bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Will commodity futures reduce systemic risk in the spot market? Evidence from Chinese commodity market
Authors: Liu Qing , Feng Yun , Xu Mengxia 
Published: November 2023

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate whether the establishment of commodity futures can effectively hedge systemic risk in the spot network, given the context of financialization in the commodity futures market.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing industry association data from the Chinese commodity market, the authors identify systemically important commodities based on their importance in the production process using multiple graph analysis methods. Then the authors analyze the effect of listing futures on the systemic risk in the spot market with the staggered difference-in-differences (DID) method.FindingsThe findings suggest that futures contracts help reduce systemic risks in the underlying spot network. Systemic risk for a commodity will decrease by approximately 5.7% with the introduction of each corresponding futures contract, since the hedging function of futures reduces the timing behavior of firms in the spot market. Establishing futures contracts for upstream commodities lowers systemic risks for downstream commodities. Energy commodities, such as crude oil and coal, have higher systemic importance, with the energy sector dominating systemic importance, while some chemical commodities also have considerable systemic importance. Meanwhile, the shortest transmission path for risk propagation is composed of the energy industry, chemical industry, agriculture/metal industry and final products.Originality/valueThe paper provides the following policy insights: (1) The role of futures contracts is still positive, and future contracts should be established upstream and at more systemically important nodes in the spot production chain. (2) More attention should be paid to the chemical industry chain, as some chemical commodities are systemically important but do not have corresponding futures contracts. (3) The risk source of the commodity spot market network is the energy industry, and therefore, energy-related commodities should continue to be closely monitored.
Being innovative is not enough: a semi-parametric assessment of the efficiency of post-incubation innovative firms
Authors: Longo Maria Cristina , Guccio Calogero , Martorana Marco Ferdinando 
Published: November 2023

PurposeThis paper aims to assess whether incubation affects the technical efficiency of innovative firms after entering the market. The study of efficiency allows firms to understand how well resources have been used in production processes. The research intends to contribute to the literature on the performance of incubated firms.Design/methodology/approachThis study estimates the relative efficiency of innovative firms adopting a DEA-based two-stage semi-parametric method. Incubation, firm age and initial capital are used for explaining the relative performance of previously incubated firms compared to non-incubated ones over a six-year period of activity. This research focuses on Italian innovative firms using a large sample of companies.FindingsResults show that incubators have a positive and significant effect on efficiency for firms that have been in the market for more than two years. Efficiency also improves with age and with the level of initial capital of the firm.Research limitations/implicationsThis analysis is limited to the quantitative dimension of inputs as reported in the balance sheets, without qualitative considerations.Practical implicationsFindings enhance firms' understanding of the role of incubators as neutral places to develop a business culture of efficiency. From an empirical standpoint, this study provides useful insights to start-uppers who intend to attend incubation programs. Overall, incubators matter to the extent that they enable new firms, net of those that fail to survive in the first two years of activity, to improve their efficiency in the use of inputs. This research also suggests incubators consider the start-ups’ potential of being efficient.Social implicationsFindings provide tips to policymakers when they are called upon to propose funding programs to support prominent firms entering the business scalability.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature on the relative performance of post-incubated firms, highlighting the efficiency frontier analysis. This methodological approach is relatively new in this field. It allows researchers to study the innovative firms' performance in relative terms, that is with respect to the input level. It integrates the performance-based with efficiency frontier analysis. Also, this study reinforces the idea that incubators prepare start-ups to develop capacities and managerial skills, which will be useful in post-incubation life to improve their cost competitiveness.
“Tracing the Everyday Sensory Heritage of Kolkata Streets”—“Sohorer Songbedon”: A museological review
Authors: Banerjee Soumita , Roy Kunaljeet 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe do carry an impression of the places where we grow up or the places we touch in our daily life—somehow it gets mapped in our minds. That is how we create a sensory bonding with the place via our perception; how it smells, how it tastes, or what kind of a phonic place it is. But somehow, with the rapid pace of urbanization and mechanization of age‐old occupations, these senses are being lost to the citizens in an urban area which we get to hear from our fore generations. “Tracing the everyday Sensory Heritage of Kolkata Streets”—“Sohorer Songbedon” is an attempt in a form of an exhibition from a group of enthusiastic geographers for the city of Kolkata (Calcutta) to bring back some iconic hereditary sounds and smells of the city to the mass. While visiting the exhibition, we interacted with the organizers and a group of visitors through some semi‐structured interviews, and simultaneously some observations were also made. The purpose of the visit lied in experiencing how our city and its various pockets can emerge through its sensory scape without one being physically present there and also let the people know about such an initiative which was staged for the first time in the city. The aim was also to witness if these sensory components from the city perceptible could evoke any repercussions among the visitors or not. In museology, with the gaining importance of intangible expressions of heritage objects and interpretation of the visitors of the flowing information in the event, this one could have been used as a profound example of such kind in the future.
Effect of the dual sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐1 and ‐2 inhibitor sotagliflozin on renal outcomes in type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Bantounou Maria Anna , Sardellis Panagiotis , Thuemmler Rosa , Black Boada Daniel , Kaczmarek Justyna , Mahmood Ribeya , Plascevic Josip , Philip Sam 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAimTo investigate the renal safety profile of sotagliflozin, a novel sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐1 and ‐2 inhibitor, in patients with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, with or without renal impairment, as well as its efficacy in decreasing the risk of further renal events, with an emphasis on those with previous renal impairment.MethodsEmbase, Medline, CENTRAL and Scopus were searched from their inception until 24 April 2023 for randomized controlled trials that reported estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinary albumin excretion or composite renal events (CRE). The Cochrane risk of bias 2 tool was used. Mean difference, relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals were estimated (PROSPERO: CRD42023425583).ResultsFourteen studies were included in this review (n = 17 574 participants; intervention n = 9312, control n = 8262). The median follow‐up was 24.5 (Q1 = 15.25, Q3 = 28) months. Four studies recruited participants with renal impairment; baseline eGFR ranged from 23.8 to 50.5 mL/min/1.73m2. The change in eGFR for studies (n = 6) with a follow‐up of 52 weeks or longer was −1.23 (−1.45, −1.01) mL/min/1.73m2. Sotagliflozin did not significantly alter urinary albumin excretion. No change was observed in the risk of CRE (n = 6 studies; RR = 0.82 [0.61, 1.12]), including in participants with renal impairment. High risk of bias was a limitation of this review.ConclusionsSotagliflozin did not adversely affect renal function or change the risk of key renal outcomes, including for participants with pre‐existing renal impairment. Therefore, sotagliflozin was safe; however, further research is needed to determine its efficacy in reducing the risk of diabetic kidney disease.
Effectiveness of a fourth SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine dose in previously infected individuals from Austria
Authors: Chalupka Alena , Richter Lukas , Chakeri Ali , El‐Khatib Ziad , Theiler‐Schwetz Verena , Trummer Christian , Krause Robert , Willeit Peter , Benka Bernhard , Ioannidis John P. A. , Pilz Stefan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIntroductionEvidence is limited on the effectiveness of a fourth vaccine dose against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in populations with prior severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infections. We estimated the risk of COVID‐19 deaths and SARS‐CoV‐2 infections according to vaccination status in previously infected individuals in Austria.MethodsThis is a nationwide retrospective observational study. We calculated age and gender adjusted Cox proportional hazard ratios (HRs) of COVID‐19 deaths (primary outcome) and SARS‐CoV‐2 infections (secondary outcome) from 1 November to 31 December 2022, primarily comparing individuals with four versus three vaccine doses. Relative vaccine effectiveness (rVE) was calculated as (1‐HR) X 100.ResultsAmong 3,986,312 previously infected individuals, 281,291 (7,1%) had four and 1,545,242 (38.8%) had three vaccinations at baseline. We recorded 69 COVID‐19 deaths and 89,056 SARS‐CoV‐2 infections. rVE for four versus three vaccine doses was −24% (95% CI: −120 to 30) against COVID‐19 deaths, and 17% (95% CI: 14–19) against SARS‐CoV‐2 infections. This latter effect rapidly diminished over time and infection risk with four vaccinations was higher compared to less vaccinated individuals during extended follow‐up until June 2023. Adjusted HR (95% CI) for all‐cause mortality for four versus three vaccinations was 0.79 (0.74–0.85).DiscussionIn previously infected individuals, a fourth vaccination was not associated with COVID‐19 death risk, but with transiently reduced risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 infections and reversal of this effect in longer follow‐up. All‐cause mortality data suggest healthy vaccinee bias.
Systematic distributions of interaction strengths across tree interaction networks yield positive diversity–productivity relationships
Authors: Yu Wentao , Albert Georg , Rosenbaum Benjamin , Schnabel Florian , Bruelheide Helge , Connolly John , Härdtle Werner , von Oheimb Goddert , Trogisch Stefan , Rüger Nadja , Brose Ulrich 
Published: November 2023

AbstractUnderstanding the mechanisms underlying diversity–productivity relationships (DPRs) is crucial to mitigating the effects of forest biodiversity loss. Tree–tree interactions in diverse communities are fundamental in driving growth rates, potentially shaping the emergent DPRs, yet remain poorly explored. Here, using data from a large‐scale forest biodiversity experiment in subtropical China, we demonstrated that changes in individual tree productivity were driven by species‐specific pairwise interactions, with higher positive net pairwise interaction effects on trees in more diverse neighbourhoods. By perturbing the interactions strength from empirical data in simulations, we revealed that the positive differences between inter‐ and intra‐specific interactions were the critical determinant for the emergence of positive DPRs. Surprisingly, the condition for positive DPRs corresponded to the condition for coexistence. Our results thus provide a novel insight into how pairwise tree interactions regulate DPRs, with implications for identifying the tree mixtures with maximized productivity to guide forest restoration and reforestation efforts.
An ethnic group specific deprivation index for measuring neighbourhood inequalities in England and Wales
Authors: Lloyd Christopher D. , Catney Gemma , Wright Richard , Ellis Mark , Finney Nissa , Jivraj Stephen , Manley David , Wood Sarah 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe measurement of deprivation for small areas in the UK has provided the basis for the development of policies and targeting of resources aimed at reducing spatial inequalities. Most measures summarise the aggregate level of deprivation across all people in a given area, and no account is taken of differences between people with differing characteristics, such as age, sex or ethnic group. In recognition of the marked inequalities between ethnic groups in the UK, and the distinctive geographies of these inequalities, this paper presents a new ethnic group‐specific neighbourhood deprivation measure—the Ethnic Group Deprivation Index (EGDI). This index, using a custom cross‐tabulated 2021 Census dataset on employment, housing tenure, education and health by ethnic group, reveals the small area geographies of ethnic inequalities that have to date received scant attention, and yet have profound impacts on life chances and well‐being. Drawing on the methodological framework of the widely used English Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) and for the same geographies (Lower Layer Super Output Areas), the EGDI measures deprivation for each ethnic group using data from the 2021 Census of England and Wales. The EGDI reveals the complex geographies of ethnic inequality and demonstrates that while one ethnic group in a neighbourhood may have high relative levels of deprivation, another ethnic group in that same neighbourhood may experience very low relative levels. The EGDI explores ethnic inequalities within and between neighbourhoods, complementing and augmenting existing measures by offering an important means of better understanding ethnic inequalities. The EGDI can be used to help shape locally and culturally sensitive policy development and resource allocation.
Cross‐validity of the end‐of‐life care management scale via a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kaneda Akiko , Kanoya Yuka 
Published: November 2023

AimTo examine the cross‐validity of the end‐of‐life care management scale (EOLCM scale).MethodThis cross‐sectional study used a self‐report questionnaire. Participants were care managers who had not participated in a previous study that developed the EOLCM scale. The survey items included participants' demographic information, the EOLCM scale, the number of end‐of‐life (EOL) cases managed in the last three years, and two concurrent scales, namely the Multidisciplinary Cooperation Behavior Scale for Medical and Nursing Professionals in Home Care and the “MITORI” Care Scale to Evaluate Nursing Care for Patients with End‐Stage Cancer and Their Families. "MITORI" means providing care near the dying person. Internal consistency of the EOLCM scale was assessed via Cronbach's alpha. The model's goodness‐of‐fit was assessed via a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Construct validity was determined using the correlation coefficients between the scores of the EOLCM scale and concurrent scales, and the number of EOL cases managed in the last three years.ResultsValid responses were received from 501 care managers. Cronbach's αs were 0.824 and >0.709 for the entire scale and each factor, respectively. The model fit indices for the CFA were goodness‐of‐fit index = 0.916, adjusted goodness‐of‐fit index = 0.892, comparative fit index = 0.947, and root mean square error of approximation = 0.053. Correlation coefficients between the concurrent scales and the EOLCM scale, and between the number of EOL cases and the EOLCM scale ranged from 0.623 to 0.817 (P < 0.001) and from 0.103 to 0.244 (P < 0.001), respectively.ConclusionThe EOLCM scale showed acceptable cross‐validity. Further studies are required to examine its cross‐cultural and predictive validities. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 48–52.
Gene therapy for adenosine deaminase severe combined immune deficiency—An unexpected journey of four decades
Authors: Kohn Donald B. 
Published: November 2023

SummarySevere combined immune deficiency due to adenosine deaminase deficiency (ADA SCID) is an inborn error of immunity with pan‐lymphopenia, due to accumulated cytotoxic adenine metabolites. ADA SCID has been treated using gene therapy with a normal human ADA gene added to autologous hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) for over 30 years. Iterative improvements in vector design, HSC processing methods, and clinical HSC transplant procedures have led nearly all ADA SCID gene therapy patients to achieve consistently beneficial immune restoration with stable engraftment of ADA gene‐corrected HSC over the duration of observation (as long as 20 years). One gene therapy for ADA SCID is approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in the European Union (EU) and another is being advanced to licensure in the U.S. and U.K. Despite the clear‐cut benefits and safety of this curative gene and cell therapy, it remains challenging to achieve sustained availability and access, especially for rare disorders like ADA SCID.
Reference frames for learning analytics dashboards: The progress and social reference frame and occupational self‐efficacy
Authors: Gallagher Timothy , Slof Bert , van der Schaaf Marieke , Toyoda Ryo , Tehreem Yusra , Garcia Fracaro Sofia , Kester Liesbeth 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe potential of learning analytics dashboards in virtual reality simulation‐based training environments to influence occupational self‐efficacy via self‐reflection phase processes in the Chemical industry is still not fully understood. Learning analytics dashboards provide feedback on learner performance and offer points of comparison (i.e., comparison with one's own past performance or comparison with peer performance) to help learners make sense of their feedback.ObjectivesWe present a theoretical framework for describing learning analytics reference frames and investigate the impact of feedback delivered through dashboards with different reference frames on occupational self‐efficacy, while controlling for workplace self‐reflection.MethodsThis experimental study engaged 42 chemical operator employees, aged between 18 and 55 years, each with at least one year of experience. We utilised a two‐group design to ask two research question each with three competing hypotheses related to changes in occupational self‐efficacy, employing Bayesian informative hypothesis evaluation.Results and ConclusionsResults for the primary research question suggest that dashboards with progress reference frames do not elicit greater change to self‐efficacy than those with social reference frames, however, they may elicit equal change. Furthermore, dashboards with social reference frames may elicit greater change to self‐efficacy than those with progress reference frames. Exploratory results found that dashboards with progress reference frames may elicit greater positive directional change than those with social reference frames and that they may elicit equal directional change.These findings contribute to the understanding of self‐efficacy beliefs within the Chemical industry, with potential impacts on skill development. The research may inform the design of targeted interventions and training programs to influence self‐efficacy. From a practical perspective, this research suggests that careful consideration is needed when choosing reference frames in learning analytics dashboards due to their potential consequences on the formation of learner self‐efficacy.
Wood of trees: Cellular structure, molecular formation, and genetic engineering
Authors: Zhu Yingying , Li Laigeng 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACTWood is an invaluable asset to human society due to its renewable nature, making it suitable for both sustainable energy production and material manufacturing. Additionally, wood derived from forest trees plays a crucial role in sequestering a significant portion of the carbon dioxide fixed during photosynthesis by terrestrial plants. Nevertheless, with the expansion of the global population and ongoing industrialization, forest coverage has been substantially decreased, resulting in significant challenges for wood production and supply. Wood production practices have changed away from natural forests toward plantation forests. Thus, understanding the underlying genetic mechanisms of wood formation is the foundation for developing high‐quality, fast‐growing plantation trees. Breeding ideal forest trees for wood production using genetic technologies has attracted the interest of many. Tremendous studies have been carried out in recent years on the molecular, genetic, and cell‐biological mechanisms of wood formation, and considerable progress and findings have been achieved. These studies and findings indicate enormous possibilities and prospects for tree improvement. This review will outline and assess the cellular and molecular mechanisms of wood formation, as well as studies on genetically improving forest trees, and address future development prospects.
The influence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae on lumbar lordosis and the angle of pelvic incidence
Authors: Müller Jonas A. , Krenn Viktoria A. , Böni Thomas , Haeusler Martin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis have only normative values for spines comprising five lumbar and five sacral vertebrae. However, it is unclear how pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis are affected by the common segmentation anomalies at the lumbo‐sacral border leading to lumbosacral transitional vertebrae, including lumbarisations and sacralisations. In lumbosacral transitional vertebrae it is not trivial to identify the correct vertebral endplates to measure pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis because ontogenetically the first sacral vertebra represents the first non‐mobile sacral segment in lumbarisations, but the second segment in sacralisations. We therefore assessed pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis with respect to both of these vertebral endplates. The type of segmentation anomaly was differentiated using spinal counts, spatial relationship with the iliac crest and morphological features. We found significant differences in pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis between lumbarisations, sacralisations and the control group. The pelvic incidence in the sacralised group was mostly below the range of the lubarisation group and the control group when measured the traditional way at the first non‐mobile segment (30.2°). However, the ranges of the sacralisation and lubarisation groups were completely encompassed by the control group when measured at the ontogenetically true first sacral vertebra. The mean pelvic incidence of the sacraliation group thus increased from 30.2° to 58.6°, and the mean pelvic incidence of the total sample increased from 45.6° to 51.2°, making it statistically indistinguishable from the control sample, whose pelvic incidence was 50.2°. Our results demonstrate that it is crucial to differentiate sacralisations from lumbarisation in order to assess the reference vertebra for pelvic incidence measurement. Due to their significant impact on spino‐pelvic parameters, lumbosacral transitional vertebrae should be evaluated separately when examining pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis.