bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Women in Boardrooms on the Relationship Between Control of Corruption and Sustainability in an International Study
Authors: Elsheikh Tamer , Almaqtari Faozi A. , Al-Hattami Hamood Mohammed , Al-Bukhrani Mohammed A. , Ettish Abdou Ahmed 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This paper examines the interplay between country-level control of corruption, female board representation, and corporate sustainability performance using regression analysis on a global sample of over 36,000 firms. The results indicate that control of corruption and increased board diversity have significant positive direct effects on overall environmental, social, and governance (ESG) scores, with their interaction effect being highly significant, suggesting a substantial combined influence. Additionally, analyses by sustainable development goal (SDG) alignment demonstrate that control of corruption improves ESG performance irrespective of SDG level, while board diversity benefits both high and low SDG groups. Regional analyses further reveal varied effects of these factors across America, Europe, and Asia. These findings underscore the significance of governance quality and female representation in enhancing corporate sustainability worldwide, emphasizing the potential for firms to improve ESG performance through prioritizing anti-corruption efforts and promoting board diversity. This international study contributes valuable insights into the relationship between country-level governance, corporate board composition, and sustainability outcomes across diverse contexts, highlighting the importance of tailoring sustainability policies and practices based on regional and developmental nuances.
The spatiotemporal changes of urban thermal environment influenced by landscape patterns—based on panel data model
Authors: Chen Ting , Ren Zhibin , Fu Yao , Liu Chang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

With the development of urbanization, the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of the urban landscape pattern play a decisive role in the intensity of the urban heat island (UHI) effect. Most of the current dynamic studies utilizing single cross-section data are labor-intensive and lack continuity. A panel data model was constructed to study the relationship between the urban heat island effect and landscape pattern in Kunming from 1995 to 2020 at four different scales. An ordinary least squares model was constructed to verify the reliability of the panel data model results. The results indicate: (1) Kunming City's landscape pattern has undergone significant changes over time, with an increase in artificial patches and a decrease in natural patches; (2) The UHI effect in Kunming City is evident, with the low-temperature zone gradually decreasing to disappearance and a significant increase in the high-temperature zone; (3) With an increase in scale, the number of influencing variables continues to grow, and the impact of artificial patches gradually intensifies;(4) The normalized difference water index (NDWI) has the greatest influence on the surface thermal radiance, and the cooling effect is more obvious with the increase in scale. Unlike previous studies, the spatial configuration of the landscape in Kunming City had a stronger effect on the UHI effect than the landscape grouping and vegetation index;(5) This paper introduces the panel data model into the discussion of the UHI for the first time, providing a new method for better understanding the changing patterns of the urban thermal environment.
Endoscopic Evacuation of Supratentorial Hematoma: a Hemostatic Strategy for Surgeons
Authors: lan tiancai , yang changjin , ye yuanliang , zhu jiale , wei ruixiang , Wang Chuanming , Ma Guirong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Endoscopic hematoma evacuation has become well received for its high evacuation rate in patients with intracerebral hematoma. Effective hemostatic procedure is the key to the success of the procedure. Any single method cannot solve all kinds of intraoperative bleeding. The key to hemostasis is to identify the type of bleeding and take the best hemostasis method during endoscopic surgery. In our study, sixty-two intracerebral hemorrhage patients who underwent endoscopic hematoma evacuations were analyzed. Intraoperative bleeding was graded as Grades 0, 1, 2 and 3 based on characteristics of bleeding. A hemostatic strategy was created from the grading system. The efficiency was evaluated by operation time, evacuation rate, and re-bleeding rate after surgery. Procedure safety was evaluated by mortality rate and postoperative complications. We found that endoscopic removal of putamen hematoma was more prone to intraoperative bleeding (p = 0.00). Active bleeding occurred in early operative stage and errhysis happen in later stage (p = 0.00). Average evacuation rate was 95.61% and the mortality rate was 3.23%. The mean Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) score at 6-month follow-up was 3.77 ± 1.12. No patient experienced postoperative re-bleeding. These findings indicated that most patients will experience different degrees of intraoperative bleeding during endoscopic hematoma evacuation. A hemostatic strategy based on intraoperative bleeding grade resulted in efficiency and safety.
Atypical effective connectivity from the frontal cortex to striatum in alcohol use disorder
Authors: Zhang Xiaochu , Song Hongwen , Yang Ping , Zhang Xinyue , Tao Rui , Zuo Lin , Liu Weili , Fu Jiaxin , Kong Zhuo , Tang Rui , Wu Siyu , Pang Liangjun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a profound psychiatric condition marked by disrupted connectivity among distributed brain regions, indicating impaired functional integration. Previous connectome studies utilizing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have predominantly focused on undirected functional connectivity, while the specific alterations in directed effective connectivity (EC) associated with AUD remain unclear. To address this issue, this study utilized multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) and spectral dynamic causal modeling (DCM). We recruited 32 abstinent men with AUD and 30 healthy controls (HCs) men, and collected their resting-state fMRI data. A regional homogeneity (ReHo)-based multivariate pattern analysis method was employed to classify AUD and HC groups, as well as predict the severity of addiction in AUD individuals. The most informative brain regions identified by the multivariate pattern analysis were further investigated using spectral DCM. Our results indicated that the ReHo-based support vector classification (SVC) exhibits the highest accuracy in distinguishing individuals with AUD from HCs (Classification accuracy: 98.57%). Additionally, our results demonstrated that ReHo-based support vector regression (SVR) could be utilized to predict the addiction severity (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, AUDIT, R2 = 0.38; Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test, MAST, R2 = 0.29) of patients with AUD. The most informative brain regions for the prediction include left pre-SMA, right dACC, right LOFC, right putamen, and right NACC. These findings were validated in an independent data set (35 patients with AUD and 36 HCs, Classification accuracy: 91.67%; AUDIT, R2 = 0.17; MAST, R2 = 0.20). The results of spectral DCM analysis indicated that individuals with AUD exhibited decreased effective connectivity from the left pre-SMA to the right putamen, from the right dACC to the right putamen, and from the right LOFC to the right NACC compared to HCs. Moreover, the effective connectivity strength from the right NACC to left pre-SMA and from the right dACC to right putamen mediated the relationship between addiction severity (MAST scores) and behavioral measures (impulsive and compulsive scores). These findings provide crucial evidence for the underlying mechanism of impaired self-control, risk assessment, and impulsive and compulsive alcohol consumption in individuals with AUD, providing novel causal insights into both diagnosis and treatment.
Safety evaluation of Indocalamu leaves based on acute toxicity, harmful heavy metals, and 9 organochlorine residue determination
Authors: Liu Miyan , Li Xiaofen , Wang Xiangpei , Zhang Lingling , Yang Xiaosong , Yang Xianyou , Wu Hongmei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

To investigate the safety of zongzi leaves sold in the market, a study was conducted using zongzi leaves randomly collected from an online store and a large supermarket. Acute toxicity experiments were performed on mice, and their body weight was monitored for 14 days after administration. After the observation period, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis, and organ pathology was examined. Then, the content of copper, lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, and the residues of nine organochlorine pesticides in zongzi leaves were measured according to the national standard GB/T5009-2003 and the residue determination method in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The results showed that the mice in the zongzi leaf (online store) group experienced mortality and severe liver and lung damage. The levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, and the nine organochlorine pesticides met the relevant standards and regulations. However, the copper content in the zongzi leaf (supermarket) group was nearly 80 times higher than that in the online store group. Mice in the zongzi leaf (supermarket) group remained healthy without any abnormalities, and the levels of harmful heavy metals and organochlorine pesticides complied with the standards and regulations. The study suggests the need for regulatory policies and safety standards for the sale of zongzi leaves.
Nomogram to Predict Clinical Outcome in FLT3-ITD Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Hong Lili , Hu Richeng , Guo Xiaoli , Yu Kang , Han Yixiang , Zhuang Haifeng , Shi Yifen 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3-internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) mutation is a hematologic malignancy presenting with different clinical therapeutic outcomes and prognoses. Objective to explore clinical variables related to overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS), integrate these factors and build a nomogram model to evaluate the individual prognosis risk.Methods Some clinical variables were incorporated, including disease-related characteristics and individual factors. The independent prognostic factors associated with OS and RFS were established by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Statistically significant factors determined by multivariate Cox regression analysis were incorporated and integrated to develop nomogram model. The distinguishability and accuracy of the nomogram model were confirmed by the drawing of the concordance index (C index) and calibration curve.Results A total of 66 patients with FLT 3-ITD acute myeloid leukemia were selected for this study. Four variables: age, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score (ECOG score), status of complete remission at the first time (CR1) and with favorable prognosis gene were included in the nomogram to predict OS. Two variables: status of complete remission at the first time (CR1) and with favorable prognosis gene were included in the nomogram to predict RFS. The nomogram with clinical variables showed good predictive ability, which was measured by C index (OS 0.80, RFS 0.87) and a calibration curve drawing.Conclusions A nomogram model for predicting the prognosis of OS and RFS in patients with FLT3-ITD AML was successfully established. This would help physicians to accurately assess individual prognosis risk and guide treatment.
Pollution Assessment and Index Properties of Okpulor Soils, Rivers State, Nigeria: Geochemical Characterization, Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Implications
Authors: Ahmed Nurudeen Onomhoale , Fagorite Victor Inumindun , Chikwado Aleke Godwin , Apata Moses Dolapo , Yunusa Luqman Jibril , Itiveh Emmanuel Samson , Biliaminu Zeenat Bisola 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Soil, a vital biosphere component, is pivotal for human life, but its degradation adversely affects life quality. This study assessed soil pollution and index properties in Okpulor through geochemical, geotechnical, and geoenvironmental analyses. Twenty samples, comprising 14 surface and 6 shallow subsurface ones, underwent geochemical analysis for heavy metals (Fe, Cr, C, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Pb). Six geochemical models including Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), Enrichment Factor (EF), Contamination Factor (CF), Metal Pollution Index (MPI), and Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) were employed. Simultaneously, six subsurface samples underwent geotechnical analysis for Natural Moisture Content, Grain Size, Specific Gravity, Bulk Density, and Atterberg Limits according to USCS and AASHTO guidelines. The Igeo highlighted significant Cd contamination, urging Cd source reduction for environmental mitigation. EF above 1.5 revealed substantial anthropogenic influence, emphasizing human activity control. CF accentuated Cd's contribution, requiring specific attention in environmental management. The PERI stressed Cd's ecological risks, necessitating targeted interventions. Natural moisture revealed initial soil conditions affecting contaminant mobility. High content enhanced leaching, emphasizing potential water-soluble contaminant migration. Bulk density and specific gravity assessed soil compaction and permeability, vital for understanding contaminant movement. Atterberg limits provided insights into plasticity and moisture retention, influencing contaminant behavior. Grain size analysis characterized particle distribution, impacting porosity, permeability, and contaminant movement. The interplay between geotechnical and geochemical properties unveiled contamination risks, urging holistic environmental management in Okpulor. Comprehensive consideration of the soils geotechnical index properties in environmental studies provides a holistic view of soil-contaminant interactions, emphasizing the need for strategic environmental management in Okpulor.
Estimation of PM2.5 concentration in Yangquan city based on MODIS image and meteorological data and analysis of spatial and temporal variation
Authors: Yao qinfeng , Liu jinjun , Chen shenghua , Ning yongxiang , Du sunwen 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This study employed Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)aerosol optical depth data meteoro logical data, Digital Elevation Model (DEM), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and ground monitoring data for particulate matter (PM2.5) to construct a model for estimating the PM2.5 concentration in Yangquan City, Shanxi Province, from 2018 to 2022. The spatial and temporal changes in the PM2.5 concentration were analyzed. The results revealed the following: (1) The random forest model was more accurate than the multiple linear regression model. The spring model R² increased by 59.7%, and The Root Mean Square Error(RMSE) decreased by 96.2%. The summer model R² increased by 110%, and the RMSE decreased by 96.3%. The autumn model R² increased by 12.4%, and the RMSE decreased by 95.3%. The winter model R² increased by 25%, and the RMSE decreased by 97.9%. (2) The concentration of PM2.5 decreased by 16.6 µg/m³ from 2018 to 2022. The highest concentration of PM2.5 was 55–85 µg/m³ in winter, and the lowest concentration of PM2.5 was 25–40 µg/m³ in summer. The spatial distribution ofPM2.5from the southwest to the northeast, first slightly decreased, then continued to rise, and then stabilized. From the northwest to the southeast, there was a low-middle and high-middle distribution pattern. The PM2.5 pollution was concentrated in the southern urban center and the main industrial areas.
Development and validation of a national clinical pharmacy competency framework for hospital pharmacists: a multi-method study
Authors: Stoll Jasmin Theresa , Böhmdorfer-McNair Birgit , Jeske Martina , Weidmann Anita Elaine 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Despite the publication of a European wide competency framework for hospital pharmacy by the European Association of Hospital Pharmacist (EAHP) in 2017, not all countries have adopted and implemented such a framework.
Aim
This study aimed to develop and validate a bespoke national hospital pharmacy competency framework that supports the hospital pharmacy workforce development.
Method
A multi-method study was carried out in three phases. (I) A systematic literature review across 48 websites of healthcare-related associations and six scientific databases was conducted, resulting in competency frameworks, guidelines and related documents. Eligibility screening was conducted by two researchers independently (JS/AEW) using the PRISMA standard. (II) Extracted behaviour competencies were reviewed for contextual national appropriateness by three researchers (JS/BBM/AEW) prior to mapping against the “Patient Care and Clinical Pharmacy Skills” domain of European Common Training Framework (CTF). (III) Validation of the resultant draft clinical skills competency framework took place by an expert panel discussion. Reporting of findings is aligned with the recommendations for reporting Competency Framework Development in health professions (CONFERD-HP guidelines) and the PRISMA 2020 checklist.
Results
The systematic review (SR) resulted in 28 frameworks, guidelines and related documents and the identification of 379 behaviour competencies, with nineteen mapped to the “Patient Care and Clinical Pharmacy Skills” domain of the CTF (after removal of duplicates). Expert panel discussion resulted in suggested changes to ensure contextual national appropriateness.
Conclusion
This multi-method approach resulted in the development and validation of the first clinical national pharmacy competency framework for Austria. Future studies should focus on political and practical structures necessary for its successful implementation.
Treatment and survival of analysis in patients with leptomeningeal metastasis from lung cancer
Authors: Lu Zhiqin , Zhou Tao , Zhong Congying , Hong Chen , Peng Duanyang , Wang Xia , Zeng Zhimin , Liu Anwen 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objectives: Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) is a severe complication of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and portends a grim prognosis. This study aimed to retrospectively analyzed the diagnosis, treatment, and survival analysis of 173 patients with LM from NSCLC.
Materials and methods: We reviewed charts of 173 patients with diagnoses of LM from lung cancer (LC-LM) between May 2016 and May 2021. 173 patients who had unequivocal radiographic evidence comprised our “LM MRI+” cohort. Radiographic involvement (n=136) was scored by number of gadolinium-enhancing sites in 8 locations. Genetic testing of paired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma samples from 22 patients at the time of LM diagnosis using second-generation sequencing (NGS). Clinical outcomes were compared with Kaplan-Meier log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards methodologies.
Results: The median overall survival (OS) was 9.33 months (95% CI: 6.35‒12.31) with 77.5% maturity. 107 (61.8%) patients harbored a targetable mutation. Those with clinically actionable mutations were significantly longer OS than those without (6.30 vs 12.17 months; HR:0.63; 95% CI: 0.45-0.90; p=0.009). In the “LM MRI+” cohort, MRI site extent of radiographic involvement 3-4 sites was significantly shorter OS than that those involved 1-2 sites (3.77 vs 10.07 months; HR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.02–3.31; p = 0.034). CSF was more sensitive than plasma and indicated the unique genetic profiles of LM. Multivariate analysis revealed that targetable mutations, PS, LM treat, and LM tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy were independent prognostic factors for LM.
Conclusions: Our study provides real-world clinical evidence that patients with MRI site extent of radiographic involvement 3-4 sites was significantly shorter OS than that those involved 1-2 sites and those with clinically actionable mutations were significantly longer OS than those without.
PHOTH-Graphene: A New 2D Carbon Allotrope with Low Barriers for Li-Ion Mobility
Authors: Santos E. A. J. , Lima K. A. L. , Mendonça F. L. L. , Silva D. A. , Giozza W. F. , Junior L.A. Ribeiro 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The continued interest in 2D carbon allotropes stems from their unique structural and electronic characteristics, crucial for diverse applications. This work theoretically introduces PHOTH-Graphene (PHOTH-G), a novel 2D planar carbon allotrope formed by 4-5-6-7-8 carbon rings. PHOTH-G emerges as a narrow band gap semiconducting material with low formation energy, demonstrating good stability under thermal and mechanical conditions. This material has slight mechanical anisotropy with Young modulus and Poisson ratios varying between 7.08-167.8 GPa and 0.21-0.96. PHOTH-G presents optical activity restricted to the visible range. Li atoms adsorbed on its surface have a migration barrier averaging 0.38 eV.
SOCS domain targets ECM assembly in lung fibroblasts and experimental lung fibrosis
Authors: Magdaleno Carina , Tschumperlin Daniel J. , Rajasekaran Narendiran , Varadaraj Archana 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal disease defined by a progressive decline in lung function due to scarring and accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. The SOCS (Suppressor Of Cytokine Signaling) domain is a 40 amino acid conserved domain known to form a functional ubiquitin ligase complex targeting the Von Hippel Lindau (VHL) protein for proteasomal degradation. Here we show that the SOCS conserved domain operates as a molecular tool, to disrupt collagen and fibronectin fibrils in the ECM associated with fibrotic lung myofibroblasts. Our results demonstrate that fibroblasts differentiated using TGFß, followed by transduction with the SOCS domain, exhibit significantly reduced levels of the contractile myofibroblast-marker, α-SMA. Furthermore, in support of its role to retard differentiation, we find that lung fibroblasts expressing the SOCS domain present with significantly reduced levels of α-SMA and fibrillar fibronectin after differentiation with TGFß. We show that adenoviral delivery of the SOCS domain in the fibrotic phase of experimental lung fibrosis in mice, significantly reduces collagen accumulation in disease lungs. These data underscore a novel function for the SOCS domain and its potential in ameliorating pathologic matrix deposition in lung fibroblasts and experimental lung fibrosis.