bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A BIT of Protection for Non-Fungible Tokens: Digital Assets as a Catalyst for Economic Growth
Authors: Butler Nicolette , Tarawneh Jasem 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
An inevitable consequence of technological advancement is that it triggers regulatory challenges for law and policymakers. The regulation of digital assets has generated much debate in this regard. The central objective of this article is to examine the regulation of one particular type of digital asset, NFTs, through an international investment law lens. The international investment regime offers investors high levels of protection against breaches of obligations by host states for covered investments. The aim of the article is to determine whether NFTs can be considered as covered investments for the purposes of the application of bilateral investment treaties (BITs) and treaties with investment provisions (TIPs), and further to examine whether that regime would provide an appropriate regulatory framework for investment in NFTs.
Connecting Small Peasants with Large Markets: The Need for a New Type of Rural Collective Economy – a Case Study of Zhanqi Village
Authors: Yang Tuan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Peasants often face difficulties in accessing markets and require state support and assistance. The rights granted by the state to rural areas and peasants have historically been difficult to implement effectively, leading to a substantial disparity between rural practices and national policies. This paper focuses on the 20-year reform journey of Zhanqi Village in Sichuan Province, showcasing how a new type of collective economy under the market system can serve as a bridge between the state and peasants. This approach addresses crucial issues such as shared prosperity, income, employment, and security for peasants, enhancing their sense of belonging. The study explores the characteristics of this new collective economy, emphasizing the interdependence and coexistence of collective and individual efforts, forming a public-private amalgamation. It delves into various aspects, including its strategic positioning, non-profit attributes, risk absorption, intermediary role, and the holographic organizational traits related to party involvement. The paper advocates for an integrated, multidisciplinary methodology to tackle yet-to-be-resolved practical challenges, contributing to the foundational understanding and development of China’s rural collectives and collective economy.
Dendroarchaeology of Birnirk and Thule Architectural Timbers (10–13th Centuries)
Authors: Taïeb Juliette , Daux Valérie , Alix Claire 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Along the coast of northwestern Alaska, architectural wood remains are well preserved in the Birnirk and Thule coastal sites of the early 2nd millennium CE. These structural wood elements are unique archives for documenting climatic variations and cultural transformations during this key development period of Inuit culture. Along this treeless Arctic coast, driftwood accumulates from the subarctic forests of interior Alaska. Except for northwestern Alaska, regional tree-ring chronologies are too short (at best 350–400 years) to successfully date archaeological wood remains from Birnirk and Thule coastal sites using conventional dendrochronology. This paper examines the potential of tree-ring derived δ18O signal to annually date eight architectural wood samples from the Rising Whale (KTZ-304) site at Cape Espenberg, northwestern Alaska. We developed a δ18O master chronology, covering the period 935–1157 CE, using five wood samples from the KTZ-304 site. Blind isotope cross-dating of individual series belonging to this δ18O master chronology (one against the other four) showed conclusive dating and a very strong coherence of the isotopic signal. We, then, used the δ18O master chronology to cross-date three other wood samples for which we knew, from previous 14C wiggle-matching procedure, the first measured ring to be in this time interval, within a ± 18 to 30-year precision. Oxygen isotope dendrochronology provided a plausible date for one of the samples (the first measured ring at 1073 CE). This preliminary study encourages us to acquire additional data to extend in time and strengthen the δ18O master chronology of northwestern Alaska (NWAK18O) and help refine our understanding of climate and culture change during the 2nd millennium CE.
Clinical and Functional Outcomes of Documented Knee Dislocation Versus Multiligamentous Knee Injury: A Comparison of KD3 Injuries at Mean 6.5 Years Follow-up
Authors: Hughes Andrew J. , Li Zachary I. , Garra Sharif , Green Joshua S. , Chalem Isabel , Triana Jairo , Jazrawi Laith M. , Medvecky Michael J. , Alaia Michael J. 
Published: February 2024

Background: Previous research has found that the incidence of neurovascular injury is greatest among multiligamentous knee injuries (MLKIs) with documented knee dislocation (KD). However, it is unknown whether there is a comparative difference in functional recovery based on evidence of a true dislocation. Purpose: To determine whether the knee dislocation-3 (KD3) injury pattern of MLKI with documented tibiofemoral dislocation represents a more severe injury than KD3 MLKI without documented dislocation, as manifested by poorer clinical outcomes at long-term follow-up. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A multicenter retrospective cohort study was performed of patients who underwent surgical treatment for KD3 MLKI between May 2012 and February 2021. Outcomes were assessed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, Tegner activity scale, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Documented dislocation was defined as a radiographically confirmed tibiofemoral disarticulation, the equivalent radiology report from outside transfer, or emergency department documentation of a knee reduction maneuver. Subgroup analysis was performed comparing lateral (KD3-L) versus medial (KD3-M) injuries. Multivariable linear regression was conducted to determine whether documented dislocation was predictive of outcomes. Results: A total of 42 patients (25 male, 17 female) were assessed at a mean 6.5-year follow-up (range, 2.1-10.7 years). Twenty patients (47.6%) were found to have a documented KD; they reported significantly lower IKDC (49.9 vs 63.0; P = .043), Lysholm (59.8 vs 74.5; P = .023), and Tegner activity level (2.9 vs 4.7; P = .027) scores than the patients without documented dislocation. VAS pain was not significantly different between groups (36.4 vs 33.5; P = .269). The incidence of neurovascular injury was greater among those with documented dislocation (45.0% vs 13.6%; P = .040). Subgroup analysis found that patients with KD3-L injuries experienced a greater deficit in Tegner activity level than patients with KD3-M injuries (Δ: –3.4 vs −1.2; P = .006) and had an increased incidence of neurovascular injury (41.7% vs 11.1%; P = .042). Documented dislocation status was predictive of poorer IKDC (β = −2.15; P = .038) and Lysholm (β = −2.85; P = .007) scores. Conclusion: Patients undergoing surgical management of KD3 injuries with true, documented KD had significantly worse clinical and functional outcomes than those with nondislocated joints at a mean 6.5-year follow-up. The current MLKI classification based solely on ligament involvement may be obscuring outcome research by not accounting for true dislocation.
Associations Between Sociodemographic Variables, Social Determinants of Health, and Diabetes: Findings From a Congregational Health Needs Assessment
Authors: San Diego Emily Rose N. , West Nathan T. , Pichon Latrice C. , Jiang Yu , Powell Terrinieka W. , Rugless Fedoria , Lewis Jonathan , Campbell Bettina , McCann Lauren , McNeals Sterling , Harmon Brook E. 
Published: February 2024

Purpose To examine associations between sociodemographic variables, social determinants of health (SDOHs) and diabetes using health needs assessment data. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Faith-based communities in the Mid-South U.S. Sample Of the 378 churches, 92 participated in the study (24% response rate); N = 828 church leaders and members completed the survey. Measure The Mid-South Congregational Health Survey assessed perceived health-related needs of congregations and the communities they serve. Analysis Generalized linear mixed modeling examined the associations between sociodemographic variables (age, sex, race/ethnicity, educational level), SDOHs (affordable healthcare, healthy food, employment), and diabetes. Results Individuals with less education had lower odds of reporting all SDOHs as health needs compared to individuals with more education (ORrange = .59-.63). Men had lower odds of reporting diabetes as a health need or concern compared to women (OR = .70; 95% CI = .50, .97). African Americans had greater odds of reporting diabetes as a health need compared to individuals in the ‘Other’ race/ethnicity category (OR = 3.91; 95% CI = 2.20, 6.94). Individuals who reported affordable healthcare (OR = 2.54; 95% CI = 1.73, 3.72), healthy food (OR = 2.24; 95% CI = 1.55, 3.24), and employment (OR = 3.33; 95% CI = 2.29, 4.84) as health needs had greater odds of reporting diabetes as a health need compared to those who did not report these SDOHs as needs. Conclusions Future studies should evaluate strategies to merge healthcare and faith-based organizations’ efforts to address SDOHs impacting diabetes.
The Increasing Trend in Effective Tax Rates in India: Role of Macroeconomic Factors, Tax Policy Changes and Firm Characteristics
Authors: Athira A. , Lukose P. J. Jijo 
Published: February 2024

We show that over the last two decades, India’s effective tax rates (ETRs) have increased by 7.8 percent, which contrasts with the downward trend in ETRs for US firms documented by Dyreng et al. (2017). After controlling for changes in firm characteristics, macroeconomic factors, and tax policy changes, our findings show that ETRs increased by 0.37 percent per year during the sample period. Further, we examine the proposition that public firms are more likely to engage in non-conforming tax management than private firms. We observe a stronger upward trend in ETRs among private firms than public firms, consistent with the capital market pressure hypothesis. The permanent book-tax difference is the primary driver of the ETR trend for both private and public firms. Our findings contribute to the recent debate about the trend in ETRs by undermining concerns regarding rising corporate tax avoidance and reinforcing the argument that improved tax efficiency and economies of agglomeration in countries with large domestic markets contribute to higher ETRs. JEL Codes: G38, H25, H26, H32
Body Dissatisfaction, Weight Status and Health-related Quality of Life in Adolescents
Authors: Pogodina Anna , Astakhova Tatyana , Dolgikh Olga , Lebedeva Lyudmila , Rychkova Lyubov 
Published: February 2024

Background: Studies on the effect of weight on quality of life provide conflicting results. The purpose of the research was to assess the interconnection between the anthropometric variables and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a community-based sample of schoolchildren and to establish the role of body dissatisfaction (BD) in this association. Methods: A number of tenth-year schoolchildren ( n = 413) completed a questionnaire making it possible to describe their sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics and assess body satisfaction and HRQoL (PedsQL 4.0, France). The hypothesis of BD as reflecting the relationship between anthropometric variables and HRQoL was tested using the logistic regression method. Results: No significant correlation was found between BMI and integral HRQoL scores. Waist circumference showed a significant negative correlation with the HRQoL scores in the girls, but not in the boys. The frequency of BD was 60.3% ( n = 249). The relationship between BD and anthropometric variables proved to be differently directed in the boys and the girls. BD had a significant negative correlation with psychosocial and total HRQoL scores in adolescents of both sexes and with the girls’ physical functioning scores. The relationship between HRQoL and anthropometric indices in the girls, after making adjustment for sociodemographic, behavioral variables and BD in multivariate models, was no longer significant. Conclusion: This study has shown that BD is widespread among adolescents and has a significant impact on HRQoL. The impact of actual weight status on girls’ quality of life is entirely mediated by their dissatisfaction with their own bodies, thus justifying the approach to BD as a stand-alone problem having important psychosocial implications and requiring active identification and targeted intervention.
Using PROMIS Scores to Provide Cost-Conscious Follow-up After Foot and Ankle Surgery
Authors: Hunter Jefferson , Ramirez Gabriel , Thirukumaran Caroline , Baumhauer Judith 
Published: February 2024

Background: National campaigns in the United States, such as Choosing Wisely, emphasize that decreasing low-value office visits maximizes health care value. Although patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are frequently used to quantify postoperative outcomes, they have not been assessed as a tool to help guide clinicians consider alternatives or discontinue in-person follow-up visits. The purpose of this study is to assess the frequency and cost of in-person follow-up visits after patients report substantial improvement defined as 2 consecutive improvements above preoperative Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) pain interference (PI) scores. Methods: Retrospective PROMIS PI data were obtained between 2015 and 2020 for common elective foot (n = 759) and ankle (n = 578) surgical procedures. Patients were divided into quartiles according to their preoperative PI score. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to investigate time to substantial improvement. Substantial improvement was defined as having 2 consecutive postoperative minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) above preoperative PROMIS PI scores. MCID was measured using the distribution-based method. Multivariable negative binomial models were used to determine the number of visits and direct associated costs after substantial improvement. The cost to payors was estimated using reimbursement rates. Results: Within 3 months, 12% to 46% of foot and 16% to 61% of ankle patients achieved substantial improvement. Results vary by preoperative pain quartile, with patients who report higher preoperative pain scores achieving earlier improvement. After achieving substantial improvement, foot and ankle patients averaged 3.60 and 4.01 follow-up visits during the remaining 9 months of the year. Visit costs averaged $266 and $322 per foot and ankle patient respectively. Conclusion: Postoperative follow-up visits are time-consuming and costly. Physicians might consider objective measures, such as PROMIS PI, to determine the need, timing, and alternatives for in-person follow-up visits for elective foot and ankle surgeries after patients demonstrate reliable clinical improvement. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study at a single institution.
Infection Rates and Surgical Procedures Associated With Isolated Open Talar Neck and Body Fractures
Authors: Jaeblon Todd , Demyanovich Haley , Talwar Sneh , Bonyun Marissa , Benzel Caroline , Harris Brett 
Published: February 2024

Background: Open fractures of the talar body and neck are uncommon. Previous reports of associated deep infection rates and resulting surgical requirements vary widely. The primary objective of this study is to report the incidence of deep infections for isolated open talar body and neck fractures, and secondarily the incidence and number of total surgeries performed (TSP), secondary salvage procedures (SSPs), and nonsalvage procedures (NSPs). Methods: Retrospective case-control study of 32 consecutive isolated open talus fracture patients (22 neck, 10 body) were followed for an average of 39.2 months. Results: Five (15.6%) fractures developed deep infections. Fifty percent of open body fractures became infected compared with 0% of neck fractures ( P < .001). There was no difference between infected group (IG) and uninfected fracture group (UG) with respect to age, sex, body mass index, tobacco, diabetes, vascular disease, open fracture type, wound location, hours to irrigation and debridement, or definitive treatment. The majority (92.6%) of UG fractures used a dual incision with open wound extension. There were more single extensile approaches in the IG group ( P = .04). The IG required 5.8 TSP per patient compared with 2.1 in the UG ( P = .004). All (100%) of the IG required an SSP compared with 29.6% of the UG ( P = .006). All (100%) of the IG required an NSP compared to 40.7% of the UG ( P = .043). In the IG, 2.8 NSPs per patient were required after definitive surgery compared with 1.18 in the UG ( P = .003). Of those followed 1 year, the incidence of SSP remained higher in the IG ( P = .016). Conclusion: The incidence of deep infection following isolated open talar fractures is high and occurs disproportionally in body fractures. Infected fractures required nearly 6 surgeries, and all required SSP. Level of Evidence: Level IV, prognostic.
Facilitators and barriers to using telemedicine for gender-affirming care in gender-diverse youth: A qualitative study
Authors: Inwards-Breland David J , Yeh Debra , Marinkovic Maja , Richardson TR , Marino-Kibbee Bixby , Bayley Ava , Rhee Kyung E 
Published: February 2024

Introduction Access to gender-affirming care (GAC) is limited for gender-diverse (GD) youth, with the potential for further limitations given the current political climate. GAC has been shown to improve the mental health of GD youth and telemedicine (TM) could increase access to GAC. With limited data on the acceptability and feasibility of TM for GAC among GD youth, we sought to further explore their perspectives on the use of TM in their care. Methods We used a semi-structured interview guide, with prompts developed to explore participants’ knowledge of TM, identify factors that influenced use, and advantages or disadvantages of use. Results Thirty GD participants aged 13–21 years old participated in TM. While TM was not the preferred option for medical visits, it was recognized as a practical option for providing GAC. Various actual and perceived disadvantages noted by youth included, technical issues interrupting the visit, not receiving care equivalent to that of an in-person visit, having to see themselves on the screen, family members interrupting visits, and meeting new staff while connecting to a TM visit. The advantages, however, were an increased autonomy and convenience of TM, especially when used for specific aspects of GAC. Discussion The use of TM in GAC could be optimized by limiting camera use, eliminating/reducing staff involvement, being sensitive to privacy issues, and alternating TM with in-person visits. Clinicians should be cognizant of patient preferences and concerns and be flexible with visit types.
Outcome of the Be Graft Bridging Stent in Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Repair in a High-Volume Single Center and an Overview of Current Evidence
Authors: Becker Daniel , Fernandez Prendes Carlota , Stana Jan , Stavroulakis Kostas , Konstantinou Nikolaos , Ali Ahmed , Rantner Barbara , Tsilimparis Nikolaos 
Published: February 2024

Objective: Fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) has become one of the standard treatment options for complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (cAAAs) and thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). Despite technological advances in the main endograft design, the lack of dedicated bridging stent-grafts (BSGs) is still the Achilles heel of the procedure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mid-term outcomes of the BeGraft stent-graft as a dedicated bridging stent for FEVAR and to review the current evidence in literature. Methods: Retrospective single center study, including all consecutive FEVARs performed between September 2018 and December 2022 for the treatment of cAAAs and TAAAs with implantation of at least one BeGraft peripheral as the main BSG in one of the target vessels (TVs). Primary endpoints were technical success and TV instability of TV bridged with a BeGraft stent, as well as 30-day mortality and re-intervention rates. Secondary endpoints were follow-up TV instability, re-interventions, and mortality. Results: A total of 113 patients (93 male, mean age 71.1±9.7) and 440 TV (14 scallops and 426 fenestrations) were included. Of the 440 TV, 406 received primary stenting. Be Grafts were used in 88.9% of these (n=361; celiac trunk [CT]=67, superior mesenteric artery [SMA]=98, right renal artery [RRA]=97, and left renal artery [LRA]=99). The technical success rate was 99.4% (359/361). The 30-day TV instability rate was 0.27% (1/361) with one early renal artery occlusion. During a median follow-up of 20 months (6-32), TV instability rate was 0.8% (3/361). Freedom from TV instability was 99.3%, 98.8%, and 98.8% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Conclusion: Early-term and mid-term results regarding TV instability are satisfactory and support the use of BeGraft as BSG in FEVAR for cAAAs and TAAAs. Clinical Impact The findings of the current study show that the use of the BeGraft stent graft as bridging stent in FEVAR is associated with a high technical success and low early and mid-term instability rate and support the standard use as a bridging stent in fenestrated aneurysm repair.
Stroke and high-risk TIA outcomes with reduction of treatment duration when treatment initiated in emergency rooms (SHORTER-study)
Authors: Alhazzani Adel , Alajlan Fahad S , Alkhathaami Ali M , Al-Senani Fahmi Mohammed , Muayqil Taim A , Alghamdi Saeed A , AlKawi Ammar , AlZahrani Saeed , Bakheet Majid , Aljohani Mohammed , Taher Nouran , Almutairi Abdulkarim , AlQarni Mustafa , Alsalman Sadiq , Alqahtani Saeed A , Almansour Nouf , Abukhamsin Laila , Mouminah Amr , Almodarra Nehal , Mohamed Gamal , Almodhy Meshal , Albogumi Eid , Alzawahmah Mohamad , Alreshaid Abdulrahman , Akhtar Naveed , Hussain Muhammad Shazam , Albers Gregory W , Shuaib Ashfaq 
Published: February 2024

Background: Following transient ischemic attack (TIA) and minor stroke, the risk of recurrent stroke can be significantly reduced with short-duration dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). We wish to investigate whether 10 days of DAPT is as effective as 21 days’ treatment. Study design: This is an open-label, randomized, parallel-group study comparing whether 10 days of DAPT treatment (ASA + clopidogrel) is non-inferior to 21 days of DAPT in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or high-risk TIA. In both groups, DAPT is started within 24 hours of symptom onset. This study is being conducted in approximately 15 study sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The planned sample size is 1932. Outcomes: Non-inferiority of 10 days compared to 21 days of DAPT in the prevention of the composite endpoint of stroke and death at 90 days in AIS/TIA patients. The primary safety outcome is major intra-cranial and systemic hemorrhage. Study period: Enrolment started in the second quarter of 2023, and the completion of the study is expected in the fourth quarter of 2025. Discussion: The trial is expected to show that 10 days of DAPT is non-inferior for the prevention of early recurrence of vascular events in patients with high-risk TIAs and minor strokes.