Unlike the traditional channel, buyers could search more properties and find ones with characteristics that were closer to their preferences via the online channel. Using the merged data sets containing online listings and transactions in the private residential property markets in Singapore, we found that real estate agents sell houses for an average premium of 4.21% using online listings relative to other agents using the traditional listing channel. The models use the propensity score matching approach to remove compositional differences in the samples and include property and spatial attributes in the controls, as well as the fixed effects on the agency, planning sector, and month‐year. Using only the matched online listing‐transaction samples, we found that exclusive listings, using more words and numeric in listing content, making listing descriptions easy to read, and selecting multiple listing portals are online listing strategies that enable real estate agents to sell houses faster and above the asking prices.
Physical and chemical characteristics of walnut (Juglans regia L.) kernels with different skin lightness
Authors: Athaillah Zatil A. , Wang Selina C. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWalnuts undergo rigorous grading before being sold to customers. There are multiple parameters used for the grading, including skin lightness. Walnuts with light skin receive superior grades while walnuts with dark skin are given poor grades or even rejected. However, information on the quality and physicochemical properties of walnuts with varying skin lightness levels is minimal. Therefore, we studied the quality of kernels of varying skin lightness from three common cultivars grown in California, USA (Chandler, Howard, and Tulare). The samples were subjected to size and weight, fat content, free fatty acid, peroxide value, oxidative stability, volatiles, tocopherols, fatty acid profile, and phenol measurements. The dark kernels had significantly lower weight and fat content, higher oxidative stability, and more volatiles than their light counterparts. The dark kernels had higher concentrations of some phenolics but low procyanidin B1 and non‐existent epicatechin gallate, compared to the light kernels, indicating that these two phenolics were likely involved in an antioxidant mechanism. Oxidation and depletion of epicatechin gallate likely contributed to the darkening of walnut color.
Procalcitonin and C‐reactive protein as early markers of anastomotic leakage in intestinal resections for advanced ovarian cancer (EDMOCS)
Authors: Sánchez‐Iglesias José Luis , Morales‐Coma Clara , Minig Lucas , Lago Víctor , Domingo Santiago , Mancebo Gemma , Siegrist Jaime , Fidalgo García María Soledad , Llueca Antoni , Serra Anna , Cobas Lozano Paloma , Lekuona Artola Arantza , Gómez‐Hidalgo Natalia R. , Acosta Úrsula , Ferrer‐Costa Roser , Bradbury Melissa , Pérez‐Benavente Assumpció , Gil‐Moreno Antonio ,   the SEGO Spain‐GOG Group
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionSerum levels of procalcitonin and C‐reactive protein (CRP) have been used to predict anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery, but information is scarce in advanced ovarian cancer (AOC) surgery with bowel resection. This study aimed to assess the predictive value of procalcitonin and CRP in detecting anastomotic leakage after AOC surgery with bowel resection. The study also aimed to determine the optimal postoperative reference values and the best day for evaluating these markers.Material and methodsThis prospective, observational and multicentric trial included 92 patients with AOC undergoing debulking surgery with bowel resection between 2017 and 2020 in 10 reference hospitals in Spain. Procalcitonin and CRP levels were measured at baseline and on postoperative days 1–6. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to evaluate the predictive value of procalcitonin and CRP at each postoperative day. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated.ResultsAnastomotic leakage was detected in six patients (6.5%). Procalcitonin and CRP values were consistently higher in patients with anastomotic leakage at all postoperative days. The maximum area under the curve (AUC) for procalcitonin was observed at postoperative day 1 (AUC = 0.823) with a cutoff value of 3.8 ng/mL (83.3% sensitivity, 81.3% specificity). For CRP, the maximum AUC was found at postoperative day 3 (AUC = 0.833) with a cutoff level of 30.5 mg/dL (100% sensitivity, 80.4% specificity).ConclusionsProcalcitonin and C‐reactive protein are potential biomarkers for early detection of anastomotic leakage after ovarian cancer surgery with bowel resection. Further prospective studies with a larger sample size are needed to confirm these findings.
The impact of COVID‐19 on medication reviews in English primary care. An OpenSAFELY‐TPP analysis of 20 million adult electronic health records
Authors:   The OpenSAFELY Collaborative, Wood Christopher , Speed Victoria , Fisher Louis , Curtis Helen J. , Schaffer Andrea L. , Walker Alex J. , Croker Richard , Brown Andrew D. , Cunningham Christine , Hulme William J. , Andrews Colm D. , Butler‐Cole Ben F. C. , Evans David , Inglesby Peter , Dillingham Iain , Bacon Sebastian C. J. , Davy Simon , Ward Tom , Hickman George , Bridges Lucy , O'Dwyer Thomas , Maude Steven , Smith Rebecca M. , Mehrkar Amir , Bates Chris , Cockburn Jonathan , Parry John , Hester Frank , Harper Sam , Goldacre Ben , MacKenna Brian 
Published: March 2024

AimsThe COVID‐19 pandemic caused significant disruption to routine activity in primary care. Medication reviews are an important primary care activity ensuring safety and appropriateness of prescribing. A disruption could have significant negative implications for patient care. Using routinely collected data, our aim was first to describe codes used to record medication review activity and then to report the impact of COVID‐19 on the rates of medication reviews.MethodsWith the approval of NHS England, we conducted a cohort study of 20 million adult patient records in general practice, in‐situ using the OpenSAFELY platform. For each month, between April 2019 and March 2022, we report the percentage of patients with a medication review coded monthly and in the previous 12 months with breakdowns by regional, clinical and demographic subgroups and those prescribed high‐risk medications.ResultsIn April 2019, 32.3% of patients had a medication review coded in the previous 12 months. During the first COVID‐19 lockdown, monthly activity decreased (−21.1% April 2020), but the 12‐month rate was not substantially impacted (−10.5% March 2021). The rate of structured medication review in the last 12 months reached 2.9% by March 2022, with higher percentages in high‐risk groups (care home residents 34.1%, age 90+ years 13.1%, high‐risk medications 10.2%). The most used medication review code was Medication review done 314530002 (59.5%).ConclusionsThere was a substantial reduction in the monthly rate of medication reviews during the pandemic but rates recovered by the end of the study period. Structured medication reviews were prioritized for high‐risk patients.
Recognizing and coping with suicidal thoughts: A mixed‐methods investigation of digital safety plan content
Authors: Rainbow Christopher , Tatnell Ruth , Blashki Grant , Melvin Glenn A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectivesSuicide safety plans are a personalized means of documenting how a person at risk of suicide recognizes and intends to cope with emerging suicidal thoughts. This study aimed to understand how users of digital suicide safety plans describe their warning signs, methods of coping and any relationships between these that may emerge.MethodsA sample comprising 150 users of the Australian suicide safety planning smartphone app Beyond Now consented to share the content of their safety plans. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify themes in overall plan content. Most participants identified as women (61%), had a history of at least one suicide attempt (61%) and completed their plans by themselves (84%).ResultsThree major themes emerged: (1) interpersonal challenges and complexity; (2) matching coping strategies to warning signs; and (3) helpful and harmful digital technology use. Most plans appeared to demonstrate high self‐awareness of warning signs and available supports.ConclusionsSafety plan content provides a window into the thought process underlying the recognition of suicidal thoughts and the attempts to manage them. An opportunity exists for practitioners and support persons to use this content when collaboratively supporting a safety plan user to improve their coping strategies and support networks.
‘We wait and we wait’—caregiver perspectives on autism spectrum disorder services in the Western Cape Province of South Africa
Authors: Pillay Sarosha , Duncan Madeleine , de Vries Petrus J. 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionCaregivers of children with autism face significant challenges in navigating health, education and other systems of care to ensure appropriate services for their children. In South Africa, for example, many children with autism are reported to be out of schools and waiting long periods for specialist school placements thus adding to the burden of care for caregivers and raising many questions about equity, diversity and inclusion.MethodsHere we performed a qualitative study using focus groups to collect data on the perspectives of caregivers of children with autism waiting for school placement in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. We asked families about their experiences of current autism services and for suggestions to improve service delivery.ResultsThe main theme that emerged was ‘We wait and we wait’. Caregivers expressed high levels of frustration with existing autism educational and other services. Perspectives about services were captured under three categories. The first category, ‘The costs of waiting’ describes the socioemotional, financial and time costs associated with having a child with autism wait for educational services. The second category ‘Barriers while waiting’ describes the attitudinal, structural, process and communication barriers experienced by caregivers while seeking services for their children. The final category ‘Expecting action’ describes attitudinal, service and policy expectations that caregivers felt could improve service delivery. Caregivers provided 10 recommendations for autism service improvements.ConclusionCaregivers of children with autism waiting for educational services in the Western Cape Province of South Africa expressed dissatisfaction with existing services. Efforts to find solutions to providing services and support to children with autism waiting for educational services and their caregivers should be prioritized.
Synthesis, characterization, and anti‐inflammatory properties of novel ethyl 3‐benzoyl‐7‐(trifluoromethyl)indolizine‐1‐carboxylate derivatives: In silico and in vitro analysis
Authors: Singh Harshada Rambaboo , Kushwaha Prajjwal , Tandon Reetika , Srivastava Nidhi , Chandrashekharappa Sandeep 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSeries of 7‐(Trifluoromethyl) substituted indolizine 4a‐g was synthesized using the one‐pot method. Spectroscopic techniques such as IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and HRMS were used for the structure confirmation of newly synthesized compounds. These 4a‐g compounds were tested for their anti‐inflammatory activity. In this study, we identified novel indolizine derivative compounds 4a‐g selectively targeting COX‐2 enzyme, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). The in silico docking studies of 4a‐g showed that these compounds have a higher affinity for COX‐2 enzyme, TNF‐ α, and IL‐6. In silico ADME profile analysis predicts that these compounds have good gastrointestinal tract and blood–brain barrier absorption. In vitro studies showed that compound 4d significantly reduces the level of COX‐2 enzymes as compared to indomethacin. Compounds 4e, 4f, and 4a were also found to significantly reduce the level of TNF‐α, while compounds 4f, 4g, and 4d, showed a reduction in the level of IL‐6 when compared to indomethacin. Compounds 4a, 4d, and 4f also reduces nitric oxide (NO) level, compared to indomethacin. Overall, the current study illustrates significant anti‐inflammatory activities of these novel 7‐(Trifluoromethyl) substituted indolizine derivatives.
Single crown restorations supported by 6‐mm implants in the resorbed posterior mandible: A 10‐year prospective case series
Authors: Guljé Felix L. , Raghoebar Gerry M. , Gareb Barzi , Vissink Arjan , Meijer Henny J. A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurposeTo assess marginal bone level changes, implant and restoration survival, condition of the peri‐implant mucosa, and the patient's satisfaction with the single restoration supported by a 6‐mm long implant in the posterior mandible after 10 years in function.Materials and MethodsTwenty‐one consecutive patients missing premolars or molars in the posterior mandible, with a bone volume consisting of a width of at least 6 mm and an estimated height of 8 mm between the top of the ridge and alveolar nerve, were included. Each patient received one or more 6‐mm implants. After 3 months, the implants were restored with custom‐made titanium abutments and cemented zirconia‐based porcelain crowns. The clinical examination and radiograph data were assessed at restoration placement and after 12, 60, and 120 months. The patients answered a questionnaire to score their satisfaction before treatment and after 12, 60, and 120 months with the restoration in function.ResultsA total of 31 implants were placed. Implant survival was 100%. The 10‐year mean marginal bone loss was 0.18 mm (SE: 0.08). The plaque, calculus, gingiva, and bleeding indices scores were low as was the mean pocket probing depth. The patients' satisfaction was high.ConclusionThe 10‐year follow‐up data of this limited case series study reveal that 6‐mm dental implants inserted in the resorbed posterior mandible provide a solid basis for single tooth restorations.
Interobserver variability in cytopathology: How much do we agree?
Authors: Acanfora Gennaro , Carillo Anna Maria , Dello Iacovo Filippo , Salatiello Maria , Pisapia Pasquale , Bellevicine Claudio , Troncone Giancarlo , Vigliar Elena 
Published: March 2024

AbstractInterobserver variability remains a major challenge for cytopathologists despite the development of standardized reporting and classification systems. Indeed, whereas moderate‐to‐good interobserver agreement is generally achievable when the differential diagnosis between benign and malignant entities is straightforward, high levels of variability make the diagnostic interpretation of atypical and suspicious samples not consistent. This review explores the landscape of interobserver agreement in cytopathology across different anatomical sites.
TAAR1 agonist ulotaront delays gastric emptying of solids in patients with schizophrenia and concurrent metabolic syndrome with prediabetes
Authors: Milanović Snežana , Dedic Nina , Lew Robert , Burton Duane , Koblan Kenneth S. , Camilleri Michael , Hopkins Seth C. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MetS), which can be induced or exacerbated by the current class of antipsychotic drugs, is highly prevalent in patients with schizophrenia and presents significant challenges to lifetime disease management. Supported by initial clinical results, trace amine‐associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) agonists have emerged as potential novel treatments for schizophrenia. Notably, non‐clinical studies have also shown weight‐lowering and glucoregulatory effects of TAAR1 agonists, including the investigational agent ulotaront. However, the translatability of these findings to humans has not been adequately assessed. Given that delayed gastric emptying (GE) was identified as a potential mechanism contributing to the metabolic benefits of TAAR1 agonists in rodents, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ulotaront on GE in patients with schizophrenia and concurrent MetS with prediabetes.MethodsPatients with schizophrenia were randomized to receive a single oral dose of ulotaront (150 mg) and their previous antipsychotic (PA) in an open‐label, crossover, two‐sequence design (NCT05402111). Eligible participants fulfilled at least three of five MetS criteria and had prediabetes defined by elevated glycated haemoglobin (5.7‐6.4%) and/or fasting homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (i.e. ≥2.22). Following an overnight fast and 4 h post‐dose, participants ingested a 99mTc‐sulphur colloid radiolabelled egg meal (320 kcal, 30% fat). GE was measured by scintigraphy over 4 h. Endpoints included GE of solids half‐time (T1/2) and percentage gastric retention at 1, 2 and 4 h.ResultsThirty‐one adults were randomized and 27 completed the study. Ulotaront significantly delayed GE of solids [median GE T1/2 ulotaront at 139 min (119, 182) vs. the participant's PA of 124 min (109, 132), p = .006]. A significant increase in gastric retention was seen in the ulotaront versus the PA group at 1 h (80% vs. 75%, p = .015), 2 h (61% vs. 50%, p = .023) and 4 h (17% vs. 7%, p = .002) post‐meal.ConclusionUlotaront delayed the GE of solids in patients with schizophrenia and concurrent MetS with prediabetes. Additional studies are needed to assess whether treatment with TAAR1 agonists is associated with weight loss and glucoregulatory improvement.