bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What is the optimal capital ratio implying a stable European banking system?
Authors: Jakubik Petr , Moinescu Bogdan Gabriel 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis paper aims to determine the ‘new normal’ for banking stability in terms of capital adequacy, reviewing the incidence of banking stress episodes by lagged solvency ratios, based on the experience at the European level after the global financial crisis. We provide rating ladders for both risk‐weighted solvency ratios and a simple gearing (leverage) ratio for time horizons of up to 3 years using well‐known credit risk scoring procedures. Our findings empirically confirm that the recent dual metric structure of the capital adequacy framework is conducive to enhancing the accuracy of banking stability assessment. Specifically, our empirical analysis suggests that both tier 1 capital ratio and leverage ratio generally remain statistically significant in multivariate combinations for crisis probability measurement purposes. Robustness checks with well‐established macrofinancial indicators as control variables suggest that this tandem is hardly replaceable in multivariate early warning systems by combinations of macroimbalance and financial soundness indicators traditionally employed as leading factors of banking crises. Moreover, the pandemic period provides meaningful evidence that robust capital positions, in line with our estimate, have so far been ‘part of the solution’ for dealing with systemic events.
Balancing the scales: Does public debt and energy poverty mitigate or exacerbate ecological distortions in Nigeria?
Authors: Ezenekwe Uju Regina , Okere Kingsley Ikechukwu , Dimnwobi Stephen Kelechi , Ekesiobi Chukwunonso 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAmid Nigeria's economic growth and energy challenges, the escalating public debt (PB) levels and persistent energy poverty (EP) raise critical questions about their potential impacts on the environment. Given the potential conflict among economic development, EP alleviation and ecological conservation, it becomes pertinent to understand whether increased PB and efforts to address EP inadvertently contribute to or alleviate ecological imbalances within the country. Hence, this research investigates the effect of PB and EP on the load capacity factor (LCF) in Nigeria. Using the STIRPAT model and annual data from 1990 to 2021, the study explores the relationships among total PB, EP, gross domestic product per capita, urbanization and LCF. Descriptive analysis, correlation assessments and unit‐root tests precede the data analysis conducted with the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model and dynamic ARDL (DARDL) technique. Key findings reveal significant negative effects of urbanization and EP on LCF. Additionally, the ARDL and DARDL procedure highlights a positive long‐term relationship between PB and LCF. Both ARDL and DARDL analyses show a negative short‐term relationship between GDP growth per capita and LCF, signalling the need for sustainable economic practices. The study concludes with policy recommendations that aim to promote sustainable development and address ecological imbalances by tackling EP and PB challenges in Nigeria.
Effect of a portable light emitting diode device on wound healing in a rat model
Authors: Cha Han Gyu , Hur Joon , Pak Changsik John , Hong Joon Pio , Suh Hyunsuk Peter 
Published: October 2023

AbstractLight‐emitting diode (LED) lights produce a variety of wavelengths that have demonstrable efficacy in therapeutic and aesthetic fields. However, a repetitive treatment regimen is required to produce treatment outcomes, which has created a need for portable LED devices. In this study, we aimed to develop a portable therapeutic LED device and investigate its healing effect on excisional wounds in a rat model. The 35 × 35 mm‐sized LED device was used on a total of 30 rats with full‐thickness wounds that were divided into two groups depending on radiation intensity (11.1 and 22.2 mW/cm2 group). LED irradiation was performed every 24 h for 30 min, over 14 days, in direct contact with the wound. Percentage wound closure was measured by photographic quantification and was assessed histologically using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's Trichrome staining, and immunohistochemistry for Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD31. Percentage wound closure was significantly higher in 22.2 mW/cm2 irradiated wounds than that in the control wounds on days 7 and 10. The area of collagen deposition was remarkably larger in 22.2 mW/cm2 irradiated wounds than that in the control, with more horizontally organized fibres. CD31 immunostaining confirmed a significant increase in the number of microvessels in 22.2 mW/cm2 irradiated wounds than that in the control wounds, although there was no difference in VEGF immunostaining. Our novel portable LED device accelerates wound healing in a rat model, raising the possibility that portable LED devices can combine convenience with accessibility to play an innovative role in wound dressing.
Lizard richness in mainland China is more strongly correlated with energy and climatic stability than with diversification rates
Authors: Liang Tao , Meiri Shai 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAimContemporary environmental, historical and evolutionary factors are increasingly used to decipher the drivers of spatial patterns of species richness. Evidence of such correlations for Chinese reptiles is scarce and poorly understood. We therefore explored the validity of the environmental capacity, historical climatic stability and diversification rates hypotheses on Chinese lizard richness.LocationMainland China.TaxonSquamata: Sauria.MethodsWe mapped the distribution ranges of all 237 lizards in mainland China using a combination of different datasets. We used current environmental conditions (ambient energy, environmental productivity, and habitat heterogeneity), historical climate stability indices (long term: since ~3.3 Ma and short term: since the last glacial maximum) and mean tip diversification rates, to test whether current environmental conditions, historical climate change and diversification rates drive contemporary richness patterns of lizards in China. We applied piecewise structural equation models (pSEM) to jointly evaluate our hypotheses, considering direct and indirect effects.ResultsChinese lizards showed strong latitudinal diversity gradients. We found consistent support for contemporary climatic and environmental factors relationships with richness. Richness was also positively correlated with short‐term climatic stability, but less so with long‐term stability. Diversification rates were seldom found to be positively correlated with lizard richness.Main ConclusionsOur results support the environmental capacity and historical climate hypotheses, which link high richness to highly productive warm and stable regions (and low richness to cold and unstable regions). We conclude that post‐speciation dispersal and short‐term climatic oscillations quickly swamp the long‐term signal of diversification rates and climatic fluctuations, creating strong current climate–richness associations.
Feedforward‐ or feedback‐based group regulation guidance in collaborative groups
Authors: Yildiz Durak Hatice 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundCollaboration is a crucial concept in learning and has the potential to foster learning. However, the fact that collaborative groups act with a common understanding in a common task brings many difficulties. Therefore, there is a need for group regulation and guidance to support effective group regulation in collaborative learning. On the other hand, the focus should be on the effect of group regulation guidance intervention on the improvement of both individual and group performance, modes of motivational regulation strategies, and the progression of group metacognition.ObjectivesIn this study, group regulation guidance approaches were developed to support the collaborative learning of Computer Science university students. The developed group regulation guidance approach consists of feedback and a feedforward mechanism. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of these approaches on academic performance, group regulation performance perception, self‐, co‐, and socially shared regulation of intrinsic motivation, and group metacognition levels.MethodsThe study was patterned with a quasi‐experimental design. 65 students participated in the study, and various scales were used to collect data. Data were analysed using paired sample t‐tests, analysis of covariance, and multivariate analysis of covariance.Results and ConclusionAccording to the research results, academic achievement showed an increase in the experimental groups after the intervention compared with the pre‐intervention. The group in which the feedforward‐supported regulation guidance approach was used showed better learning success. In the group using the feedback‐supported regulation guidance approach, better group regulation, motivational regulation strategies, and group metacognition scores were obtained. Modes of motivational regulation strategies and group metacognition scores differed according to the experimental groups.ImplicationsWhile the results provide important clues for teachers and instructional designers, the developed approaches can be used as a framework for different fields.
Early recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia indicates pulmonary vein reconduction independent of blanking period duration in the RACE‐AF trial
Authors: Sørensen Samuel K. , Johannessen Arne , Worck René , Hansen Morten L. , Ruwald Martin H. , Hansen Jim 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIntroductionAtrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence during the blanking period (early ATA) after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is associated with an increased risk of later recurrence, but its relationship with pulmonary vein reconduction (PVR) is poorly understood. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between early ATA and PVR. Second, to provide data on the optimal blanking period by (a) evaluating how the predictive values of ATA for PVR are affected by blanking period duration, and (b) assessing the temporal development in atrial fibrillation (AF) burden.MethodsIn this RACE‐AF substudy, 91 patients with paroxysmal AF undergoing PVI randomized to radiofrequency or cryoballoon ablation were included. All patients received an implantable cardiac monitor and underwent a protocol‐mandated repeat procedure after 4–6 months for assessment of PVR. ATA ≥ 30 s. ≤ 90 days after PVI constituted early ATA.ResultsPVR was found in 37/54 (69%) patients with early ATA and in 11/37 (30%) patients without (p < .001). The positive predictive value of ATA for PVR was independent of blanking period duration (range 0–90 days). In both patients with and without PVR, AF burden was higher in the first month after PVI, but AF burden from the second month was similar to AF burden after the conventional blanking period.ConclusionEarly ATA indicates PVR, and the positive predictive value is independent of the blanking period duration. Altogether, the results of this study support substantially shortening the blanking period after PVI for paroxysmal AF.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of leadless cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Wijesuriya Nadeev , Mehta Vishal , Vere Felicity De , Howell Sandra , Behar Jonathan M. , Shute Andrew , Lee Michael , Bosco Paolo , Niederer Steven A. , Rinaldi Christopher A. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe Wireless Stimulation Endocardially for CRT (WiSE‐CRT) system is a novel technology used to treat patients with dyssynchronous heart failure (HF) by providing leadless cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Observational studies have demonstrated its safety and efficacy profile, however, the treatment cost‐effectiveness has not previously been examined.MethodsA cost‐effectiveness evaluation of the WiSE‐CRT System was performed using a cohort‐based economic model adopting a “proportion in state” structure. In addition to the primary analysis, scenario analyses and sensitivity analyses were performed to test for uncertainty in input parameters. Outcomes were quantified in terms of quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) differences.ResultsThe primary analysis demonstrated that treatment with the WiSE‐CRT system is likely to be cost‐effective over a lifetime horizon at a QALY reimbursement threshold of £20 000, with a net monetary benefit (NMB) of £3781 per QALY. Cost‐effectiveness declines at time horizons shorter than 10 years. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that average system battery life had the largest impact on potential cost‐effectiveness.ConclusionWithin the model limitations, these findings support the use of WiSE‐CRT in indicated patients from an economic standpoint. However, improving battery technology should be prioritized to maximize cost‐effectiveness in times when health services are under significant financial pressures.
MCM4 acts as a biomarker for LUAD prognosis
Authors: Tan Yue , Ding Lei , Li Guiyuan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMCM4 forms the pre‐replication complex (MCM2‐7) with five other minichromosome maintenance (MCM) proteins. This complex binds to replication origins at G1 stage in cell cycle process, playing a critical role in DNA replication initiation. Recently, MCM4 is reported to have a complex interaction with multiple cancer progression, including gastric, ovarian and cervical cancer. Here, this study mainly focused on the expression of MCM4 and its values in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). MCM4 was highly expressed in LUAD tumours and cells, and had an important effect on the overall survival. Overexpression of MCM4 promoted the proliferation, and suppressed the apoptosis in LUAD cells. However, MCM4 silence led to the opposite results. In vivo, knockdown of MCM4 inhibited tumour volume and weight in xenograft mouse model. As a member of DNA helicase, knockdown of MCM4 caused cell cycle arrest at G1 stage through inducing the expression of P21, a CDK inhibitor. These findings indicate that MCM4 may be a possible new therapeutic target for LUAD in the future.
MSAEM Estimation for Confirmatory Multidimensional Four‐Parameter Normal Ogive Models
Authors: Liu Jia , Meng Xiangbin , Xu Gongjun , Gao Wei , Shi Ningzhong 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we develop a mixed stochastic approximation expectation‐maximization (MSAEM) algorithm coupled with a Gibbs sampler to compute the marginalized maximum a posteriori estimate (MMAPE) of a confirmatory multidimensional four‐parameter normal ogive (M4PNO) model. The proposed MSAEM algorithm not only has the computational advantages of the stochastic approximation expectation‐maximization (SAEM) algorithm for multidimensional data, but it also alleviates the potential instability caused by label‐switching, and then improved the estimation accuracy. Simulation studies are conducted to illustrate the good performance of the proposed MSAEM method, where MSAEM consistently performs better than SAEM and some other existing methods in multidimensional item response theory. Moreover, the proposed method is applied to a real data set from the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) to demonstrate the usefulness of the 4PNO model as well as MSAEM in practice.
Applying EBM epistemology and the GRADE system to address practitioners' disagreements in medical malpractice allegations during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Azevedo Marco A. , Baetu Tudor M. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractRationaleThe GRADE system of clinical recommendations has deontic implications and can discriminate between mandatory, prohibited, and merely permitted medical decisions.Aims and ObjectivesThe recommendation categories of the GRADE framework map onto deontological imperatives that can lead to a better understanding and management of allegations of imprudence and appropriateness of treatments. Allegations made during the worst phase of COVID‐19 pandemic are used as a case study for exploring the deontic implications of GRADE.MethodConceptual theoretical analysis, case study analysis, and argumentation in defence of hypotheses.ResultsStrong GRADE recommendations for or against treatment are justified by high–quality evidence and can be construed as ethical obligations and prohibitions. In contrast, when evidence for benefit or harm is of lower quality, GRADE yields weak, discretionary recommendations. In such grey area cases, the absence of a duty to prescribe or refuse to prescribe a requested treatment is compatible with the privilege of considering unproven but possibly beneficial options in a private setting. This privilege, however, does not extend to healthcare policymakers, who have a duty to promote actions that serve the public and whose recommendations should not be guided by personal or idiosyncratic preferences or values.ConclusionIf there is no prima facie evidence that a proposed treatment is harmful, doctors are not negligent in considering it in shared doctor‐patient decision‐making. But these clinical decisions under uncertainty do not transfer obligations to health authorities, who are not part of the decision‐making process in clinical settings. The clinical decision‐making process concerns particulars and is guided by contextual and specific reasons that do not fall within the scope of a general policy. Thus, in the context of a serious epidemic in which patients need and demand treatments, if the body of evidence is still changing and fragile, an attitude of tolerance and connivance may ensure a smoother transition to a more stable phase of progress, both in scientific and clinical medicine.
Zebrafish: A smart tool for heart disease research
Authors: Zhang Lantian , Zhou Jinrun 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe increasing prevalence of heart disease poses a significant threat to human survival and safety. However, the current treatments available for heart disease are quite limited. Therefore, it is important to utilize suitable animal models that can accurately simulate the physiological characteristics of heart disease. This would help improve our understanding of this disease and aid in the development of new treatment methods and drugs. Zebrafish heart not only exhibits similarities to mammalian hearts, but they also share ~70% of homologous genes with humans. Utilizing zebrafish as an alternative to expensive and time‐consuming mammalian models offers numerous advantages. Zebrafish models can be easily established and maintained, and compound screening and genetic methods allow for the development of various economical and easily controlled zebrafish and zebrafish embryonic heart disease models in a short period of time. Consequently, zebrafish have become a powerful tool for exploring the pathological mechanisms of heart disease and identifying new effective genes. In this review, we summarize recent studies on different zebrafish models of heart disease. We also describe the techniques and protocols used to develop zebrafish models of myocardial infarction, heart failure, and congenital heart disease, including surgical procedures, forward and reverse genetics, and drug and combination screening. This review aims to promote the utilization of zebrafish models in investigating diverse pathological mechanisms of heart disease, enhancing our knowledge and comprehension of heart disease, and offering novel insights and objectives for exploring the prevention and treatment of heart disease.
Plugging the holes: Identifying potential avenues and limitations for furtheringDutchcivil society contributions towards flood resilience
Authors: Koers Gerben J. , Forrest Steven A. , van Popering‐Verkerk Jitske 
Published: October 2023

AbstractClimatic changes can cause unpredictability in flood regimes that traditional flood risk management (FRM) approaches may struggle with. Therefore, flood resilience is seen as a supplementation to these approaches, putting a larger emphasis on flood acceptance and minimising consequences. An (emergent) group contributing towards flood resilience is civil society. This paper examines how civil society contributions can be furthered and guided in the Netherlands as well as exploring potential limitations in doing so. To achieve this, England is used as a good practice example due to a more developed and defined role for civil society being present here. Data were collected on both actual (England and the Netherlands) and potential (The Netherlands) civil society contributions. These were compared to identify potential avenues for Dutch civil society contributions to flood resilience that can be further investigated. The research shows that the most promising avenues are improving advocacy from citizens, improving local flood awareness and developing relationships between FRM authorities and existing citizen groups that can be harnessed and mobilised to support flood resilience. Additionally, the research also provides insights into potential limitations for transferring resilience approaches from one context to another beyond the cases discussed in this publication.
Recommendations to improve the interpretation of global flood forecasts to support international humanitarian operations for tropical cyclones
Authors: Speight Linda , Stephens Elizabeth , Hawker Laurence , Baugh Calum , Neal Jeffrey , Cloke Hannah , Grey Stephen , Titley Helen , Marsden Katherine , Sumner Tim , Ficchi Andrea , Prudhomme Christel , Archer Leanne , Bazo Juan , Dambo Jânio , Dolan Siobhan , Huhn Anna Lena , Moschini Francesca , Savage James , Smith Andy , Towner Jamie , Wanzala Maureen 
Published: October 2023

AbstractInternational humanitarian organisations increasingly turn to forecast teams to support the coordination of efforts to respond to disasters caused by hazards such as tropical cyclones and large‐scale fluvial floods. Such disasters often occur where there is limited local capacity or information available to support decision making and so global forecasting capacity is utilised to provide impact‐based flood forecast bulletins. A multidisciplinary team joined together to provide forecast bulletins and expertise for such events through the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO). This paper captures the successes and challenges from two cyclones: Hurricane Iota in Central America (November 2020) and Cyclone Eloise in Mozambique (January 2021). Recommendations to improve global forecasting systems are made which will benefit the international community of researchers and practitioners involved in disaster prediction, anticipatory action and response. These include the need for additional data and expertise to support the interpretation of global models, clear documentation to support decision makers faced with multiple sources of information, and the development of user relevant metrics to assess the skill of global models. We discuss the value of effective partnerships and improving synergies between global models and local contexts, highlighting how global forecasting can help build local forecasting capability.